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The Truth About Whether You Can Fix Broken Hair Bonds
Our Pros explain broken bonds—and how to fix them.
Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:47pm
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The beauty industry is buzzing about hair bonds—an integral part of hair's structure—and the hot category of 'bond-building' products that claim to repair damage. But what exactly are hair bonds, how do they break, and can they be mended? Here, GH Beauty Lab and hair scientists explain what to know about bonds and bond-repair treatments—and whether they're really the key to healthier hair.
Why it matters
Understanding how hair bonds work and what can break them is crucial for maintaining hair health and using the right products to address damage. While some bonds can be repaired, others cannot, so it's important for consumers to have accurate information about the limitations of bond-repair treatments.
The details
Bonds are attractive forces between atoms in hair (like hydrogen and sulfur) that hold its structure together. The three main types are hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bonds, which vary in strength and can be broken by factors like water, heat, chemicals, and tension. While hydrogen and ionic bonds can repair themselves, disulfide bonds cannot be fully restored once broken. New haircare technologies found in bond 'repair' products work by depositing ingredients into hair to reinforce structure, but may not be able to completely reverse all damage.
- The article was published on January 28, 2026.
The players
Bridgette Hill
A certified trichologist (hair expert) in New York City and Palm Beach, FL.
Sabina Wizemann
GH Beauty Lab Director.
What they’re saying
“Hair is primarily made of the protein keratin. Bonds connect keratin proteins, forming the structure of the hair fiber.”
— Bridgette Hill, certified trichologist
“Hydrogen bonds, the weakest, can be broken by exposure to water and heat. Ionic bonds are also broken by water and alkaline substances in chemical treatments like permanent hair dye, which both change hair's pH.”
— Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Director
“Broken disulfide bonds cannot be repaired to their original state.”
— Sabina Wizemann, GH Beauty Lab Director
The takeaway
While new haircare technologies can help minimize damage from chemical treatments, consumers should understand the limitations of bond-repair products and focus on preventative measures like avoiding excessive heat, chemicals, and tension on hair to maintain its health and structure.
