If you've ever colored your hair, you've probably heard of Olaplex (and if not, this guide is your whiff to get acquainted). When the groundbreaking seven-step hair regimen initially debuted, the brand behind it rapidly became the hair treatment that top salons and beauty experts couldn't live without, and they've been slathering it all over their customers' hair ever since.
Olaplex treatments are popular for their capacity to repair severely damaged hair that has been colored often (which is great news for those of us who frequently bleach or dye our hair) – as well as providing a glossy, strengthening treatment to all hair types and textures, colored or not. Sure, playing with color is a form of self-expression as well as an important element of many beauty routines, but there's no disputing that it may harm the condition of our hair, leaving it more prone to dryness, dullness, and split ends. When hair is damaged, color does not stay as long, requiring more dye sessions and, eventually, more damage. Argh! It's a never-ending circle. And if you've been using at-home dye to color your hair during the epidemic, you may have done some damage.
According to the brand's website, "You may use Olaplex to repair damaged hair or combine it with another treatment to give the greatest breakage protection." But what does that actually mean? We chatted with colorists and a cosmetic chemist to get the whole picture of what Olaplex can do for your hair before you decide whether or not to request it the next time you're in the chair.
What exactly is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a technique that permanently repairs damaged disulfide bonds in your hair caused by the chemical procedure. If you've over-bleached or highlighted your hair for years, Olaplex can help you repair the strength, structure, and integrity of your hair; think of it as a reset button for your locks.
The technique has enabled colorists to execute work that they could only have imagined before. In one session, you may go from black to white blonde. Not an issue.
What are the Olaplex 3, Olaplex 0, Olaplex 8 stages?
Olaplex is a multi-step hair strengthening treatment that rebuilds disulfide connections inside the hair that have been disrupted by coloring, chemically treating, or styling with high heat
The At-home Steps For Olaplex 3, Olaplex 0, Olaplex 8
This at-home treatment product precisely prepares the hair for optimal absorption of the following phase in the at-home treatment regimen, Olaplex No 3. Within the Olaplex retail product line-up, it includes the greatest concentration of Olaplex's proprietary chemical, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate.
Olaplex 0 is designed to enhance the No. 3 treatment while also strengthening and repairing hair from chemical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental damage. Olaplex specialists recommend layering a large quantity of Olaplex 3 Hair Perfector on top of the Olaplex No. 0 and washing the mixture after 10 minutes for optimal results and consistency with the professional stand-alone treatment.
This at-home treatment should be used once a week and is best administered before shampooing and conditioning. Apply 1-3 tablespoons to moistened hair and evenly comb through. Leave on for 10-30 minutes or overnight.
Olaplex No.8: Bond Intense Color Mask.
The newest member of the Olaplex family is this 4-in-1 restorative mask, which is combined with the unique proprietary Olaplex Bond Building technology and claims to offer intensive hydration, volume, smoothness, body, and shine to the hair. As a result, it is an excellent therapy for damaged hair.
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Since bleaching is more damaging to hair bonds than almost any other technique, a product that restores those ties, such as Olaplex, is a natural fit.