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The crown that most of us take pride and joy in, our hair, gets put through a lot daily. From harsh chemicals and heat styling tools to exposure to the sun and pollution, it’s no wonder our strands can become damaged and need extra TLC.
One way to give your hair the nourishment it needs is by using bond builders. These products help repair the disulfide bonds within the hair that are broken down by all the external aggressors it faces.
Not sure which bond builder is right for your damaged hair? Fret not, as we have compiled a list of the most effective bond builders for damaged hair in 2024, paired with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you get your strands back to their former glory.
Comparing the Most Effective Bond Builders For Damaged Hair of 2024
Redken Bond Builder for Damaged Hair — Best Overall
The Redken Bond Builder for Damaged Hair is a class apart when it comes to intensive pre-shampoo treatments. This bond builder has a unique formula that leaves your hair 90% softer and more conditioned in less than ten minutes. Not only does it make your hair smooth and silky, but it also helps to restore its strength. The most exciting part is that this treatment is very easy to incorporate into your hair care routine. With results that show up after only a single use and a creamy formula, it's no wonder this product is the best overall in our eyes.
Pros
- Leaves hair feeling soft
- Works in under ten minutes
- The formula is not dense
Cons
- Requires a bond-building shampoo follow-up
Hairgenics Bond Builder for Damaged Hair — Best for Damaged Hair
Looking for a bond builder conditioner to help bring your hair to life? Meet the Hairgenics Bond Builder for Damaged Hair. This bond-building complex is perfect for all types of hair, regardless of the level of damage they have endured. It deeply nourishes the hair strands and provides better bond regeneration. Its paraben, sulfate, and phthalate-free formula are perfect for even the toughest of hair. You can even use this product as an overnight hair mask for a deep repair session. You can see results as early as the second wash with proper use and good hair care practices.
Pros
- Cruelty and paraben-free formula
- Perfect for all hair types
- Shows results in just two sessions
Cons
- Does not fix disulfide bonds
Olaplex Bond Builder for Damaged Hair — Best for Dyed Hair
When it comes to professional bond-building treatments, it doesn’t get better than Olaplex. This Olaplex Bond Builder for Damaged Hair is the original formula that revolutionized hair care and introduced disulfide bond building. This unique formula is free of formaldehyde, DEA, and aldehydes, making it gentle on the hair. Proper use makes your hair three times stronger, reducing the chances of breakage and further damage. With deep nourishing and moisturizing properties, this bond builder is perfect for even the most damaged hair. So if you’re looking for the most professional option, this is it.
Pros
- Helps hair absorb more moisture
- Patented formula to build disulfide bonds
- Does not require the rest of the regimen
Cons
- Very expensive in regards to product quantity
Matrix Bond Builder for Damaged Hair — Top Budget Pick
Shampoos are the easiest ways to incorporate bond builders into your regular hair care routine. The Matrix Bond Builder for Damaged Hair is the perfect shampoo for blonde and lightened hair that has been subjected to a lot of chemical damage. Its sulfate and paraben-free formula is gentle on the scalp and works with even the most sensitive skin. The shampoo helps restore the moisture in your hair while repairing the bonds affected by chemical damage. It has a unique scent to it that makes showering more fun and relaxing.
Pros
- Easy to incorporate into a hair routine
- Perfect for blonde and platinum hair
- Suitable for sensitive scalp and hair
Cons
- Is drying on fine hair
Bold Uniq Bond Builder for Damaged Hair — Best for Blondes
Let’s be honest. Thick cream conditioners just feel different when you apply them to damaged hair. The intense moisture and silky feeling in your hair give you hope that the damage is slowly being reversed. The Bold Uniq Bond Builder for Damaged Hair is perfect if you love deep conditioning. This conditioner is made from ethically sourced products that are vegan and cruelty-free. Its formula is free of harsh chemicals, making it ideal for every hair type. The conditioner helps reduce frizz and makes your hair sleek and smoother. For curly hair types, it helps restore moisture to the curls, so they are more defined. All of this damage repair is possible due to its intensive bond-building and bond-repair properties. So? Don’t wait and get yours today!
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
- Perfect for all hair types
- Free of harsh chemicals
Cons
- Can cause excessive oil
A Buyer’s Guide to Bond Builders for Damaged Hair
If your hair is damaged, bond builders should be on your wish list. Bond builders can help to repair damage and make your hair look and feel healthier. Keep on reading to get all the information that you need to pick the perfect bond builder for you!
