Lance Carson
Many people like to spray perfume on their hair to make it smell nice, especially if they haven't washed it in a few days. However, there are concerns that doing so could damage hair, either by drying it out or causing breakage, brittleness, and split ends. Some people also wonder if perfume can cause hair to turn grey. While it is true that perfumes contain alcohol, which can dry out hair, there is no evidence to suggest that it can turn hair grey. In fact, many hair products like hair sprays, gels, pomades, and tonics contain much more alcohol than perfume, and ethanol, a common alcohol in perfumes, is known to dry out skin and hair but is not linked to hair greying. Overall, while it may not be the best treatment for your hair, using perfume on your hair is unlikely to turn it grey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol content in perfumes | 60-70% |
| Alcohol's effect on hair | Can dry out hair, damage hair, cause brittleness and split ends |
| Alternative products | Hair mists, dry shampoo, hair serums |
| Personal experiences | Varying experiences, some claim no damage, others claim damage |
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What You'll Learn
The alcohol content in perfumes
While some people believe that perfumes can contribute to greying hair, this is not true. However, perfumes do contain alcohol, which can dry out hair and cause damage over time.
The role of alcohol in perfumes goes beyond preservation and scent projection. It serves as a solvent, diluting the perfume concentrate so that it can be safely applied to the skin. This dilution process is crucial, as the concentrate consists of natural and chemical substances that could be harmful if applied undiluted. Alcohol's volatility enables it to evaporate quickly after spraying, allowing the fragrance notes to emerge without leaving an overly strong or lingering scent.
The inclusion of alcohol in perfumes is not a modern trend but a long-standing tradition. Its use in fragrance creation dates back to ancient times, and it continues to be a key component in the industry. However, it's important to note that not all perfumes contain alcohol. Some fragrances are created without it, opting to dilute the perfume concentrate in vegetable oil or other alternatives.
In summary, while perfumes do contain alcohol, it is primarily used to enhance and stabilise the fragrance, ensuring a pleasant and long-lasting scent. The alcohol content varies across different perfume categories, and its inclusion is strategic, contributing to the overall performance and sensory experience of the perfume.
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Hair drying out
While spritzing perfume on your hair can make it smell glorious, it can also dry it out. Most perfumes contain 60 to 70% alcohol, which acts as a potent drying agent. Prolonged usage and exposure to alcohol can make hair rough, dry, frizzy, and brittle, leading to breakage. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid spraying perfume directly onto the hair and instead opt for hair-specific products like hair mists, serums, dry shampoos, mousse, gel, or leave-in conditioners. These alternatives are formulated to add fragrance to the hair without drying it out.
If you still want to use perfume on your hair, there are ways to minimise the drying effect. Some people suggest spraying the perfume on a hairbrush and then combing it through the hair, concentrating on the length of the hair rather than the roots. This distributes the scent evenly while reducing direct contact with the alcohol in the perfume. Another option is to mix perfume with hair oil, which can help counteract the drying effect, although this may not be suitable for those with low hair porosity.
Additionally, it is important to consider the amount and frequency of perfume application. Using a small amount of perfume as a quick fix is less likely to cause significant damage. However, regular and excessive use of perfume on the hair can lead to increased dryness and other issues like brittleness and split ends.
To summarise, while a light spritz of perfume on the hair may not cause immediate harm, it is essential to be cautious. The alcohol content in perfumes can have a drying effect, leading to hair that is dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for hair-specific fragranced products or explore natural alternatives like essential oils to nourish and fragrance your hair.
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Alternative products
While there is no evidence that perfume turns hair grey, it is believed to damage hair by drying it out. Therefore, it is advisable to use products formulated for hair instead of perfume. Here are some alternative products to perfume for your hair:
Hair Mists
Hair mists are the safest alternative to perfume. They are designed to leave a refreshing, lasting scent without drying out or damaging your hair. Some options include the Sebastian Dark Oil Silkening Mist, which adds shine and an uplifting scent, and the Aussie Flora Aura Scent Boost Hair Treatment, a lightweight floral scent. For an all-natural option, try the Herbivore Botanicals Hair Perfume Mist, which contains essential oils and aloe vera.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is another alternative that can help absorb excess oil and add scent to your hair. It is a quick fix to refresh your hair between washes without causing damage.
