10 Best Protein Fillers for Bleached Hair for Strength and Shine

10 Best Protein Fillers for Bleached Hair for Strength and Shine

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 Why do you need protein fillers for bleached hair?

Because after bleaching your hair, you might notice that it has suddenly become dry, frizzy, and unmanageable. 

A bowl of hair cream and a wooden brush on a wicker basket.

This is because bleach breaks down hair proteins, which are responsible for keeping your hair healthy, strong, and smooth. Without these proteins, your hair becomes prone to split ends, breakage, and thinness.

Thankfully, hair damage is reversible, although it may require time and effort. By using the best protein filler for bleached hair, you can gradually restore the health and beauty of your currently damaged tresses.

Keep reading to discover how protein fillers can bring back your bleached hair’s strength, volume, and shine.

Joico K-PAK Reconstructor Deep-Penetrating Treatment
Editor's Choice
  • Contains keratin
  • Infused with guajava + evening primrose oil
  • Smart-release technology
Boldplex 3 Hair Mask Bond Repair Protein Treatment
Premium Pick
  • Contains hydrolyzed protein
  • Packed with nourishing oil blends
  • Bond repair technology
Hi-Pro-Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Protein Treatment
Budget Pick
  • Formulated with concentrated proteins
  • Has active moisturizers
  • Cruelty-free

What Are the Effects of Bleaching on Your Hair?

To understand why protein fillers are needed for bleach-damaged hair, let’s delve into why bleached hair suffers from damage in the first place.

Hair is composed of three main components: the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The outermost layer, the cuticle, acts as a protective barrier for the hair shaft.

The inner cortex, made up of keratin, provides strength, structure, and elasticity to the hair, while the medulla, found in some hair types, serves as a central core.

The cortex makes up most of the hair’s mass, accounting for approximately 80% of its structure. Keratin proteins make up the inner cortex of hair strands. These proteins keep your hair strong and healthy. 

Unfortunately, lightening hair with bleach causes these proteins to break down. As a result, hair becomes dry, dehydrated, and brittle. This is why bleached hair is prone to split ends, breakage, and other signs of damage.

What You Need To Know About Protein Fillers for Bleached Hair 

What Is a Protein Filler for Hair? 

As the name implies, protein fillers are enriched with proteins that restore hair strength, elasticity, volume, and shine.

Protein fillers help reverse the damage caused by bleaching your hair. They do this by filling in the gaps in your damaged hair cuticles and bringing back much-needed moisture to your hair.  

Since bleached hair is compromised, protein fillers also help protect the hair from further damage that results from exposure to external stressors, such as heat styling and UV rays.

By using the best protein fillers, you can effectively restore the health and beauty of your hair.

What Does a Protein Filler Do For Hair?

 The benefits of using protein fillers for bleached hair include the following:

  • Repairs and strengthens damaged protein bonds in the hair
  • Deeply penetrates and nourishes hair
  • Restores hair elasticity, volume, and luster
  • Protects hair against further damage
  • Improves hair porosity 
  • Increases moisture retention
  • Smoothens split ends and reduces frizziness
  • Allows better penetration and application of hair dye

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Protein Filler for Bleached Hair

To find the best protein filler for your bleached hair, here are important factors to consider. 

Type of Protein Fillers

Protein fillers can be in the form of products like shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, leave-in treatments, or hair serums.

If your hair has minimal damage, opt for shampoos and conditioners as they have lighter formulations suitable for daily use. These products will help maintain and nourish your hair without weighing it down.

On the other hand, if your hair has moderate to extreme damage, it may require more intensive treatments such as hair masks and leave-in treatments to provide the necessary nourishment and repair that your hair needs.

There are also colored protein fillers available if you want to dye your hair and treat it at the same time.

Key Ingredients

Protein is the key component of protein fillers. The best protein filler products contain ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin, silk, wheat, soy, and vegetable protein.

These strength-boosting proteins may also be blended with other hair-nourishing ingredients like vitamins, oils, amino acids, and ceramides. 

