Key Features and Benefits Repair, Protect, and Perfect

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo is not just a cleanser; it is the first step in a reconstruction regimen. It is engineered to deliver 97% stronger hair after just one use (when used as a system). Here are the defining features that make this product a market leader in hair repair.

Fortifying Repair Technology

The core benefit of this shampoo is its ability to heal. It targets “micro-scars”—tiny tears and rough patches on the hair cuticle caused by chemical processing and mechanical damage.

• Reduced Breakage: By reinforcing the hair fiber, it significantly reduces breakage during brushing and styling.
• Split End Sealing: While nothing can permanently “glue” a split end back together, this formula temporarily seals the cuticle, making ends look smoother and healthier until your next trim.

Unrivaled Color Protection

Like all Pureology products, Strength Cure features the proprietary AntiFade Complex®. This is crucial for damaged hair, which is often more porous and prone to color leaching.

• Antioxidant Shield: It protects hair from free radicals that cause oxidation and color dullness.
• UV Filters: Full-spectrum sunscreens prevent UV rays from fading your shade and further damaging the hair structure.

ZeroSulfate® Formula

Harsh detergents can be the final nail in the coffin for damaged hair. Pureology’s ZeroSulfate® formula uses a gentle cleansing system derived from coconut, corn, and sugar.

• Rich Lather: Unlike many sulfate-free options, it produces a decadent, creamy foam.
• Gentle Cleansing: It removes dirt and oil without stripping essential moisture or natural oils, which are vital for elasticity.

100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free

Pureology Strength Cure aligns with ethical beauty standards. The formula is 100% vegan, containing no animal products or by-products, and the brand does not test on animals.

Luxurious Aromatherapy Blend

Repairing your hair should feel like a treat, not a chore. The shampoo features a sophisticated scent profile of Raspberry, Peach, and Water Flowers. It offers a sweet, fruity, and floral experience that lingers pleasantly on the hair.

Feature	Benefit
Asta-Repair™	Heals micro-scars and strengthens hair fiber.
ZeroSulfate®	Gently cleanses without stripping color or natural oils.
AntiFade Complex®	Protects color vibrancy from UV rays and oxidation.
Vegan Formula	Ethical care with no animal-derived ingredients.
Split End Repair	Smooths and seals damaged ends for a polished look.

How It Works: The Science of Strength

How does a shampoo actually make hair stronger? The secret lies in the delivery of strengthening agents that penetrate the hair shaft rather than just coating it.

Targeting Micro-Scarring

Damaged hair resembles a road full of potholes. The cuticle layers are lifted, missing, or jagged. Pureology Strength Cure uses a technology called Asta-Repair™, which includes Astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant). This complex detects these negative spaces and “micro-scars” on the hair shaft. It fills them in with reparative ingredients, smoothing the surface and restoring the hair’s structural integrity.

Reinforcing the Cortex

True strength comes from within. The shampoo delivers plant-based proteins (Keravis and Xylose) deep into the cortex of the hair. These proteins act like scaffolding, supporting the internal structure of the strand. By reinforcing the bonds within the hair, the shampoo improves elasticity. Elasticity is the hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape without snapping—a key indicator of hair health.

The Protective Barrier

Once the repair ingredients are deposited, the shampoo works to seal the cuticle. A smooth, closed cuticle reflects light (creating shine) and prevents moisture loss. Furthermore, the AntiFade Complex® forms a protective shield around the hair shaft. This shield deflects environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays, which degrade protein and pigment. By stopping new damage from occurring, the hair has a chance to recover.

Ingredients A Powerful Reparative Blend

Pureology Strength Cure relies on a potent mix of antioxidants and proteins to deliver its promise of stronger hair.

Key Active Ingredients

• Astaxanthin: One of the most powerful antioxidants known to science (derived from algae). It helps to scavenge free radicals and protect the hair from oxidative stress, which weakens hair over time.
• Keravis (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol): A specialized protein complex that penetrates the hair cuticle to build strength from within while also coating the surface to protect it. It significantly increases the tensile strength of the hair.
• Arginine: An amino acid essential for hair growth and health. Arginine helps to stimulate the scalp and improve blood flow to the follicles. It also acts as a building block for proteins, reinforcing the hair shaft.
• Xylose: A sugar derived from wood that has heat-protecting properties. It coats the hair to provide a barrier against thermal damage from blow dryers and styling tools.
• Olive Oil and Camelina Oil: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, these natural oils nourish the hair, restoring softness and shine without weighing it down. They replace the lipids lost during chemical processing.
• Sunflower Seed Extract: A core component of the AntiFade Complex®, acting as a natural UV filter to preserve hair color.

