Washing Your Hair in Bath Bomb Water: Is It a Good Idea?

If you’ve ever sunk into a bath bomb bath and thought, "Why not go full mermaid and chill underwater?" we totally get it. We’ve been there so many times. Spoiler alert: Sometimes, our hair loves the extra moisture. Other times, it looked like we’d bathed in olive oil. And there were occasions when our strands came out as dry as tumbleweed. But, what if you shampoo and rinse with the bath bomb water—does that actually work?

As avid bathers, typically, we like to put our hair up in a bun or use a shower cap when soaking to keep our locks away from the bath bomb water. But there are times when we like to go all-in and dunk our heads for that full-body soak experience - hair and all. If you’re wondering how bath people wash their hair in the same water or whether it’s safe for the hair to mingle with the bath bomb brew, keep reading!

The Chemistry Behind the Fizz

First, let’s address the bath bomb experience. These fizzy delights are designed to transform your bath into a soothing, aromatic retreat. Filled with essential oils, fragrances, and skin-softening ingredients, bath bombs are perfect for a luxurious soak. But what about their impact on your hair?

Bath bombs create their magical fizz through a chemical reaction between baking soda and citric acid. This reaction generates bubbles and a delightful fizz, releasing fragrances and moisturizers into the water. While this sounds wonderful for your skin, it’s not always hair-friendly. Bath bombs aren’t formulated to address the oils, dirt, and buildup that shampoos and conditioners are designed to handle.

More importantly, not all bath bombs are created equal. For instance, some bath bombs are made with cocoa butter or other oils that can leave your hair feeling greasy. On the other hand, some bath bombs might lack sufficient natural ingredients to add any real moisture to your hair. So while your bath might smell amazing and your skin might feel pampered, your hair could end up with a residue or dryness depending on the ingredients used. If you’re considering using bath bomb water to rinse your hair, be mindful of the bath bomb’s composition and its potential impact on your locks.

 

Why Haircare Products Are Better Than Just Using Bath Bomb Water

We’re passionate bathers who adore bath bombs so much, that we’d almost consider eating them (just kidding!). But despite our love for these fizzy delights, we don’t recommend using bath bomb water for your hair.

In an article on BreakingNews.com, Clairol’s expert ambassador and hair stylist Michael Douglas explained: “Washing your hair in bathwater isn’t ideal because the water is already slightly dirty.” He added that the leftover bath water can force you to use more product, potentially leaving your hair greasier and harder to style.

Here’s why sticking with dedicated haircare products is always a better choice than just rinsing with bath bomb water:

1. Oil and Dirt Removal: Shampoo is specifically designed to cut through oils and dirt on your scalp and hair. Bath bomb water, despite its bubbly charm, doesn’t have the cleansing properties needed to thoroughly clean your hair.

2. Conditioning: The conditioner smooths the cuticles of your hair, making it easier to detangle and manage. Bath bomb water won’t provide the same level of conditioning, leaving your hair potentially tangled and unmanageable.

3. pH Balance: Your scalp and hair have a delicate pH balance that shampoo and conditioner are formulated to maintain. Bath bombs, with their fizzy concoction, might disrupt this balance, leading to dry or greasy hair.

4. Specialized Ingredients: Many shampoos and conditioners contain specific ingredients tailored to different hair types and needs, such as color treatment, hydration, volumizing, or repairing. Bath bombs lack these targeted treatments.

 

Rinsing Hair in Bath Bomb Water

So, what if you want to shampoo and condition while soaking in the tub and then use bath bomb water for rinsing? Is this a savvy way to streamline your bath and hair routine while saving water, or are there better options?

We get it—sometimes the bath is just too good to waste on only relaxing. Whether you're in full lazy mode or just trying to save time and water without sacrificing fabulous hair (because who has time for two washes?), here’s a slacker-genius move that’s been tried and tested by us:

Step 1: Rinse with Clean Water First: Before adding your bath bomb, fill the tub with clean water and give your hair a quick rinse to start fresh. If you prefer to keep your bath water free from hair grease and dirt, you can always wash your hair in the sink while the tub fills up.

Step 2: Add the Bath Bomb: Drop the bath bomb and get in the tub! Enjoy a relaxing soak while letting your wet hair mingle with the fizzy fun.

Step 3: Apply Shampoo: After you’ve fully relaxed, apply your shampoo as usual and work it into a lather while still in the bath.

Step 4: Rinse with Faucet Water: After shampooing, slather on some conditioner if you’re feeling fancy, then unplug the tub and let fresh faucet water take care of the final rinse. As an alternative, we like to fill a large basin with fresh faucet water pre-bath to keep handy for rinsing our hair later. This method ensures you use clean water to remove shampoo and conditioner without risking an overflow. 

Sure, it’s a bit of a water splurge, so if you’re feeling eco-friendly, you can rinse with the bath bomb water instead—provided you didn’t use a glitter bomb unless you’re into sparkly hair. If your locks end up feeling greasy or you spot a film, a quick rinse with clean water will get them back to fabulous. 

Our verdict?

While the idea of channeling your inner mermaid and submerging your entire self (including your hair) in bath bomb water sounds like the ultimate bath-time fantasy, using it to rinse your hair might not be the best move. Bath bombs are all about making your skin feel fabulous, not replacing the trusty shampoo and conditioner duo. However, you can certainly rinse with bath bomb water under a few caveats: if you’re feeling eco-conscious, pressed for time, or if you haven’t used a bath bomb that stains or has glitter (because that’s a hair disaster waiting to happen).

But here’s the pro tip: if you’re planning to wash your hair while bathing, the safest move is to keep a large basin of fresh water on hand for rinsing your hair afterward. Alternatively, for a quick and thorough cleanse, you can always hop in the shower after your bath bomb bath.

Happy bathing!