Have you ever noticed a guy in your life taking a deep breath when he’s near your hair? You might catch him lingering while he’s hugging you or unexpectedly leaning in to take a deeper whiff.
Before your mind starts racing, take a few minutes to read this article. We’re going to explore some of the reasons why a guy would smell your hair and share our thoughts on what it means. Let’s get started!
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What Does It Mean When A Guy Smells Your Hair?
When a guy smells your hair, it could mean that he's attracted to you and is trying to get a better sense of your scent. It could mean that your hair smells great and he's enjoying the smell.
It could also be a form of flirting (watch his body language) or an attempt to start a conversation. It could simply be that he enjoys the smell of your shampoo.
Or, it could be a sign that he's trying to remember you or that your hair doesn't smell good. Whatever the reason, it's always a good idea to ask him directly to get the most accurate answer.
In the next section, we'll discuss some of the common reasons why a guy might smell your hair in detail. We'll also talk about how you recreate the same smell to ensure that your hair always smells good.
Your Hair Smells Great
People tend to spend more time smelling things that appeal to them, so the most likely reason a guy is smelling your hair is that he likes how it smells!
Hair products come in a range of sweet, clean, floral, and earthy scents, and if you use fragranced ones, chances are your hair just smells good!
And this isn’t just limited to the products you use.
Sometimes a guy is just attracted to your natural scent.
Either way, take it as a compliment because he could be completely drawn to you and there is a good chance that your hair is a very big part of the reason why.
He Likes You
When a guy leans in close to smell your hair, it may be because he likes you. If you want to know how to determine whether this is the case, ask yourself how often he smells your hair.
Is it only when you use a particular shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, or moisturizer?
If he sniffs your hair every chance he gets, regardless of the products you used or when your last wash day was, chances are he’s interested in you. Body language is a huge factor here, so pay attention to his non-verbal cues.
He’s Trying to Remember Something
Another potential reason a guy might smell your hair is that it triggers a certain feeling or thought. Our sense of smell is closely linked to memories, so the scent of your hair might remind him of something he’s come across before.
It may remind him of his favorite dessert, the perfume his mom used to wear, or all the great times you’ve had together.
Your Hair Smells Funky
Have you just finished a workout or waited a little bit too long in between wash days? If so, he might be doing a double-take and trying to locate the source of the bad odor.
You can usually tell how much a guy enjoys a scent by how long he spends smelling it.
A prolonged deep inhale signifies he’s enjoying it, while a sharp, quick sniff can indicate that the smell caught him off guard.
A damp scalp provides the perfect breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, many of which give off a sour smell. While he may notice the odor, there’s a chance he’ll be too polite to say anything about it.
Don’t worry if this is the case! Once you give your hair and scalp a thorough wash, your hair will be back to smelling great in no time!
He’s Trying to Figure Out the Scent
When a guy smells your hair and looks like he’s thinking intently, there’s a chance that he’s trying to figure out the scent.
Many women wear multiple hair and skin products that combine with their natural aroma. He might be wondering what products you’re using, the specific fragrance, or where the smell is coming from.
He’s Not Actually Smelling It
The average height for a man is 5.6 feet, while the average female is around 5.2 feet.
Since most men are taller than women, it’s common for a man’s face and nose to rest on your head when they hug you. While it may feel like a guy is sniffing your hair, it might just be the most comfortable way to hug you.
It’s Soothing
Some guys smell a woman’s hair because they find it comforting. Pleasant fragrances make us feel good inside, and most people want to prolong that feeling.
If that’s the case, you may notice that he sighs as he sniffs your hair or freezes in place for a moment mid-sniff.
How To Make Your Hair Smell Good
There’s no bigger compliment than someone raving about how much they love the smell of your hair. And there’s nothing worse than turning others’ stomachs with your less-than-fresh locks.
So, here are a few different ways to make sure your hair always smells fantastic.
Wash Your Hair Regularly
The best way to make sure your hair smells fresh is to wash it regularly.
Cleaning it removes all of the dirt, oil, and pollution that create bad smells. Additionally, oily hair attracts and holds onto odors much more than clean strands do.
By keeping your hair clean, you’re less likely to pick up smells while you go about your day. Since everyone has different body chemistry, experiment to determine how often you need to wash your hair to maintain a fresh smell.
Use Sweet or Fresh-Smelling Products
Another easy way to instantly get deliciously scented locks is to reach for great-smelling hair care or styling products. Sniff new products before you buy them to ensure they have a smell you enjoy.
Clean Your Hair Accessories
One hidden source of bad smells could be your hair accessories. Fabric accessories, like headbands and hair ties, absorb sweat and oil. To combat this, wash your accessories after every few wears, especially if you wore them outside or to the gym.
Try a Hair Perfume
Did you know that they make perfumes specifically for your hair? These hair perfumes come in a variety of scents that you can easily refresh with a few spritzes while you’re out running errands!
Just make sure that the smell of your new perfume doesn’t clash with your other scented products.
Avoid Harsh Smells
Strong smells, like fried food or cigarette smoke, can cling to your strands for hours. If you can’t avoid these offensive scents, here are some ways to protect your hair in stinky environments.
- Cover your strands with a hat, scarf, or shower cap.
- Put your hair in a bun to limit your hair’s contact with the air.
- Quit smoking, or only do it outdoors.
- Open a window or turn on a fan to prevent the smell from building up.
- Limit the amount of time you spend around harsh smells.
Wash Anything That Comes Into Contact With Your Hair
Along with your hair accessories, washing things like combs, brushes, hats, and pillowcases will help you maintain great-smelling hair.
These items can absorb bad smells, and transfer them back onto your hair, even when it’s clean and fresh. Try to wash your combs, brushes, and pillowcases at least once a week for the best results.
Use Dry Shampoo
Don’t have enough time to wash your locks? Sprinkling dry shampoo onto your roots will suck up excess dirt and oils and refresh your scalp on the go.
Dry Your Hair Before You Go to Sleep
Sleeping with damp hair will spawn a stubborn mildew smell that is hard to shake. To prevent this, dry your hair thoroughly before going to bed.
If you can’t avoid it, throw your hair into a loose top-knot and sleep without headgear.
You can also sleep in front of a fan to speed up the drying process. The worst thing to do is cover your wet hair with an air-tight scarf or bonnet.
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It may already be apparent by this point that a guy smelling your hair can mean any number of things, but the quickest way to find out for sure is to simply ask him!
We urge you to look for other cues that yield insight into his intentions and ask in a way that makes both you and him comfortable. No one knows better than him how he feels, and anyone else’s guess is just that…a guess.
