Let’s begin with the bad news: Almost everything we do to our hair has the potential to harm it. Brushing, heat styling1, coloring2, and even spending time outside are all topics of discussion. 3 Enter the allure of occasionally contacting hair breakage treatments. “By utilizing a hair breakage treatment, you may replace the moisture of the hair, reinforce the inner core, and begin to reconstruct the cuticle,” advises celebrity hairdresser Anthony Cristiano.
He goes on to clarify that they normally fall into one of two categories: those based on water and those based on protein. He recommends rotating between the two; although hydration products may be used daily, protein-based solutions should be used with caution since a buildup of protein can cause the hair to become drier and brittle.
Are you ready to pamper your hair a bit more? To develop this list of treatments that genuinely work, we combed the internet, read many reviews, asked our experts for recommendations, and even tested a few top-rated products for ourselves.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Anthony Cristiano is a celebrity hairdresser and the proprietor of his own Chicago salon. He has over 30 years of business expertise, a large roster of A-list celebrity clients from throughout the country, and is recognized for his distinctive and technically exact cutting skills.
- Nunzio Saviano is a New York City hairdresser and the proprietor of Nunzio Saviano Salon.
Continue reading to find out more about the finest hair breakage remedies.
Best Hair Breakage Treatments In 2023
1. Overall winner: Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3
This appropriately titled product is the at-home version of an in-salon treatment that colorists like; the DIY variant is equally adored by pros, consumers, and beauty editors, ranking first on this list. It employs a novel technique to help mend the links that are disrupted when hair is damaged, and it produces astonishing effects after only a few applications. Cristiano likes it because “the once-a-week treatment helps preserve the hair’s structure, strength, and overall gloss.”
What We Like
- Very efficient
- Excellent for all hair types
- Hair stylists adore it.
What We Don’t Like
- Because it is very concentrated, do not use excessively.
2. Pantene Miracle Intense Rescue Shots, Best Drugstore
The renowned drugstore brand’s most concentrated product to yet is housed in these single-use ampoules, a deep conditioning treatment that addresses damage caused by heat styling, coloring, chemical processing, and more. It also prevents split ends and restores a ton of moisture; satisfied customers (of all hair kinds and textures) rave about how effectively it works and the stunning results they experience after just one application.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Simple to use
- Exceptionally hydrating
What We Don’t Like
- There are no protein-rich components.
3. Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is the best natural option.
As Cristiano previously stated, go ahead and apply moisturizing and hydrating creams with recklessness. Perhaps the most natural choice for this purpose? Coconut oil, plain and simple. This extra virgin, completely pure choice is ideal for dabbing over damaged ends or used as an all-over mask—really there’s no wrong way to apply it.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Excellent multitasker
What We Don’t Like
- Acne may be caused by coconut oil.
4. Phyto Phytoelixir Intense Nutrition Mask is the best mask.
“This nourishes hair, restores moisture, and promotes suppleness,” Cristiano adds of another favorite. “It’s rich in vitamin E, camellia, and Karanja oils, which are crucial elements for preventing hair strands from additional damage,” he adds of the creamy mask. Depending on your hair type, let it on for two to three minutes if you have thin hair and five to ten minutes if you have thicker hair.
What We Like
- Excellent for all hair types
- A small amount goes a long way.
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
5. Matrix Unbreak is the best leave-in treatment. My Blonde Reviving Leave-In Conditioner
Although the name suggests blonde, this newcomer is suitable for everyone who lightens their hair (and lest we forget that hair bleaching is a prime cause of damage). It promises to balance the pH of the hair and rebuild protein links while conditioning it to leaving it softer and shinier—and stronger, of course. Reviewers praise how fantastic it makes their hair look and feel.
What We Like
- Restores bleaching-related damage
- Excellent for all hair types
What We Don’t Like
- Must be used in conjunction with the matching shampoo and conditioner.
6. Playa Ritual Hair Oil is ideal for flyaways.
Many frizz-fighting treatments contain silicones and merely sit on top of the hair; this is not the case with this one. Coconut, apricot, sunflower, and other oils work together to reduce frizz, enhance hydration, and impart a mirror-like gloss. In terms of damage repair, the recipe provides a dosage of reparative and preventive antioxidants and vitamins. The classy, beachy aroma is just the icing on the cake.
What We Like
- Pure formula
- It smells fantastic.
- Provides several advantages
What We Don’t Like
- Those who detest hair oil should avoid it.
7. Nexxus Curl Define Ultra-8 Pre-Wash Treatment is ideal for curly hair.
Certain proteins are two to six times more plentiful in curly hair than in straight hair, according to the creators of this product. They used that expertise to create the one-of-a-kind protein combination in this treatment, which is essential for individuals with curly or coily hair. Work it through your hair and let it in for 5 to 10 minutes before washing. It helps strengthen curls with just one application, while also detangling, moisturizing, defining the shape…you name it, it can do it.
What We Like
- Curly hair specific recipe
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- An additional step in your hair regimen
8. Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil is the best castor oil.
Castor oil is another excellent choice in the category of “naturally strengthening substances.” Many people report it helps with hair growth anecdotally (albeit there is no scientific data to back up that claim). However, it is high in fatty acids, antioxidants, proteins, and vitamins, all of which are healthy to your scalp and hair. 7 It also aids in moisture retention and leaving hair delightfully shining.
What We Like
- Pure formula
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- For fine hair, it may be excessively heavy.
FAQ
How to Choose a Hair Breakage Treatment?
Ingredients
Formulas containing reparative elements are essential for rebuilding healthy hair. Look for elements that are hydrating, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, castor oil, and botanical blends. Oils are very good in delivering and maintaining hydration. However, when it comes to application, keep in mind that treatments are often strong, and a little goes a long way.
Texture
Treatments exist in a variety of ways, and you’ll want one that fits for you based on your lifestyle and needs. Solid oils are good for extensive overnight treatments since they emulsify when warmed. Creams are an excellent everyday product to use after cleaning and before style. Liquid oils may be used as either a deep treatment or after style.
What is the most effective approach to prevent hair breakage?
There are a few steps you can take to avoid hair breakage, according to award-winning hairdresser Nunzio Saviano. First and foremost, he emphasizes that the most common cause of breaking is a lack of moisture in the hair. With this in mind, he suggests applying a weekly deep conditioning mask tailored for your hair type and including natural conditioning components like argan oils and coconut oil to maintain the hair healthy and moisturized.
He also suggests blow-drying your hair from moist (or at least 70% dry) rather than soaking wet. “Remember that most blow dryers utilize 2,000 watts of electricity, which generates a lot of heat,” he explains. “The heat causes the water to boil on the hair, making the hair shaft prone to damage.” It’s no different than immersing your hair in a saucepan of hot water—we’d never consider doing that.” To preserve your hair during a blowout, he recommends utilizing heat protection products and a natural boar bristle brush (rather than metal or synthetic bristles).
Aside from blow drying, overusing hot equipment, especially without a heat protectant, can cause fracture. “I tell my clients to use hot equipment no more than once or twice a week and to wear heat protection,” he explains. “Heat styling should also be done at a temperature no higher than 400 degrees (never turn it up to the highest setting, 450 degrees), and ceramic plates should always be used when using flat irons since they spread heat evenly to reduce damage.”
Chemical treatments and sun exposure are two more variables that lead to hair breakage, so he suggests spacing out your color appointments and covering your hair when you know you’ll be out in the sun for an extended amount of time.
Finally, he claims that skipping a trim is one of the greatest methods to avoid breakage. This allows you to snip out split ends that cause dry, brittle hair before they proceed up the hair shaft and break off.
