The 15 Best Hair Bonding Treatments for Dry, Damaged Tresses

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We love a good blowout or fresh color to elevate our look instantly. But the catch is that these treatments can eventually make our hair appear dry, brittle, and lackluster—and worse yet, cause breakage, which can even lead to hair loss. Throw in the fact that simple exposure to the elements can also dehydrate our tresses, and it’s no wonder that they’re often in need of some extra TLC. While a trim or full-on chop is typically the best remedy for severely damaged locks, hair bonding treatments can be a potent intermediary step to help keep hair looking and feeling its healthiest.

“Hair bonding treatments are great for double process clients like blondes, those who use chemical styling treatments such as perms, or who have high heat damage from over-styling,” celebrity hairstylist Adam Maclay explains. “These formulas work to protect and restore the hydrogen, salt, and disulfide bonds of the hair to strengthen it from the inside out. It’s like filling in the potholes on the street; these products help to smooth split ends, restore moisture and shine, and make the hair more manageable.”

Maclay recommends looking for a few key ingredients to find the most powerful hair bonding treatments on the market. “What’s most important about hair bonding treatments is that they are protein-rich,” he says. “Seek options with amino acids, which are already in our hair and are the building blocks for keratin protein.” (FYI, most amino acids will be listed on the back of the bottle as ending in “ine.”) Formulas with hydrators and humectants like panthenol, betaine, and glycerin are also great for nourishing hair. Additionally, “keep an eye out for citric acid to lower the pH of hair and silicones, specifically ‘Bis-PCA-Dimethicone’ or ‘Amodimethicone,’ which are necessary to bind broken bonds,” adds celebrity hairstylist Davontae Washington.

From the best keratin shampoos and leave-in conditioners to hair masks and oils, I found the 15 best hair bonding treatments to revive dry, dull, and damaged strands. I surveyed Maclay, Washington, and cosmetic chemist Ginger King for their top recommendations, shared a few formulas I personally swear by, and swept the internet for the most raved about versions online. Check out the list below.

Hair Perfector No 3 Repairing Treatment

“When it comes to hair bonding treatments, K18 and Olaplex are the two leaders in the category,” says King. Beloved by countless hair stylists, beauty editors, and hundreds of thousands of shoppers, Olaplex’s No. 3 is the OG of salon-grade, at-home treatments. Its famed patented technology works on a molecular level to repair broken disulfide bonds for stronger, smoother tresses. Additionally, it features glycerin, panthenol, and jojoba oil to deeply nourish.

Key ingredients: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, citric acid, panthenol, jojoba oil

Size: 3.3 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Olaplex No.3 is one of the few products where the hype and before/after photos are often real. Just about everyone I know who has used it is a fan. My colorist first introduced me to this. Since the pandemic, I have been coloring my own hair, and I notice that sometimes it seems over-processed and needs a boost. I use a generous amount of the No. 3, working it thoroughly into slightly damp hair, then place a thick towel on my pillow, and sleep with the product in overnight. After a morning shower and blowout, my hair feels and looks revitalized.”

Bond-Building Repair Oil Serum

“I love Bumble and Bumble products and recently recommended this to a friend with curly hair,” says Washington. “She loved it! It’s a great hair oil that you can use after shampooing and doesn’t weigh hair down. It will bond the hair, reduce frizz, and leave it looking shiny.” He adds that if you plan to blow dry your hair, remember that less is always more when applying this treatment since heat transfers product.

Key ingredients: Wildflower honey, honey ferment

Size: 1.62 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I was hesitant about the texture, but needing moisture from lightening my hair, I went ahead and tried it on my ponytail down to my ends. My hair just drank it right up and is so silky-soft now. This is HANDS DOWN my new favorite hair care product. Obsessed!!”

