Can at-home bond repair treatments replace salon sessions?

In Thursdayrsquos episode of lsquoBeauty is Painrsquo a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in March this year revealed that hair smoothening and straightening treatments can cause longterm kidney damage The culprit doctors say is the glyoxylic acid used in these treatments which can adversely affect kidney health This revelation has prompted beauty lovers to frantically scramble for alternatives preferably the DIY or athome variants and several brands to step up to the charge with less intensive products and routinesWhile consistency is important do not overuse the treatmentThis writer in particular had been struggling with dry damaged strands and used to often get recommendations by wellmeaning stylists to opt for hair lsquobotoxrsquo treatments However we chose to incorporate a prewash hair serum that significantly improved the hairrsquos appearance and texture and even had our stylist questioning if we had been sneaking protein treatments behind their back It also helped that the serum in question was much more affordable than most salon treatments or salonspecific products And that got us questioning Can athome bond repair treatments replace salon sessions for those seeking a healthier mane and not pokerstraight strandsBonding with the bestldquoHair is composed of a protein called keratin Chemical treatments and heat styling can damage the keratinrsquos internal disulfide bonds leading to breakage frizz and dullness This is where bondbuilding haircare steps in promising to repair this damagerdquo explains Dr Madhu Chopra a cosmetologist and managing director of Studio Aesthetique Dr Chytra V Anand a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and founder of SkinQ is also optimistic about the efficacy of these athome treatmentsShe says ldquoAs a dermatologist I can confirm that there is scientific merit behind the claims made by these products Bondbuilding products such as those containing patented ingredients like bisaminopropyl diglycol dimaleate found in products like Olaplex work by targeting and repairing these broken disulfide bonds By relinking these bonds the products help to restore the hairrsquos structural integrity making it stronger and more resilient to damagerdquo Further products containing strengthening ingredients such as keratin hydrolysed proteins and amino acids can enhance the hairrsquos structure while nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid argan oil coconut oil and aloe vera further support healthy hair growthBreaking it downBond repair treatments contain components that imitate the natural process of bond formation to make the hair strands stronger While the types of treatments range from masks to oils and serums itrsquos important to choose your products based on your specific hair type and the kind of damage you are grappling with For instance if you have very fine hair a leavein product will add to your woes by weighing your hair down a mask or a conditioner that washes off is better suited to this hair type For coarse and curly hair a leavein conditioner or oil may work better ldquoOverthecounter bondbuilding products in India can be a doubleedged swordrdquo warns Dr Chopra ldquoHair is unique mdash its porosity texture and needs vary between individuals Applying generic products might not address the specific damage or even worsen itrdquo she says recommending that seeking the advice of a dermatologist before beginning a new treatment is essentialDr Madhu Chopra and Dr Chytra AnandDr Anand also acknowledges the emergence of brands across different price points that have their own versions of bondbuilding treatments which often incorporate unique blends of active ingredients ldquoThe efficacy of these products largely depends on their formulation and the concentration of active ingredients Itrsquos essential to look for products that have been clinically tested and proven to repair hair bonds effectivelyrdquo she notesBack it upWhen designing your hair care regimen avoid products with harsh ingredients such as sulphates parabens and alcohols which can further strip your hair of its natural oils says Dr Chopra Additionally consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals particularly biotin vitamin E omega3 fatty acids and proteins which are essential for healthy hair growth and strength Dr Anand recommends using moisturising shampoos and conditioners as well as deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to maintain your hairrsquos moisture balance Minimise the use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments and never skip using a heat protectant spray Finally trim your hair regularly to remove split ends and prevent them from traveling up the hair shaft which can cause further damage Dr Anand signs offThe haircare checklistDr Anand recommends paying heed to the following parameters before using athome bondbuilding productsgtgt Patch test Always perform a patch test before using a new bondbuilding product to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredientsgtgt Follow instructions Adhere strictly to the product instructions for optimal results Overuse can sometimes lead to product buildup which might weigh the hair downgtgt Consistency Bond repair treatments should be used consistently but not excessively Overreliance without addressing underlying damaging practices may not yield longterm benefits