We all want fresh, clean-smelling hair. But daily washing with shampoo can dry out your locks and cause damage over time. Fortunately, there are easy ways to keep your hair smelling great between washes.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover simple tips and tricks to banish bad hair days and make your tresses smell amazing without shampooing. From quick touch-ups to nourishing treatments, read on to learn how to make your hair smell incredible!
Why Hair Gets Smelly
Before we get into solutions, let’s look at why hair starts to smell bad in the first place:
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Oil buildup – Sebum secreted by the scalp can lead to a foul odor if allowed to accumulate.
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Sweat – Perspiration from exercise or hot weather also causes bad smells.
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Product residue – Hair products like gels and mousse can get smelly as they mix with oils.
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Smoke/pollution – Environmental contaminants also get trapped in hair.
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Bacteria – Microbes on the scalp can produce unpleasant odors.
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Dandruff – Flaky scalp skin has a distinctive smell when shed.
So there are many culprits that can cause malodorous hair. Regular washing clears away these odor sources. But in between washes, a few simple tricks can keep your locks fresh.
Dry Shampoo
One of the quickest ways to revive dirty hair is dry shampoo. It absorbs grease and sweat to refresh your strands.
How to use:
- Hold 6 inches from hair and spray onto oily roots. Let sit 2 minutes.
- Massage in with fingers to distribute then brush through hair.
- Adds volume too! Reapply to stubborn spots as needed.
Look for one labeled “non-aerosol” for less environmental impact.
Essential Oils
Essential oils not only smell amazing but can also neutralize and mask existing odors in your hair.
Some great options are:
- Lavender – Floral, relaxing scent
- Lemon – Uplifting citrus scent
- Peppermint – Cooling herbal scent
- Tea tree – Clean, medicinal eucalyptus scent
How to use:
- Mix 2-3 drops of essential oil with 2 tablespoons carrier oil like jojoba, coconut or argan oil.
- Massage into your scalp and smooth over hair lengths.
- Breathe in the lovely aroma! Lasts all day.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. It helps absorb oil and odors from both your scalp and strands.
How to use:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable paste.
- Gently massage into scalp and hair from roots to ends.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before brushing out. Rinse if possible.
Use once a week. For fine hair, use less baking soda to avoid dryness.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is great for removing buildup and getting rid of smells in your hair. Its light fruity scent also smells better than dirty hair!
How to use:
- Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spritz over your hair, focusing on the roots and scalp area.
- Let sit for a few minutes before brushing through.
Dryer Sheets
Using dryer sheets isn’t just for laundry! They can refresh smelly hair too.
How to use:
- For a quick fix, wipe a dryer sheet over your hair like you would a towel.
- Can also brush hair with a clean sheet for more even distribution.
Leaves hair lightly scented and residue-free!
Leave-In Treatments
Nourishing hair masks and leave-in conditioners keep hair clean-smelling by moisturizing and protecting your strands.
How to use:
- Apply desired leave-in treatment to shampooed, towel-dried hair.
- Evenly distribute from roots to ends.
- Can be rinsed out or left in.
Look for light, nourishing formulas like argan oil.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great odor eliminator for your hair. It removes buildup and leaves a light citrusy scent.
How to use:
- In a spray bottle, mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice with 1 cup water.
- Lightly mist over hair and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse clean. Avoid direct sun after applying.
Use once or twice a week for best results.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has incredible odor-absorbing powers. It pulls smells from hair without stripping natural oils.
How to use:
- In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon activated charcoal powder with enough water or aloe vera gel to form a paste.
- Apply over hair and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly – charcoal can be messy!
Talcum Powder
Similar to dry shampoo, talcum powder soaks up excess oils that cause foul smells in hair.
How to use:
- Sprinkle sparingly onto oily roots. Tap off any excess.
- Leave in for 2-3 minutes before brushing out.
- Great for black hair as it blends in.
Look for talc-free options which are safer.
Tips for Keeping Hair Fresh Between Washes
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Use a boar bristle brush to evenly distribute your hair’s natural oils.
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Change your pillowcase at least once a week.
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Avoid heavy hair products like pomades that can get smelly.
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Let hair air dry instead of heat styling to minimize damage.
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Refresh with a quick spritz of water or dry conditioner spray.
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Wear a shower cap when active to prevent sweat-soaked hair.
When to See a Doctor
See your doctor or dermatologist if:
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You notice bald spots, patches of scaling, redness, or itching on your scalp.
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Your hair smells bad immediately after washing.
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You have hair loss/breakage along with a smelly scalp.
Foul persistent odors could indicate an underlying health condition requiring medical treatment.
The Bottom Line
The key to great-smelling hair is starting with a clean scalp and removing buildup. But between washes, you can keep your tresses fresh with dry shampoo, essential oils, vinegar rinses, and other odor-banishing tricks.
Pay attention to your hair’s needs and tweak your solution routine as required. With the right mix of cleansing, scent masking, and nourishing your locks, you can skip a day or two between shampoos and enjoy fabulous fragrant hair!