What Is a Bond Building Treatment?
Bond builders are treatments that can be used to help repair damaged hair. These treatments work by rebuilding the bonds that have been broken down in your hair. This can help to make your hair look and feel healthier and can also help to protect it from further damage. There are several different bond builders that you can use, and they all work in different ways.
Why Do Hair Bonds Break?
There are some reasons why hair bonds can break down. One of the most common causes is damage from heat styling. This includes things like curling irons, straighteners, and blow dryers. The heat from these devices can cause the bonds in your hair to break down, leading to damage. Another common cause of bond breakage is chemical damage since things like bleaching and coloring can cause severe damage. These chemicals can also break down the bonds in your hair, leading to damage.
Benefits of Using Bond Builders on Damaged Hair
Some of the most common benefits of using bond builders are:
Improve the health of your hair
Bond builders can help improve your hair's overall health, making it stronger and less prone to damage. They help repair the fibers in your hair by restoring its bonds and promoting better keratin production. In the long term, using a bond treatment can help undo the damage your hair endures during styling and other treatments.
Add more shine to your hair
These bond builders can also help to add shine and moisture, making your hair look and feel its best. Since dullness and split ends are attributed to hair damage, bond builders can help make your hair shiny by restoring its health. It also helps the hair produce natural oils to lock in moisture and reflect light for a better shine.
Make your hair grow faster
Bond builders can help to speed up the hair growth process so that you can get your longer locks sooner. This is because these treatments help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which encourages hair growth. These treatments can also help to prevent hair loss.
Types of Bond Builders
A few different types of bond builders can be used to treat damaged hair. Here is the list of the most commonly used bond builders:
Leave in treatments
These treatments are applied to damp or dry hair and then left in. They help to rebuild the bonds within the hair shaft and can make damaged hair look healthier. Various leave-in treatments are available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Most leave-in treatments are used by people who frequently style their hair using heat or are about to get some chemical process done.
Shampoo and conditioner treatments
There are now bond-building shampoos and conditioners available that can help to repair damaged hair. These products are left on the hair for a few minutes before being rinsed off. You often wash your hair with shampoo treatments to minimize damage and ensure repair. As for conditioner treatments, they aren't used as often but are more intensive in repair. Both of these options are very common for people with color-treated hair.
Hair mask treatments
Some bond treatments are also present in the form of hair masks. A bond treatment mask is an extensive-care procedure that helps to restore and rebuild damaged hair. It can be used once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the damage. They are often expensive and are used outside of your regular bathing routine. You can even use these masks before and after bleaching sessions.
Picking the Right Bond Builder for You
There are a few things to keep in mind when picking out a bond builder.
Consider your hair type
If you have fine hair, look for a bond builder that won't weigh your hair down. If you have thick hair, look for a bond builder that will be able to penetrate your hair shaft. Curly hair often requires products that are both moisturizing and repair damage. Very damaged hair needs stronger bond builders. This is why considering your hair type is essential.
Level of damage
If your hair is significantly damaged, you'll likely need to use a bond builder as part of your regular hair care routine. A bond builder used daily will have more potential than one used less frequently. If your hair is only mildly damaged, you may be able to get away with using a bond builder once a week or so. Always pick professional formulas if you're looking for a bond builder to add to a chemical treatment like dye or bleach.
Ease of usage
Fixing your hair takes patience and dedication. Bond builders must be easy to incorporate into your daily routine, so you don't give up on using them. This is why ease of usage is so important. Invest in a fast-acting daily-use bond builder if you can't take the time to use oils, hair masks, and deep conditioners.
Ingredients
Bond builders should always have nourishing ingredients that restore your hair's moisture and rebuild its peptide bonds. This will make your hair appear fuller, softer, and less damaged.
Typical Bond Builders Includes:
Hydrolyzed keratin
This is a low molecular weight form of keratin that can penetrate the hair shaft to help rebuild damaged hair.
Hydrolyzed collagen
This is a protein that helps to plump the hair shaft and add moisture.
Silk amino acids
These act as conditioning agents and can help to repair damaged hair.
Glycerin
This is a humectant that helps to attract moisture to the hair shaft.