Some protein fillers also offer additional features, such as heat protection and an extra layer of defense against potential damage caused by UV rays and heat-styling tools.

Frequency of Use

Ideally, it takes around six weeks to fully repair damaged hair. The more you use protein fillers on bleached hair, the faster you can achieve results. 

However, the frequency of use must also be balanced with the needs of your hair. It’s best to avoid excessive use of protein. Too much protein can oversaturate the hair cuticles, which can cause further damage and breakage.

10 Best Protein Fillers for Bleached Hair

Now that you know more about protein fillers, it’s time to check out the list we’ve curated for you.

Best Protein Fillers for Slightly Damaged Hair

1
Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner Set

This keratin-enriched shampoo and conditioner set infuses moisture where bleached hair needs it the most.

Key benefits: Nourishes and strengthens; softens, adds shine, and enhances suppleness; detangles

Features:

  • Contains a protein complex with three proteins
  • 5% moisture complex with argan oil
  • pH-balanced and sulfate-free 

A potent protein filler that instantly improves dry and brittle hair for better manageability.

 

The shampoo and the conditioner in this set are enriched with three different proteins: keratin, soy, and vegetable. 

Its formula features an innovative system that effectively delivers essential moisture to the root, core, and tip of the hair, efficiently targeting all areas that require repair and restoration.

Additionally, the argan oil and 5% moisture complex nourish the hair, making it shinier, softer, and more supple. 

It also detangles the hair strands to improve texture and manageability. Plus, the Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner Set’s formula is pH-balanced and sulfate-free.

2
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner

Even with an extra-strength formula, this hair repair set won’t make your hair feel weighed down.

Key benefits: Rebuilds and strengthens hair fibers; fights signs of damage; boosts shine

Features:

  • With protein and ceramides
  • Perfect synergy of intense care and weightless feel
  • Creamy floral scent 

This shampoo and conditioner set helps repair your bleached hair, making it softer and easier to style.

 

While bleaching your hair can help you achieve your dream hair color, it can also make hair weak, dry, and dull.

Thankfully, this repairing shampoo and conditioner set helps rebuild and strengthen hair — making them less prone to future damage.

It features a formula with a 9% concentration of protein and ceramides designed to make hair silky, shiny, and healthy.

And despite the intense formula, L’Oreal uses an innovative system to ensure that hair won’t feel heavy and weighed down after use.

Plus, we love the creamy floral scent that uplifts and invigorates the hair.

3
OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner Set

This nutrient-rich shampoo and conditioner set revives dull and lifeless hair.

Key benefits: Hydrating formula; thickens and texturizes strands; helps you achieve fuller and voluminous hair after use

Features:

  • Contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, vitamin B7, biotin, and collagen
  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free
  • Has a pleasant scent made of bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla

This set has a blend of protein and plumping ingredients that help counteract thinning caused by hair bleaching.

 

The OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner Set doesn’t just replenish lost hair proteins. It goes above and beyond by bringing back bounce and volume to bleached hair. 

And while you use this set, it will cover each hair strand with plumping ingredients to make your hair thicker and fuller.

It contains a formula with a rich blend of nutrients, such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, vitamin B7, biotin, and collagen.

Even better, it has a blend of bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla scent that indulges your senses. It also creates a rich lather and does not contain parabens and sulfates.

Best Protein Fillers for Moderately Damaged Hair 

4
Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment

This rich protein treatment gives damaged tresses a healthy dose of nutrients.

Key benefits: Hydrates and repairs hair damage; improves elasticity and texture; leaves hair with a glossy finish

Features:

  • Contains hydrolyzed silk protein and silk amino acids
  • Has a blend of collagen and ceramide-3 complex
  • Formulated with allantoin

Experience the transformative power of this protein filler as it turns damaged and split bleached hair into a soft and smooth mane.

 

The Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Protein Treatment is packed with hair-loving ingredients. 

It features hydrolyzed silk protein and amino acids to repair damaged and overprocessed hair. It also contains collagen and ceramide 3 to strengthen damaged hair, making strands more elastic and resilient. 

