Schwarzkopf Professional is best known for their professional haircare. You’ll find their products in countless hairdressers across the country. But at Escentual, we want to ensure you can achieve pro results at home, too. That’s why we’re proud stockists of the expert haircare brand.
They have something for everyone. Whatever your hair type or concern, they have a product you’ll love. Their latest ‘Root Activating’ range in the BC Bonacure line targets hair loss and thinning, one of the most common hair conditions people suffer within the UK – it’s estimated that over 15.4 million people suffer from hair loss at any one point.
As someone who’s suffered from excessive hair shedding caused by stress and has a sister with stress-induced alopecia, I was keen to test the Root Activating Scalp Serum and Shampoo.
You Will Love The Schwarzkopf Professional Root Activating Serum and Shampoo If…
You’ll love this collection if your hair is thinning and lacks density. Each formula stimulates the hair’s roots by improving the micro-circulation of blood in the scalp, promoting hair growth. If you want fuller, thicker hair, they’re the ideal addition to your hair care routine as they reduce non-pathological hair loss in just 6 weeks.
What Do They Do?
The shampoo and scalp serum act at the root cause of hair loss by stimulating the scalp to promote hair growth. The shampoo thoroughly cleanses your hair and scalp, prepping it for the scalp serum and ensuring the hair you have is soft, shiny, and strong. The scalp serum contains a higher dose of the root-stimulating ingredients to kickstart hair growth at the scalp.
I’ve been testing it out for 2 weeks now. It’s too early to report on hair growth just yet (6 weeks is when you’ll notice the best results), but the quality of my hair is far better than it was! It feels softer and looks healthier.
How Do They Do It?
Both the shampoo and serum contain a mix of superfood ingredients and skincare actives. Within the leave-in treatment are two key ingredients: the antioxidant guarana, which contains twice the amount of caffeine as a coffee bean, which stimulates the hair follicles, and biotin, a water-based vitamin that contributes to keratin production, helping to improve hair strength.
What Do They Smell And Feel Like?
The Serum: It’s a water-based serum with a very runny, liquid texture. But don’t worry, it doesn’t go everywhere when you apply it, thanks to its precise applicator. Its clear formula and lightweight texture mean it’s invisible in the hair, which is great news because it’s a leave-in treatment. I found that it absorbed quickly into my hair and left no residue behind – and it’s worth noting that it didn’t irritate my often quite sensitive scalp; I found it very cooling, and I enjoyed popping it on before bed. It does have a smell, but it’s very pleasant – it’s fresh and very slightly floral, in my opinion. Once you’ve covered your entire scalp with it, you can smell it, but it’ll disappear after a few minutes.
The Shampoo: The shampoo has a gel texture. When it comes into contact with water, it transforms into a light lather. It has a light fragrance – it’s fresh and slightly floral.
How Long Do They Last?
Schwarzkopf Professional recommend applying no more than 7ml of the scalp serum per day. If you want to apply the maximum dose, the 100ml bottle will roughly last about 2 weeks. That said, I’d say I didn’t need this amount to cover my (in my opinion) small head. So, with that in mind, I’d say the bottle will last between 2-4 weeks. How long your shampoo lasts will vary on how often you wash your hair. I tend to wash my hair 2-3 times a week, and I predict this bottle will last me 2 months. A little bit goes a long way and lathers up well to cover the head and hair.
Best Place and Time To Use Them?
For best results, applying the serum morning and night for 5-6 weeks is recommended. It’s not a seasonal product, so it can be used year-round to help promote hair growth. Use the shampoo whenever you wash your hair.
The Scalp Root Activating Serum and Shampoo’s Design and Aesthetic Is Special Because…
The shampoo and scalp serum are white and blue, which sets them apart from the rest of Schwarzkop’s ranges. The shampoo has a flip-cap lid, which is ideal if you’re prone to losing lids or you travel a lot – there’s no risk of it unscrewing in your wash bag.
At first glance, you’d think the scalp serum had a spray applicator, but when you remove the lid, you’ll see it’s unique. It has a pointed nip that looks like a large pen. The end is squishy, too, so you can press it against your scalp for precise application. I have tried many scalp serums in the past, and this is my favourite application method. Others I’ve used have had sprays, and you quickly forget where you’ve applied – that’s not the case here.
Sustainability and Values…
Sustainability is clearly at the forefront of Schwarzkopf Professional’s mind with this range. The entire collection is vegan and free from artificial colours and silicones. The packaging is also environmentally friendly; the bottles are 91% recycled, and the cardboard packaging is fully recyclable.
My Overall Experience
The shampoo was a pleasure to use. It smelt uplifting and fresh, cleaned my hair well and left it feeling soft and looking shiny. What’s not to like? I find that some shampoos leave my hair feeling greasy if they’re too rich, but this lightweight formula didn’t do that, so I was really pleased.
The scalp serum was an easy addition to my haircare routine, and I put that down to its innovative, pointed applicator. I’ve thrown in the towel with other scalp serums that were messy or too complicated to use. But this one is fail-safe. The formula is pleasant, and most importantly for me, it didn’t (like the shampoo) sting or cause my delicate scalp to flare up. I actually really enjoyed how it felt. It was very cooling, which was lovely, before hopping into bed. As for results, I need to use it for longer (5-6 weeks) to experience the full effect, but I do think the overall health of my hair has improved during the two weeks I’ve used it. My hair looks shinier and feels stronger. I’ve already recommended it to my sister, who suffers from stress-induced alopecia, and she’s eager to test it out!
