Towards the middle of a very hot and humid Sydney summer, I found myself asking myself some rather difficult questions about my hair.
Should I stop bleaching it in order to try and limit the dryness? Did I need a keratin smoothing treatment in order to banish the inevitable humidity-related frizz?
My hair has always been a bug bear of mine, but it was only this January that I hit rock bottom.
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It was at this point that this revolutionary new product from OUAI stepped in.
OUAI’s new Bond Repair Balm ($93) is a replacement for your conditioner.
Promising to “repair your dry, damaged hair in just three minutes”, you apply just one single pump in the shower after you’ve applied your shampoo, and then let it soak in before rinsing out three minutes later.
Washing it out should help to repair damage from heat (guilty), colour-treating breakage (yep), breakage (definitely) and split ends (sigh).
So how did I find it?
The test
I was given this $93 product approximately six weeks ago to start trialling, and have been incorporating it into my regime ever since.
It comes in a stylish dusty pink bottle that dispenses even push-top pumps and looks good in your shower.
With a semi-sheer feeling that feels almost like Vaseline, it’s unlike many conditioners or deep treatment masks.
Neither creamy nor rich, you almost can’t quite believe that you need as little product as you do.
But armed with the knowledge and advice from the brand that it really is just one pump, I set out in the shower to test the $93 product.
When it comes to the ingredients, this is where this product really excels.
With hyaluronic acid, peptides and Vegan Silk Protein, it sounds closer to a skincare product than something you put in your hair.
By the time it came to washing out the Balm, I wasn’t sure how this was going to go on my hair.
Would it be rich enough to nourish my dry and dehydated strands?
But I needn’t have worried. Even towel drying my hair after having used it for the first time, I noticed that my hair felt smoother and softer than it does with regular conditioner.
By the time it came to blow dry it, I was utterly convinced. Who knew I didn’t need lashings of conditioner to get a smoother feel to my locks.
The verdict
After having used this product for the past six weeks, I have noticed a significant improvement to my hair.
I end up using a couple of pumps in order to make sure all of my (very thick) strands have been coated, but have noticed that since I started using it, my hair is in much better condition.
My ends look smoother than they have done in the past, and my hair retains its shine long past wash day.
It’s not just me who is raving about this new product, either.
Right now, it has a 4.8 star rating on the OUAI website, and reviews are glowing.
“I’m very pleased with this new Bond Repair Balm. I use it for three minutes after each hair wash. I love its balmy texture. It’s great value for the money compared to the other popular bond repair products and it works even better. You don’t have to use mask or conditioner after this balm. My hair is so much softer shiny and manageable. I love the packaging with the pump for convenient use,” writes one happy shopper.
“The packaging is cute and feels luxury love the pump style. My hair has never felt softer even after using all kinds of conditioners. Hair feels so clean and soft and you can style as normal after rinsed. This product is not a daily need as I’ve noticed my hair looks more repaired even after several days between uses. Doesn’t leave any residue or build up. Definitely going on my must have list!” adds another.
For more information and to shop the OUAI Bond Repair Balm for yourself, head here now.
How to use OUAI’s Bond Repair Balm
1. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly. OUAI recommend Detox Shampoo for best results.
2. Skip conditioner.
3. Apply Bond Repair Balm. Take one pump of Bond Repair Balm and rub between your hands. Apply evenly to strands, starting at the eyeline and working down. Add another pump if needed to cover all strands.
4. Leave on for three minutes. Rinse thoroughly and style as usual.
5. Consistency is key. Use regularly during the first few washes to maximise repair and strengthen benefits.
