TL;DR
We can’t get enough of the Bumble and bumble Bond-Building Repair Treatment, which leaves hair softer and with more volume, and only needs to be used weekly. We also love the Amika The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment, which can be used on wet or dry hair, and offers equally impressive results when it comes to improving the look and feel of hair.
First, let’s start with the bad news: Pretty much anything and everything we do to our hair can damage it. We’re talking about brushing, heat styling, coloring, and even spending time outdoors. A potential solution? Hair breakage treatments. “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 hair’s health,” explains celebrity stylist Anthony Cristiano. Yes, please.
Hair breakage treatments fall into two categories: hydration-based and protein-based. Cristiano suggests alternating between the two, using hydration products daily and protein-based formulas more sparingly since protein buildup may potentially make the hair drier and more brittle. Strands in need of a little TLC? We tested popular and highly rated hair breakage formulas, ultimately whittling them down to this list of the best options available.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Best for Blowouts:
Best for Curly Hair:
DevaCurl Curl-Bond Mask Re-Coiling Intense Treatment at Devacurl.com
Best for Frizz Reduction:
Best Leave-In Treatment:
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Molecular Repair Hair Mask at Amazon
Best With Hair Protection:
Best Oil:
What We Like
Offers noticeable softening and volumizing benefits
Subtle and pleasant scent
Results are pretty immediate
What to Consider
Bottle could be bigger
Hair Type: All | Usage: In-shower | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Generally, improving the quality of your hair isn’t necessarily a super speedy affair. That’s why we were so blown away by how quickly this treatment works. Our tester raved about how it changed the quality and appearance of her bleached and dry hair after just one use, leaving it softer and with noticeable volume.(Credit a bond-building complex in the formula). Plus, the product is easy to use—just leave it on for five minutes in the shower—distributes evenly, rinses cleanly, and only needs to be applied once a week. Our only (minor) gripe? We wish the bottle were slightly bigger so we didn’t have to worry about running out of this miraculous strand saver.
Samantha, tester with 4b bleached hair: “I feel like the structure of my hair is typically quite compromised and constantly needs some TLC to offset the toil of the bleaching. I noticed the difference in my hair after the very first treatment! My hair was softer and looked just as it felt—less damaged!”
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Amika The Kure Multi-Task Repair Treatment
What We Like
Can be used as a leave-in or rinse-out
Pointed nozzle makes for easy application
Very hydrating
What to Consider
Can be easy to use too much because the formula is liquidy
Hair Type: All | Usage: In-shower or leave-in | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Another universal crowd-pleaser, this can do its reparative duties in a mere 60 seconds; its bond-building technology targets the bonds in your hair that need the most help. The formula is also packed with plant butters that make it deeply hydrating. It was an attribute our tester (who specifically noted that her bleached hair needed lots of moisture to keep the ends from snapping) loved. But perhaps the best part? While you can just leave it on for a minute and then rinse it out (it does rinse cleanly, btw) you can alternately use it as a leave-in. Either way, our tester found that it didn’t leave behind any unwanted residue.
Bianca, tester with 4b/c bleached hair: “I used this before getting cornrows and during my wash and gos. I found that my shedding post-removing my cornrows was much less, and my hair still felt hydrated when I removed them, which isn't always the case. I enjoyed using this as a leave-in, so I got to the point where I didn't rinse it out once I saw how hydrated my hair stayed.”
What We Like
Helps protect hair from future breakage
Applies evenly throughout hair
Leaves hair silky smooth
What to Consider
Nothing
Hair Type: Brittle, fragile, damaged | Usage: Leave-in | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This is an absolute must-have for those who are devoted to regular blow-drying. The strengthening formula is heat-activated, making it the perfect prep step. Our fine-haired tester said it worked beautifully pre-blowout, leaving her hair more manageable while it was still wet and during the styling process. In fact, she got hooked on using it after every wash, thanks to how soft and smooth it made her hair. The consistency is another major attribute—it’s light and silky, more akin to a skincare serum, with no greasy residue to weigh down your strands. Ultimately, if you know you’ll be blow-drying your hair, we highly recommend this pick from Color Wow.
Caitlyn Martyn, associate editor with fine, wavy hair: “I’d recommend this product if you’re looking for a hair treatment that slowly rebuilds your hair while promoting a manageable, silky-smooth finish.”
