Cologne On Pulse Points: Does It Work?

Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt, such as the neck, wrists, inside of elbows, and behind the knees and ears. These spots are recommended for applying cologne because they emit more heat than other parts of the body, which helps to 'activate' the cologne, making it stronger and more effective. However, some people argue that the temperature difference is minimal and that pulse points are more of a convention than anything else.

Pulse points are key areas to focus on when applying cologne

Applying cologne to these areas can help to intensify the fragrance as the warmth of your blood will diffuse, magnify and amplify the scent. However, it's important to note that pulse points are not the only factor in perfume effectiveness and longevity. Other factors include skin type and body temperature, with oily skin and a higher body temperature helping a scent to last longer.

When applying cologne to pulse points, it's recommended to spritz or lightly dab the scent onto the skin. Some sources advise against rubbing your wrists together as this can dull the top notes of the fragrance and mix it too vigorously with your natural oils, altering the way it smells. Instead, you can let the scent soak into your skin or lightly dab your wrists together or against other pulse points.

In addition to pulse points, you can also apply cologne to your hair to prolong the scent. However, it's generally not recommended to apply cologne directly to your clothes as it can distort the fragrance and stain the fabric.

These areas emit more heat, which helps to activate and maximise the cologne's scent

The pulse points on your body emit more heat than other areas. These areas include the wrists, neck, behind the ears, the inside of the elbows, the back of the knees, the ankles, and the throat. Applying cologne to these areas can help to activate and maximise the scent of the cologne. This is because the warmth of the blood at these points intensifies the fragrance, diffusing, magnifying, and amplifying the scent.

However, it is important to note that the heat from these points will not affect the longevity of the cologne. This is because pulse points are not the only factor when it comes to perfume effectiveness and staying power. For example, dry skin can cause a scent to evaporate more quickly. Therefore, to maximise the lifespan of your cologne, keep your skin as hydrated as possible by drinking plenty of water and using a moisture-rich lotion.

When applying cologne to the pulse points, avoid rubbing your wrists together. This is because it can dull the top notes of the cologne and vigorously mix the perfume with your natural oils, altering the scent. Instead, let the cologne soak into your skin, or lightly dab your wrists together or against other pulse points.

The wrists, neck, behind the ears and knees are all pulse points

Pulse points are areas where your heart pulse can be felt, and are therefore warmer due to the proximity of blood flow to the surface of the skin. The warmth of the blood allows the scent to diffuse, magnify and amplify. The wrists, neck, behind the ears and knees are all common pulse points that are also frequently exposed and moved in the air, allowing the scent to be distributed more easily.

Applying cologne to the wrists is a good way to get more out of your cologne, as the scent will last longer. This is also a good place to apply cologne if you want someone to catch a secret whiff of your fragrance when they lean in to greet you. The same can be said for behind the ears, as someone might get a secret whiff of your scent when they lean in to speak to you.

Applying cologne to the neck is a good idea if you want your fragrance to be focused around your face, especially if you're going on a date. The throat, or base of the throat, is also a pulse point, and your fragrance will smell stronger in this area.

The back of the knees is another pulse point, so when wearing shorts or a dress, a small amount of cologne can be applied here.

Applying cologne to hair can be an effective way of prolonging the scent

Applying cologne to the hair can be an effective way of prolonging the scent. Hair absorbs liquid and retains it for longer, so spraying cologne on the hair can help extend the longevity of the fragrance.

However, it is important to note that colognes contain alcohol, which can dry out hair and cause hair loss. Therefore, it is recommended to spray cologne on the hairbrush or comb and then run it through the hair, rather than applying it directly to the hair or scalp. This way, you can avoid potential damage to your hair while still enjoying the scent of your favourite cologne.

Additionally, it is suggested to opt for specialised hair fragrances or hair mists, which are designed to nourish and freshen the hair while providing a pleasant scent. These products are formulated without the high alcohol content found in traditional colognes, reducing the risk of hair damage.

By applying cologne to your hair, you can ensure that your hair not only looks but also smells fantastic, making it a great option to consider when aiming for a long-lasting fragrance.

Skin type can impact the effectiveness of cologne

The pH level of the skin is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, which can range from 0 (extremely acidic) to 14 (extremely alkaline), with 7 being neutral. Most people's skin has a pH between 4.5 and 6.2, making it slightly acidic. When you apply cologne, it mixes with your natural oils, and this blend is influenced by your skin's pH, resulting in a scent that can be subtly or significantly different from the cologne straight out of the bottle.

Other factors that can influence how cologne interacts with your skin include skin temperature, diet, and medication. The climate can also affect how long a cologne lasts. For example, in colder climates, perfumes may seem more subdued due to the reduced evaporation rate in colder air. Additionally, our skin tends to be drier in the winter, which can impact the longevity and intensity of the cologne.

Frequently asked questions