Is it OK to wash your hair with just water?

Table of Contents

Quick Answers

Washing hair with just water has some benefits but also some drawbacks. Some of the key points:

Using only water can help remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from hair.

It avoids stripping hair of its natural oils like shampoos sometimes do.
But water alone does not cleanse as thoroughly as shampoo.
Over time, washing with just water can lead to mineral and chlorine buildup.

It may not remove styling products or oils well enough for some people.
Those with very oily hair or scalps may need shampoo to avoid greasiness.
People with dry hair can often get away with water-only washing.

Using some conditioner after water washing can help nourish hair.
Those with dandruff or very oily hair will likely still need shampoo at times.

So in moderation, washing hair with water alone can be an effective cleansing method for some hair types. But most people will still need the deeper cleaning action of shampoo at times to avoid product buildup and excess oils.

The Potential Benefits of Water-Only Hair Washing

Washing hair with just water has gained popularity in recent years as part of the “no poo” (no shampoo) movement. Some of the touted benefits of water-only washing include:

Cleaning the hair without stripping oils: Shampoo can remove not just dirt and product buildup from hair, but also the natural oils that help keep hair moisturized. Frequent shampooing can leave hair dry and brittle over time. Water provides a gentler cleanse that avoids stripping as many oils.
Reducing use of chemicals: Many shampoos contain chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Water washing reduces exposure to these chemicals.

More manageable hair: The natural oils water washing leaves behind can help hair feel smoother and more manageable, especially for those with dry or damaged hair.
Not over-cleansing hair: Avoiding daily shampooing helps prevent over-cleansing hair of needed oils, which some experts believe can worsen oil production.
Being more eco-friendly: Using less shampoo reduces use of plastic bottles and other resources used to manufacture shampoos.

For those looking to lead a more natural lifestyle or reduce use of hair products, water-only washing can seem like an attractive option. The idea of keeping hair’s natural moisture while still getting it clean is very appealing to some people.

The Potential Drawbacks of Water-Only Washing

However, there are also some potential downsides of washing hair with just water that need to be considered:

May not fully remove product buildup: Water alone often does not wash away heavy styling products, oils, and environmental contaminants as thoroughly as detergent shampoos.

Can lead to mineral buildup over time: The minerals in tap water like calcium and magnesium can leave behind residue that builds up on the hair and scalp.
Doesn’t cleanse oily hair as well: People with very oily hair or scalps often find water alone does not reduce greasiness well enough.
Less effective for some scalp issues: Dandruff sufferers may find their symptoms get worse without the cleansing and medicated effects of anti-dandruff shampoos.

Potential for bacterial overgrowth: Some doctors warn that water washing does not inhibit natural bacterial growth on the scalp as well as regular shampooing.
Can leave hair limp and flat: Without the volumizing effects of shampoos and conditioners, some find water-washed hair falls flat or lacks body.

These drawbacks do not necessarily make water-only washing a bad idea. But they demonstrate it may not work well for everyone depending on their hair type, styling habits, and scalp conditions.

Making Water-Only Washing Work for You

If you want to try washing your hair with just water, here are some tips to make it work best:

Use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot, which can dry out hair.
Massage and scrub the scalp to lift dirt, oils, and buildup.

Use a boar bristle brush or baking soda to help remove residue.
Rinse hair upside down to improve cleansing.
Use an apple cider vinegar rinse 1-2 times per week to clarify.

Finish with a conditioner or oil treatment for moisture.
Wash in soft vs. hard water if possible to limit mineral buildup.
Shampoo once a week or as needed if hair becomes too oily or heavy.

Transitioning from shampoo to water-only can take some time as the scalp adjusts to producing less oil. Most experts recommend gradually reducing shampoo use to 2-3 times per week for a month or more.

Pay attention to hair quality and feel to find the right balance. Thick, dry hair may adapt well to water-only washing, while fine or oily hair may require more frequent shampooing.

The Results From Water-Only Hair Washing May Vary

Research on the effects of water-only hair washing is limited. But some small studies have produced mixed results:

A 2013 study of 19 people found that 4 weeks of water-only washing decreased oil production on the scalp. But hair was also rated as less clean.
A 2018 study of 26 people saw no difference in scalp oil levels after 8 weeks of water washing. But participants perceived their hair as less clean.
Interviews with long-term “no-poo” followers found many believe their hair is healthier now. But some admitted needing to use shampoo occasionally.

So while water washing may help normalize oil production for some, the benefits can vary person to person. Maintenance with shampoo may still be needed periodically.

Who May Benefit Most From Water-Only Hair Washing

While results can vary, here are some factors that may predict who will benefit most from water-only washing:

Naturally dry hair: Those with dry hair and scalp can often go longer between washes without excess oil buildup.

Straight, thick hair: Thick, straight hair with lots of volume may better disguise effects like oiliness or limpness.
Limited use of hair products: People who use fewer hair sprays, mousses and gels will avoid more buildup issues.
Younger ages: Younger people tend to have more active oil glands that may overproduce with daily shampooing.

No scalp conditions: Those without dandruff, psoriasis, or folliculitis will have fewer issues going “no-poo”.

So while any hair type can potentially benefit from moderate water washing, those with naturally drier, thicker hair and minimal styling habits tend to have better results.

Who May Want to Avoid Water-Only Washing

On the other hand, these hair types and habits may indicate water-only washing is less likely to work:

Oily hair and scalp: Too much oil buildup without shampooing can lead to flat, limp, greasy hair.
Thin, fine hair: Oiliness shows up more easily on thinner hair strands.
Frequent heat styling: Appliances like blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons require products that build up over time.

Daily hair spraying: Heavy use of hair spray and other styling products causes more residue buildup.
Color treated hair: Water washing may fade color treated hair more rapidly.
Dandruff/psoriasis: These conditions are worsened without medicated shampoo treatment.

People with these hair types and habits will likely see more issues like greasiness, limpness, and product buildup with water-only washing. More frequent shampooing may be needed.

The Bottom Line on Water-Only Hair Washing

So is it OK to wash your hair with just water? Overall, the evidence suggests:

Water-only washing has some benefits like retaining natural oils, but does not cleanse as deeply as shampoo.

It can be an effective method for some people but may not work well for all hair types.
Most people will still need occasional shampooing to avoid greasiness and buildup.
People with scalp conditions like dandruff may require medicated shampoos.

Transitioning slowly and finding the right balance between water and shampoo washing is important.
Using some conditioner after water washing can help keep hair moisturized.

While not a magic solution for everyone, water-only washing with occasional shampooing can be a viable way to promote hair health for some. But being realistic about expectations and attentive to hair’s condition is important.

Many people find a good balance by washing with water most of the time, using shampoo only 1-3 times per week as needed. This allows taking advantage of water’s gentler cleansing while still giving hair a deeper cleanse periodically.

As with any new hair care method, it’s best to test the waters slowly and course correct if needed. Pay attention to factors like hair type, styling habits, and scalp health to gauge if water-only washing is right for you.