But what is micellar water, how does it work, and what does it mean for your hair? From purifying the scalp to restoring moisture, read on to discover six benefits of micellar water for hair, along with some of our top product picks for incorporating micellar water into your routine.
6 Micellar Water Benefits
It purifies the scalp.
Perhaps most notably, micellar water is known for being made from purified water. “It helps to counteract minerals and heavy metals found in traditional tap water. In addition, micellar water is typically infused with mild surfactants for breaking down oils,” explains Dereq Clark, an award-winning hairstylist and Wella Professionals Brand Ambassador.
It provides a deeper clean.
“These surfactants are present as micelles with a charged, water-loving head on the outside and lipid-loving tails on the inside. When applied to the skin, it exposes the tail to remove oil-based things like sebum, hair products, and beyond,” says Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. Translation: It clears up the gunk to make your hair grow faster.
It’s gentle for sensitive skin.
As Dr. Liu suggested, micellar water molecules have an exterior that is water-soluble with an oil-soluble center. “When they come in contact with the hair, the oil-soluble inside attaches to dirt and residue to remove it from the hair in a gentle matter. Because they are extremely gentle, they can be used across all hair types, even in those with chemically treated, dry, or brittle hair,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
It’s safe for regular use.
Because it’s so gentle, micellar water shampoo makes a great alternative to clarifying shampoos and other detoxifying treatments that can strip hair of natural oils if used too frequently. (We particularly love it for removing build-up from dry shampoo and other powder-based sprays.)
It’s hydrating and volumizing—at the same time!
Because it’s cleansing without being over-drying, Clark also recommends micellar water as a good option for those with oily scalps seeking more body. “Glycerin is also a key ingredient in micellar water, which lends it to be more hydrating to the hair and scalp.”
It contributes to hair health.
Lastly, Clark points out that “…because micellar water cuts through heavy-duty products and build-up, it creates a healthier environment for follicles to prosper,” which we know is one of the components of long, healthy hair. Curious about the deep-cleansing yet gentle formula? Now that you know why stylists and dermatologists rave about micellar water for your hair, shop the best micellar shampoos and hair products from our picks below.
8 Micellar Water Hair Product Picks
Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Gentle & Soft Shampoo With Micellar Water
Recommended for sensitive types, this pH-balanced shampoo from Neutrogena ($18, walmart.com) was developed to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier for a healthier scalp and hair. Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, it’s also safe for dyed hair, so you don’t need to worry about washing your expensive color treatment out with all that excess oil and dirt.
TRESemmé Pro Pure Micellar Moisture Shampoo
If you have dry, dull strands, this shampoo from TRESemmé ($10, walmart.com) could be your ticket back to hydrated, luminous locks. The lightweight formula promises to restore shine without stripping hair of necessary moisture.
L’Occitane Aromachologie Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo
Plan your mental escape to Provence with this gentle formula from L’Occitane ($26, loccitane.com). It’s enriched with five essential oils (including lavender, lemon, and orange) for added aromatherapy benefits—we especially love using it at night for its subtly sweet, soothing effect.
Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Blue Ginger & Micellar Water Shampoo
Herbal Essences is known for its addictive scents, and this silicone-free, color-safe, and pH-balanced formula ($7, walmart.com) might be one of its most invigorating yet. Work it from root to tip to cleanse hair and boost volume (cue the bouncy hair commercials) while enjoying lingering notes of ginger, floral bouquets, and clean musk.
Kristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo
This scalp purifier from Kristin Ess ($15, target.com) features a unique “zip-up technology” for mending split ends while smoothing the appearance of damaged cuticles and serving as a protective coat against environmental stressors. Just wet your hair, create partings with the pointed tip, and apply the shampoo directly to the scalp, working it into a rich lather and through the rest of the hair. It’s color-safe and recommended for all hair types, including thick and curly.
Pantene Pro-V Blends Micellar Shampoo Cleansing Water
At the heart of this hard-working, gentle shampoo from Pantene Pro-V ($9, walmart.com) is a custom blend of nutrients, pro-vitamin B5, and rich antioxidants for keeping locks extra lush. Use it on all hair types to get that clean yet moisturized feeling every time.
Wella Professionals Nutricurls Curls Micellar Shampoo
This shampoo from Wella Professionals ($24, ulta.com) was made with curly hair in mind, helping define waves while providing added benefits. “It gently removes debris and impurities from the hair while adding definition and nourishment and helping to fight frizz,” says Clark. “I can trust that a client’s hair will stay healthy, hydrated, and free of heavy oils and environmental debris.”
Aveda Rinseless Refresh Micellar Hair & Scalp Refresher
In need of a little pick-me-up? Try a spritz of this Hair and Scalp Refresher from Aveda ($35, nordstrom.com), which promises to cleanse the scalp and tame frizz for up to 72 hours at a time, no water required. The travel-friendly pick also boasts the brand’s signature “pure-fume” featuring notes of organic mandarin, lemon, jasmine, and other plant essences for a spa-worthy aroma.
