Bleach can damage your strands in many different ways, leaving them rough, brittle and more prone to split ends and breakage. And while the physical changes can’t be reversed (at least not without a haircut or professional treatment), a few key haircare products can help to soften and smooth frazzled strands while you wait for new growth to grow in. Enter the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate collection, a five-step reparative routine that includes a shampoo, two conditioners (one richer and one more lightweight for fine strands) and a leave-in treatment and styling aid. Designed for all hair types and textures, the formulas work together to reduce breakage by 56 percent, visibly cut split ends by 82 percent and leave your strands up to 14 times stronger and shinier.
The first step is the Intensive Treatment, a fortifying pre-shampoo treatment that works to condition and strengthen weak and brittle strands before you lather up. This is because, as Redken pros point out, your strands are at their weakest when they’re wet—and the treatment helps to prevent any further damage before you hit the showers. After applying a dime-sized amount to your strands, leave it in for 10 minutes before rinsing out and proceeding with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Next up is the Sulfate-Free Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo—an acid-enriched, sulfate-free cleansing formula that works to rebalance your mane’s natural pH levels while strengthening and deeply conditioning damaged strands. The pH-balancing shampoo is specifically formulated with an acidic pH to defend against the negative effects of hair coloring, heat styling tools and even water, bringing your strands back into a healthy range for healthier-looking and feeling tresses.
For the final step, you’ll apply either the Sulfate-Free Acidic Concentrate Concentrate Conditioner or the Lightweight Liquid Conditioner—which is a sprayable conditioner that’s perfect for those with thin or fine hair that’s easily weighed down by a richer texture. The formulas contain citric acid, which works in combination with the brand’s concentrated bonding care complex to reinforce weakened bonds, improve strength and promote vibrant color fade protection.
All of the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate products are gentle enough to use daily—but be sure not to over-use the Intensive Treatment or you may experience some buildup (especially if you have oily or fine hair). And, since your hair’s natural pH level will eventually return to normal after four weeks, you can take a little time off between uses if necessary. redken acidic bonding shampoo