The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processWhile shampoos are only to cleanse your hair and scalp, they can also be quite stimulating and revitalizing if they smell great. It’s time to elevate your hair-washing experience with the best smelling shampoo options available in the market. Well, who doesn’t wish for their shampoo fragrance to leave their hair not only looking great but also smelling absolutely amazing throughout the day? In fact, these shampoos go beyond the norms of mere cleansing. They transform your shower routine into a fragrant oasis. Any great-smelling shampoo can transport you anywhere from a tropical beach vacation to a world of bliss and relaxation.
When you find a shampoo that leaves you savoring every moment and inhaling deeply, rest assured that it can turn a simple hair-washing routine into an indulgent and sensory experience. Whether you prefer the refreshing citrus or floral scent, the invigorating aroma of herbs, or the captivating allure of exotic fruits, there's a shampoo that caters to all these olfactory desires. The market is filled with an array of scented shampoos! But finding the perfect balance between scent preferences and high-quality ingredients that cater to all your hair care needs is important. As per our expertise, we have shortlisted our top picks that will make you say goodbye to ordinary shampoos and will be your go-to for healthy hair and an aromatic journey each time you shower.
Our top picks
13 Best Smelling Shampoos
The best shampoo doesn't just hydrate your mane, but also cleans the scalp and refreshes you with its fragrance. Get all that and much more with the VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo that works beautifully on dry, damaged, and color-treated hair. This recovery shampoo moisturizes the scalp, thus promoting hair growth and a thicker mane. The coconut fragrance adds a fresh scent whilst keeping frizz and split ends at bay. Take a dollop of this creamy shampoo on your palms and lather it on a wet scalp to get lustrous, long tresses.
Pros
- Instant hydration
- Suitable for sensitive scalp
- Revitalizing damaged hair
- Recovers dry ends
Cons
- Not suitable for daily use
2
Best Cleansing Formula
TEA TREE Special Shampoo
The TEA TREE shampoo is an invigorating cleanser that leaves your hair feeling clean and smelling great. It is enriched with a tingle complex which is a blend of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender. The formula leaves your scalp with a subtle tingling feeling and a refreshing effect along with your hair smelling amazing. Perfect for all hair types, this shampoo has exfoliating properties that eliminates buildup, dirt, grime, and other impurities to leave your scalp squeaky clean. It has a refreshing aromatherapy-worthy fragrance that soothes your nerves while adding vitality and luster to your hair and scalp.
Pros
- Adds shine
- Balances oily hair
- Reduces itch
- Recycled packaging
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Can have a drying effect
- Not suitable for colored hair
3
Best Color-safe Formula
Herbal Essences Argan Oil Repair Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Packed with the goodness of Moroccan argan oil, this herbal essence best smelling shampoo and conditioner set is a must-try! The pH balancing formula is crafted to smoothen and repair your tresses while being safe even on color-treated hair. This dermatologist-tested shampoo has real botanicals that also help in soothing hair from root to tip. With gentle cleansing properties, this shampoo is infused with delicious-smelling notes of fizzy citrus, exotic spices, and creamy vanilla. It works up the lather with minimal effort and lives up to its promise of leaving your hair with a fabulous sheen and smelling delicious!
Pros
- Lathers well
- Toxin-free
- pH balancing formula
- Gentle for daily use
- Colorant-free
- Adds shine to your hair
Cons
- May cause knots and tangles
4
Best Moisture-balancing Formula
PAUL MITCHELL AWAPUHI SHAMPOO
The AWAPUHI shampoo by Paul Mitchell is a moisture-balancing formula that leaves your hair smelling great. Made with Hawaiian Awapuhi, this best smelling shampoo provides a lush lather and moisturizes your hair with a sheen. The refreshing scent lingers on long and cleanses your scalp by eradicating buildup. It improves your hair texture, prevents moisture loss, adds volume, and makes your hair more manageable. We have found from using this product that this shampoo has a refreshing cucumber melon scent with soft floral notes.
