Get Rid Of Cologne Smell In Hair: Quick Tips

Getting rid of cologne or perfume smells can be tricky, especially when dealing with rich, musky fragrances that tend to linger. Here are some methods to remove unwanted scents from hair:

- Use a vinegar rinse: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cider or wine vinegar with a cup of water and rinse your shampooed and conditioned hair with this solution. You don't need to rinse with plain water afterward, and you'll be left with shiny locks.

- Apply makeup remover: Saturate several cotton pads with a waterproof makeup remover and apply them to the perfumed area for at least 3 minutes. If any traces of scent remain, repeat the process with a fresh cotton pad. Finally, rinse with water.

- Try an alcohol or vodka spritz: As fragrances are formulated with alcohol-soluble ingredients, rubbing the skin with pure alcohol can help remove the scent. However, this method may be too harsh for sensitive skin. A gentler alternative is to use hand sanitizer, which contains a high concentration of alcohol, or vodka.

- Neutralize with coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are known to neutralize odors. Rubbing fresh coffee grounds on the wrists or affected areas can help remove unwanted perfume scents while also providing an exfoliating effect.

- Use baking soda: Baking soda is effective in absorbing and neutralizing odors. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water and use it to rub the fragrance off the skin. For hair, add a few teaspoons of baking soda to water and let your hair soak in this solution.

Use unscented deodorant or essential oils to mask the smell

If you are in a hurry, masking cologne smells with unscented deodorant or essential oils like witch hazel is a good option. Simply apply it on top of the scented area of your hair and address the issue in depth later.

• Use coffee grounds: Coffee neutralizes odors and is one of the best bets to refresh your senses and hair. Simply rub fresh coffee grounds on the problem spots and wash with shampoo and water.
• Dilute the formula with alcohol: You can use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to dissolve fragrances and leave your hair smelling fresh. Dampen a cotton ball with alcohol or sanitizer and swipe the perfumed area of your hair with the damp cotton ball.
• Break up the molecules with acid: Mix about 1/4 water with 1/4 ml white wine vinegar or lemon juice to wipe the perfume off your hair. These acid-reducing kitchen essentials work by breaking up the perfume molecules with their acidic structure, quickly neutralizing the scent.
• Offset the aromas with baking soda: Baking soda is another excellent neutralizer of unwanted odors. To get a scent off your hair, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water and use this paste to rub the fragrance off.
• Use makeup remover: Makeup remover is a great option since it is gentle on your skin and hair. Waterproof makeup removers are best to eliminate unwanted scents, as they are formulated to wipe away 100% of stubborn cosmetics. Simply sweep a soaked cotton pad over the perfumed area and breathe a sigh of scent-free relief.

Wash hair with vinegar

To get cologne out of your hair, you can try a vinegar rinse. Mix one to two tablespoons of cider or wine vinegar into a cup of water and rinse out your shampooed and conditioned hair with this solution. You don't need to rinse with plain water afterward. Once dried, your hair will not bear any traces of vinegary tartness, and you will also enjoy the benefit of shiny locks.

Vinegar is a great option for removing scents from clothing as well. To use vinegar to get cologne out of your clothes, make sure the clothes are dry. Then, add 240ml of vinegar to your washing machine instead of soap. Wash the clothes as normal, and add dryer sheets during the drying cycle to add a desired scent.

Wash hair with lemon juice and water

Lemon juice has been used for centuries as a natural hair conditioner. The acidity of lemon, along with its essential oils and vitamin B5, make it an effective hair tonic. Lemon juice can help to clarify hair of any build-up or residue, leaving hair soft and glossy. Its astringent and purifying qualities also make it perfect for those with oily hair.

Lemon juice can also help to restore the pH balance of hair. High pH can cause tangles and dull-looking hair, but lemon juice can help to normalize hair pH, making hair glossy and smooth. Lemon juice can also help to keep the scalp healthy and dandruff-free, thanks to its antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

To make a lemon juice hair rinse, simply mix one tablespoon of lemon or lime juice with water in a mug and stir well. After washing your hair, pour the rinse slowly over your head, massage it into your scalp, and work it through your hair. Allow it to soak in for 2-3 minutes, then wash it out. This rinse can also be used to freshen up your hair between shampoos. However, it is important to note that using this rinse more than once a week can dry out your hair.

Lemon juice can also be used to lighten hair colour over time, giving it a lovely golden tinge. For this reason, it is recommended that those with lighter hair colours avoid leaving lemon juice in their hair for more than a few minutes.

To remove cologne smell from hair, a 1:1 solution of lemon juice and water can be used. Simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle, spray the solution onto the hair, and use a soft brush to scrub the areas of application. Allow the hair to air dry. This method is recommended for dark and old clothes, as lemon juice has the potential to wash out lighter fabrics.

Wash hair with baking soda and water

If you're looking to remove cologne from your hair, one method is to wash your hair with a mixture of baking soda and water. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Combine baking soda and water: In a small bowl, mix together one part baking soda and three to four parts water. You can adjust the proportions to create your preferred mixture and consistency.
• Apply the mixture to your hair: Wet your hair completely and gently apply the baking soda mixture from root to tip. Make sure to cover all areas of your hair, especially the oily spots.
• Let it sit: Leave the baking soda mixture on your hair for about one minute. This will give it time to work on removing the cologne smell.
• Rinse with water: After a minute, thoroughly rinse out the mixture with lukewarm water.
• Follow with an apple cider vinegar rinse (optional): To help restore the pH balance of your hair and scalp and add shine, you can finish with an apple cider vinegar rinse.
• Wash and condition your hair: After rinsing, gently wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner. This will help moisturize your hair and scalp.

While this method can be effective for removing cologne from your hair, it's important to note that baking soda has a high pH level, which can dry out your hair and scalp over time. Therefore, it's recommended to use this method sparingly and not as a daily shampoo. Always do a patch test on your skin before using baking soda to ensure it doesn't cause any irritation.

Wash hair with alcohol or hand sanitiser

While hand sanitiser can be effective at removing unwanted scents from the skin, it is not recommended to use it on your hair. Hand sanitiser can dry out the hair follicle and shaft, so it's best to avoid applying it to your hair or scalp. Instead, opt for washing your hair with shampoo and water, or try other methods to remove the cologne smell from your hair.

If you're looking for ways to neutralise the cologne smell in your hair, here are some alternative methods:

• Use a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics. Saturate several cotton pads with the makeup remover and apply them to your hair. Leave it on for at least 3 minutes. If any traces of the scent remain, repeat the procedure with a fresh cotton pad soaked in makeup remover, then rinse with water.
• Apply a mildly scented oil, such as almond, jojoba, or grape seed oil, to your hair and give yourself a massage. You can also use a dry sponge or body brush to rub your hair, leaving it soft and silky. Follow up with a shower and shampoo as usual.
• Use laundry detergent instead of soap to wash your hair. However, keep in mind that most detergents are highly scented, so you may end up replacing one scent with another. Choose an unscented product if possible.
• Air out your hair by hanging it up in a breezy, warm, and sunlit room filled with leafy plants. Plants can help absorb the cologne scent. The time needed to air out your hair depends on how strong the scent is, ranging from a few hours to a couple of weeks.
• Soak your hair in a sink or bathtub filled with warm water and baking soda before washing it. Repeat the airing, soaking, washing, and drying cycle several times if needed. After soaking, wash your hair with an unscented laundry detergent, adding distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Finally, dry your hair in the fresh air and sunlight.

Frequently asked questions