Struggling with breakage? Put your money in a bond – bond builder, that is! These strengthening formulas rebuild breakages along the width of the hair follicle, temporarily repairing disulphide bonds that are damaged through colour treatments, heat styling and relaxing.
Consider these bond builders the A-grade of leave-in conditioners designed to prop up hydration and elasticity – every strand is kryptonite.
The different types of bond builders
Hair bonds can be damaged by a range of factors such as chemical treatments (like colouring or perming), heat styling and environmental stressors. The three main types of bonds in the hair are disulphide, hydrogen and salt bonds. As such, each bond builder is tailored to build upon and strengthen a certain type of bond.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of bond builders commonly used in hair care:
Disulphide bond builders:
Example: Olaplex
Disulphide bonds are the strongest bonds in the hair structure, and they are often broken or damaged during chemical processes like bleaching or colouring. Disulphide bond builders work by reconnecting or reinforcing these broken bonds, improving the overall strength and integrity of the hair.
Hydrogen bond builders:
Example: Amino acids, proteins
Hydrogen bonds are weaker than disulphide bonds and can be disrupted by heat styling. Hydrogen bond builders typically contain amino acids or proteins that help to strengthen and rebuild these bonds. They also contribute to the overall elasticity and resilience of the hair.
Salt bond builders:
Example: Sodium chloride (salt)
Salt bonds are weaker than both disulphide and hydrogen bonds. They are easily disrupted by changes in pH levels, which can occur during chemical treatments. Salt bond builders help maintain the balance of salt bonds, contributing to the overall health and structure of the hair.
Bond builders to invest in now
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
Olaplex is known as a pioneer in advanced bond-building technology. The renowned No. 6 Bond Smoother is a leave-in styling treatment designed to address damaged hair by strengthening and smoothing the bonds within the hair structure. It contains Olaplex’s signature ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, known for its bond-repairing properties. The No. 6 Bond Smoother is formulated to reduce frizz, enhance manageability and provide heat protection, contributing to healthier and more resilient hair.
Epres Bond Repair Treatment
This award-winning treatment is formulated to repair and strengthen hair bonds, especially those damaged during chemical processes like colouring, bleaching or heat styling. It features Biodiffusion patented technology to repair each strand even after the hair is dry, targeting mechanical, chemical and thermal damage. Designed for use once or twice a week, this Epres’ Bond Repair Treatment produces visible results after the first use – so if you’re longing for instant hair repair, act fast before this product gets snapped up!
Uberliss Bond Healing Spray
Low on time? This is a convenient spray formula designed to promote healing and strengthening of hair bonds. It contains a combination of vitamin E, ceramides and betaine, as well as Uberliss’ patented sub-micron bond technology, to nourish and repair the hair. The spray format means that it can be easily applied to damp or dry hair, providing a leave-in treatment for daily use.
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Featured image: Hair Proud
