SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center:Does Micellar Water Work As Dry Shampoo? I Tried the TikTok Hack and These Are My Results

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As someone with super fine,SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center dark brown hair, my relationship with dry shampoo is complicated. I’m all for skipping the daily hair washes, but most dry shampoos leave my hair looking dull and covered in a chalky residue. Sure, there are some great dry shampoos out there for dark hair, but I’m always on the lookout for something that works even better. So, when I saw TikTok creators raving about using micellar water instead of dry shampoo, I had to give it a go.

I dove into TikTok and found tons of beauty gurus showing how they keep their hair fresh on no-wash days using micellar water. The process was pretty simple—just dab a bit of your favorite micellar water (from brands like Bioderma or Garnier) onto a cotton pad, and press it onto your roots where oil and sweat build up. No powdery sprays, no aerosol cans—just micellar water, and their hair looked seriously refreshed. 

It kind of makes sense if you think about it. Micellar water works by grabbing onto dirt and oil on your skin, leaving it clean without needing soap or water. So why couldn’t it do the same for your hair? I struggle with greasy roots and constantly touch my hair throughout the day, so I was more than ready to see if this hack would work for me.

Luckily, I already had some Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water ($13) on hand—it’s my go-to for my face. I soaked a cotton pad (reusable ones are preferred, by the way) and dabbed it along my scalp and hairline, right where I’d usually blast some dry shampoo. I immediately felt a cool, refreshing sensation on my scalp, which was a nice bonus. After making sure I’d covered all the greasy spots, I brushed my hair through and gave it a quick blow dry.

Once my hair dried from the micellar water, I was pleasantly surprised. It looked shinier and way less oily than before. My roots didn’t feel weighed down, and I even had a little extra volume. While I’m not convinced it’ll work on hair that’s gone five or six days without washing, it did the trick for my day-three hair. I’m not saying I’m ditching dry shampoo forever, but this hack is definitely going in my hair care arsenal. For me, it’s a win.

Overall, I’d recommend trying it out for yourself whenever you’re in a pinch. Keep scrolling to shop the products I used/recommend below.

Shop Editor-Approved Micellar Water Picks

Bioderma Sensibio H2O gently cleanses and soothes your skin, balancing it to its natural pH while reducing dryness and redness. With over 44K five-star ratings, this fragrance-free formula reveals your pure skin, no rinsing needed. It's also affordable, and one of my favorite Micellar waters I can always count on.

For any even more affordable option that's available in every drugstore around you and has over 48K five-star ratings, opt for the Garnier Micellar water. It leaves your face feeling squeaky clean, incredibly soft, and is suitable for sensitive skin. At less than $9, it's a major steal.

Shop Reusable Cotton Pads

These Garnier Micellar cleansing eco pads are ultra-soft and reusable, designed to work with micellar water to gently remove makeup without waste or harsh rubbing. Lasting up to 1,000 washes, these eco-friendly pads eliminate the need for disposable cotton rounds.

Paula's Choice reusable makeup remover pads are ultra-soft and perfect for gently erasing makeup or applying liquid products without waste. Made from a durable blend of cotton and bamboo, one set of 10 rounds replaces up to 2,000 disposable cotton pads and is fully compostable.

Can you use micellar water as dry shampoo?

Yes, you can use micellar water as a dry shampoo alternative. Micellar water's gentle cleansing properties help absorb excess oil from the scalp without leaving residue, making it a quick fix for greasy hair.

How do you use micellar water as dry shampoo?

To use micellar water as dry shampoo, apply a small amount onto a cotton pad or directly onto your scalp. Gently massage it into your roots, then let it air dry or use a blow dryer to style your hair as usual.

Does micellar water leave a residue in your hair?

No, micellar water typically doesn’t leave a residue in your hair. Unlike some dry shampoos, it cleanses the scalp without adding buildup, making it a clean and light alternative.

Is micellar water safe for all hair types?

Yes, micellar water is generally safe for all hair types, including color-treated and sensitive scalps. Its gentle formulation means it's less likely to cause irritation or strip the hair of its natural oils, making it a versatile option for many.

How does micellar water compare to dry shampoo in terms of oil absorption?

Micellar water absorbs oil through the action of micelles, which bind to sebum and remove it. Dry shampoo, on the other hand, typically uses starch or silica to absorb oil, often providing a more intense oil-absorbing effect and added volume to hair, which micellar water may not achieve.

Looking for more editor-approved beauty hacks? Check out our roundup of the best beauty products we've tested.