Pros
- Suitable for fine hair
- Prevents hair static
- Improve hair texture
- Leaves hair soft and smooth
- Paraben-free
- Color safe
Cons
- Not a hypoallergenic formula
5
Best Naturally Enriched Formula
Dr. Squatch Fresh Falls Shampoo + Conditioner Hair Bundle
The Dr. Squatch Fresh Falls Shampoo comes in a bundle with a conditioner that works in coherence to give you lustrous and fabulous smelling hair. Enriched with jojoba oil, oat protein, shea butter, and avocado oil, this best smelling shampoo gives you silky smooth hair with nourished and soothed scalp. It helps in maintaining your hair while the energizing scent uplifts your mood instantly. The formula is developed with the goodness of naturally derived ingredients and no added fragrances or toxins.
Pros
- Protein-rich formula
- Natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalates-free
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Leaves hair feeling greasy
6
Best Strengthening Formula
OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo
The OGX shampoo with coconut milk has nourishing and moisturizing properties. It is a tantalizing blend of coconut milk that strengthens your hair, coconut oil to add lustrous shine, and whipped egg white protein to smoothen and make your hair appear healthier. This coconut smelling shampoo transports you onto a tropical island with its delicious fragrance. It has a rich, creamy consistency that lathers richly to add shine and nourishment to your hair without weighing it down.
Pros
- Hydrating and nourishing properties
- Strengthens hair
- Ideal for all hair types
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Gentle for everyday use
Cons
- Requires double rinsing to wash off completely
7
Best for Damaged Hair
Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo
Made with ultra-moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, the Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate Shampoo works best for dry and damaged hair. Perfect for everyday use, this best smelling shampoo works wonders on your curls and makes them softer and bouncier. Quenching dry hair’s thirst, the formula is enriched with macadamia oil and aloe vera to enhance hair texture and make them appear healthier. The rich blend of ingredients is gentle on your scalp and is also suitable for color-treated hair.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Helps in defining curls
- No added synthetic dyes
- Restorative formula
- Suitable for everyday use
Cons
- Works only for curly hair
8
Best Drugstore Shampoo
Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo
This lightweight hydration shampoo by Maui Moisture is enriched with exotic hibiscus water to boost your hair's hydration without weighing them down. With a touch of tropical notes, the shampoo is infused with juicy vitamin-packed watermelon and antioxidant-rich passion fruit. These leave your hair smelling amazing and feeling smooth, healthy, and shiny. This nice smelling shampoo also consists of aloe vera juice and pure coconut water. The unique blend helps moisturize the hair strands, smoothen split ends, and adds a well-nourished shine to your hair. It is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lathers richly
- Does not leave any residue
- Suitable for all hair types
- Refreshing tropical scent
- Antioxidant properties
Cons
- Some experienced dryness
9
Best Anti-residue Shampoo
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Clarify & Shine Shampoo
With clarifying formulation, the Neutrogena shampoo adds shine and luster to your hair without leaving any residue behind. The formula helps exfoliate your hair and scalp to get rid of any sebum, oil, and dirt. Enriched with the goodness of pink grapefruit, this is the best smelling shampoo! It gently exfoliates your scalp and hair to add shine to your tresses. This is a pH-balancing and clinically-proven formula that helps maintain the scalp’s natural barrier, which results in a clean scalp and shinier hair.
Pros
- Non-drying formula
- Suitable for color-treated hair
- Anti-residue formula
- Non-medicated and gentle formula
- Dermatologically recommended
- Paraben and sulfate-free
Cons
- Some might find the sweet fragrance overpowering
10
Bain de Terre Color Preserving Shampoo
Give your color-treated hair a boost of vibrancy with the Bain de Terre Color Preserving Shampoo. The color-protecting formula is enriched with refreshing fragrant passion flowers along with the nourishing properties of argan oil and monoi oils. Argan oil aids with its reparative and restorative properties and helps in strengthening your hair. At the same time, monoi oil penetrates your hair follicles to rehydrate and soften them. This best smelling shampoo has a potent blend that helps deliver smooth, silky, and lustrous-looking hair. The formula luxuriously cleans, moisturizes, and enhances your hair texture and leaves it smelling amazing. And yes, we did actually test the product!
