Did you know that many people base their shampoo purchase on fragrance alone? And who doesn’t want to use an incredible-smelling shampoo? Whether you love minty-fresh fragrances or irresistible floral essential oils, your shampoo should smell so good, you’re always excited to hop in the shower and wash your hair.
So, how do you find the best-smelling shampoo? Go to the store and smell every shampoo? Well, not only will you look like a weirdo, but smelling shampoo is difficult since we all have to wear masks. Instead, read our recommendations for the best-smelling shampoo!
At a Glance: My Favorite Smelling Shampoo
- Klorane Shampoo With Peony: Best Fresh Scent
- Nexxus Clean And Pure Clarifying Shampoo: Best Overall
- Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo: Best Amazing Scent
- Ouai Thick Shampoo: Best Perfume Scent
- Kerastase Bain Chronologiste: Best Masculine Scent
This lightweight, clarifying shampoo gently cleanses, leaving hair nourished and purified.
Different Shampoo Fragrances
Before we go into the recommendations, let’s look at some of the most popular types of shampoo fragrances.
Clean
Clean scents are one of the most common fragrances you’ll find in shampoos. It’s a hard fragrance to describe, I guess you can call it fresh? I guess not too fruity but also not too floral. Clean scents are a blend of multiple fragrances that aren’t overpowering but still smell nice. The smell of rain is the best example of a clean fragrance I can think of.
Floral
Floral scents are ultra-feminine and are a favorite for many people. There is an assortment of floral scents you can find in shampoo.
White flowers, such as gardenia, have a sweet scent. Lavender is another famous scent that has a light scent that’s very relaxing. Other flowers, such as sunflowers, are unique because their scent is earthy and nutty. And then you have famous scents such as roses, which have a memorable musky yet sweet scent. Overall, there’s a floral fragrance out there for just about everyone.
Island
I’m not sure what to call this fragrance type. You know the fragrances I’m talking about? The shampoos that smell like the ocean? Coconut is also a very popular one I see constantly. Either way, I’m calling them island fragrances. The beachy scents are unlike anything else in the world. Using these island shampoos will take anyone to an island paradise in their daily shower routine.
Fruity
I also often find fruity fragrances in various shampoos. Many shampoos also mix different scents with fruit fragrances, such as floral. Fruity scents are very lovely and refreshing. Some fruity fragrances, such as citrus, can help you wake up in the morning. Citrus is very bright and energizing, making it the perfect addition to your shower.
Vanilla
Vanilla is an extremely popular scent. The right vanilla-scented shampoo isn’t overpowering but still smells very pleasant. Vanilla naturally has a warm and creamy fragrance. When combined with different fragrances, vanilla can smell very exotic. Overall, vanilla is the classic feminine scent and is perfect when used in shampoo.
Milk
This is another fragrance I’m not sure what else to call it.
They’re creamy but aren’t sweet enough to be called vanilla. Milk is the only name that comes to mind. I guess you can call it a dessert scent since they’re decadent, but they have that sophistication that other dessert scents don’t have. A lot of these shampoos also have scents with names such as “almond oil” and “honey,” if you want a specific example.
Mint
Mint shampoo is just so refreshing. Many shampoo companies add peppermint or spearmint extract to their shampoos. This not only makes shampoo smell amazing but peppermint is good for the scalp. Peppermint increases circulation, which could promote hair growth. That, and many people love the tingly sensation of mint and tea tree oil shampoos.
Do Drugstore or Professional Shampoos Smell Better?
There will always be the argument of drugstore versus professional shampoos, in regard to quality. But what about in regard to fragrance?
Well, both smell amazing. There are some seriously incredible-smelling drugstore shampoos out there. The nice aspect about drugstore shampoos is you can find ones with unique scents and fragrance combinations. I definitely notice that pro shampoos have more of a revitalizing and clean scent, though they do smell heavenly.
Does Dry Shampoo Smell Good?
For the days in-between washes, you’ll need something that will keep your tresses smelling amazing. Fortunately, most brands offer scented dry shampoo for this reason.
I’m currently using dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Dry Shampoo. Don’t worry, it doesn’t smell like apple cider vinegar. Instead, it has a very light floral scent. On top of that, I’m using Verb Ghost Dry Conditioner Oil. I love this scent the most. It has a refreshing and clean scent that lasts all day.
This oil-absorbing dry shampoo helps your hair look like you just left the shower; Skip the normal wash-dry-style routine.
A lightweight vanishing oil that works to extend a blowout, condition ends, add shine and prevent damage from washing and styling.
Another great smelling dry shampoo is OGX Extra Strength Refresh + Restore Dry Shampoo. It has a rejuvenating fragrance, something between coconut and vanilla.
