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 make hair smell good without dry shampoo if you are tired of dealing with smelly hair but don’t want to rely on dry shampoo.
As a cosmetologist, I’ve often had clients complaining that their scalp gets smelly very quickly. And while dry shampoos are a quick fix, using it everyday can be bad for your scalp. So I’ve listed out some easy, homemade tips you can use instead to keep your hair smelling nice.
Here are the easiest way to make hair smell good:
- Add essential oils for hair
- Use citrus fruits on scalp
- Use a tea rinse on hair
- Rinse hair with apple cider vinegar
- Spray witch hazel solution on scalp
- Use baking soda to exfoliate hair
- Perfume your hair accessories
- Opt for herbal hair masks
- Use scented hair serums
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 Make Hair Smell Good Without Dry Shampoo
1. Incorporate Essential Oils
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary, to your hair products. Simply mix a few drops into your shampoo or conditioner before applying to your hair. The pleasant aroma of essential oils will leave your hair smelling fresh and rejuvenated throughout the day.
2. Use Citrus Fruits On Scalp
Slice a lemon or an orange and squeeze the juice onto your hair. The citric acids in these fruits act as natural cleansers and deodorizers, eliminating any unpleasant odors. Remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid any sticky residue on your hair.
3. Apply Tea Rinse
Brew a strong herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, and let it cool. After shampooing, pour the tea over your hair as a final rinse. The tea will not only leave your hair smelling delightful but also add shine and vitality.
4. Try Apple Cider Vinegar
Dilute some apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a final rinse after shampooing. This age-old remedy not only removes build-up but also eliminates odor-causing bacteria, leaving your hair with a pleasant, clean scent. Also, astudy reports that apple cider vingegar has antimicrobial properties. (Yagnik, Darshna et al. “Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.” Scientific reports vol. 8,1 1732. 29 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x)
5. Spritz with Witch Hazel
Mix equal parts of water and witch hazel in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz your hair to freshen it up throughout the day. Witch hazel has natural antibacterial properties that help fight odor and leave your hair smelling clean and refreshed.
6. Use Baking Soda
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto your hairbrush and then brush your hair. The baking soda will absorb any unwanted odors and leave your hair smelling clean and fresh.
7. Perfume Your Hair Accessories
Spray your hairbrush, hair ties, or hair accessories with your favorite perfume or body mist. When you use them, the scent will transfer to your hair, keeping it pleasantly fragranced.
8. Opt for Herbal Hair Masks
Create a hair mask using herbs like rosemary, lavender, or chamomile. Mix the herbs with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and let the mixture sit for a few hours. Apply the mask to your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Not only will your hair smell amazing, but it will also benefit from the nourishing properties of the herbs.
9. Scented Hair Serums
Look for scented hair serums or leave-in conditioners that are specifically formulated to leave your hair smelling fresh. These products often contain delightful fragrances that will keep your hair smelling lovely throughout the day.
10. Freshen Up with Dryer Sheets
Rub a dryer sheet on your hair, focusing on the ends and any areas prone to odor. The sheet will help absorb any unwanted odors and leave your hair smelling clean and pleasant.
What Causes the Hair to Smell Bad
Excessive oil and sweat production, along with the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, are common culprits responsible for the unpleasant odor in our hair.
When sebaceous glands produce an excess amount of oil, it can mix with sweat and result in a greasy scalp, creating an ideal environment for bacteria growth. These bacteria feed on the oil and sweat, releasing foul-smelling substances known as volatile fatty acids. (Hodge BD, Sanvictores T, Brodell RT. Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands. [Updated 2022 Oct 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan)
Moreover, when we sweat, the moisture gets trapped in our hair, promoting bacterial growth and contributing to the odor. Environmental factors such as smoke or pollution can also cling to our hair, further intensifying the foul smell.
Additionally, hormonal imbalances, poor hygiene practices, and certain medical conditions can exacerbate the problem. To combat hair odor, it is essential to address these underlying causes and maintain proper hair hygiene to keep our locks smelling fresh and clean.
How To Prevent Hair From Smelling Bad
To maintain fresh-smelling hair and prevent it from developing unpleasant odor, there are several preventative measures you can take.
- First and foremost, it is crucial to wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo. This will eliminate any excess oil, dirt, and buildup that can contribute to bad smells.
- Additionally, make sure to thoroughly rinse out all hair styling products to avoid residue buildup. To combat excessive sweating, especially during physical activities, consider using a sweat-resistant headband or scarf to absorb moisture.
- It is also important to keep your scalp clean and healthy by addressing any underlying scalp conditions such as dandruff or fungal infections.
- Finally, avoid exposing your hair to strong odors like tobacco smoke or cooking smells, as these can easily cling to your locks. By following these preventative measures, you can enjoy long-lasting freshness and beautiful-smelling hair.
To sum it all up…
In this article, we have explored ten effective ways to make our hair smell pleasant without relying on dry shampoo.
By understanding the various causes that can lead to unpleasant hair odor, we can take proactive steps to combat them.
From incorporating essential oils into our hair care routine to using homemade hair sprays, we have discovered natural and affordable alternatives to achieve deliciously scented locks.
Additionally, maintaining good scalp hygiene, washing hair regularly with gentle products, and limiting the use of heat styling tools are essential practices.
Also Read:
Best Shampoos For Smelly Hair and Scalp
How To Get Campfire Smell Out Of Hair
To Summarize