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Enhances hair texture
- Boosts color vibrancy
- Nourishing properties
- Lathers richly
- Suitable for color-treated hair
Cons
- Runny consistency
11
Best Sulfate-free Formula
Curls BLUEBERRY BLISS Reparative Hair Wash
Perfect for wavy, curly, coily, and kinky hair, the Curls Blueberry Bliss formula has reparative properties. This nice smelling shampoo works wonders in helping you tame your curls and add a natural bounce to them. It has a rich and creamy texture that helps in softening the driest kink, and hydrating the driest curls while encouraging healthy scalp and hair growth. The formula is enriched with blueberry extract, aloe vera leaf juice, along with chamomile extract. This potent blend is clinically proven to help repair, protect, restore, and grow your curls.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Budget-friendly
- Enhances hair texture
- Promotes natural bounce
- Defines curls
- Boosts hair growth
Cons
- Leaves build-up
- Requires double rinsing
12
Rahua Classic Shampoo
Try out the Rahua Classic Shampoo and get a soothed scalp and soft, silky, and luminous hair. It is enriched with rich omega-9 Rahua oil that fortifies weak, damaged strands and nourishes and maintains hair follicle and scalp health. The Palo santo oil has purifying properties and offers a soothing aromatherapy experience. Coconut Betaines in this formula is an exfoliator that removes dirt and excess oil from hair without depleting necessary nutrients and moisture. While organic aloe vera and green tea have soothing and healing properties that protect hair and scalp and mitigate damage from harmful UV rays. We have found from using this product that this best smelling shampoo also promotes hair growth and adds shine.
Pros
- Pleasant woody and earthy fragrance
- Soothing and refreshing properties
- Rich in antioxidants
- Strengthens hair and moisturizes the scalp
- Balancing formula
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Highly expensive
13
Kerasys Lovely Romantic Perfume Shampoo
With a refreshing and luxurious fragrance, the Kerasys Lovely Romantic Perfume Shampoo will make you want to wash your hair every day. The formula is enriched with daisies that have a subtle scent lingering in your hair all day long. It also contains sun-kissed basil leaves that add elasticity to your hair and enhance its texture. The formula also contains orange blossom, white musk, white peach, and cedarwood which enhances the fragrance of this shampoo and gives you amazing-smelling hair.
Pros
- Lathers richly
- Rich and creamy texture
- Easy to rinse off
- Suitable for everyday use
- Boosts hair elasticity
- Softens hair
Cons
- Some noticed slight hair fall
Once you go through the list of recommendations, don’t jump right into buying a product. Make sure that the good smelling shampoo you aim to pick checks a few significant factors to ensure you are making the best pick.
How to Choose the Best Smelling Shampoo?
While most shampoos are picked based on hair concern or hair type, when it comes to choosing the best smelling shampoo, there are a few key factors that you must consider to make sure you invest in the right product. Listed below are some things that you must consider -
Ingredients
Reading the fine print on the label to understand what goes in the formula is an important step. Many shampoos have chemicals and preservatives that can leave a harmful impact on your hair. You must pick something formulated with good ingredients to allow your tresses to soak up all the hair-loving ingredients. Pick a shampoo with ingredients that help in enhancing its texture and cater to the concerns. Those with curly, coiled, kinky, dry, thick, or coarse hair must pick hydrating and moisturizing shampoos with shea butter, argan oil, or jojoba oil. Anyone with oily, fine, or thin hair should use lightweight aloe vera, honey, or biotin shampoos. Our contributor Nate Masterson, a Hair Expert for Maple Holistics, shares details about the best ingredients for great smelling shampoo. She says, “Lavender is a fantastic scent to have in a shampoo. Not only does it smell great, but there are various studies linking the scent of lavender to enhanced calmness and it also induces feelings of calmness within the brain. Herbaceous ingredients such as eucalyptus, rosemary, and sage also have fantastic nourishing and hydrating properties and they smell great too. Finally, citrus scents like lemon and orange not only smell great in your hair but they promote freshness which can also enhance your mental clarity.”
For nice smelling shampoos, ensure the formula contains essential oils or botanical extracts for fragrance. Avoid synthetic fragrances or adulterated essential oils. These can lead to a lot of sensitivities or allergies on your scalp. If you cannot go through every little ingredient mentioned, look for products that are labeled as vegan, clean, organic, or all-natural. While these may still contain a few unwanted ingredients, they are safe for your hair as they contain natural plants and botanical-based ingredients.
