How to Make Your Scalp Smell Good (without Washing)

You can make your scalp smell good without shampooing it. But, why does your scalp smell so bad?

One of the main reasons is a sweaty scalp. Everyone has their own unique hair odor. It’s perfectly normal for people who exercise regularly, work outside in the heat, have a high fever, etc to sweat. If dirt, grime, and bacteria are not removed from the scalp, it’ll develop an unpleasant odor.

When the hair is washed on a regular basis, it smells clean and fresh. Skip a couple of days and the smell is highly noticeable. It’ll have a musky odor that nobody wants to be around. Without the opportunity to clean the hair, you should start to use an alternative. But, what are your options?

Smelly hair is embarrassing for the person it happens to and to those who around them. Some people are known to use exotic hair oils to remove the foul-smelling odor. Others use a dry shampoo to keep the hair smelling clean and fresh.

What is Smelly Hair Syndrome?

Some people are like magnets to odors. They pick up smells like cigarette smoke or odors from cooking and they linger in the hair. Regular washing will work for most people, however, it’s not really getting the job done this time around.

Is it possible that Smelly Hair Syndrome is the culprit? Does the hair smell like a “wet dog?” Do people say they smell mold when it’s really someone’s hair? The sebaceous gland attaches to the hair follicle and by doing so, it produces a lot of oil.

When the scalp over produces oil, it is more susceptible to picking up pollutants and other odors. Usually, those things smell bad from the start and when they attach themselves, they smell worse.

Smelly hair happens not because the hair is dirty but an underlying problem exists. One of the consequences is that it can be a real problem in relationships and when at work. There are many alternatives to washing the hair, so let’s look at your options.

How to Freshen Hair Without Washing

Oils made with an infusion of flowers and herbs not only nourish the hair but make it smell good. This is one of the best ways to give the hair proper nutrients and take away the harsh aroma.

• Jasmine Oil: It is easily one of the better fragrances and it promotes hair growth.
• Flowers: A flower in the hair is more than decoration.  It makes the hair smell great instantly.
• Hibiscus oil: Need a little more from an oil? Try hibiscus oil. It will help to strengthen the roots of the hair and also make it darker.
• Smoked essence: This is a practice used in ancient times to help dry long strands of hair. Princesses used aromatherapy to stimulate the senses but soon discovered the smoke would benefit the hair.
• Henna: Not everyone likes the aroma that comes from henna, but those who do believe their red hair smells the best.
• Avoid the Heat. Staying away from the heat is difficult during the winter, however, one should avoid sweating. No matter what anyone puts in their hair, sweating too much will counteract the good things done to prevent foul odors.

How to Keep the Hair Smelling Good All Day

Both women and men can have smelly, greasy hair. Odors generally come from a buildup of sweat on the scalp, dandruff, fungus, and other scalp conditions. It can be embarrassing, but it’s not something that is permanent.

There are numerous ways to make your scalp smell good without washing. Get rid of the awful smells coming from the scalp by using home remedies. Here are a few ideas to keep the hair smelling fresh longer.

Peppermint Oil

• Mix five tablespoons of olive oil together with ½ tsp of peppermint oil
• Apply up to one tsp to the scalp daily
• Rinse hair with lukewarm water
• Wash with organic shampoo
• Apply the peppermint and olive oils
• Cover with shower cap or towel
• Leave in for about 30 minutes or close to it

This will help the hair to grow as well. Strands are likely to be stronger coming from the roots of the hair than ever before as peppermint oil promotes hair growth.

Baking Soda

Most households trust baking soda to do a number of jobs.  No one should be surprised it is great for the scalp and scalp odors. Apply the baking soda to the scalp and rub in. Follow up with a comb to remove the excess and now the hair will smell fresher.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampooing is another way to refresh hair without washing. It may be one of the best secrets on the market today. It prevents oily buildup, soaks up excess moisture and reduces smells. Sprinkle or spray the dry shampoo over the scalp and comb through. The hair will stay fresh for longer.

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo, Keratin Infusion

With the Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo, the hair will remain manageable and oil free. Use it when washing is not an option or when washing is just not a good idea. There’s no visible residue to tend with.  Suave Professionals absorbs oils, dirt, and grime instantly.

