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The Root Project Review: The Simplicity Revolution in Scalp-First Haircare

Discover The Root Project’s three-step, scalp-first haircare system designed for healthy, effortless hair with minimal fuss.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Discover The Root Project’s three-step, scalp-first haircare system designed for healthy, effortless hair with minimal fuss.

The Root of Great Hair: Testing The Root Project’s Scalp-Centric System

If you’re a minimalist at heart or find elaborate hair routines intimidating, The Root Project may be the answer to all your lazy-hair prayers. Launched by industry veterans Lucrecia Jovel and Patrick Harriman, The Root Project is a brand-new haircare concept built around one idea: when you care for your roots, beautiful hair follows.
In this review, we put their three-step system to the test—scrutinizing its claims, dissecting ingredients, sensorial experience, and, most importantly, the results it delivers for everyday hair (and lazy users).

Why Roots Matter: The Philosophy Behind The Root Project

Most hair products focus on strands, promising sheen and softness, but neglect to nurture where hair grows: the scalp. The Root Project makes a compelling case for root-first care, replacing the traditional beauty message of ‘mask and ignore’ with one centered on fortifying the foundation for better hair health.
Unlike targeted treatments for scalp issues, The Root Project normalizes scalp maintenance as an everyday act, integrating it seamlessly into your wash routine, and making scalp health as fundamental as skincare.

Scalp-first, not scalp-fix: The Root Project isn’t positioning itself as a solution for major scalp issues. Instead, it advocates maintenance through wellness-oriented daily practices.
Simplicity above all: With just three products, the system removes the guesswork and ‘overload’ that can come with trying to curate a home routine from dozens of options.
Root Complex technology: At the core of every formula is ‘The Root Complex’—a proprietary blend of science-backed and plant-based ingredients selected to nurture both scalp and strands from the inside out.

What’s in the Box: The Three-Step Root Project Routine

The Root Project system consists of three essentials: a cleanser, a conditioner, and a mask. Three products, each designed to pull double duty—treating your scalp and nourishing your hair in a single streamlined step.

Step 1 – Cleanser:

Gently washes away buildup for a refreshed, balanced scalp.
Contains triple-distilled Japanese peppermint for a cooling effect and invigorating “cold plunge” sensation to boost circulation.
Peppermint helps clarify and calm, ideal for regular ‘resets’ or daily use for oily hair types.

Step 2 – Moisturizing Conditioner:

Delivers hydration without heaviness, ideal for fine or volume-seeking hair.
Powered by mango seed butter, panthenol, rice protein, argan and sunflower seed oils, and vitamin E for softness and shine.
Lemon peel oil for a light, non-synthetic citrus scent.

Step 3 – Deep Conditioning Mask:

An intensive treatment for stronger, smoother, softer hair—especially post-stress or heat styling.
Seals moisture and nutrients from root to tip, making split ends feel uniform and minimizing the appearance of damage.
Also scented naturally with lemon peel oil.

Hero Ingredients & Root Complex Technology

What sets the formulas apart is their blend of biomimetic science and indulgent, plant-derived actives. Even with a label of ‘clean beauty,’ the brand avoids overcomplicating their approach. Here’s what the key actives really do for hair and scalp health:

Ingredient	Function
Mango Seed Butter	Rich in fatty acids, seals hydration, improves texture and pliability, softens ends without greasiness.
Vitamin E	Protects against free radicals, supports healthy scalp barrier, adds gloss to strands.
Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)	Attracts moisture, increases elasticity and shine.
Argan Oil	Nourishes, tames frizz, restores sheen, strengthens hair fiber.
Sunflower Seed Oil	Lightweight hydrator, rich in ceramides and vitamins.
Rice Protein	Plant-derived protein increases volume, fortifies fragile hair, and supports strand strength.
Peppermint	Clarifies scalp, stimulates blood flow, brings cooling ‘tingle’ sensation for freshness.
Lemon Peel Oil	Natural aroma, gentle astringent, subtle lift for mood and scalp.