Root Sprays and Root Powders
If you want to cover up grey hairs temporarily, root sprays and root powders are a great option. They come in various shades and formulations to match your natural hair colour. These products are applied to the roots and can help create fullness or fill in thinning hair.
Semi-Permanent Hair Colour
Semi-permanent hair colour is a gentle way to cover grey hairs without causing permanent changes. It covers the outer layer of the hair strand without altering natural pigmentation. These dyes are available in different options, such as conditioner-like glosses for the shower or kits for dry hair. They offer a diffused coverage of greys that can last between four to twelve washes or up to six weeks.
Demi-Permanent Hair Colour
For a longer-lasting solution, demi-permanent hair colour is a middle ground between semi-permanent and permanent dyes. It penetrates the outer cuticle of the hair strands, providing more coverage of greys. Since it does not penetrate the entire hair shaft, it reduces the damage typical of permanent dyes.
Natural Herbal Hair Rinses
If you prefer a natural and non-toxic approach, herbal hair rinses can help hide greys while darkening or lightening your hair. For light hair, chamomile and lemon rinses are recommended, while nettles, rosemary, and sage are suitable for dark hair. Hibiscus and calendula can be used for red hair.
Calm It Down™
If you're looking for a product to promote scalp health and reduce irritation, Calm It Down™ by Arey is a good option. It contains their signature Mela-9™ Complex, which stimulates melanin production to help repigment grey hairs. It is applied to the scalp after shampooing and conditioning with gentle, sulfate-free products.
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Hair oils
While there is no evidence that perfume turns hair grey, it can dry out and damage hair. To prevent this, some recommend using hair mists, dry shampoos, or hair serums.
If you are looking for an alternative to perfume, hair oils are a great option. They are designed to improve hair health and can address a variety of concerns, including dryness, dullness, frizz, and heat damage. Hair oils can be used on all hair types, but the frequency of use will depend on your hair type and the specific oil. Typically, a small amount (1-2 pumps) is applied to the mid-lengths and ends of the hair, avoiding the roots unless specified otherwise. Hair oils can be applied to damp or dry hair, depending on the product and desired effect.
There are many different types of hair oils available, each with its own unique benefits. For example, Kérastase offers a range of luxurious hair oils designed to smooth, add shine, and nourish the hair. K18's Molecular Repair Hair Oil is another popular option, which addresses frizz and structural damage caused by heat styling. It also contains natural lipids, like avocado and sunflower oils, to condition the hair.
Oribe's Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil is another highly recommended product, especially for those who use hot tools on their hair. It contains a blend of jasmine oil and argan oil to target dryness and frizz, as well as Oribe's Signature Complex, which includes antioxidant-rich watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower. This oil can be used on all hair types and has a weightless texture, enhancing the vibrancy of color-treated hair.
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Other causes of greying hair
While there is speculation that spraying perfume on the face may cause the beard to grey quicker, there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, many sources suggest that alcohol does not turn hair grey. Instead, greying hair is influenced by a multitude of factors, including:
Family History and Genetics
The presence of grey hair in older generations of a family can be an indicator of premature greying in younger generations. This is because hair greying is influenced by genetics, and certain genes inherited from parents can determine when or if an individual's hair will turn grey.
Stress
Stress has been shown to speed up signs of ageing, including the greying of hair. When stressed, the body releases a hormone called norepinephrine, which causes melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) to move out of hair follicles. However, some sources suggest that rather than current stress levels, family history may be a more accurate indicator of premature greying.
Vitamin Deficiency
A vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause hair to turn grey prematurely. Vitamin B-12 is important for healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen to hair cells. A deficiency can weaken these cells and affect melanin production, leading to hair greying.
Smoking
There is a link between premature greying and smoking. Toxins in cigarettes can damage hair follicles, causing early greying. Additionally, smoking constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to hair follicles and potentially causing hair loss.
Thyroid Problems
An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause the body to produce less melanin, leading to hair greying. In some cases, re-pigmentation may occur after hormone therapy treatment.
It is important to note that while these factors can contribute to premature greying, hair greying is also a natural part of the ageing process.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no evidence that perfume makes hair grey. However, it typically contains 60 to 70% alcohol, which can dry out hair.
You can use hair mists, dry shampoos, or hair serums to make your hair smell nice without damaging it.
The high alcohol content in perfume can dry out your hair, leading to damage, brittleness, and split ends.
