The Scent Of Grunge: Unveiling Kurt Cobain's Cologne Choice

Kurt Cobain was the frontman of the band Nirvana. He was known for his distinctive grunge style and his obsession with smell, which influenced his songwriting. Cobain's former girlfriend revealed that he was obsessive about cleanliness and always smelled like Shampure from Aveda because he used their Confixor hair gel. Cobain also loved the novel 'Perfume' by Patrick Süskind, which he read around ten times. The novel follows an orphan with an extraordinary sense of smell who becomes an apprentice perfumer. Cobain's interest in scent and perfume is reflected in his songs, such as Scentless Apprentice, which directly references the novel.

Kurt Cobain's cleanliness

Cobain's interest in fragrance and scent extended beyond personal hygiene. He was reportedly a fan of the novel "Perfume" by Patrick Süskind, which he had read multiple times and kept with him on tour. The novel's protagonist, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, is born with an extraordinary sense of smell and a disgust for humanity. This fascination with scent and its power is reflected in some of Cobain's songs, such as "Scentless Apprentice," which includes lyrics directly inspired by the novel.

While there is no definitive answer regarding the specific cologne or fragrance Cobain used, his interest in scent and his attention to personal hygiene suggest that he may have experimented with different fragrances or scents beyond the hair gel he is known to have used. Cobain's image and influence continue to spark curiosity and conversations about his life and interests, including his approach to cleanliness and fragrance.

It is worth noting that Cobain's lifestyle and health struggles, including addiction, may have also impacted his overall hygiene and scent. Cobain's unhinged performance at the 1993 Hollywood Rock Festival in São Paulo, where he staggered offstage, drenched in sweat, and displayed erratic behavior, provides a glimpse into the darker side of his life and the internal struggles he faced.

Cologne vs hair gel

While there is no definitive answer to what cologne Kurt Cobain used, some sources suggest that he used hair gel. In this regard, hair gel and cologne are two different products used for different purposes.

Hair gel and cologne are both cosmetic products designed to enhance one's appearance and appeal, but they serve different purposes and are applied differently.

Definition

Cologne is a type of fragrance typically worn by men, although some women also use cologne-type fragrances. It is a scented liquid that is usually sprayed onto the skin, especially the neck and wrists, to provide a pleasant aroma. Cologne is often used to enhance one's attractiveness and confidence.

On the other hand, hair gel is a styling product used to shape and hold hair in place. It is typically a thick, sticky substance that is applied to damp or dry hair to create various hairstyles. Hair gel can be used by both men and women and is available in different hold strengths, such as light, medium, or strong hold.

Usage

Cologne is primarily used for its fragrance and is applied to areas of the body that generate heat, such as the neck, wrists, and chest. The heat helps to activate and diffuse the scent, allowing it to be noticed by others. Cologne is typically applied once or twice a day, depending on its intensity and the desired level of fragrance.

Hair gel, on the other hand, is used for styling and shaping hair. It is applied directly to the hair, either on damp hair for a more natural look or on dry hair for a more defined and structured style. The amount of hair gel used depends on the length and thickness of the hair, as well as the desired style.

Ingredients

The main difference between cologne and hair gel lies in their ingredients and purpose. Cologne's primary function is to provide a pleasant fragrance, so its key ingredients are aromatic compounds and essential oils. These fragrances can be derived from natural sources, such as flowers, fruits, or spices, or they can be synthetic fragrances created in a laboratory.

Hair gel, on the other hand, is designed to hold hair in place, so its key ingredients include polymers and resins that provide hold and flexibility. Hair gel may also contain conditioning agents to nourish the hair and additives to provide shine or a matte finish. Some hair gels are also infused with vitamins and proteins to promote hair health.

Considerations

When choosing between cologne and hair gel, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, cologne is primarily about fragrance, so it is important to select a scent that aligns with your personal taste and preference. There are various fragrance families, such as woody, citrus, floral, and spicy, so you can choose a cologne that suits your style.

With hair gel, the main consideration is the hold strength and the finish. If you want a more natural, flexible hold, opt for a light or medium hold gel. For more dramatic and structured styles, a strong hold gel would be more suitable. Additionally, consider whether you prefer a shiny or matte finish to complement your hairstyle.

In conclusion, cologne and hair gel serve different purposes in a person's grooming routine. Cologne is primarily about fragrance and enhancing one's scent, while hair gel is a styling product used to shape and hold hair in place. Both products can be used together to create a well-groomed and attractive appearance.

Cologne vs patchouli oil

While there is no clear answer as to whether Kurt Cobain wore cologne or patchouli oil, some sources suggest that he wore patchouli oil, while others claim that he wore cologne.

Cologne and patchouli oil are both fragrances, but they have distinct characteristics and uses.

