Our best overall is the Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector
Let’s start with the bad news first: Pretty much anything and everything we do to our hair can damage it. We’re talking about everything from brushing to heat styling
to coloring to even spending time outdoors.3 Enter hair breakage remedies. “By using a hair breakage treatment, you can replenish the hydration of the hair, strengthen the inner core, and begin to rebuild the cuticle, all of which are key elements to regaining the health of the hair,” explains celebrity stylist Anthony Cristiano.
Hair breakage treatments fall into one of two categories—those that are hydration-based and those that are protein-based. He suggests alternating between the two; while hydration products can be used daily, protein-based formulas should be used slightly more sparingly since a build-up of protein may potentially make the hair drier and more brittle.
Ready to give your hair a little extra TLC? We scoured the internet, read through countless reviews, tapped two experts for recommendations, and even tried a few top-rated products for ourselves to compile this list of treatments that actually work.
Best Overall: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
This aptly-named product is the at-home version of an in-salon treatment that colorists love. The DIY option is just as beloved by pros and consumers and beauty editors alike, coming in at number one on this list. It uses a unique technology to help rebuild the bonds that are broken when hair is damaged and delivers impressive results after just a few uses. It’s a favorite of Cristiano’s. “The once-a-week treatment helps maintain the hair’s structure, strength, and overall luster,” he says.
Byrdie contributor Ashley Rubell tried out Olaplex’s Bond Maintenance System Kit (which includes this product, along with its shampoo and conditioner) and gave it a perfect five-star rating. She writes that the Hair Perfector felt like “a magic hair potion,” leaving her hair healthier, silkier, and stronger overall after each use.
Best Drugstore: Pantene Miracle Intense Rescue Shots
These single-use ampoules house the beloved drugstore brand’s most concentrated formula to date, a deep conditioning treatment that targets damage caused by heat styling, coloring, chemical processing, and more. It also helps prevent split ends and restores tons of moisture; happy reviewers (with all hair types and textures) rave about how well it works and the impressive effects they notice even after one use.
Best Natural: Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Per Cristiano’s previous point, go ahead and use moisturizing and hydrating products with reckless abandon. Arguably the most natural option for this purpose? Straight-up coconut oil. This extra virgin, totally pure option is great for either dabbing onto damaged ends or even being used as an all-over mask—there’s really no wrong way.
Best for Bleached Hair: Matrix Total Results Unbreak My Blonde Reviving Leave-in Conditioner
It may say “blonde” in the name, but this newbie is actually a good choice for anyone who lightens their hair (and lest we forget that hair bleaching is a prime cause of damage). It claims to balance the hair’s pH and reinforces the protein bonds while also conditioning hair to leave it generally softer and shinier—and stronger, too, of course. Reviewers rave about how good it makes their hair both look and feel.
Best Shampoo: Tresemme Keratin Repair Shampoo
Broadly speaking, damage-repairing treatments shouldn’t necessarily be used every day, but a reparative shampoo like this one can be. It’s a great way to make sure you’re getting a daily dose of hair repair. This sudser touts a bond-building technology to help strengthen hair while also keeping it protected from future damage. It smells amazing and leaves hair feeling noticeably softer, even pre-conditioner.
Best for Fine Hair: Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment
Those with fine hair are in a little bit of a tough position. Fine hair can be more susceptible to breakage, yet many products out there can tend to be too rich or heavy for finer textures, ending up weighing them down. Enter this pick, an effective solution to that catch 22. Argan oil, ceramides, vitamin E, intensely hydrate the hair from the inside, out. All you have to do is swap it out in place of your conditioner and leave it on for five to 10 minutes, once per week.
Best Oil: Playa Ritual Hair Oil
Many frizz-fighting treatments are laden with silicones and simply sit on top of the hair—that’s not the case here. A combo of coconut, apricot, sunflower, and other oils help tame frizz, add moisture, and impart mirror-like sheen. And per the damage repair part of things, the formula delivers a dose of reparative and protective antioxidants and vitamins. The sophisticated, beachy scent is just the cherry on top of the sundae.
Best for Curly Hair: Nexxus Curl Define Ultra-8 Pre-Wash Treatment
The formulators behind this product discovered that certain proteins are two to six times more prevalent in curly hair than in straight hair. They used that knowledge to develop the unique protein blend in this treatment, a must for those with curly or coily hair. Work it through hair and leave it in for five to 10 minutes before shampooing as usual. After even one use, it helps strengthen curls, while also detangling, hydrating, defining the shape…you name it, it can do it.
Best Fast Fix: Amika Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment
Short on time? This wash-out speed demon works in, wait for it, just 60 seconds. Credit a bond-repairing technology that helps both undo existing damage and prevent damage super fast. It’s so effective that after just three uses, it leaves hair up to 2.4 times stronger and with 58% less breakage, making it one of our favorite bond-building hair products. Though the product works quickly, be gentle. Too much product or too rough an application can cause tangles.