Moreover, it has allantoin that makes hair soft and glossy. All these ingredients provide much-needed hydration to bleached hair. 

5
Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum + Anti Frizz Control Repair Treatment

This protein hair serum makes dry and coarse tresses soft, shiny, and frizz-free.

Key benefits: Repairs damaged hair; provides frizz control and heat protection; smoothens without the greasy feel

Features:

  • Keratin protein repair with collagen
  • Has argan and coconut oil
  • Formulated with biotin and castor oil

As one of the best protein fillers for bleached hair, this serum backs up each claim with visible results!

 

The Vitamins Keratin Protein Hair Serum is an amazing multitasking product. It has a keratin protein repair complex with collagen to revive and strengthen damaged hair from root to tip.

With an advanced herbal complex infused with argan and coconut oil, this product not only enhances fullness and thickness but also nourishes the hair.

This product features a rich oil blend that makes hair shiny and frizz-free. Plus, the hair serum feels lightweight and non-greasy. 

Furthermore, the inclusion of biotin and castor oil helps prevent further damage, promoting healthier and stronger hair strands.

The hydrating formula is also free of sulfates, parabens, or alcohol to prevent irritation.

6
Arvazallia Fortifying Protein Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner

Not only does this hair mask strengthen and repair your hair, but it also promotes healthy hair growth.

Key benefits: Repairs split ends; strengthens and adds volume; promotes soft and shiny hair growth

Features:

  • Formulated with hydrolyzed wheat protein
  • Has a unique blend of argan oil, macadamia oil, and aloe vera
  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free

Enriched with fortifying properties, this deep conditioner strengthens bleached hair, leaving it instantly soft and nourished.

 

The Arvazallia protein hair mask will repair, nourish, and strengthen your damaged tresses.

It contains an exclusive protein therapy formula that features hydrolyzed wheat protein and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil, and macadamia oil. As a result, bleached hair becomes soft, silky, and voluminous.

As a protein filler for bleached hair, it also protects against breakage and hair loss. The hair mask nourishes from within, so when new hair grows, it’s healthy as it can be. 

7
L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner and Heat Protectant

This leave-in conditioner protects hair from further breakage and damage.

Key benefits: Enhances hair strength and flexibility; reduces breakage; protects hair from damage and heat

Features:

  • Almond oil and hydrolyzed wheat protein 
  • Lightweight formula
  • Creamy floral scent

With this protein filler, bleached hair becomes stronger and more flexible with every use.

 

Aside from hair bleaching, your hair is also susceptible to damage from various sources, such as chemicals, stress, and UV exposure. These factors can result in hair that appears dull, dehydrated, and brittle.

For extra protection, consider using the L’Oreal Paris Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner.

As one of the best protein fillers for bleached hair, this leave-in conditioner has almond oil and hydrolyzed wheat protein that strengthens and repairs strands.

Using heat protection can help reduce hair damage caused by daily stressors, which helps reduce split ends and breakage over time.

All in all, using this product transforms bleached and damaged hair into smoother and stronger hair.

Best Protein Fillers for Extremely Damaged Hair

8
Joico K-PAK Reconstructor Deep-Penetrating Treatment

Nothing beats the reconstructive power of Joico’s protein treatment.  

Key benefits: Fortifies damaged hair; improves elasticity and reduces breakage; quenches dehydrated hair

Features:

  • Contains hydrolyzed keratin protein
  • Enriched with guava fruit extract and evening primrose oil
  • Smart-release technology

This award-winning protein filler saves bleached hair and brings it back to optimal health.

 

A poorly executed bleaching job can leave you feeling hopeless about the condition of your hair. But don’t give up; the Joico K-PAK Reconstructor Deep-Penetrating Treatment is here to the rescue!

This powerful reconstructor rebuilds, repairs, and fortifies damaged hair. This is thanks to its combination of amino acids, antioxidants, hydrolyzed keratin protein, and fatty acids. 

It also features guava extract, evening primrose oil, aloe vera, arginine, and safflower seed oil.

The smart-release technology ensures that these hair-saving ingredients are continually delivered to your parched tresses.

