5 days ago
Does This Hair Density Line Actually Work? Under Your Skin Review
I went through a semi-traumatic period of unexplained hair loss and shedding my freshman year of college, and even though it's since been resolved, I still feel like it never quite bounced back to the way it was. And although I admittedly have a decent amount of hair, I could always use more, especially in certain spots. I have some thinning hair around my temples—think the area of your scalp that your hands run over when you're gathering your hair into a ponytail—as well as on my natural part line.
So naturally, when I was first introduced to Under Your Skin, a Swedish clean beauty brand that makes hair care that focuses on the scalp, I gravitated towards their Density Collection. Could it actually help with faster, thicker hair growth? Would it eliminate that horrible clump of hair that comes out every time I shower? Could I potentially grow some new baby hairs to fill in some thinner spots on my scalp? Cosmo Commerce Director Rachel Torgerson and I tested out their full range of density-boosting products, and we have the full scoop for you below!
I was slightly skeptical of the Density Shampoo before I began using it. How much would a product that's applied and rinsed off within five minutes actually do? But then again, I've used shampoos that have caused literal hair fallout, so I'll take anything that's formulated to prevent that. And while no shampoo can single-handedly fix the root cause of hair loss, shampoos can definitely help reduce breakage and nourish the scalp.
This one was formulated specifically to moisturize the scalp, stimulate hair follicles, and create an environment where healthy new hair can grow. Ingredients like Capilia Longa, an extract derived from turmeric, to improve hair density and thickness, as well as lactic acid (which helps moisturize the scalp) can encourage growth, so we love to see that in Under Your Skin's ingredient list.
The product itself felt really nice and sudsy. I got a great lather especially on the second shampoo if you're a twice-as-nice, double shampoo girlie like I am. It was fairly easy to work through my hair (which means I didn't tangle up or rip out any strands trying to get every strand soaped up) and I didn't feel like the product stripped my hair at all, even though I shampooed twice.
As for the Density Conditioner, I applied a big gob throughout my hair and let it sit for five minutes while I completed the rest of my shower routine. I've always lived by the no-conditioner-on-your-scalp rule to avoid weighing down my hair, so out of the density products I've been testing, this one is probably the least likely to provide a noticeable increase in hair growth and density.
As for the density claims, Torgerson noted that her hair definitely feels stronger than it did before she started using this shampoo and conditioner. But full disclaimer—she thinks this is more due to the density drops by the same brand (more on that below!) than because of the shampoo, simply because the key ingredients wash out with the in-shower products but can be fully absorbed into the scalp via the drops. "That being said, I'm sure it's only helping and not hurting that situation," she said. "All in all, I like these and would keep them in my rotating list of options!"
I've tried many a hair density serum that's left my scalp feeling like it's covered in oil. I've even covered my scalp in rosemary oil in pursuit of thicker hair. Neither are fun, so I loved that these drops are light as water. During my testing period, I used the product all over but focused on my temples and natural part where I see the most thinning. It's extremely easy to use—it can be applied on wet or dry hair, thank goodness—and doesn't leave any greasy residue, making it easy to actually be consistent with these.
Torgerson noticed a major difference in her hair after using the Density Drops for only two weeks. "After giving birth, I've definitely noticed a thinner ponytail. That, paired with an FYP on TikTok that for some reason features a lot of women worried about this issue has turned me paranoid about losing hair and wanting to bulk mine back up. After two weeks, I'm noticing less hair come out in my hairbrush and in my shower routine. It also feels stronger, and it seems like I have new baby hair growth at my temples/throughout," she noted.
"I love that this isn't an oil-based serum," she continued. "I can apply these morning and night without the fear that I'll have to slick my hair back in a bun for the day or show up with oily hair to work. Quite the opposite, I swear this refreshes my scalp so I don't need to reach for dry shampoo as often and am not desperate for my shower days in the same way I was in the past! I want to keep going for the full results, but definitely excited about what's already happened."
Okay, this one is a new favorite for sure. I've been trying to reduce the number of aerosols in my life (hairspray and dry shampoo were the last two to go) so I jumped on the opportunity to test this non-aerosol powder dry shampoo. Shockingly, the white powder didn't make me look like I was prematurely greying even though I have very dark hair, and I brought it on a bachelorette trip where all the girls kept borrowing it and using it throughout the weekend. One even took a photo of the bottle so she could purchase one for herself.
Torgerson also tested out this dry shampoo and landed on the same verdict—it's seriously volumizing and 100% brunette-approved. "I have stayed away from powder dry shampoos because, as a brunette, they always seem to leave a white cast over my hair that at best fades to make it appear duller and at worst, looks full-on like I've simply tried to blend flour into my roots. This one is so different," she raved.
"It pumps on in a satisfying plume, which spreads the powder nice and even, and then disappears entirely after a gentle massage and brush through. Like seriously—gone! I'm really impressed," said Torgerson. "It's also small enough to fit in my travel toiletry case, yet is supposed to last for months and months. Beyond that, it definitely delivered on the overall promise to reduce the look of oil and give a bit more lift and body. I'm sold!"
It's a yes, yes, yes from me! Knowing that the products I'm using definitely won't trigger any hair fallout and will actually strengthen my strands, reduce shower shedding, and lead to the growth of new baby hairs is exactly what I'm looking for in a haircare line. The three-part density system makes it easy to be consistent, which is really the most important part (historically tricky for me, personally) and I'm looking forward to seeing even more results as I keep using these products!
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
