The latest hair hack on social media isn’t about a new product but rather a new use for an old favorite: micellar water. Originally designed for skin care, micellar water is now being hailed by content creators as the perfect alternative to dry shampoo. And with dry shampoo being linked to a cancer risk, it might just be a hack worth adopting to extend a blowout or when you don’t have time for a quick wash and go.
Featured Experts
- Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist in Parsippany, New Jersey
- Matt Newman is a hairstylist and content creator
- Abbey Yung is a certified trichologist and content creator
What’s the Hack?
“Micellar water as a hair refresher has been going viral,” says creator Matt Newman of MattLovesHair in a TikTok video. This hack, popularized by many hair creators but brought to us by Matt, uses the gentle yet effective cleansing properties of micellar water to tackle oily roots. Instead of reaching for dry shampoo, you spritz micellar water onto your roots and then blow-dry your hair. In his side-by-side comparison video, Matt demonstrates that the results of using micellar water are strikingly similar to those of dry shampoo, making it a useful alternative.
Why it Works
The reason it works so well on hair is the same reason we love micellar water for effectively cleansing skin. The micelles in the water, which work to capture and lift away dirt and oil, are now being utilized to do the same for your scalp. “Micellar water contains tiny cleansing molecules suitable for gentle cleansing,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. “Since it’s in a liquid form, it is gentle to the scalp without building up.” It’s a quick fix for those days when washing your hair just isn’t an option, like after a workout or going from day to night in a flash.
Creators are also praising this hack for its ability to refresh hair without the powdery residue that some dry shampoos can leave behind. “Dry shampoo is a quick way to soak up oily residues but will also give some buildup thus giving a volumized look,” adds King. The new hack can also serve as an alternative for those who’ve stopped using dry shampoos after many of them have been recalled due to concerns over potentially harmful ingredients. Not only does it provide a quick and effective refresh, but it also offers peace of mind for those wary of chemical exposure. “Both are quick fixes for hair cleansing and should not replace regular shampoos,” adds King.
Use a Mattifying Micellar Formula
Certified trichologist and TikTok creator Abbie Yung has endorsed this hair hack but found that the best micellar water for this purpose is a mattifying one. “The second main ingredient in regular micellar water, after water, is cyclopentasiloxane, which is used in hair-care products to give them that silky smooth, slippery feel. Even though it’s oil-free, it might not yield the best results when used in place of dry shampoo,” Yung explains. She recommends trying a mattifying version instead. “Not only does it not have cyclopentasiloxane, but it’s also designed to absorb oil on oily skin.”
Micellar Shampoos to Try
If you’re curious about micellar formulas but want a more practical approach, consider incorporating micellar shampoos into your routine. They offer the same gentle cleansing properties without the need for a quick-fix hack. While the micellar water hack might be good in a pinch, it can also lead to scalp buildup over time. For a more consistent oily roots fix, try micellar shampoos.
