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Easy DIY Hair Perfume with Essential Oils Recipe

Discover how to make your own DIY hair perfume spray using natural essential oils. Learn tips for long-lasting scent, benefits, and usage for all hair

 

Woman spraying homemade hair mist on  hair

Ever had one of those moments when someone walked by and their hair smelled so good it made you do a double take? You can totally have that kind of hair too—without buying expensive store sprays packed with synthetic fragrance. Let’s talk about how to make your own DIY hair mist using nourishing, natural hair perfume essential oils that don’t just smell divine—they also love your hair back.

This post is your go-to guide on how to make hair spray smell good, naturally and beautifully.

Why Make Your Own Hair Perfume Spray?

Commercial hair mists often contain alcohol that can dry out your hair or cause buildup over time. But a homemade version? It’s customizable, gentle, alcohol-free (or just a touch if you choose), and made entirely of ingredients you trust. And the best part? You get to choose exactly how your hair smells—soft florals, zesty citrus, earthy woods... dreamy.

Benefits of DIY Hair Mist

  • Refreshes second-day hair without washing

  • Neutralizes smells (smoke, food, pollution)

  • Adds natural scent that’s soft and not overpowering

  • Can boost shine and softness if you add a little oil

  • Safe for most hair types, even color-treated

Think of it as your hair’s happy little pick-me-up throughout the day.

What You’ll Need

Let’s break down what goes into a natural hair perfume spray:

Ingredient Why It’s Important
Distilled water or floral hydrosol Light and refreshing base
Witch hazel or a tiny bit of alcohol Helps blend essential oils
Jojoba or argan oil (optional) Adds moisture and shine
Essential oils Provide scent and hair benefits

Pro tip: Use an amber glass spray bottle—it protects the oils from sunlight and keeps your blend fresh longer.

Best Essential Oils for Hair Perfume

Essential oils used for making homemade hair mist

Here’s where you get creative. Choose oils that smell amazing and offer benefits for your hair and scalp.

  • Lavender – Floral, calming, scalp-soothing

  • Rosemary – Stimulates growth, adds freshness

  • Ylang-Ylang – Deeply floral and romantic

  • Peppermint – Cooling and energizing

  • Cedarwood – Earthy and balancing

  • Orange or Bergamot – Bright and clean (just avoid sun exposure right after)

Mix and match based on your mood or the season!

DIY hair perfume spray bottle with essential oils

Essential Oil Scent Profile Hair Benefits
Lavender Floral Soothes scalp, adds shine
Rosemary Herbal Stimulates growth, refreshes scalp
Ylang-Ylang Floral Moisturizes, reduces breakage
Peppermint Herbal / Minty Cooling, energizing scalp
Cedarwood Woody / Earthy Balances scalp oils, promotes growth
Orange Citrus Brightens scent, cleanses scalp

Simple DIY Hair Perfume Spray Recipe

Makes about 120 ml / 4 oz

You’ll Need:

  • ½ cup distilled water or rose hydrosol

  • 1 tbsp witch hazel (or vodka if preferred)

  • 1 tsp jojoba or argan oil

  • ~30 drops essential oils (your choice!)

Suggested Blend:

  • 8 drops lavender

  • 6 drops peppermint

  • 5 drops rosemary

  • 5 drops cedarwood

  • 6 drops orange

Instructions:

Step-by-step process of mixing hair perfume spray

  1. Add your ingredients to a clean spray bottle.

  2. Shake well.

  3. Store in a cool, dark place.

  4. Shake before every use.

Glass spray bottle with floral hair perfume ingredients

How to use: Lightly mist your hair mid-length to ends. You can also spritz a bit onto your brush before combing.

Hair Type How to Use Hair Mist
Curly Hair Mist lightly on mid-lengths and ends. Avoid roots to prevent frizz.
Fine Hair Spray sparingly to avoid weighing hair down. Focus on lengths, not scalp.
Oily Hair Apply mostly on hair ends and freshen scalp with occasional light sprays.
Dry Hair Apply generously on mid-lengths and ends to add moisture and shine.
Normal Hair Use as desired for a light, refreshing scent throughout the day.

Fun Variations to Try

 Close-up of natural essential oils for hair fragrance

  1. Lavender-Rose Mist – dreamy and floral

  2. Citrus Mint Refresh – for hot summer days

  3. Jasmine-Chamomile – relaxing bedtime scent

  4. Rosemary-Tea Tree – scalp-cleansing for oily hair

  5. Vanilla-Coconut – warm, sweet, and vacation-like

You can keep the base the same and simply switch out the essential oils depending on your mood. It’s that easy.

 A Few Quick Safety Notes

  • Shake before every use – oil and water separate naturally.

  • Avoid spraying directly on the scalp or face.

  • Do a patch test first, especially if you’re sensitive to scents.

  • If using citrus oils, avoid direct sun exposure immediately after.

 Bonus Tips for Great Hair Days

  • Keep a mini bottle in your purse or gym bag.

  • Use it to freshen up after cooking, a workout, or during a hot commute.

  • Reapply midday for a scent boost and light hydration.

  • Make a few different blends for different vibes—romantic, energizing, calming.

 
Refreshing hair mist applied on dry hair strands

How to Use DIY Hair Mist on Curly Hair

Curly hair tends to be drier and more delicate, so using a DIY hair mist can be a great way to refresh your curls without weighing them down. When applying your homemade hair perfume spray, hold the bottle about 8–10 inches away from your hair and lightly mist around your curls. Avoid spraying directly onto the roots or scalp to prevent any buildup. Instead, focus on mid-lengths to ends, where your curls need moisture and fragrance the most. Using natural essential oils like ylang-ylang or lavender can also help define curls and add a subtle shine.

Can I Use Hair Perfume Every Day?

Yes! You can safely use hair perfume every day, especially if it’s made from natural ingredients and essential oils. Unlike regular perfumes, hair mists are usually lighter and less concentrated, so they won’t overwhelm your senses or dry out your hair. Just be mindful to avoid over-spraying, as too much liquid could cause buildup or make your hair feel sticky. A light spritz each morning or whenever you need a fresh scent is perfect. Plus, natural essential oils often provide added benefits, like scalp soothing and hair strengthening, when used regularly.

Best Time to Apply Hair Mist

The best time to apply your DIY hair mist is right after you’ve styled your hair or anytime you want to refresh your scent and add a little extra moisture. Applying it to dry or slightly damp hair helps the fragrance linger longer. Many people like to spritz their hair mist in the morning after getting ready, or in the evening before going out, for a subtle, natural scent boost. Avoid spraying immediately before exercise or sweating to keep the scent fresh and lasting longer throughout the day.

 

Bottom Line

A homemade DIY hair mist isn’t just a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought sprays—it’s a little act of self-care that makes you feel confident, fresh, and beautiful. With essential oils, your hair can smell like a dream while getting all the benefits of natural ingredients.

So go ahead—get creative, personalize your scent, and enjoy those magical hair-flip moments!