Deep Detox Treatment

“If you’re looking for a dermatologist-formulated option, try the HH Science Deep Detox Treatment,” recommends Washington. From board-certified dermatologist Dr. Helen M. Torok, “It stars keratin to help strengthen the hair and reduce breakage,” he says. “Its keratin peptides can also help promote the healing and growth of hair.” Like the rest of the brand’s products, this formula is pH-balanced, cruelty-free, and devoid of harsh chemicals like parabens. Apply it to clean hair for the best results, then rinse after one to two minutes.

Key ingredients: Keratin peptides, hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid

Size: 4 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

HH Science rating: 5/5 stars

An HH Science reviewer says: “I absolutely love this treatment. I have thin, fine hair. I use it once every few weeks. It smells SO good and leaves my hair feeling healthy and luscious. I highly recommend.”

Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Similar to Olaplex, “K18 has a patent to prove it works in hair bonding,” says King. “This hair mask uses a signature K18PEPTIDE (or type of amino acid) that can penetrate the hair shaft and help strengthen it from the inside out.” Ideal for those with damage caused by chemical services, the formula is clinically proven to boost the hair’s elasticity and reduce breakage in minutes.

Key ingredients: K18PEPTIDE, hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, citric acid

Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Whoa! This product left my hair super soft and shiny. I used it once and I noticed significantly less breakage on my next wash day. I have 4B/4C hair with zig zag shaped curls, making my hair more delicate and prone to breakage. This product has earned a coveted spot in my shower caddy.”—Danielle James, digital beauty director

Bonding Conditioner

Although I seldom use hot tools, my ends can often feel as dry as straw—especially since I spend much of my time outdoors or in the sun whenever possible. This Redken bonding conditioner is a savior, leaving me with silky, mermaid-like tresses for days. Plus, a little goes a long way. The rich formula contains a whopping 11 percent citric acid to repair weak bonds and balance the hair’s pH level. Additionally, it contains acetic acid (also found in apple cider vinegar) to help smooth the cuticle and lock in moisture.

Key ingredients: 11% citric acid, acetic acid

Size: 10.1 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is very fine after bleaching and using hot tools, etc. I really didn’t think there was much hope for my hair except to just cut it off. My split ends weren’t terrible, but my hair was just always dry and brittle no matter what. This product is exactly what my hair needed! After the first use, I noticed my hair was so much smoother, hydrated, and easier to detangle without feeling heavy or greasy, making it so much easier to style.”

Therapiste Damaged Hair Deep Treatment Hair Care Set

For lazy girls looking to combat damaged, over-processed strands, Kerastase’s renowned Therapiste set has you covered. “The triple threat is everything we didn’t know we needed,” says Maclay. Using a fortifying blend of hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid, and volumizing gluco-peptides that help swell the hair follicle, “the shampoo, mask, and serum all work together to help restore and heal your tresses,” he says. “I’ve had great results when using this product on my clients. It adds a lot of shine and silkiness to the hair.” On top of all that, the serum provides heat protection to help prevent against future damage.

Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, citric acid, gluco-peptides

Size: Set of three

Hair type: All

Kerastase rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Kerastase reviewer says: “After going from dark brown to light blonde hair and using a flat iron daily, I damaged my hair so badly it literally was breaking off in the wind. My stylist told me that the breakage was going up the hair shaft over five inches and would need to be cut unless I started on this Kerastase product. I took his advice and washed my hair with the shampoo twice weekly, along with no heat styling. After just three months, my hair was not only restored but healthier than I had ever seen it since I was a child! The ends stopped breaking within two weeks of use, and the luster, health, separation and movement returned to my hair in under 90 days. This product completely saved my hair and I will continue to use it for life.”

EverPure Bond Repair Pre Shampoo

If you’re not quite ready to splurge on Redken’s expert formulas, L’Oréal offers a similar drugstore line for under $15. This pre-shampoo from the collection also uses a high concentration of citric acid to repair bonds and seal the hair cuticle. As a first step in your wash routine, apply this one to the lengths of your hair and only use it one to two times per week as needed.

