Hair perfume has surged in interest over the past year indicating people are more invested than ever in making sure their strands smell good. If you want to infuse your hair with fruity scents, beachy notes or even ultra-luxe oud, why not start with shampoo? We’ve rounded up a list of the best-smelling shampoos that have stopped us in our tracks at the sheer scent of them, not to mention all the benefits they have for hair health.
Shampoos that smell so good, you can skip the hair perfume
The Best-Smelling Shampoos That Will Get You Compliments Long After Your Shower
California Naturals Classic Coconut Shampoo ($10)
With Owen Wilson as their Chief Shampoo Officer putting each formula to the test, it’s no surprise this smells like a $10 bottle of sunshine. One customer wrote that the shampoo has “the perfect coconut smell that makes you feel like you are on a beach.” Scented with food-grade fragrance and filled with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients this is a formula we can get behind.
Dae Signature Shampoo ($24)
Honestly, I just learned the shampoo that inspired me to write this roundup has been discontinued, and I’m heartbroken. Luckily, the scent, modeled after the desert after the rain, is still available inDae’s Monsoon Moisture Mask ($32). But as for shampoo, the brand’s signature formula smells just as divine with notes of warm citrus.
Saltair Volume Boost Thickening Shampoo ($12)
Saltair’s newest launch was developed to help boost the volume and density of fine, thin hair, but if you’ve ever tried a Saltair product, you know that an awe-inspiring scent is always part of the package. Notes of bergamot, grapefruit and ozonic musks will transport you to a tropical lagoon.
Philip B. Forever Shine Shampoo ($90)
My colleague said she wishes she could have this shampoo as a perfume, noting that she loves the sexy, seductive notes of pure oud. It’s certainly one of the most luxe scents on the list, plus it helps reduce frizz and boost shine.
Native Jarritos Passion Fruit Volumizing Shampoo ($10)
If you love Jarritos, the fruity Mexican sodas, you’ll fall head over heels for their collaboration with Native. While all the scents are fresh and delicious, passion fruit is a favorite. A $10 volumizing shampoo that smells like summer? Sign us up.
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Wash ($37)
Gisou’s hair perfume is widely beloved, but if you don’t want to add another step to your routine, we recommend using their Honey Infused Hair Wash. It’ll leave behind the brand's gorgeous signature honey scent while cleansing and hydrating hair.
Ceremonia Guava Protect & Repair Shampoo ($22)
This shampoo is formulated specifically to treat damaged, color-treated hair. It protects against UV, color and heat damage and repairs already fried strands. The fact that one reviewer notes that the guava-scented shampoo “smells like heaven” feels like yet another perk in a long line of benefits.
Crown Affair The Hydrating Shampoo ($38)
This shampoo features the brand’s unique signature scent—an uplifting fragrance with botanical, fresh notes. The brand notes that the scent reminds them of Japan in the 70s. Reviewers note that they got compliments on how their hair smelled well after their shower.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Strengthening + Smoothing Shampoo ($26)
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve likely smelled or heard about Sol de Janeiro's iconic Cheriosa '62 scent, made popular by the brand’s Bum Bum Cream. They’ve channeled those striking notes of pistachio, vanilla, salted caramel, almond and sandalwood into a shampoo for a head-to-toe sensorial experience.
VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Shampoo ($48)
Divinely scented shampoos and serious hair benefits don’t have to be exclusive, thanks to this shampoo. This thickening formula helps support those with thinning hair while also smelling of bright citrus bergamot.
Being Frenshe Restore Shampoo in Lavender Cloud ($16)
Ashley Tisdale’s brand, Being Frenshe, is all about incredible scents at accessible prices, and this shampoo delivers on both fronts. Notes of lavender, sage, coconut milk and purple iris will have your head in the clouds.
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo ($53)
Oribe’s Gold Lust is bound to come up in any conversation about best-smelling shampoos, but the scent itself is hard to place. It’s fresh and super gender-neutral. The best way to describe it is smelling like the first day of spring weather.
Ouai Detox Clarifying Shampoo ($32)
If you’re looking for a clarifying shampoo that still serves up a fun scent even while doing some serious detoxing, try Ouai’s. This formula features one of the brand’s iconic scents, Melrose Place, with notes of rose, bergamot, lychee, white musk and champagne.
