I’m sure you’ve heard the term “bond repair” or “bond maintenance” at least once if you’re even remotely interested in your hair. Have you ever wondered what that actually means, or if it’s just a promising marketing term for hair products? You might want to join me as I dissect this suddenly-all-over-the-place concept and find out the best ways to look after compromised hair in the bargain.
Each strand of our hair is made of multiple microbonds that we obviously can’t see. When we do what we do to our hair- yes, don’t act shocked- like using heat, wearing our hair down in dusty and windy environments or just not making the effort it deserves to feel looked after, we are rupturing those micro bonds. The single most important job of any bond repair product is to fill in those ruptures and strengthen the bond. Secondarily, they nourish and hydrate your hair, smoothing over the damaged bonds.
Bond repair products usually rely on proteins, amino acids and peptides to strengthen your hair and they have conditioning agents. But, and it’s a big but, there is a lot of fluff around these products. Some brands may claim to create new bonds, which is virtually impossible to do with the current technologies known to us. Some brands may market just a deep conditioner as a bond repair product. Some brands may not have the concept down yet, and may have just hopped on the bandwagon. Read on for our reviews of these tried-and-tested products as we sieve out the true blue bond repairers from the fluff.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector
This is not a discussion to have without testing out the OG, the mother of bond repair products. Olaplex No. 3 is a pre-shampoo leave-in treatment that claims to leave your hair stronger and healthier looking. Sadly, while my hopes were admittedly too high, this product just didn’t do it for me. You know that intuitive feeling that your hair is in a less fragile state? I just didn’t get that feeling, although it did leave me with softer, fluffier hair.
Get it here.
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18 has taken the haircare world by storm, and I have to say, it deserves every bit of the hype. Once you have the (very) specific usage directions down, this hair mask works like sorcery. It’s to be used post shampoo, sans any conditioner. Now, the trick is to emulsify a couple of pumps of the product between your palms and then leave it on for exactly 4 minutes on wringed-out hair. Rinse the mask and years of damage out of your hair.
Get it here.
Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment
Listen, I love my hair and I’m probably more committed to it than I will be to my future husband, but I’d be lying, if I said that I have the patience for a hair mask or a pre-shampoo treatment every few days. Some days, I just want a quick fix that will take care of my stressed out tresses. On those days, this leave-in treatment is my knight in shining armour. The shine and satiny feel of my hair after I use this is enough to make the worst day a whole lot better for me.
Get it here.
Kerastase Premiere Anti-Frizz Filler Serum
This is exactly what it says it is- a filler for brittle and damaged hair bonds. With regular use, I noticed my hair looking fuller and more alive in a sense. It’s lightweight and perfect for even the finest hair.
Get it here.
Minimalist Maleic Bond Repair Complex 5% Hair Serum
A fabulous product at this price point, I definitely saw a reduction in tangling and damaged ends while using this hair serum. It does require a little warming up between your palms to reach an ideal consistency to smoothly spread across your tresses, but works like magic for damaged and dry ends.
Get it here.
Aveda Botanical Repair Styling Creme
In my humble opinion, you cannot go wrong with a lightweight styling cream. It’s nourishing and doesn’t weigh down your hair the way that oil serums sometimes can. This one by Aveda has their patented botanical repair bond-builder and penetrates your hair shaft to reverse damage from the root.
Get it here.
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Rescue Pre-Shampoo
A good budget alternative to the Olaplex No. 3, this pre-shampoo treatment is especially nourishing for coloured hair and really keeps the moisture in your ends in tact. It definitely leaves your hair looking fuller and healthier. A great option, if you don’t want to invest too much, but just want to dip your toes in the bond-repair waters.
Get it here.
