Should You Use Micellar Water as a Dry Shampoo Alternative?

Is micellar water the next big thing for greasy hair, or is dry shampoo still in?

If you’ve been scrolling through beauty blogs lately, you may have already come across a new hair care hack. It’s one of those ideas that are so obvious that you think “Why haven’t I thought of that?” Of course, if you can use micellar water to cleanse off your makeup (even water-resistant makeup!), why can’t you use micellar water to refresh your greasy hair? Hair health experts explain when and how to use this dry shampoo substitute for a mane that shines with health.

Belgian skincare and beauty blogger Leïla Poleszczuk went as far as claiming that micellar water is “better than dry shampoo for greasy hair.” She posted a video where she cleanses her hair with a reusable cotton pad drenched in micellar water. After generously soaking the cotton pad, she energetically dabs it onto her hair roots and proceeds to style her hair with a hot styler.

In the video description box she claims, “As opposed to dry shampoo, micellar water sucks up the oil excess while still letting the scalp breath, while dry shampoo has some pore-clogging effects and can leave that white cast that I really dislike”.

With her post, she raised an important question “Why do people look for substitutes for dry shampoos?” The reasons vary from avoiding product build-up to effectiveness in different hair types. Raise your hand if you have never overdone your dry shampoo just slightly and ended up with your hair feeling heavy rather than volumized.

Some people find that a dry shampoo can cause scalp dryness, itching, and irritation, especially with frequent use. Hence, the emerging trend of using micellar water.

Dermatologists have mixed feelings about this beauty hack. Dr. Hamdan Abdullah Hamed, a US board-certified dermatologist based in the UAE, wouldn’t go as far as to recommend this treatment for his clients. “The reason why dry shampoo works better is that it uses fine particles (sometimes made with talcum powder) which would adsorb the grease from the scalp and hair.”  These particles are later brushed off, leaving you with clean hair.

Dr. Firdous Ibrahim, a consulting cosmetologist, dermatologist, and trichologist, from Hyderabad, India, concurs, adding that applying micellar water on the scalp could disrupt its natural moisture balance. “This might result in dryness, irritation, or even dandruff, particularly if used too frequently or on sensitive scalps,” she warns.

However, some dermatologists see potential for occasionally using micellar water in place of a dry shampoo. Dr. Saami, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon from Southern California,  suggests customizing your hair care routine depending on your hair type. “Those with fine, oily hair may rely more on dry shampoo for volume and grease control, using micellar water once a week to clarify the scalp without drying it out,” he points out. For those with drier hair, micellar water could even be used more frequently.

Dr. Ibrahim believes micellar water could serve some specific purposes in hair care. She suggests using it as a pre-shampoo cleanser to gently remove light product buildup. “This can help your shampoo lather better and provide a deeper clean,” she explains. And if you have hair extensions, micellar water might work as a gentle dirt and product buildup remover without causing damage to the extensions.

With all this in mind, using micellar water – or dry shampoo for that matter – should never serve as a replacement for proper shampooing. It’s a quick fix rather than a replacement.

Remember to use micellar water sparingly and apply primarily on the scalp rather than the hair shaft. Moderation and monitoring are key. No matter the product, overuse can irritate the scalp or leave hair flat and limp. Start any new product slowly, watching for any irritation, and adjusting based on how your hair and scalp respond.

If you’re looking for more tips on how to extend the time between washes, check out our articles How to Use Dry Shampoo Properly and What’s the Purpose After All? and Why It Is Bad to Wash Your Hair Every Day and 10 Tips for Cutting Down.

Featured image via @freepik