This Scalp-Friendly Shampoo/Conditioner Duo Is Unlike Anything You’ve Tried Before

Before I was a beauty editor, I fell into the habit of using the same shampoo and conditioner time and time again. Now, my shower niche is a rotating collection of the latest and greatest formulas on my list to test. Over the past year, I’ve tried a few unique and impressive products from a brand that’s a bit newer to the beauty scene called The Rootist. (You may have seen its refillable Dry Shampoo and/or Densifying Serum go viral on TikTok.) Last week, I finally got the Strengthen Concentrated Shampoo and Conditioner into my hair, and I loved it. Here’s what makes it so good.

- Advertisement -

The Benefits of This Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

A big trend in skin care as of late has been the use of fermented ingredients, and now it’s making waves in hair care, too. The star ingredient in this duo is the brand’s proprietary Rootbiomic Ferment, which is described as “a multivitamin superfood that’s rich in clinically effective proteins, roots and mushrooms.” By fermenting these ingredients, they become “powerful, biologically compatible micronutrients that promote anchored roots, a balanced scalp and your strongest, healthiest hair.” So what are the eight clinically effective botanicals that make up this superfood elixir? Chinese skullcap root, red ginseng root, Reishi mushroom, coffee berry, rice and pea proteins, centella asiatica, and lactobacillus from apple and vegan kimchi. The addition of bio-peptides is where the strengthening element comes in. They are chock-full of collagen, keratin and proteins that help strengthen hair from root to tip.

The shampoo is color-safe and free of harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), but still lathers nicely. It leaves my hair feeling really clean, smooth and moisturized. The conditioner is silicone-free and helps repair damage as it moisturizes. The brand says it’s formulated to “pull moisture deep into the hair instead of just coating the surface.” My scalp tends to get oily between washes, but I’ve noticed less oiliness when using this combo. I’ve also seen an improvement in my overall scalp health.

BUY SHAMPOO – $30

BUY CONDITIONER – $32

You’ll notice the word “concentrate” in the name, which means the formula doesn’t include additional water. I’ve used concentrated shampoos before, and I always appreciate that eco-friendly factor. Without additional water, the packaging can be smaller and less wasteful (the aluminum bottles are recyclable,too). And oftentimes, the formula is more potent, which is the case here. Both this shampoo and conditioner are only 4 ounces, which also saves room in your shower. And, you only need to use half as much shampoo and conditioner as you would with traditional products.