Get the healthy, strong hair you’ve always wanted.
Today, bond builders are, thankfully, more accessible to the public.
Here’s the science behind bond builders and how to tell if they’re right for you.
What Are Bond Builders?
As the name suggests, bond builders help repair hair bonds that become damaged over time.
Why are hair bonds so crucial to maintain?
Heat styling, color treatments, and even hair brushing can cause bonds to weaken or break over time.
So, it’s important to protect these connections to keep hair healthy.
One of the earliest commercial forms of bond builders is one you’re likely familiar with.
“Bond-building technology debuted around 2014, withOlaplexleading the way,” says Peterson.
How Do Bond Builders Work?
Bond builders reinforce the three common bonds that make up hair composition: ionic, covalent, and hydrogen.
The key ingredients that help strengthen hair bonds are amino acids, silicone, and proteins.
As a result, bond builders fortify hair, making it less susceptible to damage.
Essentially, the bonds of your hair are like clasped hands.
Shampooing, blow drying, or highlighting can cause those hands to loosen or drop, weakening your strands.
A bond builder swoops in to rejoin those hands.
Because of this, using bond builders yields smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking hair.
Who Should Use Bond Builders?
Marjan says all hair inevitably takes on some wear and tear and could benefit from a bond-building product.
“Chemically treated hair has compromised disulfide bonds,” explains Peterson.
“Bond builders repair these bonds, helping to restore strength and integrity to the hair.”
How to Incorporate Bond Builders Into Your Haircare Routine
Ready to incorporate bond builders into your routine?
Peterson recommends following the below steps.
How frequently should you use bond builders?
She recommends pairing the treatment with a nourishing conditioner and leave-in serum for best results.
“Overuse can lead to protein overload, making hair stiff and brittle,” explains Peterson.
Unfortunately, the price point of bond builders can be a bit off-putting.
“Prices range from $20 to $100,” says Peterson.
“Cheaper options might not offer the same level of repair but can still provide some benefits.”
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“Discontinue use if you experience itching, redness, or irritation,” says Marjan.
