Colognes For Hair: A Good Idea?

Should you put cologne in your hair? The short answer is no. While it's tempting to spritz cologne on your hair, especially when it's unwashed and greasy, it can cause more harm than good. Cologne contains harsh alcohols, including ethyl alcohol, and heavy synthetic fragrances that can dry out your hair and irritate your scalp, leading to issues like dandruff, breakage, and frizziness. Instead, opt for hair mists, dry shampoo, or scented serums and oils to keep your hair smelling and feeling fresh without causing long-term damage.

Pros and cons of spraying cologne in hair

Pros

Spraying cologne in your hair can make your hair smell glorious and fresh. It can be a quick fix to get rid of the odour of unwashed hair. Cologne can also make your hair smell for a longer duration than when applied to the skin.

Cons

The high alcohol content in fragrances can dissolve the protective hydrolipidic film on your hair, drying it out and causing frizziness, breakage, and split ends. Synthetic fragrances can also strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair, causing tangles and worsening dandruff.

Alternatives

If you want to make your hair smell nice without damaging it, you can use hair mists, dry shampoos, scented serums and oils, hair gels, leave-in conditioners, or diluted essential oils.

How to make hair smell good without cologne

While it may be tempting to spray cologne on your hair, it is not a good idea as it can be harmful in the long run. The high alcohol content in fragrances can dry out your hair, irritate your scalp, and even lead to breakages or dandruff.

Use Hair Mists

Hair mists are water-based hair revitalizers that can make your hair smell pleasant. They are formulated for specific hair goals, such as detangling, moisturization, and hairstyling. You can either buy a hair mist or make your own at home by combining a quarter cup of aloe vera juice with a teaspoon each of jojoba and coconut oil.

Try Hair Serums

Hair serums help protect your hair from tangles, dullness, and frizz, while also adding shine. You can make your own hair serum by combining four tablespoons of avocado oil with two tablespoons each of jojoba, almond, argan, and grapeseed oils. Store this solution in a spray bottle and use it right after shampooing. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to impart a subtle fragrance.

Wash with Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoos can help address hair odor caused by oil, grease, and dirt buildup. They cleanse and deodorize your hair, giving it natural bounce and volume. You can make your own dry shampoo at home by mixing a quarter cup each of cornstarch powder and arrowroot powder with ten drops each of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil. Sprinkle this blend on your hair and fluff it with a brush.

Use Hair Gels

You can make your own hair gel at home by stirring together half a teaspoon each of unflavored gelatin and aloe vera gel in warm water. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil, let the mixture thicken, and then apply it directly to your hair.

Apply Leave-in Conditioners

Leave-in conditioners help moisturize, nourish, and strengthen your hair, while also taming frizz and preventing split ends. They are especially beneficial for dry and rough hair that is exposed to the sun and harsh environments. Leave-in conditioners often have soft floral notes that will leave your hair smelling fresh.

Use Diluted Essential Oils

Essential oils can be applied to your hair in diluted form, along with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. Popular essential oil scents include lavender, rose, lemongrass, cedarwood, orange, and grapefruit. You can create your own hair cologne by mixing five ounces of rose water, two teaspoons of aloe vera gel, four drops of pure vanilla extract, and a blend of essential oils of your choice. Store this mixture in a spray bottle and use it anytime you want to freshen up your hair.

How to make cologne last longer in hair

While it is not advisable to spray cologne directly onto your hair due to the potential damage it can cause, there are several alternative methods you can use to make your hair smell pleasant and have your cologne last longer.

Spray Your Comb or Brush

A clever trick for men is to lightly spray a small amount of cologne onto your brush or comb before styling your hair. This helps impart a lasting scent to your hair without exposing it directly to the alcohol in the cologne, which can dry it out.

Use Hair Mists

Hair mists are a great alternative to cologne. They are lightweight, water-based hair revitalizers that can make your hair smell pleasant. They are also formulated for specific hair goals, such as detangling, hair moisturization, and hairstyling.

Try Natural Alternatives

You can create your own natural hair perfume by mixing a few simple ingredients. For instance, you can combine 5 ounces of rose water, 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel, 4 drops of pure vanilla extract, 22 drops of grapefruit essential oil, 14 drops of lavender essential oil, and 9 drops of tea tree essential oil. Store this mixture in a spray bottle and use it whenever you want to make your hair smell good.

