I tried this affordable bond repair range from Noughty – and it even rivals Olaplex

Colouring your hair can result in dry, dehydrated and damaged locks, but that's where bond repair treatment saves the day. While brands like Olaplex have been at the forefront of this transformative repair technology, these types of treatments often come with a cost. That's why I was so eager to try Noughty's latest reparative haircare line - and it's a lot cheaper than you'd think.

I tried and tested the Let's Bond range, and here are my honest thoughts for anyone wanting to give it a try. In our opinion? You definitely should. Read on to find out why.

We're going to go into a bit of a science here. We learned from Noughty that repeated colouring and heat styling can damage the lipid barrier, cuticle and hydrogen bonds within the structure of the hair. Bond repair treatments, particularly the brand's patented bond-repairing molecular compound (Noughty's Molecular Repair Amino Complex), work to restore the hair to its former glory in one use.

How does it work, we hear you ask? The range contains 11 biometric amino acids and a dual action formula that works inside out, penetrating the cortex of the hair, repairing the bonds and rebuilding the hair barrier for some serious strength and shine. In. ONE. Use. That's impressive stuff.

Sound fancy? Well, it is. Noughty's Let's Bond range has taken years in the making, is clinically backed by science and has been tested under six studies to make sure it delivers real results. But, what do real reviewers say? Given that the comments say it's a 'game-changer', we'd say we're off to a promising start.

SHOP: Noughty Let's Bond Range

And, what do I say about Noughty's bond repair range? Read on for my full review of Let's Bond...

My honest thoughts

As someone with wavy hair (see: my Only Curls review for my natural hair) who also has it colour-treated in a salon every few months, my locks require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. I've been trying my best to get it cut regularly and use hair treatments on a mission to grow my hair longer than I've ever grown it before.

Given that Let's Bond is made up of natural ingredients without the use of silicones, sulphates, and parabens, I'd say it's helping me on my journey to stronger hair. Along with it's claims that it can restore the hair in one use, it certainly doesn't hurt that the range comes in at a ridiculously affordable price point, either, only adding to the appeal. But, is it too good to be true?

In all honesty, I found that my hair was MUCH more manageable to tame with a visibly reduced amount of frizz. Somehow, my hair also had more volume, despite the products smoothing out my locks with added shine and softness. After just one use, I already noticed the difference in terms of the texture of my hair. Not only did my hair look thick, strong, healthy and nourished - but it felt it, too.

When I was styling it, the hot brush had no problem holding the shape, creating plenty of bounce, volume and drama. Without a doubt, I immediately noticed the difference after using Let's Bond when it came to styling, and was able to create a 90s-inspired blowout with absolute ease. My hair seemed to actually co-operate for a change. Who'd have thought?

Yes, the results are instant, but even the day after, I was impressed at my hair's ability to retain its smoothness and shape. The results last for a couple of days, but I do find that repeated use is needed to see a lasting difference. As far as completely repairing the hair in one use? I found that my hair did return back to its original texture after a few washes. But, the good news is that this means that my hair isn't actually damaged - just wavy!

I was also impressed with the fact that my hair felt adequately clean without any build-up, something I struggle to find at times with shampoo and conditioner from more affordable ranges. All in all, Let's Bond has deffo left me impressed. This affordable haircare range delivers salon-worthy results and could become a serious contender for higher-end products on the market.

How the product was tested

First, I started by washing with the Let's Bond Shampoo, £11.99 and then followed up with the Let's Bond Conditioner, £11.99. The shampoo created a good amount of lather and I was so surprised at how clean it made my hair feel without drying it out.

It's hard for me to find a conditioner that actually makes a difference to the dryness of my hair, and this conditioner felt super nourishing, coating the strands without weighing them down. Something that reassured me was that both products are also suitable shampoo and conditioner for coloured hair which is a major bonus for hair like mine.

After showering, I used a microfibre towel to pat it dry and then combed in the Let's Bond Leave-In Treatment, £14.99 with my fingers through damp hair from root to tip (no rinse required). All products smell unreal, with a clean, faintly tropical scent that's described as whipped vanilla, cacao, florals, green fig, fresh orange and mandarin. Ah, delicious.

To finish my routine, I used the Revlon One-Step hot air brush to create shape throughout my layers while drying. And, given that the range includes a heat protectant I didn't even have to worry about doubling up with a heat protectant product, either. The range is surprisingly super low maintenance, which suits me perfectly.

I've tested the range over many months and can still confidently say I reach the same results each time. You will get best results using the whole range together, and most likely, blowdrying your hair instead of leaving it to air dry. However, we've also found this with many of the haircare ranges we've tested, much like Color Wow's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray.

What we loved

• Incredible value that rivals competitors: This is one of the most affordable haircare products I've tried to date and the value of the products in the Let's Bond range means other brands are in for some serious competition.

Put it this way, the full Bond Repair Starter Bundle costs £27.99, while similar brands such as K18 and Olaplex retail at this mark for their bond repair treatments alone. Yet, Noughty's Bond Repair Leave-In Treatment, £14.99 still manages to produce somewhat similar results.

• Makes the hair feel soft, shiny and extremely easy to style: After use, my hair felt strong, healthy and nourished and the treatment made it super easy when using the hot air brush to style it. It maintained its shape for a couple of days, and I saw a definite decrease in the amount of frizz.

• Contains built-in heat and colour protection: Another factor I love is the fact it includes an integrated heat-protectant so you don't necessarily have to double up with another product. And, the fact that it protects hair colour from fading. These are great additions when it comes to a haircare range for damaged hair, as more often than not, it's especially needed for dyed locks.

• Free from silicones, sulphates, and parabens: Uses gentle ingredients that are kind to hair, offering a unique blend of 97% natural and science-backed ingredients. Additionally, all products are vegan and cruelty-free.

What could be better

• Could irritate sensitive skin: I have all of the joys of being a super-sensitive gal and I noticed some very minor irritation upon application. I would love it if Noughty brought out this range in a sensitive version, particularly if other people ever have the same issue.

Final verdict

Honestly, if you're in the market for a cheap bond repair treatment, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Let's Bond range from Noughty, particularly the Let's Bond Repair Leave-In Treatment, £14.99 which is a real stand out. It's a lot less expensive than competitors on the market but still does an incredibly similar job, and I even struggle to tell the difference between this and Olaplex.

Samantha Price is a Senior Commercial Content Writer for heat. During her time at Bauer, she has worked on writing expertly crafted buying guides on beauty, fashion and lifestyle.