Garnier Fructis Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo

Garnier offers the fastest way to extend the volume of the hair. Garnier Fructis Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo makes the hair smell fabulously fruity with a blend of grape extract and orange citrus.  Those lifeless locks instantly come alive. Spray on the hair to revive it. Brush or comb through so the oils are absorbed and the weight is lifted so it bounces like it’s supposed to.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Want incredibly high volume? Some feel it’s sexy. The texturizing shampoo is the same absorbing and brilliant finish that anyone will get a dry shampoo. Shake it, spray it and apply it to the strands. For shine and body, use Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

Best Smelling Hair Products

We all want to look their best and to smell their best, right? Well, most are particular about their hair and what products they use on it. Some of the best smelling hair products are online.

Although, there are undoubtedly some awesome places on the internet to find hair products that smell good, not every product will work the same for any two people. A good way to make your scalp smell good without washing is to use scented oils and hair perfumes.

Some of the best scents are soft and they don’t offend anyone. Here are some of the top smelling hair products that last a long time in the hair.

1. Pink Sugar Hair Perfume

Since 2004 women have taken advantage of this sweet delicious smelling perfume. Its aroma is perfect for the day and it is for the night.  Wear it to work or to play. Just apply to the pulse points to turn heads all day.

Remember, certain perfumes will smell differently on different people. The natural smell of a person’s body, body chemistry, their diet, stress, and mood all have an impact on how the scent will smell.

More so, the condition of the skin, whether it’s oily or dry will determine how long will a scent last after it’s on the skin.

2. Moroccanoil Treatment

Looking for a signature fragrance? Moroccan oil has a profound vanilla aroma most people find incredibly irresistible.

3. Batiste Dry Shampoo, Original Fragrance

The fragrance to try is the original Batiste Dry Shampoo. It’s a classic blend of musk and lavender. Use it when there’s no time to wash with water. The shampoo absorbs the excess scalp oil, dirt and product buildup making the hair lifeless.

4. Burberry Brit Rhythm for Her Hair Mist

Burberry is a name most people are familiar with and trust. As luck would have it, the Brit Rhythm Hair Mist is available online. The user will be happy using an intoxicating mixture of musk, orange blossom, blackberry leaves and vetiver oil.

Preventable Causes of Smelly Hair

Typically, a person’s hair will smell because of not washing often enough, however, there are other reasons why the hair will carry a foul odor. Scalp infections are one of the main causes of smelly, greasy hair. Dandruff or yeast infections (Candida) may call for treatments beyond fragrances.

The dermatologist will determine what to do about fungal or bacterial infection of the scalp. The doctor will prescribe a treatment to remove the infection. Often it will only take a day or so for (zinc pyrithione) shampoo to work.

• Pro Tip: On the other hand, the infection can be removed by mixing coconut oil and tea tree oil together and massaging it in. Leave it in for about 60 minutes and wash out. Some people leave it in overnight for maximum benefit.

Toxic Buildup Makes the Hair Smell Bad

Toxins accumulate on the scalp. In order to get rid of them, try detoxing. While detoxing, eat or drink fresh greens, fruits, water and herbal teas. Do a 2-day cleanse and see the results as the metabolism returns to normal. Detoxing also cleanses the colon.

Putting an End to Smelly Hair Syndrome

There are numerous causes for smelly hair, including the environment. More so, it’s the excess of oils from the scalp. However, the people who eat pungent foods are likely to have smelly hair. Now, many are surprised by this, but it’s highly possible and true.

When people eat spicy foods, like curry or fish, their hair can give off a foul-smelling odor. Well, there is a fungal condition that has the same consequence and people often associate that smell with a wet dog.

These odors are irritating and awkward, and some people don’t realize that there are causes and reasons for it. Unfortunately, these people have a scalp condition or fungal infection of the scalp. It is likely the reason they can’t even wash the smell away.

The good news is there are ways to defeat the infection. Otherwise essential oils and dry shampoos are quick and effective ways to make your scalp smell good without washing.