Tried that 'bond builder' treatment everyone on Instagram raves about and it dried out my client's hair bad

So last week I had a client with overprocessed blonde hair, and I figured I'd try that Olaplex knockoff from Sally's. Mixed it in with her color like the instructions said. After rinsing and drying, her ends felt like straw. I mean, it was way more brittle than when she walked in. I ended up doing a deep conditioning mask and cut off a half inch just to save the look. Has anyone else had this happen with bond builders or is it just me?

2 comments

2 Comments

beth_hart683d ago

Hear me out on this because I've noticed the same pattern with a lot of trendy products these days - people skip the fine print and blame the tool. Like how everyone buys a fancy air fryer and then wonders why their food is dry because they didn't read about adjusting the oil and temp. @allen.cole is right about the mixing issue, I've made that exact mistake myself and it turned a clients hair into straw. The hype makes you think it's magic, but these bond builders really do need their own step after the color comes off.

allen.cole3d ago

Yeah that "bond builder" thing from Instagram... it's not a one size fits all kinda deal. I think you mighta mixed it in wrong though? Most of those bond builders are supposed to go on after you rinse out the color, not mixed in with it. I did the same mistake my first time using that Olaplex knockoff from Sally's. The heat from the color processing can mess with the bond builder and make it do the opposite of what it's supposed to. Your best bet is to apply it as a separate step after rinsing, let it sit for like ten minutes, then follow with a good moisturizing mask. Saved a few clients hair that way.