What We Like
Leaves curls smooth and hydrated for a long time
Pleasant coconut scent
A little goes a long way
What to Consider
An even larger bottle would be nice
Hair Type: Curly | Usage: In-shower | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Curly hair tends to be innately drier than straight hair, and in turn, can also be more susceptible to damage and breakage. Enter this cream mask, specially formulated to condition and strengthen curls, all while adding plenty of smoothness and shine. It did all that and more, according to our curly-haired tester (who also complained about her split ends). She especially loved how nice it left her curls looking for several days in between washes and that it also left them feeling very hydrated. While the bottle is pretty large, she did note that some even bigger sizes would be nice, given that those with curly hair do tend to go through a lot of product. However, a little bit of this formula does go a long way.
Elizabeth, tester with 4b hair and split ends: “This has become an absolute staple. I’d say it was exceptionally made for curls because the cream mask really holds onto my strands and nourishes my hair deeply.”
What We Like
Helps reduce frizz and flyaways
Pleasant subtle, sweet scent
Offers both instant and long-term benefits
Can be applied on wet or dry hair
What to Consider
Packaging makes it hard to take off the cap with wet hands
Hair Type:All | Usage: In-shower or overnight mask | Size: 2.5, 7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
While combating frizz isn’t necessarily the first on the list of benefits of a hair breakage treatment, it is one of the primary attributes of this winner. Our tester noted that it helped smooth errant frizzies after just one use, improving softness and shine, too. And with consistent use, she noticed that her hair was shedding less. The mask can also be used on damp hair in the shower as a rinse-out treatment or applied onto dry strands as an overnight mask. Either way, you’ll get to experience the nourishing benefits and subtly sweet scent, one of our favorite things about it. Just keep in mind that the top on the jar packaging is a little tricky to open in the shower once your hands are wet, so you may want to open it ahead of time.
Brittany, tester with 1b hair, prone to split-ends and frizz: “Immediately after the treatment, my hair smelled great, felt smooth and soft, and had noticeably less frizz and dryness. After a few weeks of use, I started to notice my hair was shedding less in the shower.”
Best Leave-In Treatment
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
What We Like
A little goes a long way thanks to the concentrated formula
Adds strength and reduces breakage
Easy to spread and apply
What to Consider
Need to wait 4 minutes between application and styling
Hair Type: All | Usage: Leave-in | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This product is admittedly on the pricier side and also has a ton of social media hype—a combination that could be slightly off-putting for skeptics. But take this for a test run, and you’re sure to be impressed. Our tester couldn’t get over how transformative this was on her damaged curls, calling out that she felt it minimized breakage enough that her hair could grow again. Coupled with that, it also adds smoothness, shine, and body—what more could you ask for? Per its superlative, there’s no need to wash it out. However, it is worth mentioning that you do need to leave it be for four minutes between application and styling, a practice that takes a little bit of getting used to if you always jump right in with your blow-dryer.
Ashley, tester with 2c hair with moderate damage and split ends: “The mask reversed all of the damage I’ve done to my hair from dyes, bleaches, and heat. My curls haven’t been able to grow in a very long time because of breakage and damage. For the first time in years, my hair is slowly starting to grow and feels the healthiest it’s been in a while.”
Best With Hair Protection
Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-in Hair Treatment
What We Like
Works as a treatment and heat protectant
Only has to be used weekly
Helps reduce breakage
Spreads easily in the hair
What to Consider
Scent isn’t great
Doesn’t offer any immediate benefits to hair’s appearance
Hair Type: All | Usage: Leave-in | Size: 0.33, 1.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
It’s not breaking news that heat is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to hair damage. So it makes total sense to create a reparative treatment that also doubles as a heat protectant, which is exactly what Living Proof did with this formula. It shields your strands from temps up to 450 degrees while also helping reduce breakage. It’s also worth noting that our tester didn’t see any benefits or changes to her hair immediately after using this. However, after continued use, she did notice that her damaged, dry split ends weren’t breaking off as much—letting her hair grow out longer than it’s ever been.
Ashley, tester with 1b bleached hair and dry, damaged split ends: “I have been growing out my hair for the last few months, and even though the ends are damaged, they're not breaking off as much—this is the longest my hair has been in years)—so I would say it's definitely helping with breakage.”
