The dresses, the jewellery, the makeup… we all know the Oscars aesthetic playbook by now. But there was one detail you may have overlooked, and it carried far more impact than you'd expect.
Fresh from her win, Jessie Buckley stepped onto the red carpet wearing not just a fragrance, but a veil of scent in her hair, courtesy of INITIO Parfums Privé. "Musk Therapy (hair perfume) is such a bright, modern scent," said hairstylist Bryce Scarlett, who created her hair look for the awards. £It perfectly complemented Jessie's fresh, feminine look at the Oscars this year."
So what did Jessie's hair smell like? The first impression of Musk Therapy is crisp citrus - bergamot and mandarin - before it softens into sheer florals, with magnolia and rose giving it a clean, skin-like quality. You'll then pick up an airy musk, with sandalwood adding a subtle warmth beneath it.
Scents of style
Hair perfume is no longer an afterthought; it's becoming a category in its own right. Unlike traditional fragrances, which are typically designed for pulse points, hair mists are formulated specifically for the length and scalp. Classic eau de parfums rely heavily on alcohol to project scent, which can leave hair dry, brittle and prone to frizz over time. Hair perfumes, by contrast, are designed with care in mind: lighter in composition, often infused with conditioning agents, and created to enhance shine while delicately scenting the strands.
© Getty ImagesCare with flair
According to INITIO Parfums Privés, the appeal lies in this duality. "Hair perfume is more than just fragrance; it's a fusion of scent and care," the brand explains. "It offers a powerful fragrance experience while protecting and nourishing the hair." It's a subtle shift in thinking, but an important one - less about masking with scent, more about elevating the hair itself.
Then there's the way it wears. Hair, by its very nature, holds onto fragrance differently than skin, releasing it gradually with movement. The result is what industry insiders are calling 'halo scenting' - a soft, diffused aura that follows you rather than announces you. It's fragrance, but with a lighter touch; the olfactory equivalent of great lighting.
Layer Up
This also makes it ideal for layering. Think of it as an extension of your fragrance wardrobe: a way to amplify your signature scent or experiment with contrast. Worn alongside a traditional perfume, a hair mist can add depth and dimension. Practically speaking, it earns its place in your routine.
A few spritzes through the lengths can refresh hair between washes, neutralise lingering odours (post-commute, post-gym, post-everything), and leave behind a clean, polished finish without the weight of styling products. Mist onto a brush and sweep through the hair for an even veil, or hold the bottle at arm’s length and spritz lightly through the mid-lengths and ends.
If Jessie Buckley's red carpet moment is anything to go by, hair perfume might just be the finishing touch we didn't know we were missing.
Haute heads; our favourite hair perfumes
GISOU Honey Infused Vanilla Glaze Hair Perfume, £20
There’s something about the creamy, powdery aroma that makes your shoulders relax. Nourishing and hydrating hair with argan oil and honey, but without weighing fine locks down with a hefty mist. If you’re worried the vanilla scent may be too sweet, don’t. It softly lingers without drowning the senses.
ARKIVE Future Bloom Hair and Skin Fragrance, £24
A super pick-me-up to rouse the mind and invigorate sad-looking hair. This is fresher and sharper than expected, thanks to a hit of tart rhubarb that stops it from veering too sugary. Once it dries down, you’ll notice a rather flirty, warm vanilla and white musk scent - pop on to your pulse points, too, for a complementary pairing.
Guerlain Absolus Allegoria Santal Royal Hair Mist, £61
The antithesis of pretty, this is all dark leather, sandalwood and oud, lifted with just a trace of jasmine and rose—a cool-girl hair scent with edge. It lingers through lengths in a low-key, expensive way without ever overwhelming. It’s the kind of fragrance that earns compliments, but more importantly, makes you feel like you’ve got your own signature.
Oliver Bonas Rosemary & Biotin Fragranced Hair Perfume, £12.50
Packed with rosemary and biotin, this cute (and affordable) throw-in-your-tote bottle will keep your hair smelling great, whether on holiday or on day-to-night outings. It’s fresh, slightly herbal and clean in a way that feels effortless rather than overly styled. The kind of easy upgrade that makes your hair feel more put-together in seconds.