Key ingredients: Citric acid, glycerin

Size: 5.1 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This product really works great for over-processed hair!! I noticed a difference within the first shampoo but absolutely loved it even better after a few uses!!”

Triple Bond Complex Leave-In Treatment

Maclay calls Living Proof’s Triple Bond Complex a must-have for strengthening and styling hair with all levels of damage. “Free of sulfates, this weekly leave-in treatment is great for delivering the results it says on the packaging,” he notes. It’s been clinically shown to make hair eight times stronger, packed with peptides, lipids, and a patent-pending technology designed to rebuild all three types of bonds in the hair. “What’s more, you can utilize this product before heat styling by leaving it on for 10 minutes; it protects your hair up to 450 degrees.” Thanks to a blend of emollients, it also helps smooth flyways.

Key ingredients: 3D Fortifying Technology, encapsulated cellular oil, biomimetic emollient blend

Size: 1.5 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I loved how this made my hair feel. I used two pumps and then blow-dried my hair with a round brush. My hair feels silky and soft. Even the next day, my hair was so soft and felt healthy. Will buy this again.”

Recovery Shampoo - Wavy Hair

This is already one of my favorite shampoos for dry scalp, and it also works wonders on brittle, dehydrated strands. Every Function of Beauty product is tailored specifically for different hair types and features the brand’s patented bonding technology, designed to self-adjust to your level of damage and re-connect broken bonds. Formulated with amino acids, citric acid, and nourishing ingredients like panthenol, this wavy-hair specific shampoo instantly tames my unruly tresses. Plus, it smells amazing!

Key ingredients: Adaptive f3 Bonding Complex, amino acids, panthenol, glycerin

Size: 11 fl. oz.

Hair type: Wavy

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “This shampoo has been a game-changer for me. My naturally wavy hair looks more defined and feels silky-soft after use. It’s excellent at taming frizz, even in humid weather, and it doesn’t strip my hair of natural oils. If you have wavy hair, I highly recommend it for enhancing your waves and maintaining a polished look.”

Bond Curl Rehab Salve

Curls and coils can be especially prone to dryness and breakage. When the situation starts looking dire, it’s time to call in the big guns: Curlsmith’s Bond Curl Rehab Salve. Inspired by timeless homemade remedies for curly hair, this pre-wash is powered by natural ingredients like chia proteins and sweet almond oil to soften and strengthen all three types of bonds in the hair.

Key ingredients: Chia proteins, superfood blend, radish root, sweet almond oil

Size: 8 fl. oz.

Hair type: Curly, coily

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve recently begun wearing my hair natural after years of Brazilian blowouts, bleaching, coloring, and flat ironing. After a lot of research, I realized my hair desperately needed protein, so I decided to try this out. It truly changed the game for me! It has cut down my styling time, as I don’t need to manipulate my curls at all. If you have high porosity and/or damaged hair, you need this!”

Unbreak My Blonde Strengthening Conditioner

Faux blondes will want to reach for Matrix’s strengthening collection that’s crafted specifically to restore bleached strands. Highlights include pH-balancing citric acid, hydrating glycerin, and acetic acid to smooth and seal the hair cuticle. This conditioner from the line is also sulfate-free and suited to all hair types and textures.

Key ingredients: Citric acid, glycerin, acetic acid

Size: 10.1 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “My hair is so much softer, which keeps my blonde hair bright. If you don’t like the silver look of blonde shampoo and conditioner and want the brighter look, this is your new best friend. The price is also great!”

Absolue Keratine Ultimate Regenerating Mask

Have fine, dry, and damaged strands? Crafted for fine to medium hair, “this mask is an all-time favorite of mine,” says Maclay. “It’s lightweight and leaves the hair healthier than ever. For three to 10 minutes, allow this mask to restore your hair to its former glory!” The formula stars protective ceramides, nourishing fatty acids, and a plant-based keratin to leave hair “soft and shiny after just one use,” he adds.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, plant-based keratin, camelina oil

Size: 7 fl. oz.

