Why We Love Micellar Technology Hair Products

Chances are you’ve already used micellar water in your beauty routine, or at least know what it is — a different kind of cleanser with micelles that break down oils and trap dirt particles. Well, now this technology is available for your hair as well.

A micellar shampoo is a great alternative to natural dry shampoos when it comes to cleansing your hair. Micelles can restore balance in your hair, giving it more shine, volume and bounce. At the same time, they gently clean scalp buildups without irritating the skin the way some dry shampoo ingredients might. No wonder micellar technology is becoming more popular.

But what exactly is micellar technology? How does it work? And why is it sometimes better than using a dry shampoo?

What Is Micellar Technology?

Micellar technology is based on micelles — small molecule clusters that are able to trap oil, water and other impurities but at the same time dissolve in water while rinsing the dirt away.

Chemically, soap molecules have a hydrophilic end (that dissolves in water) and a hydrophobic one (that doesn’t). A micelle is a cluster where hydrophobic ends are turned inwards, toward the interior, and thus can hold dirt, oil and grease particles. Hydrophobic tails actually have a natural affinity for the lipids and oils that they come into contact with, which allows them to be highly effective.

Once the oil is trapped in the micelle, it can be easily brushed away. Such qualities open up lots of possibilities of using the micellar technology not only in dermatology (as micellar water) but also in hair products.

Why Is Micellar Technology Good for Hair?

The scalp has many hair follicles and oil glands constantly producing sebum, an oily substance that protects the scalp and moisturizes hair.

In a natural setting, sebum levels are kept to a minimum and your hair looks balanced and shiny, boasting bounce and elasticity. However, as your hair comes into contact with surrounding elements (e.g. dirt particles, smoke, hair styling products), it collects buildup and becomes much heavier.

Using micellar technology, it’s possible to cleanse the scalp of impurities without stripping the hair of essential oils or its natural protective layer.

Most commonly, micellar cleansers are compared to clarifying or dry shampoos. Even though clarifying shampoos are effective at removing buildup, most should be limited to no more than once a week use and are not suitable for colored hair. Micellar cleansers are much more gentle and can be used more frequently. Like dry shampoos, some of them don’t even require rinsing and instantly give you clean, fresh and bouncy hair.

At Alterna, we’ve recently designed and released My Hair. My Canvas. MeltAway No-Rinse Micellar Cleanser as a vegan crème-to-powder no-rinse cleanser that absorbs oil and sweat and breaks down product buildup for hair that feels shower clean — with no rinsing required!

Our MeltAway No-Rinse Micellar Cleanser fits most hair types, maintains moisture in hair (even suitable for hair prone to dryness as well as curly or color-treated hair), improves hair manageability for quick and easy restyling, and protects your hair against environmental pollutants*. It also carries a calming and wonderful citrus and chamomile aroma.

Using the MeltAway No-Rinse Micellar Cleanser is easy and quite similar to a dry shampoo (you can use it anywhere). Just emulsify a small amount of product in the palms of your hands and apply from roots to ends. Use fingers, a brush or a blow-dryer to restyle and move impurities from the hair effortlessly. Don’t rinse.

The most effective way to introduce the MeltAway No-Rinse Micellar Cleanser into your routine is by replacing your clarifying shampoo, at least once a month. Try it and see how your hair feels and if you notice any immediate results. Then increase the use as you see fit.

We’re so excited to introduce the micellar technology to the Alterna Haircare product lineup. We truly believe it’s a new and groundbreaking way to care for your hair on the go, without many of the downsides frequently associated with dry shampoos.

Not sure of other haircare products to accompany a micellar cleanser? Take our quick Hair Quiz (takes just a few minutes), which will give you a holistic haircare plan, outlining all the products you might need for your specific hair type and needs.

*laboratory tested pollution particles