Micellar water, a product traditionally used to cleanse skin, has become a surprising trend on TikTok as a quick fix for greasy hair.
But is it effective – or even safe?
According to hairdresser, Louise Davies of Rubies & Co, while micellar water may offer a temporary solution, it’s far from an ideal alternative to proper hair care.
“Yes, micellar water can temporarily lift grease,” Louise explained to Fresha, “but it won’t provide a lasting clean.
“You may find it barely gets you through your morning coffee.”
What’s more concerning are the risks associated with this viral hack.
Louise warns that micellar water, often containing alcohol, can be harmful to both your hair and eyes.
“Micellar waters often contain alcohol, which can strip and fade hair colour,” she notes.
“And because they’re so thin, they can easily get into the eye area when spritzing around your hairline, which can be dangerous and painful.”
Considering the average cost of a professional hair dye in Ireland is not cheap, using micellar water could become an expensive mistake for dyed hair.
Does It Work?
For those curious about whether micellar water could work for them, Louise says the results depend on hair type.
“Whether or not you see any effect depends on your hair’s thickness and oil level,” she explains.
“The cleansing action comes from mild surfactants, similar to those found in shampoos, but results will vary.”
One of the touted benefits of micellar water is that it doesn’t leave the white residue often seen with dry shampoo.
However, Louise points out that professional dry shampoos, when used correctly, shouldn’t leave visible residue either.
“Especially professional products used for special events like weddings and proms.
“If your dry shampoo leaves a residue, it’s probably the wrong type, too much applied, or not applied thoroughly,” she says.
“I would recommend researching your hair type and trying an effective dry shampoo instead of micellar water.”
So, while micellar water may offer a short-term fix for greasy hair, it’s not a sustainable or risk-free solution.
Its potential to damage hair colour and cause irritation outweighs its minimal benefits.
For those looking for a lasting, safe alternative, investing in a high-quality dry shampoo tailored to your hair type is a far better option.
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