This dry shampoo blended with coconut, tiare essence, & vanilla bean extract, helps absorb oil, extend your style, & revive your strands. Keeps hair feeling fresh between washes.
How We Chose The Best Smelling Shampoos
We understand that everyone prefers different fragrances. This is why we made sure to include a variety of different shampoos with a wide selection of fragrances so everyone can find something they like.
But when it comes to shampoo, the smell isn’t everything. This is why we judged these shampoos on other factors, such as:
- How often to use the shampoo. For example, can you use this shampoo daily?
- Performance, i.e. does it clean your hair well?
- Maintains hair health
- It doesn’t strip moisture
- It offers other benefits, such as controlling frizz, improving hair texture, or color treated hair
- Hair types best for the shampoo; i.e., is the shampoo good for all hair types or just fine/thick hair?
- If the shampoo can work well on damaged hair or dry hair
- If it lathers well
- Ensuring the smell isn’t too strong
Best Smelling Shampoos
Are you wanting an amazing smelling shampoo recommendation? Here are a few we have for you.
Klorane Shampoo With Peony
I’m a floral fragrance lover, and peony is one of my favorite scents of all time. In my opinion, peony has the freshest scent of all flowers and works amazingly in shampoo. It’s bright and lovely, filling up your shower with this full-bodied fragrance. This Klorance shampoo has an incredible springtime scent that boosts a formula for those with itchy skin and a sensitive scalp.
Pros
- Ideal daily shampoo
- Great for those with itchy scalp and other skin disorders on the scalp
- Light and floral scent
- Natural shampoo
Cons
- It isn’t good if you have dandruff
- It doesn’t lather well
Shampoo with peony provides relief from scalp itching and irritation, soothes and comforts the scalp with a gentle cleansing base which allows the scalp to regain its natural balance.
Nexxus Clean and Pure
Clean fragrances are surprisingly not my favorite scent, but I absolutely love clean-smelling shampoos. This Nexxus shampoo has the best example of a clean fragrance. It has a very refreshing fragrance, like rain or nature. I also love this shampoo because it revives your hair, giving it bounce and body.
Pros
- Leaves your hair feeling clean
- Smells amazing
- Free of harsh chemicals
Cons
- Pricey
- Don’t have bottle size options
This lightweight, clarifying shampoo gently cleanses, leaving hair nourished and purified.
Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three
If a deep cleansing shampoo is what you’re looking for, you can trust this classic Paul Mitchell clarifying shampoo. While it’s promoted as a post-swim shampoo, you can use it to remove any buildup on your hair. The shampoo also has a delightful minty scent that never gets old.
Pros
- Great for removing chlorine and product build-up
- Does an excellent job of removing oils on
- It can be used in a bleach bath
Cons
- Some reviewers reported this shampoo is drying
- Not good for colored hair
Removes dulling buildup from hair, strengthens strands and minimizes future buildup.
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo
I’m actually using this conditioner now, but regardless I will mention the shampoo to keep up with the theme of the blog. Does it do anything in terms of conditioning? No, I’m just using something cheap because I don’t want to use up my expensive color care conditioner until I dye my hair. But if there’s one thing I can say about Herbal Essence, all of their products smell amazing.
The best way I can describe this fragrance is creamy coconut. The scent is absolutely amazing, and you can smell the coconut oil even when I walk out of the shower. So if you don’t need anything fancy and only want to use shampoo for an amazing scent, then try this one.
Pros
- Smells great
- Not the best hydrate shampoo, though your hair does feel slightly softer
- Budget friendly
Cons
- too heavy for fine hair
- There are better moisturizing shampoos out there
Moisturize your hair with Herbal Essences hello hydration shampoo that helps turn your parched hair into soft, silky and supple hair.
Ouai Thick Shampoo
I absolutely love the smell of Ouai products. While I never used their shampoo, I do use another by them, their texturizing spray, and their products all have that same musky yet feminine scent. It honestly smells more like a high-quality perfume than a shampoo. This shampoo is also popular because it can control frizzy hair and smooth hair.
Pros
- Great to control frizzy hair but also cleanses your hair
- Perfect if you have a thick hair type
- Smells like an expensive perfume
Cons
- Expensive
Been dreading this all week? This rich, moisturizing shampoo strengthens and calms thick, dry hair while fighting frizz and smoothing every strand. So cancel that blowout appointment, you won’t need it.
Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo
I’ll be honest, Biolage is not my favorite shampoo brand, but their products all smell amazing. I love that clean herbal scent. The scent is not only elegant, but it makes you think the shampoo is really cleaning your scalp. However, the scent is delicate and won’t overpower your shower.
Pros
- Improves hair texture
- Ideal for a variety of hair types, including processed hair
- It makes hair smooth and easy to style
- Improves hair health with aloe vera
- Smells great
Cons
- Biolage changed the formula, which left many people unhappy
- It doesn’t lather well
Inspired by the ever-hydrated, never dry aloe plant, this paraben-free shampoo helps optimize moisture balance for healthy-looking hair, giving you up to 15x more moisturized hair after one application.