Apply Cologne to Your Pulse Points

Spraying cologne on your pulse points can help extend its scent to your hair. Your pulse points include the nape of your neck, inside your elbows, wrists, and the back of your knees. These points react to the natural changes in your body temperature, helping diffuse your cologne's scent across your entire body, including your hair.

Layer Your Fragrances

You can create a unique, enduring scent profile by layering different fragrances. To do this, apply the strongest, most potent fragrance first, then delicately layer it with a milder one. For a seamless blend, consider using different fragrances from the same brand to ensure compatibility between scents.

Other Tips

• Apply cologne after a shower when your skin is still damp. This helps lock in your scent and strengthens its staying power.
• Pair your cologne with similar or matching products, such as body wash, deodorant, or body cream.
• Spread some moisturizer or petroleum jelly on your skin first to provide a smoother base for the fragrance to adhere to.
• Avoid rubbing your wrists together after applying cologne, as this can break down the scent, causing it to fade faster.
• Store your cologne in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to preserve its potency and aroma.
• Spritz your cologne on your clothes, but be mindful of delicate fabrics like silk or suede that could be ruined by fragrance oils.
• Reapply your cologne to your pulse points when necessary.

What happens if you spray cologne in your hair

Spraying cologne in your hair can be tempting, especially if you want your hair to smell good or want your signature scent to last longer. However, it is generally not recommended due to the potential negative effects on your hair and scalp.

Firstly, cologne contains a high concentration of alcohol, typically around 60-70%. This alcohol is a volatile solvent that helps to solubilise the essential oils in the cologne and evaporates quickly, leaving only the concentrate behind. However, alcohol can also dissolve the natural oils on your scalp and hair, known as the hydrolipidic film, which acts as a protective barrier. By disturbing this protective layer, the alcohol in cologne can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakage or dandruff. The synthetic fragrances in cologne can further strip natural oils, causing tangles, frizz, and a straw-like appearance.

Additionally, the strong fragrance of cologne may mix with your natural body odour, resulting in an unexpected scent.

While the amount of alcohol deposited on the hair from a single spray may seem negligible, prolonged usage and exposure can have more significant effects. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid spraying cologne directly onto the hair.

Alternatives

If you want to enjoy a pleasant scent in your hair without the damaging effects of cologne, there are several alternatives you can try:

• Spray cologne into the air and walk through it, allowing the scent to settle on your hair without saturating it.
• Spray cologne onto a hairbrush and comb it through your hair, avoiding the roots and concentrating on distributing the scent evenly through the lengths.
• Use hair mists, which are designed to leave your hair beautifully scented and often contain hydrating ingredients.
• Opt for scented hair care products, such as dry shampoos, scented serums, or scented hair oils, which will address any odour issues while also providing nourishment and a pleasant fragrance.

Alternatives to spraying cologne in hair

While it's best to avoid spraying cologne in your hair due to the potential for hair damage, there are several alternative ways to apply cologne and achieve a pleasant scent. Here are some alternatives to spraying cologne in your hair:

Spray Cologne on Pulse Points

Apply cologne to your pulse points, such as your wrists, neck, and chest. These areas generate heat, helping to diffuse the scent throughout the day. The cologne will also meld with your body chemistry, creating a unique and appealing fragrance. Remember to hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin to avoid over-application.

Apply Cologne After Showering

It is recommended to apply cologne immediately after showering. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, allowing the cologne to absorb better. Make sure your skin is completely dry before spraying.

Choose Different Scents for Different Occasions

Consider having a variety of colognes for different occasions. Opt for a lighter, citrus-based scent for daytime or workplace environments, and a stronger scent with spice undertones or musky notes for evenings out or special events.

Use Hair Mists or Perfumed Hair Care Products

If you specifically want to scent your hair, opt for hair mists or hair care products that are designed to leave your hair smelling pleasant. Hair mists are formulated with a lower concentration of alcohol, reducing the risk of damage to your hair. Additionally, hair serums, dry shampoos, mousses, and leave-in conditioners can help your hair smell amazing while also providing nourishing benefits.

Diluted Essential Oils

You can create your own hair cologne by mixing rose water, aloe vera gel, pure vanilla extract, and essential oils like grapefruit, lavender, and tea tree oil. Store this mixture in a spray bottle and use it anytime you want to make your hair smell good.

Frequently asked questions