Chemicals
When picking any hair care product, the onus is on us to ensure that it is not loaded with harmful chemicals. Some common toxins to avoid include sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, lanolin, synthetic dyes, mineral oil, and, most importantly - artificial fragrances. Artificial scents can often lead to hair dryness, breakage or hair fall, and even scalp irritation. And this is why it is best to pick a good-smelling shampoo with natural essential oils or botanical extracts.
Consider Your Scent Preferences
Choosing the best smelling shampoo is very much like picking a new perfume or cologne. You must first determine the type of fragrance that you will surely enjoy. Be it fruity, floral, citrusy scents, or something else. The best way to distinguish is to think about the fragrances in other products like lotions or perfumes. When you know the fragrance, you will understand the scent that you naturally gravitate towards.
Take this as your cue, and then start your hunt. The easy way to go around it is to see the packaging of the shampoo. Brands usually highlight the main fragrance notes or describe the overall aroma of the shampoo, which can help you instantly determine whether it aligns with your preferences.
Determine Complementary Scents and Products
While picking a really good smelling shampoo, you must also consider the other hair or personal care products you will use. In the case of conditioners, ensure that a shampoo with a fragrance complements the conditioner’s fragrance too. Make sure that both the fragrances do not clash else it will create an imbalance of scents and will become too overpowering. You can also opt for a shampoo and conditioner pair from the same brand, as they are typically tailored to work in perfect harmony together.
Experiment With Samples
In case you are unsure of the fragrance notes, try out a sample size or a travel-size version of the shampoo to test it out. This allows you to understand if the shampoo suits your hair. It also gives you an insight if the fragrance suits your personality and whether it lingers throughout the day.
Other Factors
For those hoping to use a shampoo that will become your go-to pick, you must double-check if its fragrance is fit enough to be your signature scent. Also, remember that while scent might be an essential factor, it is not the only factor of the shampoo to consider. Ensure you check its suitability for your hair type, nourishing properties, lathering ability, and whether it is prone to causing allergy or irritation to your scalp. Pick a shampoo that smells amazing and gives you happy, healthy, and well-nourished hair.
Our contributor Nate Masterson, who is a hair expert for Maple Holistics, explains, “The frequency of hair washes you need is directly related to what kind of hair type you have and also if you have any other hair issues such as dandruff or scalp psoriasis. For example, if your hair is very oily then I’d suggest washing it daily or every second day if you use a clarifying
shampoo. Additionally, if your hair has been chemically treated you’ll want to wash it less frequently because washing chemically-treated hair can cause the treatment to fade sooner. Finally, if you have coily (textured) hair you may need to wash it only once a week, and if your coils are very tight you may only need to wash it every other week.”
No one wishes to use a shampoo that leaves your hair smelling lackluster or undernourished. However, if you switch to the best smelling shampoo options that we have listed above, you can experience the transformation in your hair! These shampoos not only go beyond mere cleansing; but turn your shower routine into a fragrant oasis! Through our trial and error, we discovered that these shampoos leave you with hair that looks great and smells absolutely amazing. Some of these recommendations have a refreshing smell, while others are simply tropical, but all promise to give you soft and silky hair. So, it’s time to invest in these amazing-smelling shampoos for excellent tresses and delightful sensory experiences.
Contributor: Nate Masterson, Hair Expert - Maple Holistics
FAQ's
Is perfume safe in shampoo?
While not every perfume or scent used in shampoos is good, you need to make sure you pick a formula that is enriched with natural or organic essential oils and are free from toxins.
How long does the scent typically last after using a scented shampoo?
The scent of the best smelling shampoo usually lasts for a few hours after watching your hair. However, if you wish the fragrance to last in your hair longer, you can also add complementing conditioner to your hair care routine.
Are there any natural or organic options available for scented shampoos?
While there are multiple natural or organic scented shampoos available in the market, drawing from our experience, Dr. Squatch Fresh Falls Shampoo is one of the best picks.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Cleansing your hair with a shampoo that has an aromatic fragrance is a delightful experience. Our haircare expert Alvira loves indulging in shampoos that smell great to elevate her scalp cleansing experience. She has tested various best-selling products to check their fragrance, longevity, and hair-cleansing properties. Based on the results, she has enlisted these top 12 smelling shampoos, out of which she found OGX Nourishing + Coconut Milk Shampoo one of the best shampoos for strengthening your hair. Moreover, it nourishes the hair and is ideal for hair types.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More
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