Bond Builders, Protein & Moisture: Fix Damaged Hair (For Real)
If your basket has a random mix of “repair” products but your hair still snaps, this guide will sort it. We’ll decode what bond-building really means, how to tell if you need protein or moisture, and how to build a simple routine that actually strengthens hair between shampoos.
What “bond-building” really means
Hair strength depends on internal bonds (including disulfide bonds) within the keratin structure. Chemical colouring, heat and everyday wear can weaken those bonds, leading to breakage. Bond-building products are designed to support or restore those internal links so fibres resist snapping and feel smoother.
Leave-ins vs wash-offs: wash-off shampoos and instant conditioners are helpful but short-lived; products that stay on the hair (leave-ins and styling treatments) keep working between washes, so they’re often the smarter backbone of a repair routine.
Bond-building picks (leave-ins)
- Reconstruction Liquid Keratin Treatment Spray (150 ml) — keratin-rich leave-in to help reduce breakage and smooth.
- Advance Techniques Reconstruction Treatment Serum (30 ml) — concentrated strengthening serum for frazzled ends.
Bond-building & repair masks (wash-off)
- Reconstruction Treatment Hair Mask (150 ml) — with keratin/protein to help reduce breakage.
Protein vs moisture: how to tell (and balance)
Protein reinforces the hair’s structure (hair is mostly keratin). It’s great when hair feels limp, overly stretchy, won’t hold a curl/shape, or snaps after colouring. Moisture (emollients, humectants, oils) improves flexibility and smoothness. It’s what you need when hair feels dry, rough, staticky or straw-like.
Signs you may be low on protein: hair stretches then snaps; colour fades fast; styles don’t hold.
Signs of “protein overload” (too much protein, not enough moisture): stiff, brittle, dull feel. If this happens, pause protein and add hydrating treatments until flexibility returns.
Protein-forward picks
Moisture-first picks
- Supreme Oils Duo Treatment Spray (100 ml) — dual-phase nourishment for softness and shine.
- Argan & Coconut Oil Moisturising Serum (100 ml) — hydrates and smooths lengths/ends.
- Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Serum (30 ml) — lightweight shine and frizz control.
- Grapefruit & Passionfruit Hair Treatment Mask (125 ml) — hydrating, shine-boosting mask.
A quick diagnostic (so you buy the right things)
Colour-treated or bleached? Start with a bond builder (leave-in), add a hydrator (oil/serum or rich mask) and finish with heat protection whenever you style.
Feels limp and overly stretchy? Add a protein mask once or twice a week, then follow with a moisturising conditioner or serum for flexibility.
Feels stiff, brittle and dull? You may have gone too heavy on protein. Pause it for 1–2 weeks and switch to moisture-first products until the “snap” softens.
Heat protection (non-negotiable)
Your simple repair routine
Wash day
- Cleanse and towel-dry.
- Use a repair mask that fits your need:
— Protein-leaning: Reconstruction Mask
— Moisture-leaning: Grapefruit & Passionfruit Mask - Rinse, then apply a leave-in bond builder: Liquid Keratin Spray or Reconstruction Serum.
- Finish with moisture on mid-lengths/ends: Argan & Coconut Oil Serum or Supreme Oils Duo Spray.
- Before heat, mist Heat Protection Spray.
Between washes
- Morning/refresh: re-mist a leave-in (e.g., Liquid Keratin Spray) for ongoing strength and frizz control.
- Add a single pump of oil/serum on ends as needed.
