Ask any stylist about their busiest service menu, and chances are it involves some form of chemical treatment. While clients walk out with glossy hair, repeated exposure to chemicals often strips away moisture and weakens the internal hair structure. That’s where bond-building or plex treatments come in.
“Almost 90 per cent of clients today have undergone some chemical process,” says Jessica Malhotra, Olaplex Trainer for Streamline India’s East Zone. “Over time, this causes dryness, frizz, and breakage. Plex treatments work from the inside out to repair bonds, add shine, and restore strength.”
For salons, that means more than just healthy hair; it means stronger client retention. A visibly restored texture keeps clients coming back for monthly maintenance or add-on services.
SCIENCE AT THE SINK
At its core, a plex treatment rebuilds broken hair bonds. Hair has three main types of bonds: salt (ionic), hydrogen, and disulfide. Disulfide is the strongest and most affected during colour or heat styling.
“When we do any chemical service, we’re damaging those bonds,” explains Suhan Shaikh, Regional Technical Manager for Streamline’s West and South zones. “Plex products reconnect them, bringing back elasticity and strength.”
He adds that smaller, liquid molecules penetrate faster and more efficiently, making newer formulations more salon-friendly. “It’s all about how easily the product enters the hair. The smaller the molecule, the quicker and more effective the repair.”
If a
CLIENT’S HAIR
isn’t ready, I’ll recommend two or three
PLEX SITTINGS
first. That way, the hair gains
STRENGTH
to handle the next
PROCESS SAFELY
.
— Suhan Shaikh
SMART PLACEMENT, STRONGER RESULTS
Bond-builders aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on hair condition, stylists can use them before, during, or after a chemical service. “Ideally, plex should be mixed with colour or lightener to protect the hair during the service,” Malhotra advises. “But it can also be done post-treatment or as a monthly standalone ritual.”
For heavily damaged hair, Shaikh suggests taking a pause before the next chemical service. “If a client’s hair isn’t ready, I’ll recommend two or three plex sittings first. That way, the hair gains strength to handle the next process safely.”
This flexibility makes plex a profitable menu add-on. Stylists can recommend it during consultation without extending service time.
DON’T MIX WHAT DOESN’T MATCH
Both experts agree on one absolute no-no: mixing bond-builders with keratin or lamination products. “Keratin coats the hair, while plex penetrates it,” Shaikh explains. “If you combine the two, neither works effectively. It’s a waste of time, money, and product.”
Malhotra echoes this, recommending that bond-building be done before keratin or lamination. “You’re fortifying the hair first, then sealing it. And if you want to do a follow-up, wait at least a month after lamination before repeating a plex treatment.”
Ideally,
PLEX
should be mixed with
COLOUR OR LIGHTENER
to
PROTECT
the
HAIR
during the
SERVICE.
— Jessica Malhotra
RESULTS THAT SPEAK SOFTLY
Unlike instant-smoothing treatments, bond-builders don’t deliver dramatic day-one transformations. Their results reveal themselves over time. “Clients often feel the difference after three or four sittings,” Malhotra notes. “The texture improves, breakage reduces, and styling becomes easier.”
For maintenance, she recommends salon-grade shampoos, conditioners, and weekly home masks. As Suhan puts it, “Plex lasts till your next chemical service, if you care for your hair properly.”
THE FUTURE: FASTER, CLEANER, SIMPLER
The client and stylist of today, want efficiency without compromise. “Everyone’s busy,” Malhotra points out. “They want quick treatments that deliver results in 10 to 15 minutes.”
Shaikh adds that simplicity is key for professionals too. “Stylists don’t want to juggle 15 different products. Fewer SKUs, biodegradable ingredients, and recyclable packaging is the direction brands should move in. Less is more.”
And in that simplicity lies the secret to longevity. The next wave of plex treatments won’t just be about repairing hair; they will become about refining the service experience for both salons and clients.
Why Plex Treatments Are Here to Stay
• Prevents Breakage: Strengthens internal bonds and reduces post-chemical damage.
• Boosts Service Value: Easy add-on that complements colour, smoothing, or perm services.
• Improves Client Loyalty: Noticeable improvement in texture encourages repeat visits.
• Versatile Application: Can be used pre-, mid-, or post-service depending on hair condition.
• Supports Sustainability: Newer formulas use faster-acting, eco-friendly ingredients.
• Adds Shine and Elasticity: Enhances natural movement and restores the hair’s healthy bounce.