In no time, your hair can return to its healthy self. Aside from that, bleached hair becomes shinier, more manageable, and less prone to breakage. 

9
Hi-Pro-Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Protein Hair Treatment

Experience unbeatable conditioning with this protein treatment that effectively repairs excessively damaged hair.

Key benefits: Treats and corrects extreme hair damage; improves strength and manageability; prevents split ends and hair breakage

Features:

  • Packed with concentrated proteins
  • Has active moisturizers
  • Cruelty-free

In just five minutes, you will feel the difference this protein filler does for bleached hair, leaving it revitalized and restored.

 

When your hair is severely damaged, consider the Hi-Pro-Pac Protein Hair Treatment.

It’s packed with hair-building proteins and active moisturizers like hydrolyzed keratin, collagen, wheat amino acids, and glycerin. 

By incorporating this product into your haircare routine, you can expect to achieve stronger and more resilient hair. The deep conditioning action also detangles hair strands and improves hair manageability.

Plus, it works fast. Simply apply it to your hair, then leave it in for five minutes. You’ll instantly notice a reduction in split ends and breakage, resulting in healthier-looking hair!

10
Boldplex 3 Hair Mask Bond Repair Hair Protein Treatment

End hair damage by harnessing the bond-building capabilities of the Boldplex 3 Hair Mask, effectively repairing and strengthening your hair from within.

Key benefits: Deeply hydrates damaged hair; rebuilds and restores broken hair bonds; brings back shine and lushness to hair

Features:

  • Formulated with hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  • Contains nourishing oil blends
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free 

This is the ultimate hair repair treatment for dry and damaged hair caused by bleaching.

 

The Boldplex 3 Hair Mask is an intensive treatment with hydrolyzed vegetable protein to restore the integrity of your hair.

The product features bond repair technology that deeply penetrates every hair strand to ensure that hair is fortified from within. As such, hair becomes smoother and less prone to split ends.

In addition, this protein filler for bleached hair has a nourishing blend of coconut, grapeseed, avocado, argan, castor, sunflower seed, Abyssinian seed, and Brazil nut extracts. 

These ingredients work together to deeply nourish and seal in moisture, leaving your hair shinier and more luscious than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I Use Protein Filler Before or After Bleaching Hair?

It is generally recommended to use protein fillers before bleaching your hair. The protein filler strengthens and protects the hair during bleaching, minimizing damage and ensuring better results.

However, you can still use protein filler after bleaching your hair as a post-treatment to provide nourishment and repair damaged strands.

How Should I Use a Protein Filler on My Bleached Hair?

Here’s how to use a protein filler product on bleached hair:

  1. Apply the protein filler product onto clean and damp hair.
  2. Use a comb to distribute the product evenly.
  3. Massage the protein filler into your hair.
  4. Cover your hair in a bun or shower cap to ensure the protein filler product will deeply penetrate each strand.
  5. Leave the protein filler in for three to five minutes, then rinse it out. 

How Often Can I Use Protein Fillers on My Hair?

For extremely damaged hair, use a protein filler product once a week. Those with slight or moderate hair damage can opt for every other week or once a month.

Also, remember, protein filler isn’t meant to be used more than that. Overusing protein filler can make hair brittle and prone to breakage.

How Long Does Bleached Hair Take To Heal?

Bleached hair may take two weeks up to one month to heal. However, using a protein filler both before and after the bleaching process may help expedite the recovery of your hair.

Restore Your Hair’s Former Glory With the Best Protein Fillers for Bleached Hair

Nobody intentionally damages their hair. 

However, bleaching hair has become an essential step in achieving our dream hair color for many of us. Unfortunately, this means exposing our hair to the damage caused by bleach. 

Thankfully, protein fillers are available to help repair bleach-damaged hair.

The best protein fillers for bleached hair are packed with protein and other nourishing ingredients that bring back the original glory of your hair.

With consistent use, protein fillers can strengthen your hair and protect it from future damage.

So if you’re planning to bleach your hair soon, make sure to include a protein filler product in your hair care routine!

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