If you’re looking for a hair care routine that will leave your damaged locks looking and feeling their best, then you need to look no further than to Bumble & Bumble’s new Bond-Building line! I swear this is not sponsored (read the disclaimer). I came across a very seductive deal on a Bumble & Bumble bond-building kit, that included their wash, rinse, and treatment. Later I added the styling cream to get the whole experience.
What drew me to the line was the talks about it being compared to Olaplex products, which I had just recently tried. My hair is at this writing moment about waist length. And although my hair isn’t processed in any way, I’ve been leaning more toward haircare that promises repair. Hoping it will help strengthen my brittle ends from breaking off faster than the speed my hair can grow as I do want it to be longer.
What it is and Who is it for?
The Bumble & Bumble Bond-Building Repair line uses a “honey bond-building complex” that repairs hair from the cortex to the cuticle and helps build new bonds. The line is specifically made for hair that’s exposed to a lot of heat, color, and chemical damage. But anyone who experiences fragile hair may benefit as it is said to help strengthen, hydrate and moisturize, add shine, de-frizz, smooth, and detangle the hair. Basically, it promises a lot!
Bond-Building Shampoo & Conditioner
Keeping within the honey-theme, the Bond-Building shampoo has almost a creamy honey-like consistency. It might take a few washes for it to give a good lather, especially if you use dry shampoo. But will be leaving your scalp feeling clean but moisturized. The conditioner is equally impressive, leaving my hair soft and shiny with minimal frizz. Still, I did run out of shampoo more quickly as it took more to get it to foam.
The moisture this duo gives I’d say is about medium. I was actually afraid it would be too heavy. However, it seems just about right for my hair for regular use. For even deeper nourishment I alternate with the Bumble & Bumble Ultra Riche-line according to my hair cycling routine. I do sense that for some the shampoo might not cleanse all too well. A purifying wash once or twice a month in between might be necessary.
I switched to using the bond-building products after testing out some hair washes that left my hair dry and brittle. So perhaps my positive experience got intensified as I was going from a bad routine, that didn’t suit my hair type, to something that added moisture back into my hair. Still, I didn’t expect my hair to transform back into health as it did. I was on the verge of cutting a big chunk off, but after switching to this wash I saw that the damage wasn’t as severe as it felt.
Bond-Building Repair Treatment
Unlike the Olaplex bonding treatment, the bond-building repair treatment from Bumble & Bumble is made to replace your conditioner. Used about once a week, after using shampoo, it’s supposed to be applied from lengths to roots, and sit for only 5 minutes. Getting the most product in areas that need it the most.
I do find this one to be more straightforward and faster to use than Olaplex no3. However, using this in replace of conditioner did not feel enough for my hair. Bumble & Bumble do recommend on their website to mix it with their Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Mask for extra added moisture though. I don’t have that specific product on hand so I just finish off as usual, with some conditioner afterward.
With that said, I can’t tell if there’s a difference on a molecular level between Olaplex and this one. But the results when my hair has dried are strikingly similar. The B&B bond-building repair treatment is slightly cheaper per ounce, so if you find it to work just as well, it can be a cheaper alternative.
Repair Styling Cream
A couple of years ago I tested out the Bumble & Bumble Repair Blow Dry (review). And although I didn’t really use it purposefully, I generally enjoyed it. My assumption about the Bond-Building Repair Styling Cream was that it would deliver a similar experience. However, I was left not as impressed.
This is not a stand-alone product as I had hoped. It is more of a high heat protectant that should be layered with other styling products. I wouldn’t say it dried out my hair, but it wasn’t hydrating enough to keep my hair smooth from frizz for air-dry styles. But even for a blow-out, I much preferred using the Kérastase Curl Manifesto leave-in (review) than this one, which feels more nourishing. Because it lacked the moisture my hair needs after washing, my hair felt more brittle and it didn’t feel as protective against heat as it claims.
Conclusion
My experience with Bumble & Bumble has been mixed, especially regarding their styling products. I’ve tried many of their products in the past and very few left a great impression on me. This has led me to not consider trying their washes afraid of disappointment and losing interest in the brand. So I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when trying out this line!
I am extremely pleased with the results I’ve seen from using Bumble & Bumble Bond-building shampoo, conditioner, and treatment. These products have become considered a staple in my hair care routine! Partly also due to the fact that the bottles match my bathroom tiles. But in all seriousness, I highly recommend anyone with fragile/damaged hair looking to improve the health and appearance of their hair to give these products a try!
Comparing the shampoo and conditioner with the Olaplex wash and rinse, my hair prefers the ones from Bumble & Bumble. However, while the B&B bonding treatment is cheaper per ounce than the Olaplex no3, the shampoo and conditioner are actually more expensive. Not to mention, I had to use more of the shampoo as to the small amount I needed to use with Olaplex to get a good lather and cleanse.
And while the styling cream felt a bit “meh”, it was mostly due to expecting it to be more of a moisturizing leave-in that could hold on its own. But unfortunately, it wasn’t as hydrating and de-frizzing as I had hoped. Overall, the bond-building line delivered hair that looked shiny and healthy with some body to it. Not to forget to mention that the scent is pretty pleasant too and not overpowering.
