Amber attar and perfume oil bottles held in hand

You can, and it is actually one of the best ways to make a scent last, since hair holds fragrance for much longer than skin does. Just apply sparingly, since hair (and any oils already on it) can pick up scent very readily.

Why Hair Holds Scent So Well

Hair strands are porous and have far more surface area than skin, so fragrance molecules cling to them easily and release slowly every time you move. This is why a light dab of oil at the ends or nape of the neck, rather than the scalp, can carry a scent through an entire day with barely any reapplication needed.

A Few Practical Notes

Avoid applying directly to the scalp or roots, where it can look greasy, and be cautious with very light or bleached hair, since strongly coloured oils such as some oud blends can occasionally leave a faint tint. A tiny amount rubbed between the palms first, then smoothed over the ends, works well. A little goes further in hair than on skin, since strands trap and slowly release fragrance for hours without needing anywhere near the amount you would use on pulse points. Our attar and perfume oils guide has more application tips, alongside our complete guide to perfume.