Bond repair treatments in London: Olaplex, K18 and what's next
Bond repair has gone from niche treatment to category. Here is the London colourist's guide to what genuinely rebuilds hair — and what just markets to it.
Naomi Pierce
Master Colourist · Mayfair
In short
- Olaplex repairs disulphide bonds; K18 rebuilds keratin peptide chains. Different mechanisms.
- In-salon treatments outperform home use — concentration and processing matter.
- London salon bond repair: £45–£120 as an add-on; £150–£240 as a standalone protocol.
- Combination protocols (bond + peptide + barrier) are the 2026 standard for compromised hair.
Bond repair has gone from niche treatment to category. The science is real — disulphide bonds and peptide chains in the cortex genuinely can be restored — but the gap between marketing and delivery is wide.
Olaplex, K18 and beyond
Olaplex (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) repairs disulphide bonds broken by chemical, thermal and UV damage. K18 (a bioactive peptide) rebuilds short-chain keratin damage. They address different problems — and combining them in a single protocol outperforms either alone in side-by-side strand tests.
What to book in London
Ask for a 'combination bond and peptide treatment' rather than a brand by name. The best London colourists customise — a base of bond repair, a peptide rebuilding layer, a barrier-restoring mask and a heat-sealed finish.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Are home bond repair treatments worth it?+
Yes, as maintenance between salon protocols. Home concentrations are 5–10x lower than in-salon formulas, so don't expect equivalent results.
How often do I need bond repair?+
Every 4–6 weeks for chemically-treated hair; every 8–12 weeks for natural hair with heat styling.
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