Best Castor Oil: Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Castor oil is another great option in the “ingredients that naturally strengthen” department. Anecdotally, many say that it helps with hair growth (though we do need to point out that there’s no scientific evidence backing up that claim). It is, however, rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, proteins, and vitamins, which are beneficial for both your scalp and hair.4 It also helps to lock in moisture and leaves hair beautifully shiny, too. Follow team Byrdie’s lead and massage a little bit into your mid-lengths and ends before using hot tools.
Best Leave-In: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
Though it’s on the pricier side, this leave-in treatment from K-18 is worth every single penny. Formulated with a patented peptide, this mask repairs hair damage from bleach, color, chemical services, heat, and more. It’s intended to be left in (meaning it doesn’t need to be washed out), but it starts reversing damage after four minutes. It’s safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair, and comes in a convenient, travel-friendly mini size, too.
Best Spray: Maya Chia Mane Agent Advanced Molecular Bond Repair
This no-rinse bonding spray helps to deeply repair existing damage and protect against future breakage. The fine mist is great for all hair types, especially those with hair that gets weighed down by thicker products. Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean it lacks in potency; the formulation contains a proprietary Chiaplex complex that deploys a combo of chia seed extract, amino acids, and bonding molecules to repair broken hairs from the inside out.
Best Mask: Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
This dual-action mask from Briogeo helps revive dry, damaged hair. It has two functions—one side pumps out a protein-rich formula, while the other doubles down on moisture—for easy multi-masking once a week. To use, it’s recommended that you apply it after shampooing and wringing out any excess water. Then, once it’s been lathered from root to tip, it should be left in for a minimum of 10 minutes. For an extra intensive treatment, you can sleep in it before rinsing it out.
Final Verdict
Top marks go to the Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector—it’s got a well-deserved following that literally sings its praises all thanks to a truly impressive strengthening formula. For a natural, supremely hydrating option, try the Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. This natural, classic formula is cold-pressed and unrefined, so every nutrient is preserved to nurture your hair back to life.
What to Look For in a Hair Breakage Treatment
Ingredients
Formulas that include reparative ingredients are key to restoring healthy hair. Look for moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, castor oil, and botanical blends. Oils are especially effective at delivering hydration and maintaining it. In terms of application, however, try not to go overboard, as treatments are typically potent and a little can go a long way.
Texture
Treatments come in many different forms, and depending on your lifestyle and needs, you’ll want one that works with you. Solid oils—that emulsify when warmed—are ideal for intensive overnight treatments. Creams are a great everyday product to apply after cleansing and right before styling. Liquid oils can be used interchangeably—either as a deep treatment or after styling.
Time
Incorporating anti-breakage products to your routine does just that—it adds an extra step. Keep time in mind when looking for a product, since some require more dedication than others. When time is of the essence, reach for the Amika Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment, which works in just 60 seconds and delivers seriously impressive results after just three uses. The Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Treatment Hair Mask, on the other hand, requires the formula to sit in the hair for up to 10 minutes. Product like K-18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, however, can stay in your hair and doesn’t have to be washed out.
FAQ
How do you fix hair breakage?
According to award-winning stylist Nunzio Saviano, there are a few measures you can take to prevent hair breakage. Since a lack of moisture can contribute to hair breakage, he recommends using a weekly deep conditioning mask that’s formulated for your hair type, such as a mask for dry or damaged hair. Bonus points if it contains natural conditioning ingredients like argan oil and coconut oil (like the Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil) to keep the hair healthy and hydrated. He also mentions using heat protection products when heat styling and a natural boar bristle brush (rather than metal or plastic bristles) to help protect your hair during a blowout.
How do you prevent hair from breaking?
Saviano recommends blow-drying your hair from damp (or at least 70% dry)—and never while it’s dripping wet. “Keep in mind that most blow dryers use 2,000 watts of power, and that’s a lot of heat,” he says. Overdoing it with hot tools—especially without a heat protectant—can also lead to breakage. “I tell my clients to not use hot tools more than one or two times a week and to only use them with heat protection,” he says. “Heat styling should also not be done at a temperature higher than 400 degrees (never turn it up to the highest setting, 450 degrees) and always use ceramic plates when it comes to flat irons because they will distribute heat evenly to minimize damage.”
Can a haircut get rid of hair breakage?
Absolutely. Saviano highly recommends never skipping a trim. “You can snip off the split ends that result in dry, brittle hair before they continue up the hair shaft and eventually break off,” he says. Just keep in mind that chemical treatments can contribute to hair breakage, so try spacing out your salon services.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
