Do hair bonding products like Olaplex really work?

To smooth and smooth out frizz, products that label themselves “bond builders” are becoming more and more popular. But do these products work and are they more effective at helping your dry, damaged strands? While someone follows #Chatter knows all about the love-hate relationship of many influencers (eg investors), with Olaplex dominating the category, there are plenty of other products to consider.

The experts we spoke to were big fans of the concept in general. “These link or chain repair products have been a game changer in our industry,” said the colorist Tina Deek from Chicago Maxine Salon. “We have been able to protect the hair while we dye or perform other chemical services. Bonders help strengthen and add shine. They have long-lasting results, especially if you continue to use them at home after leaving the salon.

“Bond building is a relatively new category in hair care, but it has quickly become one of the most popular,” she said. Cassie Siskovic, National Art Director USA for Alfaparf Milano Professional. “The results are almost immediate and I think the immediate difference is what has made this category so popular in hair care.”

“Bond Repair treatments are the new way to return hair to its healthier, younger days,” said the stylist. Bradley Leek.

According to stylist Jamie Wiley, there are three separate things these products do to give your hair a boost. “First, it stabilizes the protein chain in the hair’s horizontal disulfide bond, which can be broken whenever the hair is damaged,” she said. “So they actively build hydrogen bonding, which is responsible for maintaining texture and shape. Finally, they strengthen the salt bonds, responsible for the balance between the acidity and alkalinity of the hair.”

“It should strengthen the bonds between the hair, providing a more advanced and intensive treatment with amino acids,” said Dr. Nicole Negbenebora dermatologist. “The hope is that these amino acids could reach the cortex of the hair and lead to strengthening of the hair shaft.”

“These products may be best for patients with dry, brittle hair,” Negbenebor said. “Some patients may need to use it if their hair seems more fragile, especially if they’ve had a history of chemical treatment.”

“Binders work on all textures, but I see the biggest difference on my clients with wavy or wavy textures,” the colorist Ashleigh Marie Rancilio She said. “When textured hair is repaired and moisturized with these products, the curl pattern is stronger and less frizzy.”

Wondering if you need this? Do a home stretch test to see if there was a link break. “Pick a strand of damp hair, take it between your index finger and thumb, and place your hand about 1 inch from the ends,” Siskovic said. “Take your other hand and place it about 3 inches above, also between your index finger and index finger. Stretch the thread. If it breaks, your hair probably has some broken bonds. If it doesn’t break and stretch a little, your hair most likely has strong bonds.”

The brand most often cited by experts was Olaplex, but there are many others that have earned their praise. While shopping, consider looking for something that contains citric acid. “This will add shine and make your hair softer,” says stylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew.

Negbenebor had other shopping tips: “Look for products that contain other healthy ingredients. But if you’re allergic to perfume, you’ll want to avoid anything with perfume, as this could lead to allergic contact dermatitis.

If you buy a bond generator, it’s important to use it regularly. “Every brand and product is going to be a little different, but I know a lot of technology encourages consistent use,” Siskovic said. “That could mean using it once a month, every time you wash, or every day. Consult the brand’s directions or your stylist to make sure you’re aligned on how often you should use it.

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