Hair type: Fine to medium

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Great hair product. I have very difficult and very dry hair. But with this mask (and shampoo from the same line), my hair becomes soft and silky. Pricey but great result!”

Bond-Building Repair Treatment

“I’m a big fan of the Bumble and Bumble Repair Treatment because they’ve got it right,” says Maclay. “With its honey bond-building complex, this product will leave your hair hydrated, healthy, happy, and shiny. Plus, it’s color-safe!” Apply from the roots to the ends of your hair once a week to heal split ends and enjoy smoother, more flexible strands.

Key ingredients: Honey complex

Size: 4.2 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I just used this Bond-Building Repair Treatment for minor breakage and split ends and I’m IN LOVE! I have thick 4B hair and this melted into my hair like butter! My hair is soooo soft and smooth as silk; I’m obsessed! Detangling was a breeze. I’m usually intimidated to detangle because my hair is so thick, but this was wonderful! I can’t say enough good things about this product!”

Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Hair Treatment

The key ingredient in Briogeo’s plant-based formula is rice water, which has been used in Japan for centuries to gently repair hair damage, boost shine, and even stimulate hair growth. Also included are B vitamins and algae extract, which help nourish the scalp and hair and protect them against free radical damage.

Key ingredients: Rice water, hydrolyzed protein, B vitamins, algae extract

Size: 5 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I grew up in an Asian household and knew rice water was good for my hair and skin, so I’d been thinking about saving it from the rice we eat (before cooking), but it was too much effort. I am grateful that this product exists and streamlines everything. My hair feels and looks so hydrated, soft, and shiny now. I used it overnight as a mask and it works even better! I really love and appreciate that the brand uses clean, natural ingredients.”

Antisocial Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask

Sometimes, wash day just isn’t in the cards. Simply spray this vegan silk protein mask on before bed, brush it through your hair, and expect to wake up with noticeably silkier strands. Bonus: It shouldn’t leave any residue behind, either.

Key ingredients: Vegan silk protein, Leave-in Bond-Building Technology

Size: 5 fl. oz.

Hair type: All

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “After just two uses, I noticed a difference in my hair! It doesn’t mess up my style, and the next day my hair feels softer and healthier! I love a good dry mask, and this one is the best!”

What are hair bonds, and what breaks them?

“Hair bonds determine hair strength and overall hair health,” explains King. “There are three types: hydrogen bonds, which can easily be broken by water and heat; salt bonds, which are influenced by the pH of hair; and disulfide bonds, which are the strongest bonds in hair but can be broken by chemical services like perms, color, and relaxers. Most hair bonding treatments are designed to target the latter,” she notes.

According to Maclay and Washington, other factors like too much tension from wearing hair in updos and even vitamin deficiencies or stress can be underlying causes of breakage and hair damage.

How often should I use a hair bonding treatment?

“Using a hair bonding treatment two to three times per week for damaged hair is recommended,” says Washington. “If your hair isn’t damaged, once a week is great for management and prevention.”

Depending on your level of damage, you can start by applying a treatment once per week and increase your usage as needed. Maclay warns: “Overusing the product can be bad for the hair and may cause additional breakage.”

For the best results, King notes you’ll need to consistently apply any hair bonding treatment for at least four to six weeks to reap the full benefits.

Meet the Experts

Davontae Washington is a celebrity hairstylist whose clientele has included Kim Kardashian, Winnie Harlow, and more.

Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist and president and CEO of Grace Kingdom Beauty.

Adam Maclay is a celebrity hairstylist.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty

Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. For this story, she interviewed two celebrity hair stylists and a cosmetic chemist about the best hair bonding treatments, how they work, and the best way to apply them. She also sifted through reviews online to find top-rated formulas, and after testing numerous options, shared a few of her favorites.

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