Application & Real-World Impressions

The three-step system is, above all, designed for ease of use. For anyone overwhelmed by multi-step shower routines or an arsenal of styling products, The Root Project reduces decision fatigue:

Products are lightweight, rinse clean, and don’t leave heavy residues that can sap volume or require multiple shampoos to remove.
The quick, invigorating lather and the trademark peppermint ‘chill’ provide a small but satisfying ritual, especially on mornings when sluggishness reigns.
As the formulas skip heavy silicones and synthetic fragrances, you experience the genuine aroma of the plant actives—fresh and clean but not perfumey.
The subtle scent may not win over everyone (some may wish for a more indulgent smell, but for those with scent sensitivities, this is a bonus).
The mask works quickly—no marathon waiting time needed for hydration and smoothing effects to be noticeable.

When it comes to the hair itself, the reviewer reported softer, bouncier, more “alive” hair, thanks especially to the softening action of mango butter. Split ends were less noticeable, hair felt more uniform, and no extra styling was required for hair to look healthy. Fine hair in particular will benefit from the system’s non-weighing-down approach.
Colleagues even noticed the difference—no small feat for an air-dried look.

How It Compares: Root Project vs Traditional Haircare

Feature	The Root Project	Traditional Routine
Steps Required	3 (cleanser, conditioner, mask)	Often 5+ (multiple cleansers/treatments/serums styling aids)
Focus	Scalp + root health	Strand-focused; scalp care incidental or separate
Clean/Minimal Formula	Yes—consciously avoids silicones, synthetic fragrance	Often includes heavy silicones, fragrance, unnecessary fillers
Scent	Light, plant-derived; mint and citrus tones	Wide range, often heavy synthetic perfumes
Target User	Minimalist, health-conscious, sensitive scalps	All, with more tailored options cluttering routines
Suitability	Fine, normal, slightly dry; less suited for highly damaged/extra thick	Specific products for every hair need, but requires careful selection

Pros & Cons

Pros:
- Ultra-simple, three-step routine saves time and space.
- Formulas are ‘clean’ and mild without sacrificing effective performance.
- Visible results in softness, bounce, and reduction in visible split ends.
- Great for fine or slightly dry hair types seeking volume without weight.
- No lingering synthetic scents—ideal for sensitive noses.
- Supports scalp circulation and long-term hair health.
Cons:
- Natural scent profile may not appeal to everyone (especially those expecting sweet or perfumed notes).
- Moisture levels may not be sufficient for very dry, coily, or heavily damaged hair.
- If you like a fully sensorial or luxury fragrance experience, these may feel underwhelming.

Who’s Behind The Brand?

Co-founded by Lucrecia Jovel and Patrick Harriman—industry insiders with backgrounds at legendary beauty houses like NARS, Dior, MAC, and Estée Lauder—The Root Project fuses deep expertise with a clear-eyed vision. Their collective mission: Make great hair an everyday possibility, stripping away the overwhelm and refocusing routines on roots, science, and wellness.
The company prides itself not just on formulas, but on creating a new culture around hair health; one that values real results over hype, and simplicity over excess.

Final Verdict: Is The Root Project Worth It?

The Root Project delivers a rare blend of minimalism, science, and genuine scalp-first care. While not every hair type will achieve their ‘miracle’ on this system alone (particularly those with seriously dry or damaged hair), for most busy or low-maintenance users with fine to normal hair, the results are visible and the routine is refreshingly simple.
The products make scalp care feel like second nature, not a special chore, and the improvement in bounce, texture, and softness is undeniable.
For fans of clean beauty, subtle scents, and those who yearn for healthier hair without the clutter, The Root Project could easily become your new ‘rootine.’

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is The Root Project system safe for color-treated hair?

A: Yes, the formulas are designed to be gentle on the scalp and strands, avoiding harsh sulfates and heavy silicones, making them suitable for most color-treated hair.

Q: Will this work for curly or coily hair types?

A: While the system is lightweight and best for fine to normal hair, those with curly or textured hair seeking more moisture may need to supplement with additional hydrators, especially if their hair is very dry or chemically processed.

Q: What makes ‘rootcare’ different from scalp treatments?

A: ‘Rootcare’ is about regular, all-over maintenance as part of every wash, versus occasional scalp ‘fixes’ for dandruff or oil control. It’s a holistic approach akin to daily skincare.

Q: Is there any fragrance in the products?

A: The Root Project avoids synthetic fragrances, relying only on the natural scents of their plant-based ingredients (like peppermint and lemon oils) for a light, clean, but not perfumey aroma.

Q: How quickly will I see results?

A: Many users notice increased softness and an improved feel in their hair after just one or two washes, with optimal scalp and strand results after consistent use for several weeks.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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