Cologne is a type of perfume typically used as a fragrance for men, while patchouli oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, which has a woody, sweet, and spicy scent. Cologne is typically a blend of various fragrances, while patchouli oil is a single note fragrance.

Cologne is often associated with a more formal or elegant setting, while patchouli oil is often associated with a more earthy or natural setting. Cologne is usually applied to the skin as a spray, while patchouli oil can be applied topically or used for aromatherapy.

In terms of longevity, cologne typically lasts longer than patchouli oil as it is designed to be worn as a fragrance for extended periods. Patchouli oil, on the other hand, may need to be reapplied more frequently depending on the concentration and method of application.

When it comes to versatility, patchouli oil is known for its ability to blend harmoniously with numerous other oils and ingredients, making it a popular choice in perfumery and aromatherapy. Cologne, while also versatile, may have more limitations in terms of blending and customization.

It is important to note that cologne is typically more heavily scented than patchouli oil, and some colognes may contain potentially harmful chemicals such as phthalates, which have been linked to various health issues. Patchouli oil, being a natural product, is generally considered safer but should still be used with caution, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or allergies.

In summary, both cologne and patchouli oil have their unique characteristics and uses, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, intended purpose, and individual needs.

Cologne in Kurt Cobain's lyrics

Kurt Cobain was reportedly obsessed with smell, and this fixation is reflected in his lyrics. Cobain's former girlfriend claimed that he was obsessive about cleanliness and always smelled like Shampure from Aveda because he used their Confixor hair gel. Cobain himself told interviewer Erica Ehm that he was captivated by the novel Perfume by Patrick Süskind, which he had read ten times and always kept close by. He said:

> It just doesn't leave me. I read it over and over. It just effects me.

The novel tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a perfumer with an extraordinary sense of smell who is disgusted by humanity. Cobain related to the protagonist's desire to stay away from people and drew on the novel's themes of maternity, trauma, and death in his lyrics.

The song "Scentless Apprentice" directly references the novel, with lyrics such as:

> Like most babies smell like butter / His smell smelled like no other / He was born scentless and senseless / Every wet nurse refused to feed him.

The chorus, with the line "Go away / Get away," echoes the protagonist's misanthropy. Other songs on the album *In Utero* also include images and expressions from the novel. For example, "Heart-Shaped Box" alludes to Grenouille's first breaths in a filthy marketplace:

> Broken hymen of your highness I’m left black / Throw down your umbilical noose so I can climb right back.

"Pennyroyal Tea" refers to a primitive abortion method, resonating with Grenouille's mother's charge of infanticide. "Rape Me" and "Very Ape" capture the trauma and death of the physical body, while "Milk It" refers to Grenouille's parasitic nature. The back cover of the album, with its images of fetuses, bones, and dead flowers, also suggests the crimes and fate of the despicable protagonist.

Cologne in Kurt Cobain's book choices

Kurt Cobain's favourite novel was *Perfume* by Patrick Süskind, which he called a "strange book". He told interviewer Erica Ehm:

> I’ve read Perfume about ten times and I can’t stop reading it. It’s like something that’s just stationary in my pocket all the time. It just doesn’t leave me. I read it over and over. It just affects me.

The novel is about Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, who is born with an extraordinary sense of smell and a disgust for humanity. Set in the squalor and barbarity of 18th-century France, Grenouille finds himself in a world where he is unloved, forsaken and feared for his apparent supernatural abilities. Cobain repeatedly evokes the novel’s themes of maternity, trauma and death in his songs.

Many of the other songs on *In Utero* are also laced with images and expressions from *Perfume*. On “Scentless Apprentice,” Cobain drew on the novel directly. The song begins with a blast of drums, announcing the birth of a demon child, before moving between cascading guitar lines and a solid, pile-driving riff. The verses evoke a scene where a nurse has complained to a priest, who is charged with helping Grenouille, that he doesn’t smell at all:

> Like most babies smell like butter / His smell smelled like no other / He was born scentless and senseless / Every wet nurse refused to feed him.

But it is the chorus, with the blistering shriek of “Go away / Get away,” that gets at the protagonist’s misanthropy, and the novel’s heart. The lyric appears to be drawn directly from a line in Chapter 23:

> Grenouille no longer wanted to go somewhere, but only to go away, away from human beings.

Cobain also related to Grenouille's disgust with humanity:

> He’s just disgusted with all humans, and so he goes away on this trek, this walk of death. He only travels by night… he just tries to stay away from people, and I can relate to that.

Grenouille ultimately commits suicide, dousing himself with the miracle scent, knowing he’ll be cannibalised by ravenous thugs. In less than half an hour, he has disappeared from the earth. In one line on *In Utero*, Cobain, who also committed suicide, sings as if speaking directly to Grenouille: “Your scent is still here”.

Frequently asked questions