How to Make Your Hair Smell Better Longer

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Do you smoke or work in a greasy kitchen? Are you an athlete who sweats a lot? Are you anticipating a time when you won't be able to wash your hair for a few days? If so, there are lots of ways to keep your hair smelling good for a long time.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Keeping Smells Out of Your Hair

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  1. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it's key, particularly if you have oily hair. Oily hair tends to pick up environmental smells. [1] [2]
  2. Smoke can cling to your hair and linger there for a long time, and it's very hard to mask it. If you can't completely stop smoking, try to only smoke outside and never in enclosed areas like cars. If you live or work with people who smoke, do your best to stay away from them while they're smoking or encourage them to do it outside.
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  3. If you work in a kitchen or are going to be at a smoke-filled party, cover your hair if you can. [3] In a kitchen, wear a hairnet, kerchief, or a hat if the dress code permits. At a party, opt for a hat or a cute bandana.
    • If you can't cover your hair, put it up in a bun, which will limit the amount of hair that is exposed to the smell.
  4. Anything that comes in contact with your hair (hats, kerchiefs, helmets, scrunchies, headbands, and pillowcases) can pick up the smell of your hair when it's not clean and then transfer that smell back to you when you wear them on clean hair. Keep these items as clean as possible.
  5. Especially if you use products that build up in your hair and on your brush, you could be forcing smells into your hair when you brush it. Try to clean them out about once a week.
    • If there is so much hair in your brush that you can't pull it out with your hands, slide a pen or pencil under the hair in the brush and pull upward.
    • You can also use scissors to get stubborn hair out of your brush, just be careful not to harm the bristles. Insert the scissors parallel to the rows of bristles.
    • For an extra clean brush , fill up your sink with warm water and add about a tablespoon of shampoo. Wash your de-haired brush in the sink, rinse it well, and let it dry.
  6. Zoophilic fungi grow on animals and can transfer themselves to humans. These fungi breed in warm, damp conditions, so even if you wash your hair, you may not be able to remove them. [4]
    • Sometimes very close contact with pets can transfer zoophilic fungi to humans even if you don't share a brush.
    • If you suspect that you have acquired a fungus from an animal, see a doctor. You may need both an anti-fungal pill and an anti-fungal shampoo.
  7. Dry shampoo is designed to absorb oil and will help soak up smells as well. [5] Spray it liberally onto your hair before you come into contact with smells. Make sure that you spray it all over your hair. After you encounter the smells, brush your hair thoroughly to help release them from the hair.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Adding Products to Your Hair to Make it Smell Good

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  1. You can buy a variety of perfumes designed especially for hair, and these are your best option. You can use regular perfume occasionally as well, but since it's not designed for hair, it can leave your hair oily or dry, so use it infrequently.
    • Don't spray perfume not meant for hair directly on your hair. It might ruin your hairstyle, weigh down your hair, or leave a shiny looking spot. [6]
  2. Many are antimicrobial and can help you avoid scalp infections (which tend to lead to smelly hair). Tea tree oil, lavender oil, vanilla oil, and peppermint oil are all good options. Add 2-3 drops to a cup of water, and massage the mixture into your scalp. Leave it in for about twenty minutes before you shampoo your hair. [7]
    • Alternatively, you can add essential oils to your shampoo. Use about two drops per ounce of shampoo.
  3. Particularly if you already use hair products, add a delicious smelling one into your routine. Smells from these products won't necessarily last all day, so consider keeping small refresher bottles with you in a purse or bag.
    • Some brands even make hair refreshing sprays. Salt water sprays also work well for this purpose and won't weigh down strands.
  4. Deep conditioners are designed to keep your hair soft and prevent breakage, but they can also add delightful smells to your hair. Most brands recommend that you use them every couple of weeks, but check the directions to be sure.
    • For an extra deep clean, warm up your conditioner before using it. Place the closed container in a sink full of hot water for about a minute before applying it to your hair.
    • Alternate between a deep conditioner that is intended to moisturize (look for ingredients such as emollient butters and oils, glycerin, and aloe vera) and another that is intended to strengthen (look for hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, keratin, and henna). [8]
  5. Many beauty experts believe that store bought shampoos strip the natural oil out of your hair. One advantage to making your own shampoo is that you can make it smell however you want! There are dozens of recipes out there, but here's one that doesn't call for too many hard-to-find ingredients. Mix together the following and use like regular shampoo: [9]
    • 1/2 cup distilled water
    • 1/4 cup liquid castile soap (soap made of plant oils)
    • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
    • 1/8 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
    • 1/8 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
    • 10-15 drops of the essential oil of your choice
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Creating Rinses to Make Your Hair Smell Good

