How to Rid Your Hair of Smells Between Summer Wash Days

Summer is just around the corner and we know how these months can present a lot of different smells. We love the 4th of July smells of sulfur after an extensive round of fireworks and the everlasting smoke of BBQ events from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While these scents bring us great memories, our hair tends to get the short end of the stick, or should we say stench. Our hair, similar to the fabric on our clothes, can quickly absorb potent smells and hold on to those odors for an extended period of time. Even when you may think the aroma has passed, it’s very likely that other people can still get a whiff of smoke or BBQ. The good thing is that there are ways to combat the stink from your hair without jumping in the shower right away for a full wash and reset. 

How Hair Becomes a Scent Magnet 

It seems that even in the presence of a potent smell for a short time, our hair grabs onto the scent and struggles to let it go. Before we get into the ways of how to revive our stands after exposure, we should first try to understand how this happens in the first place. Our hair is made of protein, making it both porous and permeable, which means smells are easily retained. Think of your hair like a paper towel. Similarly, it is very absorbent. The more hair you have, the more surface area the bacteria has to cling on, keeping the smell pungent and often very noticeable to you and everyone else around you.

But the good thing is, even if you love hanging by the campfire on a summer night, there are ways to rid your hair of smell without over-cleansing the scalp. Excessive shampooing can lead to dryness and damage. There are many different ways to calm an overpowering scent from your hair. It is also important to note that the tools you use to detangle and style your hair should also be cleansed to prevent old product distribution. In between wash days, be sure you clean and disinfect your hair tools so no dirt, dust, or stench is applied to your freshly washed scalp. See our Spring Cleaning Blog for more tips on how to prepare for the upcoming months. With the help of products and natural remedies, you can protect your tresses from the unwanted stink that summer tends to brew.

Dry Shampoos 

It’s the best kept secret that keeps on giving, especially for those unwanted odors. During those moments of campfires, BBQs, and other smells of summer, there’s a quick and easy way to cover the stench while still protecting your hair in the process. 

Dry shampoos are the perfect solution for the times when you don’t want to fully wash but want the feeling and smell of clean strands. If your hair is prone to taking in surrounding scents, a spritz of dry shampoo can cover up even the most potent aromas. Leaving no residue behind, keep your style going strong without the need to stop everything for a long-winded routine. Simply shake the can of your chosen dry shampoo, and section your hair before spraying vigorously in your roots and ends. After about 30 seconds, give your head a shake and experience the difference in both feel and smell. For an added booster, use the KurlsPlus Pick to penetrate the product and watch the magic happen. Let your hair experience a real clean without the hassle of washing with a dry shampoo option.

Essential Oils 

In a panic, you may think it’s best to spray your strands with a strong perfume. We strongly advise against that, and your hair would agree. The problem with many commonly used perfumes is that those formulas contain a lot of alcohol, which can be extremely drying to the hair shaft. For this reason, along with the fact that many perfumes are loaded with chemicals and other undisclosed ingredients, we suggest essential oils. 

Protect your hair from the moment you walk into a smoke-filled event with a natural fragrance that’s strong on smells and contains beneficial properties. Choose from non-toxic and alcohol-free carrier oils such as lavender oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil, and more. You can even create your own D.I.Y. Hair Mist to bring on the go whenever you’re attending a particularly smell-filled outing. All you have to do is take a small spray mist bottle and fill it with water and drops of essential oils until you get your desired potency. Once completed, just mist a few sprays on your hair and gently massage your roots and ends. For the best preparation, spray the mixture on damp hair before styling. After application, comb through with either the KurlsPlus Comb or KurlsPlus Paddle Comb to ensure a smooth transition throughout your hair. 

Keep in mind that while these tips can help with environmental smells, if you're experiencing any smell from buildup, your best bet is to wash your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. Enjoy the great activities that summer has to offer and feel confident that smells won’t put a damper on your day. The next time you come across a potent stench that clings to your hair, use these tips and continue on with the festivities smelling like a summer’s breeze.