Garnier Full and Plush Shampoo
Garnier is another shampoo brand I’ve used in the past. I will say their products smell amazing. If you love fruity scents, you’ll love this pomegranate shampoo. Pomegranate is great for colored hair and has a distinct fresh yet fruity scent that’s very unique. The only downside is the smell is very strong, and it will overtake your shower.
Pros
- Ideal for fine and oily hair
- Cleanses hair while conditioning it
- Lathers well
- Leaves hair shiny
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the scent was too sweet
Lightweight Fructis Full & Plush with Pomegranate volumizes strand by strand for healthy-looking thickness and plush softness with natural fluid movement.
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
This shampoo has a unique scent combination that’s best described as sexy. You can get whiffs of pineapple, cardamom, lavender, citrus, and bamboo. It has a romantic and warm fragrance that’s very complex. The thickening formula is perfect for those who have thin hair.
Pros
- Ideal for thin and damaged hair
- Leaves hair shiny and feeling healthy
- Biotin ingredients can help with hair loss
Cons
- There are many fake products online, which is why I linked the product directly from the R+Co website
For big, beautiful, bouncy hair, use DALLAS. This thickening shampoo adds vitality to fine, flat hair while nourishing and strengthening from root to tip.
Mermaid Hair Shampoo
If you love those island fragrances but want something more perfumey, then you’ll love this Mermaid Hair Shampoo. It smells like a combination of coconut oil and oranges, making it the perfect beach smell. This is a cleansing shampoo that’s made with quinoa protein also to strengthen and hydrate your hair, giving you the ultimate mermaid hair.
Pros
- Smells amazing
- Hydrating
- Can help with curly hair
Cons
- It doesn’t have a strong lather
Fekkai Apple Cider Detox Shampoo
First look at the name and you’ll think this shampoo smells like apple cider vinegar. In reality, it smells like green apples. This shampoo is a gentle detoxifying shampoo and is great for those who need a good daily shampoo that reduces buildup. Your hair will feel refreshed and the shampoo doesn’t strip away any moisture.
Pros
- Gentle cleansing shampoo, removes product build-up
- Smells amazing
- Hair feels healthy and soft
Cons
- Some reviewers stated they don’t like the way their hair feels after using the product
This gentle detoxifying shampoo washes away impurities and refreshes hair from roots to ends without stripping.
Shu Uemura Moisture Balancing Cleansing Oil Shampoo
This shampoo offers more than serious moisture. It also boasts its own unique fragrance called Yuzu Calm. It’s best described as a mix between citrus and floral scent and is overall very wonderful smelling. The shampoo is paraben and silicone-free and is ideal for dry and itchy hair.
Pros
- Lathers up nicely
- Leaves hair feeling clean
- Light and pleasant scent
- Free of parabens and silicone
- Safe for color treated hair
Cons
- Some reviewers complained this shampoo is drying
A silicone- and paraben-free cleansing oil shampoo that adds shine and softness to hair.
Kerastase Bain Chronologiste
While this shampoo has more of a masculine scent, almost like men’s cologne, it does have a sophisticated fragrance that reeks luxury. This shampoo is ideal if your hair is damaged and you need some serious repair. It’s also ideal if your hair is very dry and you need a shampoo that will strengthen your hair without stripping it of moisture.
Pros
- Cleans hair well
- Leaves hair feeling amazing
- Smells nice
- Lathers well
- It contains keratin ingredients that can help make you hair healthier
Cons
- The shampoo contains sulfates, not safe for color-treated hair
- It contains dimethicone, a moisturizing ingredient, but it leaves a film on your hair
The most concentrated shampoo ever created by Kérastase cleanses scalp impurities while revitalizing the hair from scalp to ends.
FAQs
Answer: I personally spray perfume in my hair and that does the trick. You can also add perfume to your pillowcase to surround your hair in fragrance all night. Try using other scented hair products, such as dry shampoo.
Answer: Definitely the Herbal Essence one. I also notice my hair still smells very clean like the Nexxus one. I also heard reviews that the Fekkai one has a long-lasting fragrance.
Answer: Other than shampoo, try other products such as heat protectants and leave-in conditioners. You don’t rinse your hair after using these products, so the scent is long-lasting.
Bottomline
The fragrance is one of many consumers’ main buying factors when buying shampoo.
These are some of our favorite smelling shampoos. The Nexxus Clean + Pure is the in my opinion, though I also love the smell of Ouai products. Hopefully, this list helped you find your new favorite shampoo!
This lightweight, clarifying shampoo gently cleanses, leaving hair nourished and purified.
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