What Is Excluded?

• Sulfates (SLS/SLES): No harsh salts that strip color and dry out hair.
• Parabens: Free from common synthetic preservatives.
• Mineral Oil: No cheap fillers that cause heavy buildup.
• Animal Ingredients: Certified vegan.

Who Should Use Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo?

This product is not for everyone. It is a specialized repair treatment. Using it on healthy hair might result in “protein overload,” making hair feel stiff. It is crucial to identify if you are the right candidate.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

1. Chemically Damaged Hair: If you bleach, highlight, relax, or perm your hair, structural bonds are broken during the process. This shampoo helps rebuild them.
2. Heat-Damaged Hair: Daily use of flat irons, curling wands, or high-heat blow drying can cause “bubble hair” and brittleness. This formula restores moisture and elasticity to heat-frazzled strands.
3. Color-Treated Hair: This is a non-negotiable for Pureology users. If you have damage and color, this is the best option to address both simultaneously.
4. Prone to Breakage: If you see short, broken hairs on your shirt or pillowcase (not shedding from the root, but snapping off mid-shaft), you need the strengthening properties of this shampoo.
5. Rough Texture: If your hair feels gummy when wet or straw-like when dry, it indicates severe damage that requires protein repair.

Who Should Skip It?

• Healthy, Virgin Hair: If you have never colored your hair and it feels soft and strong, you do not need this level of repair. Opt for the Pureology Hydrate line instead.
• Moisture-Deficient Only: If your hair is just dry but not damaged (no breakage), stick to a moisturizing shampoo. Too much protein on dry hair can make it brittle.

How to Use A Regimen for Restoration

Repairing damaged hair requires a consistent and correct routine. Here is how to use Strength Cure for the best results.

Step 1: Wet Hair Thoroughly

Sulfate-free shampoos require lots of water to activate. Ensure your hair is soaking wet before applying.

Step 2: Concentrate and Activate

Pureology is highly concentrated. Use a dime-sized amount for short hair or a quarter-sized amount for long hair. Rub it between your palms to emulsify and create a lather before touching your scalp.

Step 3: Scalp Massage

Focus the application on your roots and scalp. Massage gently to stimulate blood flow and remove buildup. Do not vigorously scrub the fragile ends of your hair. As you rinse, the suds will flow down and cleanse the lengths gently.

Step 4: Rinse and Repeat

Rinse until the water runs clear. If your hair has a lot of product buildup, a second wash is recommended. The first wash breaks down debris; the second wash delivers the reparative ingredients.

Step 5: Follow with Strength Cure Conditioner

Shampoo opens the cuticle to clean; conditioner closes it to seal in nutrients. Always follow with the matching Strength Cure Conditioner. Apply it from mid-lengths to ends and leave it on for at least 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Weekly Treatment

For severely damaged hair, swap the conditioner for the Pureology Strength Cure Superfood Treatment Mask once a week for deeper restructuring.

Why Choose Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo Over Competitors?

The repair category is crowded with “bonding” shampoos and keratin treatments. Why does Pureology Strength Cure remain a top recommendation by stylists?

Balance of Protein and Moisture

Many repair shampoos are heavy on protein but light on moisture. This can lead to hair that feels hard or straw-like (protein overload). Pureology strikes a perfect balance. It uses Astaxanthin and plant oils to ensure the hair remains soft and pliable while it is being strengthened.

Color Safety First

Most repair shampoos focus solely on damage and ignore hair color. Some even contain sulfates that strip color. Pureology is the only professional brand that puts color protection on par with damage repair. You don’t have to sacrifice your shade to save your hair health.

Concentrated Value

A bottle of Pureology Strength Cure costs more upfront than drugstore brands, but it lasts months. The formula is dense, meaning you use 30-50% less product per wash compared to watered-down alternatives. The cost per wash is often comparable to mid-range brands.

