Oily hair? You should be washing it with micellar water, apparently
If greasy hair is your beauty nemesis, you might be about to learn that you've been washing your hair wrong all along. The secret? Micellar water.
That's right, TikTok has presented us with yet another hair hack – and this time it's for all those oily-scalped folks out there. According to one viral video, the key to non-greasy lengths is rinsing your hair with micellar water before shampooing. Who knew?
Abbey Yung first tried out the technique back in April, and the video has since picked up 1.2 million views. In the clip, she pours micellar water over the top of her head before shampooing twice, saying: "I applied the micellar water directly to my scalp and evenly saturated my roots... [and] massage it in."
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Showing off her results once her hair was dry, she said: "WOW my hair feels SO clean. Also so soft and shiny! I'm obsessed."
Another TikToker, Daniela Flores, has shared that she likes to spritz a micellar water product to refresh the roots of her curly hair, rather than washing it. "I am just now finding out about this technology, but it's the tea!!" she's captioned her own video.
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In theory, micellar technology could be beneficial for greasy hair or product build up – since it's used in a similar way on the skin. Micellar water is made up of 'micelles' (aka tiny cleansing balls, suspended in water) which attract oily substances and draw them away from the skin – or hair. So, it's not surprising that some have found them to be clarifying as a hair treatment.
However – as many have pointed out – dousing your hair in micellar water every time you shampoo isn't exactly cost-effective (or eco-friendly, for that matter).
The life-changing way to use dry shampoo that no one knows about!
For a homemade alternative, you could try an apple cider vinegar hair rinse (simply mix 3-4 tablespoons with around 2 cups water), or even a micellar-infused shampoo, which will give you the benefit of the technology without getting through so much product.
Even better, we've rounded up our favourite micellar waters, shampoos and treatments below…
Scroll to shop the best micellar hair products.
The celeb-approved micellar shampoo
Kristen Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo, £10, Boots
Kristen Ess is the woman behind the lived-in waves of Lucy Hale, Lauren Conrad and Jenna Dewan – so you know you can trust her when it comes to haircare. This shampoo uses micellar to clarify and clean the scalp, so it's best used once a week.
Save when you shop with these Boots discount codes.
The micellar shampoo for sensitive scalps
Grow Gorgeous Sensitive Micellar Shampoo, £14, LookFantastic
Sensitive-scalped shoppers have given this Grow Gorgeous number rave reviews for its soothing formula, which also cleanses and removes oil from the roots. Great for targeting flakes, too.
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes.
The micellar shampoo for curly hair
Wella Professionals Nutricurls Micellar Shampoo for Curls 1000ml, £24, LookFantastic
This shampoo aims to effectively cleanse curls while still nourishing and smoothing, so you can expect a more moisturising feel.
Save when you shop with these LookFantastic discount codes.
The micellar root-refresher
Aveda Rinseless Refresh™ Micellar Hair & Scalp Refresher, £19.60, FeelUnique
Not a wash day? Aveda's rinse-free micellar spray is a great inbetweener – think of it as somewhere between a shampoo and a dry shampoo. With it's wet texture, it can also be used to refresh waves and curls (either air dry or blowdry, your choice).
Save when you shop with these FeelUnique discount codes.
The cult micellar water
Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Water Sensitive Skin, £12, Boots
Really want to try the micellar water hair rinse? Bioderma is undoubtedly the original and undisputed micellar water product, and ideal for sensitive skins. We're hesitant to see it going straight down the drain however, so use sparingly…
The supersized micellar water for hair
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700ml, £4.75, Amazon
For a more cost-effective solution to the trend, try buying in bulk. Garnier micellar waters are popular and affordable – this one, for combination and oily skins, is ultra-clarifying.
The sulphate-free micellar shampoo
L'Occitane Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo, £20, L'Occitane
With natural essential oils and a silicone, sulfate, phthalate and BHT-free formula, this is ideal for those that prefer to use more natural ingredients.