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  1. Baking soda can reduce the amount of oil in your hair and neutralize odors. [10] In a bowl or glass, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 3/4 cup of water. It will form a paste. (Double these amounts if your hair is past your shoulders.) Wet your hair, and apply the baking soda and water mixture. Leave it in for about five minutes, and then wash your hair with shampoo. Do this about once a week. [11]
  2. Apply rose water directly onto your hair. Massage the rose water into your scalp. Let it soak in for 20 minutes, then wash your hair as you normally would. The rose water will leave a lingering scent of roses. [12]
    • Rose water can be drying, so use it sparingly.
  3. Lemons are great for making your hair smell fresh, and they also fight dandruff. Shampoo your hair first. Squeeze two fresh lemons into 1 cup of water, and then massage the juice into your hair. Let it soak for up to ten minutes. Be sure to condition afterwards so that the juice doesn't dry your hair out.
    • Lemon juice is astringent and may dry out your hair.
    • Beware that lemon juice also tends to lighten your hair and bring out highlights, especially if you go out in the sun with it still in.
    • You can also add an essential oil to the lemon-water mixture, but it's not necessary since lemons already have a very strong smell.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I make the scent of my shampoo to last longer than a day?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You probably can't make the smell last longer than a day without rewashing, but sealing the cuticle will maximize longevity. After you're done styling your hair, hit it with the cool shot on your hair dryer. The cold air will seal the cuticle, locking in the smell.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 22
  • Question
    I wash my hair every time it's needed but the smell keeps coming. What should I do?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You may need to try a different shampoo or shampooing technique. When trying to remove smells from the hair, apply shampoo at the scalp and massage, then rub down the strands, holding sections flat between hands and pushing shampoo into strands, working toward tips. Also make sure to condition your hair, it will help it absorb less from the environment.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 9
  • Question
    I straighten my hair every day. As a result, I've started losing my hair. What is an alternative option for straightening, and how do I control hair fall?
    II BoomSmash II
    Community Answer
    Use a heat spray on your hair to prevent this and try to straighten your hair no more than four times a week to prevent hair loss.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • See a doctor if you nothing else works. Sometimes very smelly hair can be a result of an infection. If you are experiencing other symptoms such as a fever, chills, vomiting, or a rash, or if nothing is improving the smell of your hair, talk to a physician. Occasionally, smelly hair can also be the result of a hormonal imbalance. Particularly if you are noticing other symptoms such as excessive hair growth or acne, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about a possible hormone issue. [13]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0


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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2014492/Have-got-Smelly-Hair-Syndrome.html
      2. ↑ https://www.boldsky.com/beauty/hair-care/2013/how-to-make-hair-smell-good-naturally-034176.html
      3. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2014492/Have-got-Smelly-Hair-Syndrome.html
      4. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2014492/Have-got-Smelly-Hair-Syndrome.html
      5. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
      6. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/07/hair-perfume-never-knew-you-needed_n_7223302.html
      7. ↑ https://www.boldsky.com/beauty/hair-care/2013/how-to-make-hair-smell-good-naturally-034176.html
      8. ↑ http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/kinky-hair-type-4a/the-dos-and-donts-of-deep-conditioning/
      9. ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/all-natural-shampoo/
      1. ↑ https://www.enkivillage.org/how-to-get-rid-of-smelly-hair.html
      2. ↑ https://www.boldsky.com/beauty/hair-care/2013/how-to-make-hair-smell-good-naturally-034176.html
      3. ↑ https://beautyhealthtips.in/beauty-benefits-rose-water-skin-care-hair-care-eye-care-rose-water/
      4. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2014492/Have-got-Smelly-Hair-Syndrome.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make your hair smell better for longer, try keeping unpleasant smells out of your hair. Wash your hair at least twice a week with shampoo to keep oils from building up. It also helps to regularly wash anything that comes into contact with your hair, like headbands and pillowcases, so they don’t transfer bad smells to your hair. Additionally, clean your brush or comb about once a week so it doesn't start to smell bad. If you already use hair products like hairspray or dry shampoo, try adding a product that smells really good to your routine to freshen up your hair every day. For tips about how to make your own shampoo to make your hair smell better longer, keep reading!

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