Ok, is it just me, or does E-V-E-R-Y-B-O-D-Y on the freakin´ internet use Olaplex products for their haircare routine!? Every YouTube video, reel, shorts, or similar sport this haircare brand. So, since this brand is so omnipresent, let’s have a closer look at Olaplex plus a thorough guide on each Olaplex product, its benefits & how to use them!
A Brief History of Olaplex
Believe it or not, Olaplex has been around since 2014! The haircare brand was founded in California by a beauty industry veteran in collaboration with two PhD chemists.
Due to its unique and scientifically backed approach to hair repair, it quickly gained traction in the professional haircare market, particularly in salons.
What makes Olaplex Products so special?
Let´s see what makes the Olaplex products so special that every social media platform is flooded with them. The products are formulated with a patented active ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which works on a molecular level to repair broken bonds in the hair. This is probably where the knowledge of the two chemists comes into play.
As we know, our hair can become damaged due to a loooooot of factors … chemical treatments (like coloring and perming), heat styling, environmental stressors, and so on.
The Olaplex formula is supposed to help rebuild the disulfide bonds in the hair structure, resulting in stronger, healthier hair.
Olaplex Products Lineup & Usage
Let´s have a closer look at the Olaplex products one by one and a guide to each Olaplex product, including their benefits, how to use them, and in which routine they have the best results:
Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier
The foundational treatment in the Olaplex system, No. 1 is designed to rebuild the hair’s internal structure during chemical services.
Benefits:
Prevents damage and repairs broken bonds during coloring, bleaching, or other chemical treatments.
Usage:
Mixed by your stylist with your lightener or color. Sit back and relax as the product works magic during your salon visit.
Olaplex No. 2 Bond Perfector
Following No. 1, this treatment is applied after chemical services to continue the repair process.
Benefits:
Strengthens and restores the hair’s integrity, making it softer, shinier, and more resilient.
Usage:
Your stylist will apply it after your color or lightener is rinsed out. Your hairdresser will leave it on for about 20 minutes to ensure your hair bonds are fully repaired before shampooing and conditioning.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
A concentrated at-home treatment to maintain and extend the benefits of Olaplex’s in-salon services.
Benefits:
Strengthens hair, reduces breakage, and improves overall look and feel between salon visits.
Usage:
Apply generously to damp, towel-dried hair, covering from roots to ends. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes (longer if possible for deeper repair).
Rinse, then shampoo, and condition as usual. Use once a week or 2-3 times a week if your hair is particularly damaged.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
A daily shampoo that cleanses while continuing the bond repair process.
Benefits:
It repairs, strengthens, and hydrates all hair types. It helps reduce frizz and split ends while promoting shine.
Usage:
Apply a small amount to wet hair. Lather thoroughly and rinse out. Use every time you wash your hair for ongoing repair and maintenance.
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
A companion to No. 4, this daily conditioner moisturizes and repairs.
Benefits:
It provides deep hydration, reduces frizz, and makes hair easier to manage. It also enhances shine and overall hair health.
Usage:
After shampooing with No. 4, apply generously from mid-lengths to ends. Leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use every time you shampoo your hair.
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
A leave-in styling cream that offers intense moisture and smoothness.
Benefits:
Reduces frizz for up to 72 hours, speeds up blow-drying time, and protects against heat and environmental damage.
Usage:
Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Style as usual. Use after every wash or whenever your hair needs extra smoothness and protection.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
A lightweight, highly-concentrated styling oil that adds shine and provides heat protection.
Benefits:
It enhances shine, softens hair, and offers heat protection up to 450°F. Repairs bonds while taming frizz and flyaways.
Usage:
Apply a few drops to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends. Use before styling for heat protection and anytime for added shine and frizz control.
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
A deep conditioning treatment that provides intense moisture and repair.
Benefits:
It adds shine, smoothness, and body while deeply moisturizing hair. It is ideal for weekly use to maintain hair health.
Usage:
Apply to clean, damp hair from mid-length to ends. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use weekly for best results or more frequently if your hair is very dry or damaged.
The Hype Around the Products
The main reason why I looked into this particular haircare brand was, as mentioned above, the unbelievable hype/the omnipresence of those products. So, let´s see how the hype around Olaplex can be explained:
Efficacy
Many users report noticeable improvements in the strength, texture, and overall health of their hair after using Olaplex products. This positive feedback has led to widespread word-of-mouth promotion.
Influencer Endorsements
Olaplex has been heavily promoted by influencers and beauty bloggers, who often showcase dramatic before-and-after results, driving interest and credibility.
Professional Use
The brand’s initial focus on professional salon treatments gave it a reputation for high-quality, effective products, which translated well when it expanded into consumer products.
Unique Selling Proposition
The patented bond-building technology sets Olaplex apart from many other haircare brands, offering a solution that is perceived as scientifically advanced and effective.
Comprehensive Product Line
Olaplex offers a full range of products that cater to various hair needs, from in-salon treatments to at-home care, allowing consumers to maintain the health of their hair continuously.
Take Away
By following this sequence and using these products regularly, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best, maintaining strength, shine, and overall health!
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