Hair perfumes are emerging as must-have products in personal care routines. These fragrances are affordable alternatives to traditional premium perfumes. They offer additional benefits like hydration and UV protection.
Consumers are seeking ways to improve their grooming. Thus, these hair perfumes are bridging the gap between functionality and indulgence. Their ability to provide long-lasting fragrance while caring for hair health is quickly turning them into a staple.
This blog offers insights into the growing demand for hair fragrances and the key opportunities for businesses in 2025/26.
Table of Contents
The hair perfume business opportunity
Key consumers and markets for hair perfumes
What actions can you take to leverage this opportunity?
Prioritize hair health in product formulation
Explore fragrance layering
Create products that spark joy
Create fragrances that last long
Final takeaway
The hair perfume business opportunity
Demand for hair fragrances is on the rise. Modern consumers are looking for hair care products that leave long-lasting scents as well as nourishing the hair. This development is part of the ongoing movement of “skinification of hair,” which entails taking care of the scalp and hair with the same level of care as the skin.
Shoppers are seeking hair scents that define their identity. As a result, searches for “hair perfume” have doubled in recent years. The hashtag #HairPerfume’s lifespan and trend strength is at a score of 7 based on WGSN’s TikTok analytics data. With over 100 million views on TikTok, this hashtag reflects the popularity of hair fragrances.
The trend presents an opportunity for beauty brands to innovate products that appeal to the modern beauty-conscious audience. However, they must go beyond basic scents to include functional benefits, such as unique formulations, affordability, and customization.
As this trend continues to evolve, hair perfumes stand to become a cornerstone of self-expression and well-being. This will provide brands with a lucrative avenue to redefine the fragrance industry and strengthen their competitive position.
Key consumers and markets for hair perfumes
Hair perfumes are gaining traction across multiple consumer demographics. The “gleamers” spanning all generations are drawn to hair scents that combine functionality with luxury. This allows them to incorporate a touch of indulgence into their daily routines.
However, young adults, particularly those active on social media platforms like TikTok, are the most enthusiastic adopters. There is also growing interest among young male consumers. The Sunday Life beauty editor Stephanie Darling says, “Young boys are embracing scent more than ever before. You only need to look at TikTok to see this.” These young generations are exploring and adopting luxury scents from well-known and new brands.
Globally, the hair perfume market is witnessing early adoption in regions such as SWANA and the UAE. Fragrance in these regions is deeply embedded in cultural traditions. Thus, they serve as trendsetters, influencing global beauty standards and setting the stage for broader market adoption.
Growth opportunities are rapidly emerging in countries like the UK, Australia, and the US, where premium fragrance demand is on the rise.
What actions can you take to leverage this opportunity?
Businesses tapping into this hair scent trend are recording significant growth. John Lewis saw a 76% increase in sales of hair mists from brands like Chanel, MFK, and Jo Malone London. These brands are winning over customers by creating innovative and affordable products.
Brands looking to tap into this trend must adopt a strategic approach that prioritizes both product performance and user experience. Below are four actionable steps brands can take to capitalize on the potential of hair perfumes.
Prioritize hair health in product formulation
Hair perfumes should not only provide a pleasant scent but also promote hair and scalp health. Businesses should consider replacing alcohol-based solvents with gentler alternatives that are less drying. They should also integrate ingredients known for their nourishing properties, such as hair growth, enhancing shine, or balancing the scalp’s microbiome.
Another strategy is to explore dual-purpose formulations that function as a hybrid product. These include combining dry shampoo benefits with luxurious fragrances. Prioritizing hair health helps brands differentiate themselves and build trust with health-conscious consumers.
Explore fragrance layering
Modern shoppers are increasingly interested in a 360-degree sensory experience. This involves layering scents across various products, from body care to laundry essentials. Hair perfumes can become a vital part of this ecosystem by offering a unique fragrance story that complements other scented beauty items.
To stand out, brands should explore how their hair perfumes interact with existing product lines, ensuring harmony in scent profiles. This approach allows customers to curate personalized, cohesive olfactory experiences that add depth and sophistication to their daily routines.
Create products that spark joy
Consumers love products that make them feel special. Brands can improve hair perfumes by focusing on luxurious packaging, novel textures, and storytelling. Think outside the box with unique offerings such as collectible keychains, scented hair foams, or opulent full-bodied fragrances like oud.
Embedding an element of ritual and exclusivity into the products can transform them into a cherished part of consumers’ beauty routines. This helps build loyalty and emotional connection to the brand.
Create fragrances that last long
Consumers are increasingly looking for fragrances with staying power. Collaborating with ingredient manufacturers can help develop hair perfumes that contain scents for extended wear. This would ensure a strong scent that lingers throughout the day.
Highlighting the longevity of the products through clinical testing and data-backed claims can build credibility. This emphasis on performance will attract value-conscious buyers who seek premium results without a premium price tag.
Final takeaway
The rise of hair perfumes represents an exciting opportunity for beauty brands to innovate and meet evolving consumer demands. Companies can position themselves at the forefront of this emerging trend by focusing on hair health, leveraging fragrance layering, creating memorable experiences, and delivering long-lasting scents.
With a growing global interest in functional and luxurious beauty solutions, tapping into the potential of hair perfumes enhances product portfolios and strengthens brand appeal in a competitive market. Now is the time for brands to seize this moment and redefine the role of fragrance in everyday routines.
