Curlsmith
Bond Curl Rehab Salve
"The curly hair answer to Olaplex. Targets ALL THREE bond types (disulfide, salt, hydrogen) plus provides protein. Better value and designed specifically for textured hair."
Hair Compatibility
Curl Pattern
Strand Thickness
Porosity
Performance
- Hold Level
- No Hold
- Weight
- Medium
- Finish
- Soft, No Cast
- Buildup Risk
- Low
What's Inside
Chia Seed Glycoproteins
Medium protein for structural repair
Creatine
Strengthens disulfide bonds
Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Natural antimicrobial and conditioning
Sweet Almond Oil
Moisturising and smoothing
View Full Ingredients List
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Creatine, Polyquaternium-10, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Lentinus Edodes (Shiitake Mushroom) Extract, Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glycerin, Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract, Behentrimonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Polyquaternium-37, Hydroxypropylgluconamide, Hydroxypropylammonium Gluconate, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Anethole, Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pinene
Analyze these ingredients with our Ingredient Checker tool.
How to Use
Best as: Deep Conditioner
Alternatives to Consider
Overview
Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve is the curly hair community’s answer to bond-building treatments. Unlike Olaplex, which only targets disulfide bonds, this treatment addresses ALL THREE bond types—disulfide, salt, and hydrogen—whilst also providing medium protein for structural repair.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Chia Seed Glycoproteins - Medium-weight protein that repairs and strengthens damaged hair structure.
- Creatine - Amino acid that specifically targets and rebuilds broken disulfide bonds.
- Radish Root Ferment Filtrate - Natural conditioning agent with antimicrobial properties for scalp health.
- Sweet Almond Oil - Provides moisture and helps smooth the cuticle.
What We Love
- Triple bond technology - Targets disulfide, salt, AND hydrogen bonds
- Includes protein - Adds structural repair that bond-only treatments lack
- Designed for curls - Not just a straight-hair treatment adapted for curls
- Excellent value - Comparable to Olaplex at better pricing
- Adjustable processing - Different times for different porosity levels
What Could Be Better
- Contains protein - Not for protein-sensitive hair
- Processing time required - Not a quick rinse-out treatment
- Not for daily use - This is a weekly/biweekly treatment
How to Use
Processing Times by Porosity
| Porosity | Frequency | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Every 4-5 wash days | 15 minutes |
| Medium | Every 3-4 wash days | 20 minutes |
| High | Every 2-3 wash days | 30 minutes |
Method
- Apply to clean, damp hair
- Distribute evenly from roots to ends
- Cover with plastic cap (add heat for better penetration)
- Leave for recommended time based on porosity
- Rinse thoroughly
- Style as normal
The Verdict
At £24 for 237ml, Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve offers excellent value compared to premium bond treatments. Its triple-bond approach plus protein makes it more comprehensive than most alternatives, and it’s specifically designed for textured hair. If your curls are damaged, colour-treated, or heat-styled, this should be in your rotation.
Our Rating: 5/5