Here’s why applying perfume on your hair is an absolute NO

We are sure something like this has happened to you – imagine you have been invited to a spontaneous gathering with friends, but your hair is oily and sticky. Even if you find a fix, you realise your tresses do not smell fresh. So, what do you do? You take a bottle of perfume and spray on some! Well, if this is you, STOP right away. That’s because they can cause more harm than good. 

Can perfumes damage your hair?

The answer is YES! That’s because perfumes contain harsh alcohols, including ethyl alcohol, and heavy synthetic fragrances. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ethyl alcohol can really dry out your skin and hair. That’s exactly why some cosmetics refrain from using it completely. The biggest issue is that if the dryness continues, it can cause long-term damage such as breakage, split ends, and frizziness.

What are some alternatives to perfumes?

There are certain things you can use, including hair mists, dry shampoo and scented serums and oils. Hair mists are generally infused with a blend of oils that give a natural looking shine. Dry shampoos can temporarily clean your hair, and make it look rather fresh. They work on eliminating excess oils, without stripping or damaging hair. Last but not the least, if you are looking to nourish dry hair, do try a scented hair oil or serum. 

Also, watch:

These are ingredients to look for:

While refraining from harsh alcohols is a good idea, fatty alcohols add hydration and lubrication to hair shafts. You could go for products that include cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol. Essential oils offer an alternative to traditional synthetic fragrances, just make sure they’re safely diluted in a formula to avoid sensitization.

Anything else to avoid?

You must avoid cigarette smoke, because it can get absorbed easily into the hair and cause damage. There can be a horrible smell too! Make sure to also wash your hair often, so that your hair smells and feels better. You can also use a scalp scrub once a week for a deep clean.

Spraying your favorite perfume on your hair might help in the short term, but it can cause long-term damage.