As I've probably shared more times than necessary, I have very frizzy, disobedient hair. For this reason, I'm big on the heat tools — always have been. Sadly, this means my hair takes a wee bit of a hit — and heat damage, split ends and dry hair is something I deal with on the regular. And yes, even when I'm diligent with my heat protectant products. Sigh.
The good news? There's a whopping new influx of smart, science-backed haircare products on the market with an aim to make damaged hair a thing of the past using a technology called 'bond building'. This basically helps to build up damaged, broken hair bonds from the inside out.
The not so good news is that most of these products can be quite hurt-y on the bank account — and with current cozzie livs, it can be hard to justify splashing out a whole wad of cash on haircare products.
Enter: Sukin Naturals haircare.
In case you haven't heard of Sukin (friend, where have you been), it's an Australian skincare brand known for their organic, nourishing and affordable ethos. However, for the first time ever, the brand has dipped its toes into creating clinically-proven products. They're made using native Australian botanicals, targeting split ends and hair repair, with a science-backed reconstruction formula that allows you to extend your time between visits to the hairdresser.
And YES I'm excited, silly question.
I'm of course talking about Sukin's shiny new Bond Build Repair haircare range, which features four stellar products: Sukin’s Bond Build Repair Shampoo, $25, Repair Conditioner, $25, Intensive Repair Masque, $20, and Weightless Reconstructor Serum, $20.
If you're wondering how it shapes up compared the spendier stuff on the market, you've come to the right place — because I put it to the test.
Below, you'll find my honest review of Sukin's Bond Build Repair range.
What is Sukin's Bond Build haircare range?
If you'd like a wee rundown on what the range actually... is, basically the products are formulated with Sukin’s clinically proven Bond Build active and native Australian botanicals, promising to repair up to 60 per cent of split ends in just one use. Which sounds... HUGE.
The products are meant to be perfect for damaged, stressed and brittle hair (ME. THIS IS ME), and apparently work to repair/re-bond hair and seal split ends caused by colour, heat styling and brushing. Seriously, you know the feeling when you feel like something been created just for you?
On the ingredient front, the range is formulated with naturally-derived antioxidants from kakadu plum and lemon myrtle and work to combat environmental stressors, while the powerful sealing properties ensure your hair stays protected all day long.
Sounds pretty good, right?
How did you go with it?
I used Sukin's range as part of my normal haircare routine and I have THOUGHTS.
Firstly, I've never been a pre-treatment kind of girl, and have always been too lazy to prep my hair with anything pre-wash. Also, I'm wildly inconsistent — so while I'll try a heap of treatments and masques, I rarely follow through with using them more than a handful of times (before shipping them off to family and friends of course — I'm not a monster).
However, I can honestly say I actually enjoyed using this entire range and successfully (and consistently) used it as part of my self-care routine.
Starting with the Weightless Reconstructor Serum, I used this pre-wash and worked it through my mid-lengths and ends before stepping in the shower. The formula is lightweight, creamy, smells amazing and I love how it gives your hair an added shine and protection, helping to repair and prevent dreaded split ends.
I also really like how it doubles down as a post-wash styling smoother — it works a TREAT on calming frizziness and smoothing down flyaways, especially when it comes to styling your hair (I always find I need something to smooth the frizzies down!). Hot tip: I also like to use it before doing a slicked-back bun.
When used as a pre-wash, however, you simply just rinse this out after a couple of minutes, and wash your hair as normal using Sukin’s Bond Build Repair Shampoo — which contains their naturally derived Bond Build active. This active boasts long-lasting split-end repair by forming bridges (also known as bonds) over the split in the hair cuticle to 'close' and repair the damage.
The lightweight gel shampoo leaves your hair and scalp feeling clean (but not stripped and rubbery), nourished and refreshed (side note: also smells really good).
After shampooing, Intensive Repair Masque comes into the mix to add a little extra love to damaged locks (me. This is my hair). As I mentioned, I suck at consistency so masques and treatments usually take the back seat in my haircare routine — but there's just so many things about this unique formula that makes you actually want to use it.
Featuring the same Bond Build active ingredient as the rest of the gang, along with macadamia seed oil and Australian hibiscus, this formula envelopes your hair in hydration and moisture, delivering a hit of nourishment to thirsty, brittle strands.
Post-masque, Sukin's ultra restorative Repair Conditioner works to strengthen and revitalise hair, working to provide ongoing repair to your hair and seal split ends caused by colour, heat styling and brushing.
The result? Shiny, healthy and silky hair (which is honestly just the dream).
The verdict.
As I mentioned before, this is Sukin's first jump into the haircare category with clinical-proven benefits, and as someone who loves their affordable, gentle and effective skincare ranges — I had very high hopes. And honestly, the haircare range was no exception.
Here's a cheeky before and after of my hair:
The biggest thing for me with bond building hair treatments is that although I try a lot of different products, I'm never consistent with anything. I always find that there are too many steps, too many products or everything is just too time-consuming — and I'm LAZY when it comes to haircare.
However, I found the entire Sukin Bond Build range of products to be quick and easy to use — I love how you don't have to stand in the shower for 10 minutes, waiting for stuff to work. Meaning? It makes it easy to be consistent.
The best part? My hair feels so healthy, shiny and just... better. And I'll continue using these products as part of my usual haircare routine.
So! If you're a fan of brands like Olaplex and K18 but can't justify the price, this is a great supermarket alternative for healthier, shinier hair.
Have you tried the Sukin Bond Build range before? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Shop Sukin's new clinically-proven Bond Build range online, or from your local supermarket or pharmacy.
Repairs up to 60 per cent of split ends in just one use, based on tress test after one application of Shampoo, Masque and Reconstructor versus control.
Feature Image: Supplied.