Featuring Citric Acid, this shampoo contains a concentrated bonding care complex that reinforces weakened bonds within your hair to improve hair strength. This pH-balancing shampoo is specifically formulated with an acidic pH to defend against the negative effects of hair coloring, styling tools, and even water. The result? Hair that looks and feels healthy! While Olaplex uses a patented active ingredient to repair disulphide bonds inside the hair, other brands are now harnessing equally powerful molecules that penetrate further within the hair shaft to repair stressed strands, making them more resilient to damage. As an Olaplex lover but also as someone who loves to try new, innovative products, the Redken Acidic Bonding shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment sounded right up my alley, promising repair to broken bonds that are a result of damaged hair. After six weeks of consistent use, I have a lot of thoughts—and might even have a replacement for my long-time haircare favorites. Here’s how it went: When used as a system of Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment vs. non-conditioning shampoo Redken’s new formula is acid-based, using a mild dosage of citric acid and alpha hydroxy acid. Much as it is for faces, acid is beneficial for hair too, regulating pH so that the cuticle is optimized to become shinier and softer.

Brushing test. Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-in Treatment vs classic shampoo on bleached hair.

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Off the bat, I noticed that this shampoo lathers quite a bit less than others, but after getting used to it, I really enjoyed how it felt on my hair. I wash my hair around three times a week (which I wish was a lower number, but with a lot of sweaty workouts, it makes it hard to go further between washes). Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-in Treatment vs classic shampoo on bleached hair. Each treatment uses different technologies, but the goal is always the same — stronger, shinier and altogether healthier-looking hair that’s more manageable and less prone to breakage. Some products also focus on fortifying “virgin” strands that haven't been heat or colour-damaged, making them a smart buy for everybody. How do hair repair treatments work?

Bond builders repair the protein bonds that make up the keratin structure of your hair,” Petty tells us. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Sulfate-Free Shampoo is Redken's most concentrated all-in-one formula for strength repair for all types of damaged hair. This ultra-rich and luxurious sulfate-free shampoo provides ultimate strength repair, intense conditioning and color fade protection. I got my hair colored in the middle of trying these products, which also was a huge test since my hair is usually quite dry immediately after. After my first wash post-color, I didn’t feel nearly as dry as I normally did and noticed the difference right away, since it’s something I normally dread as an after-effect of my hair appointments. The products are formulated with citric acid, which leaves it with an absolutely lovely, light citrus scent. I’m pretty sensitive to smells in my products, and this is one of my favorites I’ve come across in that it smells great but isn’t too overpowering in any way. You can repair the disulphide bonds by using a weekly bond repair treatment, or using a split end sealer to ensure already damaged ends are temporarily sealed, preventing them from splitting further up the hair shaft and reducing further breakage,” says Petty.Bond-building treatments were previously only available in professional salons at an additional cost,” explains Petty. “However, with the ongoing cost of living crisis reducing disposable income, salon visits and professional treatments have become less popular in lieu of more affordable home treatment alternatives.