Breakage

Shop hair breakage repair products in South Africa. Bond-builders, strengthening treatments, protein masks, and reconstructing shampoos from Olaplex, K18, Kérastase Résistance, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, Pureology Strength Cure, Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix, and more. 100% authentic, sourced from authorised distributors. Free delivery on orders over R390 across South Africa.

What Causes Hair Breakage

Hair breakage happens when the bonds inside the hair shaft — disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds, and salt bonds — weaken or snap. The biggest causes are chemical processing (colouring, bleaching, perming, relaxing), heat styling above 200°C, mechanical stress (rough brushing, tight ponytails, extensions), and protein deficiency in the diet. Once a hair strand snaps, it cannot heal — but the bonds along intact strands can be rebuilt with the right treatment. Breakage is different from shedding (which is normal hair fall from the root) — broken hair pieces are shorter and have a frayed or split end.

Breakage Repair Product Range

Bond Builders — the most advanced breakage repair technology. Bond builders rebuild the disulfide bonds that hold the cortex together, restoring strength from the inside. Top picks: Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment, K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, and Schwarzkopf Fibre Clinix Tribond Repair.

Strengthening Shampoos and Conditioners — daily cleansing and conditioning with protein and bond-supporting actives. Pureology Strength Cure, Kérastase Résistance Bain Force Architecte, Redken Extreme, and Olaplex No.4/No.5 form the foundation of any breakage repair routine.

Protein Masks and Treatments — intensive weekly treatments that flood the hair with reconstructive proteins. Kérastase Résistance Masque Force Architecte, Pureology Strength Cure Masque, Redken Extreme Mega Mask, K18 Leave-In, and Olaplex No.8 deliver concentrated repair.

Leave-In Treatments — daily protection and ongoing repair. K18 Leave-In, Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother, Kérastase Résistance Ciment Anti-Usure, and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In keep working between washes.

How to Repair Breakage

  1. Bond treatment first — Olaplex No.3 or K18 mask once a week before your normal routine. Apply to damp hair, leave on for the recommended time (Olaplex 10 min minimum, K18 4 min minimum), then shampoo as normal.
  2. Strengthening wash routine — switch your daily shampoo and conditioner to a strengthening pair like Pureology Strength Cure or Kérastase Résistance.
  3. Weekly mask — substitute a strengthening mask for conditioner once or twice a week. Leave on for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Heat protection — always use a heat protectant before styling, and keep tools below 200°C.
  5. Reduce mechanical stress — switch to a wide-tooth comb for wet hair, use silk or satin pillowcases, and avoid tight hairstyles.

Breakage vs Damaged Hair — What's the Difference?

Breakage is a specific symptom — hair snapping mid-strand, leaving short flyaway pieces and frayed ends. Damaged hair is a broader condition that may include breakage, but also dryness, dullness, frizz, split ends, and porosity. If your main concern is snapping hair and short broken strands, this collection focuses on bond-building repair. For broader damage including dryness and dullness, see our Damaged Hair collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can broken hair be repaired? Individual strands that have already snapped cannot heal — they need to grow out. However, the remaining intact strands can be strengthened to prevent further breakage, and bond builders can reconnect broken disulfide bonds along still-intact strands, restoring strength.

How often should I use Olaplex No.3? Once a week for healthy hair with mild breakage. Two to three times a week for severely damaged or bleached hair. After 4-6 weeks of consistent use, reduce to once-weekly maintenance.

What's the difference between Olaplex and K18?...

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