As a recovered bleach blonde, these are the bond-building treatments that *actually* helped
There's no denying that hair bond repair treatments should be a staple in your hair care routine, especially if you've ever picked up a pair of straighteners. The science may have come about back in 2014 when Olaplex first landed in hairdressers' kits, but they've since grown in popularity, thanks to how easy they are to use and the fact that they actually work.
If you've got damaged, colour-treated, frizzy hair, bond repair treatments can help with a plethora of issues, so you can have your very own hair transformation from the comfort of your bathroom. Damaged hair loses its shine and structure, so a weekly bond-building treatment will re-build the broken protein chains to bring back its elasticity and strength.
Of course, Olaplex will forever remain the OG, but now there are now so many alternatives out there that I thought it was time to decipher which ones were really worth trying.
What are the best bond repair treatments?
We're glad you asked because we put the most hyped bond repair treatments to the test on the beauty team's sad little strands. Here's a sneak peek at the bond repair treatments we really rate:
What are hair bond repair treatments?
Unlike hair glosses, masks and styling products, hair bond repair treatments get to work from the inside to fortify strands. So, how exactly do they work? "By utilizing specialized products and techniques to repair and strengthen weakened or damaged hair bonds," explains trichologist Hannah Gaboardi.
"These treatments typically involve the application of bonding agents, such as proteins, keratin, or silicone, that penetrate the hair shaft to replenish lost nutrients, fill in gaps, and reinforce the hair's protein structure. By repairing damaged bonds within the hair, bonding treatments help to restore the integrity of the hair shaft, improve elasticity, and prevent further damage. Some bonding treatments may help smooth the hair cuticle, reduce frizz, and enhance shine, resulting in healthier-looking hair overall," she adds.
Sounds ideal, right? From Olaplex to the newest brands on the market, we tested the best bond repair treatments to see which ones actually resurrected our dry, brittle, damaged strands – yep, they were really put through their paces. Keep scrolling for our round-up of the best bond repair treatments and how to apply them at home.
Hair Perfector No.3 Repairing Treatment
Olaplex is the OG bond repair treatment, so what better place to start? We've never met a blonde who doesn't swear by this in their haircare routine.
This pre-shampoo treatment works on a molecular level (read: deep) to repair hair from the inside out in as little as ten minutes. I know countless colourists who couldn't live without this stuff.
Customer review: "Post pregnancy I lost a lot of hair and my hair became very brittle. I must have tried so many shampoos and conditioners to get rid of just the frizz and make my hair more manageable without making my scalp itchy as I have a dry scalp. This is really a godsend, saving the last bit of hair I have left. Thank you Olaplex."
Triple Bond Complex
"If I could marry a bond repair treatment (yes, I've considered it), it would be this blue beauty. I've gone through more bottles of this stuff than I can count and is my go-to for when my strands are looking rough. Anyway, you can read my full review of it here with my insane before and after pictures (if I do say so myself), but here's the cliff notes version.
This silky serum claims to repair all three hair bonds: hydrogen, ionic and covalent. Unlike others, it creates new bonds – as well as repairing the ones you've got– which is potentially why it's one of the few that has successfully transformed my hair. Apply after your washing routine and style your hair as normal. Talk about a people pleaser." – Charlotte Bitmead, former Senior Beauty Writer.
Customer review: "I have very fine, very damaged, coloured, shoulder length hair. The ends are very ‘tatty’ and it breaks easily. I’ve tried most products. Olaplex 0+3 is great but I needed something to put on my hair before drying as it is very flyaway and the least bit of moisture in the air it frizzes. But most ‘leave in’ products just leave it lank, hate protector sprays don’t stop flyaway or frizz. I find this the best thing I’ve tried, I apply, wait 10 mins, blow dry then gently run over with straighteners at 180 degrees. Shiny, no frizz, have had comments that my hair looks much better."
Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Impatient? We got you. This mask aims to provide some hair therapy in as little as four mins. Talk about a quick recovery time. K18 class itself as a "molecular" repair range, rather than your average bond repair treatment, thanks to its unique K18PEPTIDE™ which works in the innermost layers of your hair to reverse any damage. Seriously science-y.
Customer review: "I’ve used Olaplex since the Dawn of time and have found that I don’t get the same results as I did initially with extended use. So I thought I would try this. I have dry frizzy curly hair and was quite dubious about not using conditioner and just using this plus my normal oil/serum. I bought the 15ml one to see how I’d get on with it and I’m pleased to say I’m delighted with the results. The 15ml container has gone a lot further than I anticipated and my hair is healthy and well hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. Cannot recommend enough!"
Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
As you can probably tell already, bond repair treatments aren't exactly cheap, which is where this offering from L'Oreal Paris comes in. Not only is it under a tenner, but it *actually* works too.
This uses a citric acid complex to mimic broken hair bonds, leaving hair seriously shiny and super soft. Apply to wet hair before shampooing and leave for five minutes for it to work its magic. Did we mention it smells incredible too? Not a sole reason to buy a product but it doesn't hurt, right?
