You’ve heard about Olaplex in the hairdressers and seen it on social media, but why is everyone so obsessed with this miracle hair care product?
Here’s everything you need to know about Olaplex.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex was developed to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out. Unlike traditional hair treatments that coat the outer layer of the hair, Olaplex's patented technology works at a molecular level, restoring and reconnecting broken bonds within the hair structure.
This innovative approach not only repairs damage but also prevents further harm, leaving your hair looking and feeling healthier than ever before.
Non-toxic, vegan and cruelty free, the Olaplex treatment range features a whole suite of treatments loved by celebrities, hair professionals and beauty gurus (that’s you).
How does Olaplex work?
To explain how Olaplex works, it’s time for a quick introduction to hair biology.
Hair is fibre. Composed of the keratin protein, your hair consists of millions of disulfide bonds, which hold the protein structures of your hair shaft together. These bonds can be damaged by high levels of heat, chemical treatments, excessive brushing and environmental exposure.
Each Olaplex product contains the patented ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This ingredient works on a molecular level to help repair the disulfide bonds in your hair.
Which Olaplex product is right for me?
Don’t know which Olaplex product to use? We can help.
In short, Olaplex No. 1 and 2 are meant for in salon professional use whilst Olaplex treatments No.0, 3,4,5,6,7 and 8 are ideal for use at home.
Let’s take a deeper look.
Olaplex Treatment - No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
Olaplex No.0 contains the highest dose of Olaplex’s patented active ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate and acts as a restorative Olaplex treatment and primes your hair. It’s designed to be used at home in conjunction with the No.3 Hair Perfector.
Olaplex Treatment - No.3 Hair Perfector
Olaplex No.3 is a global bestseller suitable for all hair types and is the best Olaplex product for damaged hair. You can either use this at-home hair treatment in conjunction with Olaplex No.0, or on its own.
Olaplex Shampoo - No.4 Bond Maintenance
Formulated for daily use, this silky smooth No.4 Maintenance shampoo helps to protect your hair from frizz and split ends. This is the best Olaplex product for oily hair.
Olaplex Styling - No.6 Bond Smoother
Designed to strengthen, smooth, and speed up your blow dry, a small amount of Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother can be applied to the ends or mid-lengths of your hair to assist with your styling and increase hair shine. This Olaplex product helps eliminate frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours.
Olaplex Styling - No.7 Bonding Oil
Fans of heat styling, this one's for you! A few drops of the No.7 Bonding Oil can be used before using straighteners and other heated tools to help provide heat protection up to 450°F/232°C. No.7 can also be used daily to give a shot of shine and colour vibrancy to your hair.
Olaplex Treatment - No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
The No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is a post-shampoo treatment that will give your hair a visible boost in just ten minutes, thanks to a formula containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, avocado oil, rosehip seed extract and rice bran oil. The highly concentrated reparative mask adds shine, smoothness and body while providing intense moisture to treat damaged hair.
Olaplex Styling - No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Serum
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Serum is your anti-damage hair shield, with extracts of red algae which are packed full of antioxidants that combat free radicals from pollution. This serum transforms dull and frizzy hair into smooth, shiny locks.
Still not sure? This Olaplex gift set has all the essentials in starter sizes, making for the perfect stocking filler.
Olaplex for blonde hair
If you have blonde, coloured hair, there’s an Olaplex treatment for that too! No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo is a highly concentrated purple shampoo that cleanses, tones and repairs to neutralise brassiness and boost brightness.
How to use Olaplex
The best way to use Olaplex is to invest in an Olaplex gift set and create a weekly hair care routine. Whether your hair needs moisture, bond repair, or a bit of both, this step-by-step Olaplex hair care routine is a game-changer. So what’s first?
Once a week give your hair an intense bond-building treatment. Start by working Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment onto dry hair using a comb for even coverage. Leave for ten minutes.
Next, without rinsing, apply Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, comb again and leave for another ten minutes (for extremely damaged or dry hair, leave on for up to 40 minutes).
Finally, it’s time to cleanse and condition. If your hair needs bond building, use the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.
If your hair needs an injection of deep moisture, skip Olaplex No.5 and quench your hair with the Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask instead. Complete your routine with No.7 Bonding Oil and No.6 Bond Smoother, and you’re good to go.
Olaplex before and after
Olaplex begins repairing hair bonds upon first use. Whether you’re using an Olaplex shampoo, Olaplex conditioner or following our weekly Olaplex hair care routine, expect your hair to become visibly healthier, stronger and more vibrant almost immediately. Goodbye bad hair days!
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