What We Like
Can be used on wet or dry hair
Very lightweight and not greasy
A little goes a long way
What to Consider
Doesn’t help with static-y flyaways
Hair Type: All | How to Use: Leave-in on damp or dry hair | Size: 1, 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This multitasking hair oil does a little bit of everything. It imparts plenty of shine and softness while also reducing breakage—and it delivers heat protection too. The formula is featherweight and not heavy or greasy at all, an attribute our tester was quick to point out. (She did lament the fact that it didn’t really help combat static-y flyaways, though.) While the bottle isn’t huge, a little goes a long way; you only need a few drops, so you’re not likely to go through all of it anytime soon.
Cullen, tester with 2a hair and split ends: “I love how this made my hair look shiny and refreshed and the ends super soft without looking or feeling greasy. I think if I hadn’t been using this product so often, my split ends would’ve been much worse.”
What to Look for in a Hair Breakage Treatment
- Ingredients: Look for moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado oil, castor oil, and botanical blends. Oils are especially effective at delivering and maintaining hydration. "Lipids will fill your hair, protein strengthens it, and moisture hydrates your strands," says celebrity hairstylist Paul Labrecque. "With any of these key ingredients off balance, breakage can occur.” You can also seek out options that feature bond-building technology, which works to repair damaged bonds that make up the hair strands.
- Texture: These treatments come in all different types of formulas, so choose one that works for you. Some have a conditioner-like consistency and can be applied and then rinsed out in the shower.Thicker creams can often be left on overnight as a mask, while oils are another option. Regardless, check the product directions for guidelines on whether they should be applied on wet or dry hair and how long the product should be left on.
- Time: Incorporating anti-breakage products into 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 sprays and other repair treatments that can work in 60 seconds and deliver seriously impressive results after just a few uses. Certain masks, on the other hand, require the formula to sit in the hair for up to 10 minutes. Some leave-in products, however, can stay in your hair and don’t have to be washed out.
How We Tested Hair Breakage Treatments
We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would—which is why we make it a priority to test products in real-life settings. We tested 14 hair breakage treatments for eight weeks. Our testers (all of whom had different hair textures and a variety of concerns including split ends, dryness, and damage) used the hair breakage treatments according to the product directions, and at least once per week. They accounted for everything from the application (how easy it was to use and fit into a haircare routine) to the consistency of the formula to efficacy, noting how it changed the look and feel of their hair both immediately and long term. We took all of these insights into consideration to come up with this list of the eight top performers.
FAQ
How do you prevent hair breakage?
According to stylist Nunzio Saviano, there are a few measures you can take to prevent hair breakage. "Lack of moisture can contribute to hair breakage, so I recommend using a weekly deep conditioning mask formulated for your hair type, such as a mask for dry or damaged hair.” He also recommends blow-drying your hair from damp (or at least 70% dry)—and never while it’s dripping wet. Overdoing it with hot tools—especially without a heat protectant—can also lead to breakage. “I tell my clients not to use hot tools more than one or two times a week and only to use them with heat protection,” he says.
Who should use a hair breakage treatment?
According to Chicago-based hairstylist Robert Reyes, most people can benefit from a hair breakage treatment. However, they can be an especially good option for those who blow-dry and/or use hot tools everyday, or have highlighted or chemically-treated hair.
Can a haircut get rid of breakage?
Absolutely. In fact, Reyes says that a quick trim is actually the most effective way to deal with damage. He likens hair breakage treatments to a Band-Aid, great for helping seal split ends and creating the appearance of healthier hair. But to fully get rid of split ends and ensuing breakage, a trim is the best option.
Meet Our Experts
We consulted several experts for this story:
- Anthony Cristiano is a Chicago-based celebrity hairstylist with over 30 years experience working on fashion editorials, high profile advertising campaigns, and red carpet events.
- New York based Paul Labrecque is a renowned hair stylist and salon owner, who has over 20 years experience working with innovative color, cutting, and styling techniques.
- Nunzio Saviano has more than 30 years of experience working as a hairstylist and has his own salon in New York City.
- Robert Reyes is a stylist based in Chicago
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Her hair is both fine, highlighted, and often styled with hot tools—aka she makes sure to use a hair breakage treatment regularly. The Olaplex product featured in this roundup is one of her current personal favorites.