Would the Ouai Bond Repair Balm Actually Work Miracles on My Split Ends? Here Are the Before & After Results

Fast Facts

• Price: $28/1.7oz; $50/4.8oz 
• Time Commitment: 3 minutes
• Scent: Melrose Place; top notes: champagne, pink peppercorn, berry, lychee; base notes: amber, sandalwood, white musk, cedarwood; middle notes: peony, rose, freesia, jasmine, bergamot
• Hair Types: All 
• Key Ingredients: vegan silk protein, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein peptides 

How the Ouai Bond Repair Balm Works

The formula features three hero ingredients that promise to treat damage caused by coloring, heat, breakage and split ends. Vegan silk protein gives the hair cuticle a strengthening, smoothing boost, while hyaluronic acid pumps in the moisture to deliver shine, elasticity and softness. Peptides derived from hydrolyzed rice protein target damage and reinforce hair strands, according to the brand.

How to Use It

Per Ouai, you can use the Bond Repair Balm in place of your conditioner. Apply it starting from your eyeline down to the ends, then let it sit for three minutes before rinsing out. Ouai recommends a handful of consistent washes; after the results kick in, you can use it only when needed.

The Scent Is Divine

I’m picky about my scents; the wrong one gives me a massive headache. Melrose Place is heavy on fresh florals and fruits, including my favorites: jasmine, rose, lychee and bergamot. Lychee is the predominant note that comes through, with a little spice thanks to pink peppercorn. I’m obsessed; there’s no other way to put it.

The Texture Is Rich But Not Overwhelming

When squeezed out of the bottle, the balm has the texture of honey and melts between your hands. I love that a little goes a long way; I only need one pump for my hair to feel nourished. It also isn’t heavy, which is a big plus for my super-fine hair.

The Balm Is Easy to Use

I like a streamlined beauty routine and am easily deterred by anything that needs more than a minute. That’s probably why I have a dozen hair masks sitting on my vanity, unopened. I don’t have time to let something sit in my hair for 15 minutes pre-shower. As a drought-conscious Californian, I’m not going to linger in the shower so all my hair care can be absorbed. The Bond Repair Balm is snappy and really does need just three minutes. I’m a five-minute showerer, so by the time I’ve rinsed off, the formula has done its job.

It Works

As a beauty writer, I’ve seen plenty of products that promise something miraculous and fall short—or are just average. I followed the application directions and, within a week, was impressed. Before my hair splits, I notice that the tips form a little white ball; after just a few uses of the Bond Repair Balm, these little ends disappeared, and my split ends also appeared to have sealed themselves.

It’s Expensive

At $28 for a 1.7-ounce bottle and $50 for the 4.8-ounce size, the Bond Repair Balm comes out to about $10/ounce. This is coming from a girl who happily uses Pantene, a brand selling a 38-ounce bottle of shampoo for $13 at Costco. That being said, I would take Ouai’s directive here and pedal off after you’ve started seeing results, only applying when you really need it.

The Bottom Line

As far as hair care products go, the Ouai Bond Repair Balm is an investment as opposed to something I’d reach for daily. However, I think it earns its merit. A little product goes a long way, and after you’ve done the initial repair work, you can then apply it on a maintenance basis, which means you won’t run through as much as quickly. I’ve literally seen my split ends disappear after a couple applications, which sounds fantastical, but I promise, on the life of the Whos, that I tell the truth. And now, I suppose, I really should schedule that haircut.