Discover the secrets to crafting your own hair perfume with our easy-to-follow recipes. A few spritzes of this essential oil hair perfume are all you need for heavenly-smelling hair.
From the soothing properties of lavender to the invigorating effects of peppermint, essential oils can enhance both the health of your hair and your overall well-being.
As an aromatherapist, I think homemade hair perfume should not only be fragrant and refreshing but also safe and beneficial for your hair and scalp health. So these recipes are designed to avoid skin irritation or adverse reactions.
By following a certified aromatherapist’s recipes, you can harness the full potential of essential oils in the safest, most effective way possible.
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Ingredients
- Water:Acts as the base of the perfume. Distilled water is preferred as it is free of impurities.
- Alcohol:Helps to dissolve the oils and prolong the scent. High-proof alcohol like vodka or grain alcohol is ideal because it has no smell.
- Essential Oils:You can choose a single scent or a combination of oils to create a unique fragrance.
- Vegetable Glycerin(optional):A natural humectant that helps moisturize the hair and can help the scent last longer.
Equipment
- A small funnel
- A measuring spoon
- A dark glass spray bottle (to preserve the essential oils)
Instructions
Step 1:Mix Alcohol and Essential Oils
Start by adding 2 tablespoons of alcohol to the spray bottle. Add 20-30 drops of essential oils or fragrance oils depending on how strong you want the perfume to be.
Step 2:Let it Rest
Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of hours or even a few days. This resting period helps the essential oils meld together with the alcohol,resulting in a more cohesive scent.
Step 3:Add Water and Glycerin
After the resting period,add ¼ cup of distilled water to the mixture.
If you’re using vegetable glycerin,add about a teaspoon. The glycerin is optional,but it helps moisturize your hair and prolong the fragrance.
Step 4:Shake Well+Use
Close the bottle and give it a good shake to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
To use the perfume,spray it lightly on your hair whenever you want to refresh it with your new scent.
Substitutions
- Scalp Health:Essential oils like tea tree and lavender are great for all hair types because they promote a healthy scalp environment,which is crucial for healthy hair.
- Floral Waters:Consider using a hydrosol like lavender or rose water for additional hair benefits and scent.
- Seasonal Adjustments:Consider the season and climate. In winter,you might add more moisturizing ingredients,while in summer,focus on lighter,refreshing ingredients.
Recipe Variations for Different Hair Types
Use essential oils and ingredients that cater to the needs of your hair type,and you can create a hair perfume that not only smells wonderful but also provides targeted benefits.
For Dry or Damaged Hair
- Moisturizing Ingredients:Include ingredients like vegetable glycerin in your formula,as it can help to attract and retain moisture in the hair.
- Essential Oils:Lavender and geranium essential oils are beneficial for dry or damaged hair,as they can help to balance the scalp’s natural oil production and soothe irritation. Sandalwood and ylang-ylang can also add moisture and shine.
- Carrier Oils:Add a small amount (like ½ –1 teaspoon) of light carrier oil like argan or jojoba oil to your perfume. These oils can help to nourish and moisturize the hair without weighing it down.
For Oily Hair
- Astringent Ingredients:Alcohol is beneficial in hair perfume for oily hair as it can help to temporarily reduce oiliness.
- Essential Oils:Peppermint,rosemary,and lemon essential oils are excellent for oily hair. They can help regulate oil production on the scalp and refresh the hair and scalp your hair without making it greasier.
- Light Formula:Keep the formula light and avoid adding any carrier oils or too much glycerin,as these can add unnecessary oils to already oily hair.
For Thin or Fine Hair
- Volume-Boosting Ingredients:Avoid heavy ingredients that can weigh down fine hair. Instead,use aloe vera for light hydration.
- Essential Oils:Rosemary essential oil is known for its ability to support scalp health and potentially encourage hair thickness. Peppermint can invigorate the scalp and may help to promote hair growth.
- Light Application:Use a fine mist spray bottle to avoid saturating the hair.
For Curly or Frizzy Hair
- Hydrating Ingredients:Glycerin can be particularly beneficial for curly or frizzy hair,helping to draw moisture into the hair shaft and reduce frizz.
- Essential Oils:Chamomile and lavender can help to soften and smooth curly hair,reducing frizz. Cedarwood can help to enhance curl definition and promote hair health.
- Moisture Seal:A tiny amount of carrier oil,like coconut or argan oil,can help to seal in moisture and define curls. Use sparingly to avoid greasiness.
7 Essential Oil Hair Perfume Scents for Summer
Maybe you just want a hair perfume that makes your hair smell good,and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Use 20-30 drops of essential oils per 3-4 ounces of solution,but you can adjust this based on how strong you want the fragrance to be and the potency of the oils you’re using.
Here are a few of our favorite hair scents for summer. Add the same essential oils to your shampoo to layer the scent and make it last longer.
1. Tropical Oasis
Sweet and fruity,this scent creates a summery vibe that mentally transports you to the beach. Use skin-safe fragrance oils if essential oils are not available.
2. Summer Citrus
Citrus oils are uplifting on sunny days,but some citrus oils can cause sun sensitivity so use caution. We used non-photosensitizing oils in this bright and zesty combo.
- Sweet orange
- Red mandarin
- Tangerine
3. Lavender Fields
A floral scent with herbal undertones that will make you feel like you’re walking through lavender fields.
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Peppermint or spearmint
4. Mint Mojito
Cool down on a hot day with cool and refreshing mint and zesty lime.
5. Ocean Breeze
A fresh and slightly woody scent that offers a sense of calm and relaxation,like a day spent by the ocean.
6. Sunset Romance
A warm,floral,and slightly sweet fragrance that captures the essence of a summer sunset.
7. Herbal Garden
Fresh and herbaceous with a citrus note,this blend refreshes and brightens on summer afternoons.
Storage+Usage
Spritz your strands:Spray the perfume lightly on your hair,focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair.
Avoid roots:Don’t apply the perfume directly to your scalp or hair roots if you’re prone to oiliness or have a dry or sensitive scalp.
Don’t saturate:Avoid spraying too much or too close because you don’t want to saturate your hair.
Frequency:You can use hair perfume as often as you like,but give your hair a break if you notice any dryness or irritation.
Storage:Your homemade hair perfume should last several weeks to months,especially if stored in a cool,dark place. The alcohol acts as a preservative,but if you notice any changes in smell or appearance,it’s time to make a new batch.
FAQ
High-proof alcohol like vodka is ideal for making hair perfume because it is odorless and helps to effectively disperse essential oils without leaving a residue. It also evaporates quickly,which means it won’t leave your hair damp for long.
Yes,skin-safe fragrance oils can be used instead of essential oils. They often provide a wider range of scents,however,they don’t offer the same natural benefits as essential oils.
Use a fixative such as vegetable glycerin,which can help to extend the longevity of the aroma. Applying the perfume to slightly damp hair can also help retain the scent longer. Storing your perfume in a dark,cool place can help preserve its potency.
It’s usually better to apply hair perfume to the hair strands rather than directly to the scalp,especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to oiliness. If you want to apply it to the scalp,make the concentration of essential oils very low to avoid irritation.
Essential Oil Hair Perfume Recipes
Materials
- 2tablespoonsalcohol
- ¼cupdistilled water
- 20–30dropsessential oil
- 1teaspoonglycerin
Instructions
Pour the alcohol into the spray bottle,then add the essential oils.
Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of hours or even a few days.
After the resting period,add distilled water and glycerin.
Close the bottle and give it a good shake to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
To use,spray the perfume lightly on your hair whenever you want to refresh it with your new scent.
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