9 Easy Ways To Prevent Your Hair From Smelling Like Food

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

Here are some easy ways to prevent your hair from smelling like food and also learn why your hair gets permeated with kitchen smells and spices.

Are you tired of your hair smelling like last night’s dinner? Well, the steam and the odors from the food can permeate inside the hair shaft and make your hair smell like last night lasagna.

So in this article, I will explore ten effective ways to prevent your hair from smelling like food.

Here are some easy ways you can get rid of food smells from hair:

Wash Hair Everyday If You Cook Often
Wear Protective Hairstyles
Cover Hair With Chef’s Cap or Covering
Use Dry Shampoo To Remove Smell
Don’t Cook With A Lot of Garlic or Ginger
Keep The Exhaust On At All Times
Use A Hair Perfume After Cooking
Avoid Heating Tools Before Cooking
Wash Pillowcases Regularly

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Ways To Prevent Your Hair From Smelling Like Food

Wash Hair Everyday If You Cook Often

If cooking is a regular part of your routine, it’s essential to wash your hair daily to prevent it from smelling like food.

There is even a study published in the Skin appendage disorders vol. 7,3 (2021) show that the “….assessment of scalp odor was also improved by the daily wash regimen.”

The odors from the kitchen tend to cling to your hair, and regular washing can help eliminate them. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use a gentle shampoo that effectively removes smells.
Focus on thoroughly rinsing your hair to ensure no lingering odors.
Avoid using excessive heat when blow-drying your hair as it can intensify any remaining smells.
Consider applying a scented leave-in conditioner or hair perfume to keep your hair smelling fresh throughout the day.

By making it a habit to wash your hair daily and taking these additional steps, you can enjoy the aroma of your meals without the worry of your hair smelling like food.

Wear Protective Hairstyles

To prevent your hair from smelling like food, wearing protective hairstyles can be helpful.

Braids: Braiding your hair keeps it contained and away from any food odors.
Buns: Putting your hair up in a bun helps to minimize exposure to food smells.
Ponytails: Keeping your hair in a high or low ponytail prevents it from coming into contact with food.

Additionally, consider using these tips:

Wear a scarf or hat while cooking or eating to shield your hair from food odors.
Use a dry shampoo between washes to absorb any lingering smells.
Wash your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo to remove any food residue and odors.

Cover Hair With Chef’s Cap or Covering

To prevent your hair from smelling like food, covering it with a chef’s cap or other covering can be highly effective. This creates a physical barrier between your hair and the food’s aroma, keeping it fresh and odor-free.

Here are some tips when using a chef’s cap or covering:

Choose a cap made of breathable material to allow air circulation.
Tie your hair up before putting on the cap to prevent loose strands.
Ensure the cap fits securely to avoid any slippage.
Wash the cap regularly to keep it clean and odor-free.

Consider investing in stylish alternatives such as patterned headscarves or trendy hair wraps to make covering your hair more fashionable.

Use Dry Shampoo To Remove Smell

Dry shampoo is a great solution for removing food smells from your hair. It helps absorb excess oil and refreshes your scalp, leaving your hair smelling clean and fresh. Follow these steps to effectively use dry shampoo:

Start by shaking the dry shampoo aerosol can well.
Hold the can about 6 inches away from your scalp and spray it directly onto the roots of your hair.
Using your fingertips, gently massage the dry shampoo into your scalp to distribute it evenly.
Allow the dry shampoo to sit for a few minutes to absorb any oils and odors.
Finally, brush or comb through your hair to remove any residue.

By incorporating dry shampoo into your hair care routine, you can easily eliminate food smells and keep your hair smelling fresh throughout the day.

Don’t Cook With A Lot of Garlic or Ginger

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Garlic and ginger are delicious ingredients that can add incredible flavor to your dishes. However, cooking with excessive amounts of these ingredients can leave a lingering smell in your hair. Here are some tips to prevent it:

Avoid using too much garlic or ginger in your recipes. Start with small quantities and adjust to taste.
If you still want to enjoy the flavors, minimize exposure by using a well-ventilated kitchen or cooking outdoors.
Consider using alternatives like garlic or ginger powder, which are less likely to leave an intense smell.
After cooking, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove any odor-causing residue.
Finally, give your hair a good wash to eliminate any lingering smells.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the culinary benefits of garlic and ginger without worrying about your hair smelling like food.

