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Those companies then carve out space for that new category in their own lines.
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That has both good and bad consequences.
More accessible price points.
Companies got wise to the fact that the term bond builder doesnt have a legal meaning, says Romanowski.
So, theyve taken to calling things that mightelectrostaticallybond to hair bond builders.
But this is pretty much how allhair conditionerswork.
So how can you tell the difference between the real deal and a deep conditioner?
(Deep conditioners are also good for your hair, but they are not a bond builder.)
What are bond-repair products?
Your hair is naturally made up of a bunch of chemical bonds too small for the eye to see.
Bond-repair products are meant to help fix them and improve hair health by using similar chemistry.
OK, but how do bond builders work?
Bond builders work by rebuilding the S-S bonds, says Robinson.
Olaplex
Olaplex No.
“The dimaleate part helps to prevent disulfide bond damage, often seenduring bleaching,” King says.
K18’s products achieve similar results with a different ingredient.
Do bond builders make a difference for damaged hair?
But they may not be able to revive dead hair fully.
It is, in effect, a bandage.
How should I decide which bond repair products to use?
Too much proteincandry out your hair, says Dr. Osted.
Unless you are using a leave-in product, nearly all of the protein is simply rinsed down the drain.
Again, it is just a compelling marketing story that proteins are helping your hair.
When in doubt, ask your stylist.
There likely isnt going to be a one-product-fix-all solution.
It also coats hair in lipids, which protects hair from pollution and environmental damage.
It also smells like a lush Balinese garden, which is reason enough to work this into our routine.
(Now thatschouette.)
(Though, we wont discourage you from indulging in ahair maskjust for self-care.)
Its also formulated with amino acids to help repair damage from heat, color, and protective styles.
I love that it gives hairstyles some hold and will help to define curls, says Toth.
Senior editorJesa Marie Calaorloves its lightweight texture and how it defines her medium-coarse, wavy hair.
