If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the videos, creators running their fingers through thicker, shinier hair, all swearing by this “miracle” Korean shampoo and treatment. At first, I scrolled past every #DrGroot mentioned, convinced it was just another fleeting beauty trend.
For context, I’d been using Nutrafol’s Shampoo and Conditioner for months to help with thinning and breakage (the kind that hits hard after postpartum hair loss). It was fine—gentle, dermatologist-approved, and it made my hair feel clean. But I didn’t see the dramatic transformation I was hoping for.
Then Dr. Groot kept popping up again…and again. The #1 Korean brand for hair thickening, trending on TikTok and Instagram with millions of views and over 40 million units sold. The before-and-after videos were impossible to ignore—so I finally gave in and ordered the Dr. Groot Hair & Scalp Dynamic Duo.
After one month, I can confidently say: I get the hype.
Here’s how Dr. Groot stacked up against Nutrafol, and why I’m not switching back anytime soon.
1. The One With Results You Can See… Dr. Groot
I won’t lie, Nutrafol felt luxurious. My hair looked shiny after washing, but the results plateaued pretty quickly. After a few months, I was still seeing stray hairs in the shower drain and a thinning part line that refused to fill in.
Dr. Groot completely changed that story. Within weeks, I noticed less shedding, stronger strands, and even some new baby hairs around my temples. My hair felt thicker to the touch, and it actually held volume for more than just a day.
Even my partner—who started sneaking squeezes of my shampoo after seeing my results—noticed a difference in his own hair texture. It’s one thing to see results on yourself, but when someone else does too? That’s when you know it’s working.
2. The One With the Best Value… Dr. Groot
Here’s where things really get interesting. The Nutrafol Shampoo + Conditioner Duo costs $88, while the Dr. Groot Dynamic Duo is just $62. That’s a $26 difference for a product that, in my experience, works better—not to mention, you save $4 when you buy the duo as a bundle instead of separately.
And if you’re dealing with more advanced thinning, Dr. Groot also offers the Complete Set for $100, which includes their full lineup of scalp-strengthening treatments. Still, even the Complete Set costs just a bit more than Nutrafol’s basic duo—making Dr. Groot the far better deal.
I love that Dr. Groot delivers real, visible results without the luxury price tag. It’s effective and accessible, which feels rare in the hair care world.
3. The One With the Scalp-First Approach… Dr. Groot
Nutrafol takes a physician-formulated approach to hair health, focusing on strengthening and hydrating strands while defending against damage. It’s a solid formula, but it targets the symptoms of thinning more than the source.
Dr. Groot, on the other hand, embodies the Korean beauty philosophy of treating your scalp like skin, nourishing it from the roots up. The Dynamic Duo (Shampoo + Miracle in Shower Treatment) is powered by biotin and prebiotics, designed to restore balance to your scalp microbiome and help promote a healthy environment for thicker, stronger growth.
That scalp-first approach made all the difference for me. My roots felt lighter and cleaner, not stripped or weighed down, and my hair finally started feeling fuller from the root.
4. The One With the Lightweight Formula… Dr. Groot
One thing I immediately appreciated about Dr. Groot was how clean and lightweight the formula felt. It’s made without parabens, silicones, gluten, or sulfates, which means no residue or buildup. Instead, it leaves your scalp refreshed and your hair bouncy, not greasy.
The scent also surprised me in the best way. The shampoo has a bright orange-geranium aroma, while the treatment smells like lemon verbena. Together, they make your shower feel like a mini spa moment. It’s invigorating without being overwhelming, exactly what I want when I’m trying to reset at the end of a long day.
By contrast, Nutrafol’s scent is neutral and clean but a bit clinical, fine for everyday use but it never felt like a ritual I looked forward to.
The Verdict: Why Dr. Groot Wins
Both brands have their strengths. Nutrafol feels okay, but after trying Dr. Groot, I realized how much my scalp health had been overlooked. Dr. Groot’s Korean-skincare-inspired formula actually targets the foundation of healthy hair, the scalp, not just the symptoms of thinning.
My hair is now visibly thicker, shedding less, and has a natural shine I thought I’d lost for good. Plus, it costs less, and both my hair and wallet are thanking me for it. With its scalp-focused formula, clean ingredients, and real results at a more accessible price, Dr. Groot’s Dynamic Duo lives up to the viral hype… and then some.
I went into this experiment expecting another overhyped trend. Now? I’m officially a Dr. Groot convert, and I think you will be too.
