Is hydration destroying your hair? The REAL science

Is water good or bad for hair? There are lots of “hydrating” hair products out there… but lots of hair experts say that water is actually BAD for hair. Let’s look at the scientific evidence and work out what’s really going on with hair and hydration, with a little detour into porosity and coconut oil.

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0:00 Hydrating products, water and hair bonds
3:21 “Hydrated” hair is a myth
4:59 How “hydrating” products work
6:32 Conditioners don’t seal out water
7:38 “Porosity” tests
10:27 Why does hair feel nicer after washing?
12:26 Resetting shape microscopically
12:52 Hygral fatigue is a myth
13:47 What about the studies?
14:29 Coconut oil?
15:31 Low water problems
16:22 What should you do?

Main references shown on screen, article with full reference list coming soon!

🙋🏻 I’m Michelle, a chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and science educator, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!

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5 Comments

  1. See that’s what our shampoos and conditioners are doing. Both have glycerin and for a person living in extremely hot climate with very little humidity, this is a necessity.

  2. Ah wavy hair, you hurt me once again.
    I have middle of the road EVERYTHING. Face shape, body shape, weight (as in not skinny enough for straight size stores but too small for plus size), skin tone (no joke I gave up trying to figure it out and went back to my goth 13 year old roots).
    Back to hair, I found my true love of shampoo a few years ago, bought super expensive shampoo as a gift and annoyingly it worked like a dream. AND THEY STOPPED MAKING IT. I only buy hair care once a year, so I tried to replace it inside the same brand. Meaning I’ve been stuck with an expensive set im not even enjoying.

  3. Omg as a guy and a nerd I’ve always hated anything people tell me to do with my hair, because I would ask how exactly does this work and it’s always looks of hate. I’m watching all of your vids.

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