The saying “You are what you eat” has been doled out for decades to inspire people to eat healthier, but 2024 is here to teach us that fermented foods like kimchi are onto something. They can give you the ultimate hair glow-up. For you who resolve to tend to your mane, let’s just say fermented hair products will help you reach your goals.
According to Alison Cutlan, “Ferments are truly ‘superfoods’—think kombucha for hair.” She’s the VP of Innovation at The Rootist, where she uses her biotech background, fermentation expertise, and creativity to develop beauty products. She says if you want stronger, healthier hair, ferments are the secret.
“The fermentation process makes clinically effective ingredients even more powerful, more bioavailable, and more biocompatible, meaning they are safely and readily absorbed by hair and scalp. So, in other words, it’s the best method to really make an impact,” she explains.
Why does fermented hair care provide so many noteworthy benefits? “Amino acids, silica, and vitamins derived from the fermentation process penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. This, in turn, contributes to enhanced strength and shine,” she shares.
Below, Alison shares more reasons why using fermented hair care is worth the fuss.
Fermentation supercharges the ingredients, supporting healthier roots that provide a solid foundation for vibrant hair.
2. Hydrated and Balanced Scalp
By transforming substances into more potent, skin-friendly molecules, ferments help maintain a hydrated and balanced scalp. This contributes to overall scalp health and sets the stage for optimal hair growth.
The small molecules from the ferment easily penetrate the hair shaft, delivering rich bioavailable nutrition. This improves the hair’s texture, making it softer to the touch and easier to manage.
But, as with any purchase, Alison cautions caveat emptor because not all fermented hair products are created equal. “The key lies in the ingredients used,” she explains. “The fermentation process is a natural one, involving microbes like bacteria and yeast breaking substances down into tiny, nourishing molecules. This results in ingredients that are more powerful and better received by the scalp.”
Below, check out some of our favorite fermented hair products.
Strengthen Concentrated Peptide Shampoo
Price: $30
The Rootist
The signature blend of Rootbiomic Ferment (only in The Rootist), biopeptides, and Yuzu Ceramide will clean, nourish, and strengthen for luscious locks.
Fermented Rice Water Conditioner Bar
Price: $20
Yao Secret
This bar won’t leave your hair with a hangover. Fermented rice water locks moisture into the hair and scalp while elevating your hair’s natural shine.
Don’t Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
Price: $38
Briogeo
This weekly hair treatment utilizes fortifying rice protein complex that protects hair from breakage and moisturizes to support the hair’s elasticity.
Strengthen Scalp & Hair Mask with Fermented Rice
Price: $6
FaceTory
If you want to look like you just walked off the set of a hair commercial, grab this mask infused with fermented rice and rosemary. It nourishes hair and clarifies oily scalps.
BioBrew Fermented Strengthening Serum
Price: $48
The Rootist
This leave-in treatment serum spray can repair hair damage from color, chemicals, styling, heat, and harsh ingredients. We like to think of it as retinol for hair.
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