Why Fermentation Is the Next Big Thing in Hair Care

Fermentation is more than just a buzzword—it’s a breakthrough technology transforming the beauty industry. From skin care to hair care, the process is revolutionizing how ingredients are absorbed, enhancing their efficacy and supporting scalp health. One brand leading the charge: The Rootist, whose proprietary fermentation process is making waves in the hair-care space. 

What Is Fermentation? 

Ali Cutlan, M.S., biologist and biotech Innovation expert at The Rootist, describes fermentation as “a biological unlock that transforms raw ingredients into highly active, bioavailable compounds that the scalp and hair can absorb more effectively.” 

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The Rootist’s unique fermentation process, what the brand calls Rootbiomic Ferment, breaks down botanical extracts into potent postbiotics, peptides and micronutrients—a multi-phase fermentation process Cutlan says allows ingredients to penetrate more deeply and create new bioactive compounds. The result? “Ingredients that are more potent, more absorbable, and more effective in supporting scalp health and hair vitality.”

Scalp-Care Spotlight

While fermentation has long been used in the world of skin care, Cutlan says it hasn’t been utilized as much in hair care. “We see this as a huge opportunity to make hair care better because the same principles apply to scalp health, but with even greater implications for hair vitality,” says Cutlan.

“The scalp is a living ecosystem, influencing hair structure,” says Cutlan, noting that the scalp’s microbiome is the foundation of healthy hair, influencing everything from follicle activity to oil balance and scalp sensitivity. “When imbalanced, it can contribute to excess shedding, irritation and weakened hair structure.”

As a direct response, The Rootist’s fermentation process creates targeted postbiotics and bioactive metabolites that nourish beneficial scalp bacteria, strengthen the scalp barrier and calm visible irritation. “By optimizing the scalp’s microbiome, fermentation helps support the growth phase of the hair cycle, leading to fuller, stronger, and more resilient hair over time.”

Real Results

The brand’s Densify Collection—currently offering a Densifying Serum for Thinning Hair ($58), and a Concentrated Shampoo ($30) and Conditioner ($32)—is all about root-anchoring and scalp resilience with fermentation playing a key role in both, says Cutlan. 

“Our proprietary ferment works at the root level to help nourish the follicles and promote an optimal scalp environment for stronger hair retention. Through extensive clinical testing, we saw an 85 percent reduction in hair fallout, which is a direct result of our fermentation-driven bio actives strengthening the scalp and hair roots,” says Cutlan. “We designed our ferment to address stress, scalp imbalances, and follicle aging, ensuring results.”

A Sustainable Option

Fermentation is not only effective, it’s also sustainable. “Unlike traditional extraction techniques that rely on harsh solvents and generate waste, fermentation is a natural biological process that is spontaneous and requires very little energy—maximizing ingredient efficacy while minimizing environmental impact,” says Cutlan.

The Rootist also ensures that its products and formulas are 100-percent biodegradable. “This is important to us because everything we put on our hair eventually gets washed down the drain,” says Cutlan. “We’re proud to be leading the way with both technologies and formulas that help promote the wellness of people and the planet.”