6 of the best hair bond builders to try
Rachael Martin
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 4 minutes
From salon to your bathroom, here’s everything you need to know about at-home bond-building products for stronger-feeling & healthier-looking hair
Popping to the salon for a fresh head of bleach or a bouncy blow dry? There’s nothing quite like it. But while we love any excuse for a good hair day, there’s no denying that we’re less keen on the damage that so often follows. We’re talking about the brittleness and dryness that comes with overprocessing our strands. But this is where bond builders come in.
A hair treatment once reserved for the salon, bond-building products are everywhere right now. But what exactly are they and, more importantly, are they worth the hype?
Answering our most Googled questions on hair bond builders, is top trichologist Anabel Kingsley, Philip Kingsley brand president and consultant trichologist. Over to Anabel…
What is a hair bond builder & how does the technology work?
The reality of bond building is that each product is unique and usually has its own patented ingredient or technology. Often, however, many incorporate amino acids in their formulas.
“Amino acids are an essential component of healthy hair,” explains Anabel. “They combine to form proteins (like keratin) used by the body to build tissue cells, including those of your hair, skin and nails. These proteins form the building blocks of your hair, keeping it strong and healthy.
“When the hair’s outer layers are compromised, this can expose the hair’s cortex (where the bonds are found), causing hair to become damaged and weakened. It’s thought that bond-building technology can help improve hair’s strength and resilience.”
Everything from chemical processing to overuse of heated styling tools can cause damage to these outer layers and lead to problems such as dryness, breakage and split ends.
What are the benefits of a bond builder for hair?
Some evidence suggests that bond builders containing amino acids are closely linked to long-term improvements in the appearance of strands – think hair that looks and feels healthy – and can lead to a reduction in hair damage and breakage.
“Coating hair with a shield-like product may provide increased strength and resilience to damage caused by styling and colouring,” says Anabel. “This can then help reduce visible signs of damage, such as split ends, breakage, dryness, tangles and frizz.”
Will a bond builder work on my hair?
Good news. Bond builders are suitable for all hair types – music to our ears.
“You can use these products on any hair colour and type (including fine, thick, curly, dyed and processed), but they are most beneficial for damaged hair,” says Anabel.
Sizzled strands? Consider this your cue to get coating!
How do I apply a bond builder?
With so many different products out there, it can be tricky to know what to go for. If you’re new to them, then a standalone hair treatment could be a helpful introduction.
“While routines always give excellent results, opting for something like Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Restorative Oil Lipid Shield is a good place to start,” suggests Anabel. "It works by shielding the hair's outermost protective layer, protecting the hair cuticle from damage."
And when it comes to how much to apply, use your hair type as your guide.
"Those with thicker hair will usually need to use more product than the label would suggest. It’s helpful to ensure that the ends are fully covered, so that bond builders can work to the best of their ability." And if you have fine hair, start slowly and build it up gradually.
6 of the best bond builders at Boots
Now that you’re up to speed with how bond builders work, here’s our edit of some of the best ones to weave into your haircare routine. From hydrating shampoos to bond-building treatments, there’s something for every step.
Shop more top bond builders for hair in our full range.
For a sulphate-free shampoo
Try: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Shampoo
• Size: 200ml
• Sulphate-free
L’Oréal Paris’ new Elvive Bond Repair Shampoo is making waves in the haircare industry – and if the reviews are anything to go by, it’s worth the buzz. Not only is it sulphate-free (potentially making it gentler on brittle strands), but it uses citric acid tech to add lustrous shine back to dull ends. Want optimal results? Team with the range’s Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment before and follow with the Bond Repair Conditioner and Bond Repair Leave-In Serum.
For a leave-in spray
Try: The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment
• Size: 100ml
• Sulphate-free
• Vegan-friendly
Love a Tik Tok rabbit hole? If the answer’s yes, then you’re likely to be familiar with this bond repair treatment from The Inkey List. It uses hair-shielding Granrepair PowerBond tech, amino acids and other goodies to help protect the hair. Just a spritz of this light spray mist improves the appearance of strands – think a noticeably softer looking, less frizzy and shinier finish. A dream for those with overprocessed hair.
For a strengthening styling cream
Try: The Hair Lab by Mark Hill Bond Repair Internal Bond Repair Cream
• Size: 150ml
• Sulphate-free
• Vegan-friendly
Add a dose of nourishing goodness to your styling routine with this lightweight cream. Containing creatine (a type of amino acid) and conditioning panthenol, this cream simply needs to be warmed up in the palms of your hands and distributed through damp lengths and ends. It’s intensely moisturising and leaves hair feeling stronger and smoother looking – ideal if you’ve hit the bleach hard.
For split ends
Try: Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy
• Size: 50ml
Minimise the appearance of damage with this split end remedy from Philip Kingsley, which is a must-have among beauty editors. Just a small amount applied on towel-dried hair forms a layer of protection thanks to hydrolyzed oat protein, which works to support moisture retention. Think of it as a strand shield, helping to prevent future damage.
For a leave-in treatment
Try: Revolution Haircare Plex 3 Bond Restore Treatment
• Size: 250ml
• Sulphate-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Powered by multi-molecular weight proteins, this intensive treatment also counts hair-softening pro-vitamin B5 in its ingredients list. Apply twice a week and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes to give lengths the appearance of a new lease of life.
For a hair mask
Try: Andrew Fitzsimons Virgin Repair Moisture Mask for Damaged Hair
• Size: 250ml
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
We’re big advocates for skincare ingredients in haircare, which is why we’re going crazy for this luxurious hair mask by Andrew Fitzsimons (who counts Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez as clients btw). Formulated with a protein-based complex and ceramides (a type of naturally occurring lipid), this beautifully conditioning mask is well on its way to becoming a cult classic.
