Is it permissible to apply perfume on Shabbat?

Halacha distinguishes in this regard between applying perfume to one’s body and placing perfume on garments. According to all views, it is forbidden on Shabbat to apply perfume to one’s clothing to make them scented, as this is considered creating something new in the garment. When it comes to one’s hands and face, however, it is permissible to apply perfume.

What is less clear is whether one may apply perfume to one’s hair, or to parts of the body with hair. Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998) ruled that hair resembles clothing with respect to this Halacha, because the scent remains on the hair the way it remains on a garment. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in his work Yabia Omer (vol. 9, p. 266), cites several authorities – including Rav Haim Ben Atar, in his work Rishon Le’sion – who permit applying perfume to hair on Shabbat. Hacham Ovadia concludes (listen to audio recording for precise citation) that since several Rishonim (Medieval Halachic scholars), including the Rif, the Rambam and the Rosh, allow applying perfume even to garments on Shabbat, we may certainly be lenient with regard to hair. Even though we do not follow the view of these Rishonim, and forbid applying perfume to clothing on Shabbat, we may allow applying perfume to hair, as it is unclear whether hair is included in the prohibition even according to the stringent view. Indeed, Hacham Abraham Antebi records in his work Hochma U’musar that there was a custom in Syria to apply perfumes on people’s hands on Simhat Torah and when there was a new Hatan (groom) in the synagogue, with the approval of the Rabbis.

Therefore, it is permissible to place perfume or spray fragrant sprays on one’s hair, beard or places on the body with hair. Likewise, it is permissible to spray deodorant on one’s underarm on Shabbat.

If a person sprayed his hands with perfume on Shabbat, he may dry them on a towel, even though he is thereby applying perfume to a garment. Hacham Ovadia writes that since the person’s intent is not to make the towel scented, he is allowed to wipe his hands on the towel.

Summary: It is forbidden to apply perfume to one’s garment on Shabbat, but it is permissible to apply perfume or deodorant to one’s skin or hair.