Keep The Exhaust On At All Times

A well-functioning exhaust system is crucial to prevent your hair from absorbing cooking odors. Here are some tips:

Ventilate properly: Turn on your range hood before starting any cooking to capture and remove odors.
Regular maintenance: Clean your exhaust fan and filters regularly to prevent buildup of grease and odors.
Upgrade if needed: Consider installing a more powerful exhaust system if the current one is ineffective.

Additionally, you can adopt these practices:

Cook with lids: Using lids when cooking can help contain odors and prevent them from spreading.
Separate cooking areas: Cooking pungent foods away from your hair can minimize odor absorption.
Avoid deep-frying: Deep-frying generates strong odors, so opt for alternative cooking methods whenever possible.

Use A Hair Perfume After Cooking

Cooking can leave lingering smells in your hair. To combat this, consider using a hair perfume. Hair perfumes are specifically formulated to freshen your locks without weighing them down. Here are some tips for choosing and applying a hair perfume:

Look for a hair perfume that complements your natural scent.
Apply the perfume lightly, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
Avoid spraying directly onto the roots to prevent buildup.
If you prefer a DIY option, mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle and mist it onto your hair.
Carry a travel-sized hair perfume in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

By using a hair perfume after cooking, you can keep your hair smelling fresh and delicious-free.

Avoid Heating Tools Before Cooking

Prior to preparing your meals, it’s important to steer clear of heating tools to prevent food smells from clinging to your hair. Here are some tips:

Avoid using hair dryers or curling irons to prevent odor absorption.
Opt for air drying your hair naturally or using cool settings on your hair tools.
If you must use heat, ensure proper ventilation in your kitchen or step outside briefly.
Consider tying your hair back or wearing a shower cap during cooking.

By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of your hair retaining unwanted food scents and keep it smelling fresh throughout the day.

Wash Pillowcases Regularly

Ways to prevent your hair from smelling like food at home

One of the most effective ways to prevent your hair from smelling like food is to wash your pillowcases regularly. Over time, pillowcases can accumulate sweat, oil, and food odors, which can transfer onto your hair. Follow these tips:

Wash your pillowcases at least once a week to remove any buildup.
Use a fragrance-free laundry detergent to avoid adding additional scents to your pillowcases.
Consider using a pillowcase made from natural fibers, such as cotton, which can help absorb and wick away odors.
If you struggle with excess oiliness or sweat, try using pillow protectors or swapping pillowcases more frequently.

By keeping your pillowcases clean and fresh, you can minimize the transfer of food smells to your hair while you sleep.

Why Does My Hair Absorb Smells While Cooking

Have you ever wondered why your hair tends to absorb those lingering food smells after cooking a delicious meal? Well, it turns out there are a few reasons for this phenomenon:

Porous strands: Hair strands have tiny openings that can trap and hold onto odors.
Natural oils: The natural oils produced by your scalp can act as a magnet for smells.
Heat and steam: When cooking, the heat and steam can open up your hair cuticles, allowing smells to penetrate.

To prevent your hair from smelling like food, consider these tips:

Wear a cooking cap or bandana to cover your hair while in the kitchen.
Wash your hair regularly using a clarifying shampoo to remove any trapped odors.
Avoid excessive use of styling products, as they can hold onto smells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to prevent your hair from smelling like food. By following the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your hair smells fresh and clean all day long.

It is important to note that prevention is key when it comes to hair odor. Avoiding strong-smelling foods and using hair products that contain natural ingredients can go a long way in preventing food odors from sticking to your hair.

Additionally, maintaining good hygiene habits such as regular washing and conditioning can also help keep your hair smelling fresh. Using dry shampoo and hair perfume can be helpful in a pinch, but they should not be relied on as a long-term solution.

Overall, taking care of your hair and being mindful of what you eat can help prevent unpleasant food odors from lingering in your hair. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can enjoy fresh-smelling hair all day, every day.