Sensory Experience

The aromatherapy blend elevates the shower experience. Unlike medicinal-smelling repair treatments, Strength Cure smells like a high-end spa, making the repair process enjoyable.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Pureology Strength Cure	“Bond Building” Shampoo	Drugstore Repair Shampoo
Primary Action	Repair + Color Protect	Structural Bonding	Surface Coating (Silicones)
Sulfate-Free?	Yes (ZeroSulfate®)	Varies	Often No (Contains SLS)
Vegan?	Yes	Varies	Rarely
Key Ingredient	Astaxanthin & Keravis	Maleic Acid/Polymers	Keratin (often animal-derived)
Scent	Raspberry/Peach/Floral	Chemical/Unscented	Heavy Synthetic Perfume
Formula Density	High Concentrate	Moderate	Low (Watery)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use this shampoo every day?
Yes, it is gentle enough for daily use. However, if your hair is damaged, washing less frequently (2-3 times a week) is generally better to prevent mechanical wear and tear.

2. Will this shampoo make my hair stiff?
No. While it is a protein-rich formula, it is balanced with lipid-replenishing oils (Olive and Camelina) to ensure hair stays soft. If you do experience stiffness, alternate it with a purely moisturizing shampoo like Pureology Hydrate.

3. Is it safe for keratin-treated hair?
Yes. Because it is sulfate-free and sodium chloride-free, it is compatible with most keratin smoothing treatments and will not strip the treatment prematurely.

4. Does it help with hair growth?
It does not directly cause hair to grow from the follicle faster. However, by preventing breakage and split ends, it allows your hair to retain its length, making it appear to grow faster because you aren’t losing inches to snapping ends.

5. What is the difference between Strength Cure and Strength Cure Blonde?

• Strength Cure (Blue Bottle): For all shades of damaged, color-treated hair.
• Strength Cure Blonde (Purple Bottle): Specifically for blondes. It contains violet pigments to neutralize brassy yellow tones while providing the same repair benefits.

6. Can I use this on extensions?
Yes, it is safe for human hair extensions. The strengthening formula can help prolong the life of extensions, which lack a natural nutrient supply from the scalp.

7. Does it contain silicones?
Pureology Strength Cure contains Amodimethicone, a specialized silicone. Unlike heavy silicones that cause buildup, Amodimethicone selectively binds only to damaged areas of the hair and resists buildup. It is essential for providing the slip and protection damaged hair needs.

Buying Guide Authentic Repair & Best Deals

Don’t gamble with your damaged hair. Ensuring you buy authentic Pureology product is vital for results.

Where to Buy

• Authorized Salons: The gold standard. Support your stylist and get guaranteed product.
• Official Website: Pureology.com ensures fresh, authentic stock.
• Authorized Retailers: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and major salon-supply e-commerce sites.
• Avoid: Discount stores (TJ Maxx, Marshalls) and unauthorized Amazon sellers. These products are often diverted, meaning they could be expired, diluted, or counterfeit.

Available Sizes

• Travel Size (1.7 oz / 50 mL): Great for testing the product or weekend trips.
• Standard Size (9 oz / 266 mL): The regular shower staple.
• Liter Size (33.8 oz / 1 L): The smart investment. Once you know you love the product, the liter size offers the best price per ounce and comes with a pump for easy dispensing.

Identifying Authenticity

• Packaging: The bottle should be a vibrant, pearlescent light blue. Text should be crisp.
• Batch Code: Look for a code printed on the back or bottom of the bottle.
• Texture/Scent: The shampoo should be thick, creamy, and pearlescent pinkish-white. It should smell distinctly of berries and florals, not chemicals.

Conclusion Give Your Hair a Second Life

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo offers a lifeline to hair that seems beyond repair. It proves that you don’t have to choose between healing your damage and preserving your beautiful color. By combining the power of Astaxanthin, plant-based proteins, and the exclusive AntiFade Complex®, this shampoo rebuilds the hair fiber from the inside out, turning brittle, straw-like strands into soft, resilient silk.

If you are tired of seeing breakage in your brush and feeling rough texture in your hands, it is time to switch to a regimen that works as hard as you do. Invest in Strength Cure and experience the confidence that comes with strong, healthy, and vibrant hair.

Don’t let damage define your hair. Shop Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo today and start your journey to recovery.