Customer review: "I beached my hair, A LOT, 4 times over the course of 2 weeks to be precise, and it was not happy, it's was it was dead. Frazzled. The ends looked like brillo pad fibres, properly dead. I was ready to continue with my DIY botch job and chop another inch off to try to make it more presentable when my very sensible and wise friend stepped in and told me to try this little gem! It said to leave it in for 5 minutes, my hair was already dead, couldn't get much worse, so I left it in for 20.
Washed, conditioned, dried and straightened it and it feels like it's never even seen bleach before! I'm not going to question it, I'm just going to keep using it and submit this little review in the hope that it saves someone else's hair's life. Thanks, L'Oréal, I owe you the bottom inch of my hair ❤️."
Revive Rapid Repair Bond Gloss
A bond building treatment as a hair gloss? Errrr, yes please. And trust in the iconic JVN to develop such an innovation. The Revive Rapid Repair Bond Gloss is a 60 second treatment to be used in the shower.
After shampoo and conditioner, generously slather your strands in this silky treatment and rinse out after a minute. The brand's “Pro-Plex+ complex” works to repair broken bonds while ihemisqualane adds an intense mirror-like shine. Not only does your hair look healthy (hello, glossy!!), but it works to build it back to full health if you've taken heat styling a step too far.
Customer review: "This Rapid Repair Bond Gloss has really helped smooth everything out and adds a beautiful shine without weighing my hair down. My hair feels softer, especially towards the ends, and it definitely looks healthier with a glossy finish!"
Let's Bond Bond Repair Shampoo
You can even find bond repair ingredients in shampoo, and this newcomer from Noughty is a brilliant budget buy worth knowing.
It's formulated with the brand's “Molecular Repair Amino Complex” – a complex that's clinically proven to repair broken bonds, restore strength, and boost shine – and, not only that, but the shampoo will also protect the vividness of your colour.
In fact, the brand's clinical studies found that after 30 washes with the shampoo, it increased hair strength by 70%. Those are the kinda numbers we like to see.
Customer review: "I'm really enjoying this shampoo. It’s my first time trying this brand too and wish I had found it sooner. My hair is damaged and dry from dying it over the years but when using this product it leaves my hair feeling really clean and sleek. Highly recommend and will be purchasing when this runs out!"
Botanical Repair Bond-Building Styling Creme - 40ml
Repair your hair whilst you smooth away flyaways with this overachieving styling cream. It features Aveda's unique (and heavenly) scent and does a great job at hydrating and taming frizz without leaving strands looking greasy.
This uses a plant-based molecule to repair bonds and strengthen the hair's cortex, leaving you with stronger strands. Plus, it protects your hair from temperatures up to 230 degrees when styling – that's what we call a multi-pronged approach to repairing your locks.
Customer review: "I have been applying this product after every hair wash on damp hair. I love the scent, the texture and how smooth it makes my hair feel prior to drying. I have already seen less damage after blow-drying and straightening since using it. Definitely the best styling creme I've ever used."
PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment
Got fine hair and want to strengthen strands without overloading it with conditioning products? Add this to your basket.
PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid) is the star ingredient in this spritz, which aims to strengthen broken bonds by penetrating the hair fibre. The result? A lightweight non-greasy treatment that will help bring dull, overprocessed hair back to life.
Customer review: "This product is great. My hair is fairly long and very dry, very brittle and frizzy so I’m always looking for hydrating serums and leave-in conditioner type treatments but they always weigh my hair down and make it look greasy. ALWAYS. This is the first product I’ve used on my hair that actually makes my ends look a lot healthier and doesn’t make it seem greasy. I think my hair looks healthier and split ends are reduced since I’ve started using this. If you have damaged hair you’ll love this stuff."
Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Pre-Treatment
If you can't relate to the above and want as much hydration as possible, look no further than this deeply nourishing pre-shampoo treat.
This mixes 14% citric acid with a bonding care complex that gets to work in just five minutes. This will not only leave strands looking stronger and pH-balance your hair but it'll also help lock in your colour too.
Customer review: "Saw this product recommended by the Blowout Professor so thought I’d give it a go. Omg it’s fantastic. My hair is bleached and so very dry. From the first use I noticed a difference. The texture of my hair is so much smoother and easier to brush and style. The effects last for several washes after use. I will continue to use once every week or two. Love it."
How can I fix my hair bonds at home?
Yes, these bond repair products really are overachievers and help you improve the condition of your hair from home, in as little as four minutes in the case of some of the products on our list. But if your hair isn't damaged, it might not be worth investing in one.
"Although bonding treatments are suitable for all hair types, they are not typically recommended for individuals without existing damage or frizz. If one's hair is healthy and they do a bonding treatment which is quite heavy, it will make the hair oily and heavy," says Gaboardi.
How often should I use a bond repair treatment?
Each bond repair treatment will vary – always read the instructions, folks. However, most will require you to use them at least once a week, while some can be used more frequently.
Repairing your hair as often as possible might sound appealing but it's worth keeping in mind that you can overdo it and kill your hair with kindness (kind of). "I suggest being careful with the frequency of treatments as well as what brand is used as keratin can sit on the hair shaft and cause the hair to become brittle," says Gaboardi.
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