Is Fermented Hair Care Worth the Hype?
How I Finally Cured My Oily Hair and My Fine Hair Looks Better Than Ever Thanks to The Rootist!
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent a small fortune trying to figure out how to fix your oily scalp and flat, fine hair. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from high-end salon treatments to drugstore quick fixes, and nothing really worked. My hair has always been oily—like embarrassingly oily. In my teens and twenties, I had to wash it twice a dayjust to look presentable. And even now, in my late 40s, it was still a greasy mess within 24 hours of washing.
Dry shampoos? I’ve tried them all. Some gave me a little extra volume, others smelled nice, but none of them actually fixed my oily hair. At best, they masked it. At worst, they left me with itchy buildup and even more scalp issues.
So when I started hearing buzz about Fermented Hair Care, I was skeptical. I mean, really? Could Fermented Hair Care be the magic solution to decades of hair frustration and a breakthrough in Fermented Hair Care?
Spoiler alert: It was.
And I can honestly say that discovering The Rootist* has been a total game-changer for my hair.
*This is NOT a sponsored post. I purchased these products and I am not working with them (but would be totally open to working together, The Rootist, reach out!!) This is MY authentic opinion and written just because I find these products valuable and you may too. The links in this post are affiliate links which provide me a small % of your purchase that is used to continue operating this blog. I am eternally grateful when you shop using the links on my site, without those purchases I cannot continue creating free content!!
My Long (and Greasy) Hair Journey
Before I tell you how Fermented Hair Care helped transform my hair, let me give you the full backstory.
In my journey, Fermented Hair Care became not just an addition but a necessity, unlocking the secrets to manageable, healthy hair.
Incorporating Fermented Hair Care into my routine was a decision I didn’t take lightly, but it has made a significant difference.
I’ve always had very fine hair—the kind that doesn’t hold a curl, falls flat five minutes after styling, and shows oil like nobody’s business. I used to joke that my hair got greasy just by thinking about it.
In my desperation to fix it, I tried everything:
- Every “oil control” shampoo on the shelf
- DIY apple cider vinegar rinses (hello, vinegar-smelling hair!)
- “No-poo” for TWO years (yes, really)
- Scalp scrubs, clarifying treatments, and more dry shampoo than I care to admit
The “no-poo” movement, which encourages ditching traditional shampoo and conditioner altogether, was my most extreme experiment. The idea is that your scalp will “reset” its oil production without harsh cleansing agents. Sounds good in theory—but for me? It just meant two years of stringy, sad, unmanageable hair.
I was honestly ready to give up. Then I found The Rootist.
What Is Fermented Hair Care?
Before I dive into the products I’m loving, let’s break down what fermented hair care even means.
Fermented beauty has been huge in skincare for years, especially in K-beauty, thanks to the way fermentation boosts ingredient potency and nutrient absorption. Now, that same concept is being applied to hair care—and it’s honestly brilliant.
When ingredients like rice water, herbal extracts, or fruit enzymes are fermented, they break down into smaller molecules. This makes them:
- More bioavailable (aka, your hair and scalp can absorb them better)
- More nourishing and gentle
- Naturally probiotic-rich, which supports scalp health and balances oil production
In short, fermentation supercharges the ingredients and makes your scalp healthier—which, as it turns out, is the missing piece for a lot of us with oily, fine, or thinning hair.
The Products That Changed My Life (and My Hair)
The Rootist Densify Bundle
Let’s start with the hero set: the Densify Bundle. It includes their fermented shampoo and conditioner along with a scalp serum, and honestly, I love everything about it.
What’s in it?
This bundle is packed with postbiotic fermented plant actives that nourish the scalp and promote hair density over time. Some standout ingredients:
- Fermented rosemary leaf (stimulates scalp & boosts circulation)
- Rice protein (strengthens and thickens strands)
- Ginseng & caffeine (energize follicles for healthier growth)
What I Noticed:
- Immediately: My scalp felt refreshed but not stripped. No squeaky-clean, tight feeling. Just clean and comfortable.
- Within a week: My hair felt lighter—not weighed down with oil or buildup.
- After a month: Legitimately less greasy. I can go 2–3 days between washes now, which is honestly a miracle for me.
- Bonus: It styles better! Blowouts last longer, volume holds, and my hair looks fuller.
Clarify + Dry Shampoo Powder Bundle
This dynamic duo includes:
These were the two products I didn’t know I needed until I tried them.
Why I Love the ACV Pre-Rinse:
- Gently exfoliates the scalp using natural fruit acids (AHAs) and apple cider vinegar
- Helps balance pH and reduce oil production over time
- No harsh stripping like other clarifying shampoos
I use it once a week and it completely resets my scalp without drying it out. It’s like a detox—but make it fermented and fancy.
Dry Shampoo That Actually Works:
I’ve tried dozens of dry shampoos over the years, but The Rootist’s Clarifying Dry Shampoo Powder is next-level. It:
- Absorbs oil instantly
- Adds natural volume and texture
- Doesn’t leave that awful white residue
- Is clean, non-toxic, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive scalp
This stuff is a lifesaver for second (or third) day hair.
What Makes The Rootist Different?
There are a lot of “clean” or “natural” hair care brands out there. But The Rootist stands out for a few key reasons:
✅ Science-Backed Fermentation
They use a unique fermentation process to create postbiotic plant actives, which are clinically shown to support a balanced scalp microbiome and promote stronger, healthier hair.
✅ Focus on Scalp Health
Their products are all about the root cause (literally) of most hair issues. If your scalp is out of whack, your hair won’t thrive—period. These formulas nourish your scalp so your hair can grow in better from the start.
✅ Formulated Without the Junk
No sulfates, parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances. Just clean, potent ingredients that work.
Why Fermented Hair Care Works So Well for Oily Hair
For people with overactive sebaceous glands (aka oily scalp people like me!), the key isn’t to keep stripping away the oil—it’s to balance your scalp’s microbiome and encourage it to stop overproducing in the first place.
Fermented ingredients are ideal for this because they’re:
- Naturally antimicrobial (goodbye, scalp gunk)
- Rich in amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes
- Gentle but effective
It’s like kombucha for your head—but it doesn’t smell like it, I promise.
Real Talk: Does It Make Your Hair Grow?
Let’s be honest, we all want thicker, longer hair. While nothing can change your genetics overnight, a healthy scalp = better hair growth. And I’ve noticed:
- More new baby hairs along my hairline
- Less shedding in the shower and on my brush
- Improved texture overall
My fine hair is still fine—but it’s fuller, stronger, and more manageable than it’s ever been.
Final Thoughts: Is Fermented Hair Care Worth the Hype?
For me, 1000% yes. After decades of struggling with oily, limp hair, I finally feel confident in my routine—and it’s all thanks to The Rootist.
Whether you’re fighting greasy roots, thinning hair, or a lack of volume, fermented hair care might be exactly what you need. It’s gentle, effective, and best of all, it actually works with your scalp, not against it.
Want to Try It for Yourself?
Here’s what I recommend starting with:
🛒 Clarify + Dry Shampoo Powder Bundle
Your oily scalp will thank you. Your hair will love you. And you just might wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
