Using micellar water as a dry shampoo is gaining popularity online, with a 213% increase in Google searches in the last month!
A number of viral TikTok videos show users spritzing micellar water on their roots to refresh their hair, followed by a blast from a hairdryer to achieve a clean, residue-free look instead of dry shampoo.
What many don’t know is this can actually damage your hair. Fresha, the leading marketplace platform for beauty and wellness, spoke exclusively to hairdresser Louise Davies to uncover the truth behind the trend.
‘I’m a hairdresser, you should avoid the micellar water dry shampoo trend: it’s damaging your hair!’
Speaking with Fresha, Louise Davies, a hairdresser at Rubies & Co, says micellar water may be a quick fix, but it’s not necessarily effective. “Yes, micellar water can temporarily lift grease, but it won’t provide a lasting clean,” she explains. “You may find it barely gets you through your morning coffee.”
Louise also warns about the potential dangerous risks of this TikTok trend:
“Micellar waters often contain alcohol, which can strip and fade hair colour, 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.” With the average cost of a hair dye being £60* in the UK, that’s a hefty price to pay!
For those wondering if micellar water could work for them, Louise adds that the results vary based on hair type:
“Whether or not you see any effect depends on your hair’s thickness and oil level,” she says. “The cleansing action comes from mild surfactants, cleansers that are gentle on the skin and safe for the environment, similar to those in shampoos, but results will vary.”
Users have praised this trend for not leaving behind white residue, like dry shampoo, but Louise points out dry shampoos should not leave a visible residue:
“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, so I would recommend researching your hair type and trying an effective dry shampoo instead of micellar water” she advises.