Everything you need to know about bond repair haircare, including tips from a trichologist and what to shop
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Bond repair takes haircare to the next level, thanks to the way the products target the chemical make-up of your strands. Here’s what you need to know about it, and the best products to shop for.
Whether your hair is struggling from the effects of a cold winter or you’ve experimented with one of autumn’s trendiest hair colours and you’re finding the bleach has taken its toll, damage can impact us all.
If you’re finding that it doesn’t matter how of your trusty hair mask you’re slathering on and you’re still suffering from dry, frazzled ends, it could be time to introduce a bond-building product into your haircare routine.
Bond repair technology has been around for some time now, and for good reason. It helps repair and reverse damage at the root cause to mend and replenish your hair’s structure. Whether it’s a mask, shampoo or leave-in conditioner, there’s a formula for every preference and hair type.
Here, we dive into what bond repair actually is, how it works and the best products to add to your shower routine. This is your ultimate bond repair haircare guide.
What does ‘bond repair’ mean?
For the uninitiated, hair bonds bind the protein structures of the hair shaft together. Put simply: strong bonds = strong hair.
“In the haircare world, bond repair refers to the process of strengthening and restoring damaged hair bonds, which is particularly beneficial for brittle or chemically treated hair,” says trichologist Tiffany Hall.
Product names might indicate if they’re up for the job, but if not, there are some key ingredients to look out for. “Always look for these when choosing your product: keratin, amino acids and ceramides for effective bond repair,” Hall explains. “In-salon services will often use a professional bond builder to enhance the end result.”
What hair types need bond repair?
You might be seeing more hair in your brush than normal or noticing more obvious breakages, in which case, a bond-builder is going to be your new best friend.
“Hair types that are prone to breakage, damage from heat styling or chemical treatments can benefit from bond repair efforts, as well as hair that’s vulnerable to hormone changes such as menopause and PCOS,” says Hall.
No matter what type of bond repair product you pick, you should see a noticeable change to the look of your hair within a few weeks. If you’re ready for healthier hair, these are the best bond repair products to invest in.
L'Oreal Professional Serie Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask
This leave-in mask features a peptide-based bonder and is packed with five amino acids to revive distressed strands. It also doubles up as a heat protector if you’re a fan of styling your hair, and is one of the best-smelling products I’ve ever used.
Shop L’Oreal Professional Serie Expert Absolut Repair Molecular Leave-In Mask at Boots, £22.70
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
My most beloved bond-repair product, this silky serum should be applied post-shower for the glossiest of results. The blend of rich peptides and lipids transformed my brittle strands after just a few weeks, without weighing down my hair.
Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
This pre-shampoo treatment uses amino acids to repair, protect and intensely hydrate your hair. The hair’s structure is held together by three bonds (disulfide, hydrogen and salt bonds), and this targets all three for softer, healthier-looking curls.
Aveda Botanical Repair Bond-Building Styling Crème
In true Aveda fashion, this not only smells amazing, but it’s the perfect finishing touch if you like air-drying your hair. This acts like a reverse raincoat to form a layer over the hair to keep moisture in, all while fortifying weaker follicles.
Shop Aveda Botanical Repair Bond-Building Styling Crème at Cult Beauty, £30
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
If you’re not a fan of post-shower products, you can get all the bond-building magic in shampoo form for a streamlined approach. This sulphate-free number helps to seal the hair’s cuticle for smoother, sleeker ends. It also helps prevent colour fade, so it’s ideal for those wanting to lock in their colour.
Shop Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo at LookFantastic, £25.70
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Celebs love this viral mask, and we’re here to report it’s worth the hype. It repairs damage on a molecular level, thanks to a blend of amino acids and peptides. It gets to work in just four minutes; remember not to rinse after application.
Shop K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask at Cult Beauty, £30
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Despite its affordable price tag, this pre-shampoo treatment doesn’t skimp on results. It’s powered by citric acid to mend and reduce breakages, while leaving your hair brighter and shinier from the get-go.
Shop L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment at L’Oréal Paris, £16.99
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex brought bond-building science to the masses and is used by hairdressers across the globe. One of their newest formulations is this moisturising shampoo. It features the same bond maintenance technology we know and love from the brand, in a rich, shine-boosting shampoo that’s safe for colour-treated hair.
Shop Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo at Space NK, £28
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Restructuring Treatment
Think of this as your comfort blanket for damaged hair. Hydrating vitamin B5, as well as bond-rebuilding tech, help your hair to recover from everything from excess brushing and heat styling to colour-processing. Apply before shampooing and leave on for between 10-20 minutes to reap the rewards.
Shop Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Restructuring Treatment at LookFantastic, £30
Images: courtesy of brands
