4 Cons Of The Water Only Method That You Should Consider

There are many hair care methods which veer from the traditional paths we are all familiar with. From oil rinsing to hanging upside down, you can find just about every kind of outlandish method you want with a quick internet search.

Although many non-traditional hair care methods get a bad rap, there are usually some redeeming qualities buried within them. It should also be taken into consideration, that not everything works for everyone.

Many of the methods of hair care that are outside of the acceptable norms, stem from some known or notable practice that has been found to be effective or beneficial. This is where many believe the water only method found its origin.

Water is probably the best moisturizer for any hair type. Things like sealing and steaming are all derived from attempts to retain as much water moisture as possible within the hair’s strands. So it would be a logical jump to think that using only water, must be hugely beneficial to the health of one’s hair.

There are proponents of the method who swear by it. Some even claim faster hair growth*, less breakage and more defined curls – all achieved directly because of implementing the water only method into their hair regimen.

How the water only methods works

The water only method is a method of hair care where the hair is washed and maintained without the use of shampoos and/or conditioners. The sebum produced by the glands on the scalp is massaged throughout the length of the hair strands where it performs as a moisturizer.

No other products are used on the hair and because of this, maintaining the cleanliness of the hair with only water, is deemed effective.

While this method has gained momentum over the past few years, there are some notable cons that may deter those who are thinking of taking the plunge. Let’s look at 4 cons of the water only method.

Manual sebum distribution

Manual sebum distribution is the hinge that holds this entire method together. The hair strands need moisture and oil. The scalp produces the necessary oils*, but those oils* must be coerced down the full length of the strands.

Sufficient amounts of sebum are sometimes produced naturally. When it is not, gently agitating the scalp is believed to encourage the production of additional sebum. The agitation also loosens dirt which is then washed out with water.

Typically, conditioners are used to coat the strands of the hair and the application of external oils act like sebum does. Having to manually farm and move sebum down the length of the hair is a tedious task. It is also time consuming.

Longer detangling sessions

Detangling is a time-consuming task. Depending on the length of your hair, the texture of your hair and style worn just prior to detangling, the processes can be downright tortuous.

Even so, there are products which aid in the process of detangling. Conditioners and other moisture rich products provide the adored slip that makes untangling coils and curls much easier and much less stressful on the hair.

The water only method calls for the elimination of those products. This means you are left with your fingers and water. After a wash and go, this sounds like quite the task.

Buildup

Minerals, chemicals and other additives are found in today’s water supplies. Those minerals, chemicals and additives can create what is commonly referred to as hard water. Depending on where you live, your water may be harder than the water in a different area.

Removing those chemicals from the hair calls for specific kinds of shampoos. Clarifying and chelating shampoos are designed to specifically rid the hair of harmful minerals and chemicals. Those shampoos tend to also be drying, resulting in the need to add moisturizing conditioners to the hair to replenish the depleted moisture.

The water only method may mean a buildup of chemicals and minerals in the hair which happens faster than it would in the hair of someone who uses shampoos and conditioners. Those chemicals and minerals would also remain in the hair and could affect how well sebum is absorbed into the strands.

Limited styling options

Some styles simply require product to pull off. Many styles are versatile enough to be achieved either with or without the use of added stylers. There are many women who prefer the natural curl their edges fall into, while others, want their edges slicker than a fresh oil spill.

If a sleek bun or laid baby hairs is your thing, the water only method may rob you of the opportunity to rock those kinds of styles because of the lack of stylers the method calls for.

The water only method has benefits which may appeal to you. However, there are some cons to this non-traditional method of hair care that may cause you to seek out different ways of achieving a particular hair goal. Ultimately, the choice is yours.