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1
Best Olaplex ‘dupe’
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
1
Best Olaplex ‘dupe’
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex
This cute little capsule of cream is going for the trifecta of bond-building treatment methods by re-building hydrogen, ionic and covalent bonds. *Shivers from flashbacks to GCSE chemistry lessons*. Science aside, our panellists were pleased with the integrity of their tresses after using this for the test period.
Some with coloured hair hyped up the brand’s brightening powers, telling us their lengths looked more vibrant and luscious after use, with lasting results. The only thing to note is that it works best when used before heat styling, so may not be the best pick for those who prefer to air dry their hair.
Key specifications
| Volume | 45ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | Triple bond complex |
| Suitable for hair types | All — including virgin strands |
2
Best shampoo for bond building
REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
2
Best shampoo for bond building
REDKEN Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo
Now 24% Off
In sexy silver packaging that looks sleek on your shower shelf, this citric acid and hair building complex combo is set to win over all the seven-step-routine rebels among us. Basically, it’s super easy to work into your haircare habits — simply replace your regular shampoo with this solution if stressed strands are proving stubborn.
On the bottle it says it’s formulated for ‘demanding, processed hair’. Sound familiar? Our panellists put this one top of their list for leaving zero sticky residue, while still improving the softness, shine and smoothness of their hair — shout out to the wash-off instructions. This marriage of ultra-convenience and efficacy earnt Redken’s entry its runner-up spot.
Key specifications
| Volume | 300ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | Citric acid |
| Suitable for hair types | Demanding and processed hair |
3
Best bond builder in lab
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask
3
Best bond builder in lab
K18 Leave-In Repair Hair Mask
Now 42% Off
This nifty little bottle of bond-building brilliance has been causing quite a stir among fellow beauty editors. Whether you’re a haircare junkie or simply searching for silkier, strengthened strands, you may find this K18 peptide formulation worth a look.
Fortified with a patented bioactive peptide — dubbed the ‘miracle molecule’ by the brand’s founders — this treatment reduced frizz, flattened flyaways and generally levelled up our panellists’ locks. Our experts in the lab loved this one too, telling me it worked particularly well for those with breakage-prone lengths as it prevented and repaired existing damage diligently.
Key specifications
| Volume | 50ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | K18 peptide |
| Suitable for hair types | The more damaged the better |
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4
Best value bond-building treatment
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
4
Best value bond-building treatment
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Now 60% Off
Not only was this the best pre-shampoo treatment we tested, but it scored higher than all the others when it came to touch in the lab, achieving 5/5 for the smoothness of our test tresses after washing. Those who trialled it said their hair looked and felt much healthier and more nourished.
Almost everyone said their hair looked shinier after use, too, with many noting that the texture of the treatment enabled fuss-free application. The catch? Well, some thought the instructions weren’t clear on how much to apply, but we’re sure a touch of trial and error will do the trick!
Key specifications
| Volume | 200ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | Citric acid |
| Suitable for hair types | All hair types if damaged |
5
Best bond-building spray
The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment
5
Best bond-building spray
The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment
Now 45% Off
This Inkey List number was a hit with our panellists, who said the texture ‘felt lightweight and left hair far easier to manage’. The long-term effects included ‘less hair loss and breakage’, ‘stronger-feeling hair’ and ‘more defined, softer curls’ for some.
The downsides were the ‘chemical-y smell’ and the way it dispenses — some mentioned the spray getting a little clogged. For £12.99 a pop, though, it may be worth putting on your shopping list.
Key specifications
| Volume | 100ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | Granrepair Powerbond |
| Suitable for hair types | Hair damaged by bleach, dye and heat |
6
Best fast-acting bond builder
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy
6
Best fast-acting bond builder
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy
Now 20% Off
Hydrolysed oat protein serves as the plant-based peptide that gives this formulation its punchiness. Bolstering lengths against further breakage — by forging broken bonds together — it works to protect you from the side effects of a summer of sun, everyday pollution or too many sessions with the straighteners.
Our panel praised its swift softening effects, saying it provided an often ‘immediate improvement’ in the apparent health of their hair. Some were less than impressed with the ‘too-sweet’ scent though (quite pleasant IMO), but everyone said it improved the softness and shine or their ‘do.
Key specifications
| Volume | 50ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | Hydrolysed oat protein |
| Suitable for hair types | All, but works best on damaged hair |
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7
Best bond builder for all hair types
Bumble and bumble Bb. Bond-Building Repair Treatment
7
Best bond builder for all hair types
Bumble and bumble Bb. Bond-Building Repair Treatment
From professional celeb styling in the 90s to editorial looks and haircare education today, the stylists behind Bumble & Bumble have always believed that good quality products are essential to show-stopping styling. The hair itself must be in prime condition to create the ultimate result, much like makeup artists testify to the importance of hydrated skin under any look.
This product is no exception to this philosophy — our panellists were impressed with how smooth and soft it left previously dull lengths, and hair felt hydrated and nourished after the trial period, likely thanks to the formulation’s honey-derived strengthening complex. Needless to say, it created a buzz among testers, and many noted that it left their hair smelling super fresh and clean after use, too.
Key specifications
| Volume | 125ml |
|---|---|
| Bond building technology | Honey-derived strengthening complex |
| Suitable for hair types | All hair types and textures |
Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester
Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her bachelor’s degree in cosmetic science. Orla uses her years of product testing experience, market research and technical lab skills to put a wide variety of products to the test. In the past year Orla has tested more than 147 beauty products, including all the latest innovations to launch within the market.
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