The Professional Hair Repair Routine: How Stylists Restore Damaged Hair

A Step-by-Step Salon Guide

If your hair feels weak, breaks easily, looks dull or never seems to improve — even when you’re using salon products — the problem usually isn’t the brand.

It’s the routine.

Professionals don’t repair damaged hair with one miracle product. They use a structured hair repair routine, designed to strengthen hair from the inside out while preventing further damage.

In this guide, we’ll show you the exact professional hair repair routine stylists use, including advanced treatments like System Professional Liquid Hair and Lipid Booster, and how you can adapt this system at home.

What Causes Hair Damage?

Hair becomes damaged when its internal structure is compromised. This commonly happens due to:

• Bleaching or lightening

• Colouring and chemical services

• Heat styling

• Mechanical stress (brushing, tight styles)

• Lack of heat protection

Once hair is damaged, moisture alone isn’t enough — hair needs repair, strength and protection, in the correct order.

👉 Not sure if your hair is dry or damaged?
Read Dry vs Damaged Hair: How Professionals Tell the Difference

Why a Professional Hair Repair Routine Works

Professional routines work because they:

• Address damage at a structural level

• Combine strengthening, lipid replenishment and protection

• Use products designed to work together

This is the same system used in salons — simplified for home care.

Step 1: Repair-Focused Cleansing

Repair starts with the right shampoo. Professionals avoid harsh cleansers that strip weakened hair.

What professionals use:

• Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

• System Professional Repair Shampoo (R1)

These gently cleanse while supporting hair strength.

👉 Shop professional repair shampoos

Step 2: Condition to Strengthen & Smooth

Conditioning restores manageability and reduces friction — essential for damaged hair.

Professional conditioners:

• Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

• System Professional Repair Conditioner (R2)

This step smooths the cuticle and prepares hair for deeper treatments.

Step 3: Weekly Deep Repair & Bond Treatment

This is where real transformation happens.

Professionals rely on bond-building and fibre-strengthening treatments to rebuild the hair from within.

Core repair treatments:

• Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector – weekly bond repair

• System Professional Repair Mask (R3) – strengthens hair structure

Step 4: Advanced Professional Treatments (Liquid Hair & Lipid Booster)

For severely damaged or over-processed hair, professionals often add targeted fibre and lipid treatments.

System Professional Liquid Hair

• Rebuilds the internal hair fibre

• Improves hair strength and resilience

• Ideal for very damaged, brittle hair

Liquid Hair is typically used weekly or bi-weekly to reinforce hair from the inside.

System Professional Lipid Booster

• Replenishes essential lipids lost through chemical services

• Restores softness, elasticity and shine

• Ideal for hair that feels rough, dull or straw-like

Lipid Booster is often used after repair treatments to rebalance hair condition.

👉 Shop System Professional advanced repair treatments

Step 5: Protect Before Styling (Non-Negotiable)

Skipping protection is one of the biggest reasons repair routines fail.

Professional rule:
Never heat style damaged hair without protection.

Professional essential:

• ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

This shields hair from heat damage while preserving repair results.

👉 Shop professional heat protection

Step 6: Supportive, Minimal Styling

Professionals keep styling simple during repair phases.

Best practice:

• Avoid excessive heat

• Use minimal styling products

• Focus on protection and conditioning

Lightweight products from Davines can enhance shine without stressing damaged hair.

How Often Should You Follow This Repair Routine?

Professionals recommend:

• Washing 2–3 times per week

• Conditioning every wash

• Using repair treatments once weekly

• Using Liquid Hair or Lipid Booster weekly or bi-weekly

• Applying heat protection every time you style

Consistency delivers results.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

With a professional routine:

• 2–4 weeks: Hair feels smoother and stronger

• 6–8 weeks: Breakage noticeably reduces

• 3 months+: Hair appears healthier and more resilient

The Easy Option: Professional Hair Repair Routine Bundle

If you want salon-level care without guessing, professionals recommend a complete repair routine.

A professional repair routine may include:

• Repair shampoo

• Repair conditioner

• Weekly bond repair treatment

• Liquid Hair or Lipid Booster

• Heat protection

👉 Shop the Professional Hair Repair Routine

Common Hair Repair Mistakes Professionals See

• Using moisture products instead of repair

• Skipping advanced treatments when hair is severely damaged

• Over-washing

• Styling without heat protection

Correcting these habits often leads to rapid improvement.

Final Professional Advice

Repairing damaged hair isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about layered professional care.

By combining cleansing, bond repair, fibre reconstruction (Liquid Hair), lipid replenishment (Lipid Booster) and daily protection, damaged hair can be dramatically improved over time — just like in the salon.

👉 Not sure where to start?
Visit our Start Here: Professional Haircare Hub
or read How to Repair Damaged Hair with Professional Products.