Steph helps us all out by sharing her ‘beginners guide to Olapex’, for those of us who maybe want to try something new this year.
Olaplex is a revolutionary brand that has allowed anyone to attain healthier, glowing locks. These products repair disulphide bonds in the hair, which is often damaged through colouring and heat. Overall, there are nine products in the line and, therefore, can be intimidating when first introduced to their groundbreaking products. So here’s a quick guide on how to use them.
What is Olaplex?
Before getting into what each product does, it’s important to highlight what makes Olaplex so unique. Once a salon only treatment used to help rebuild and repair damaged hair, Olaplex can now be bought and used in the comfort of your own house without the added salon costs.
Their products mainly target to those with chemically damaged hair. This includes damage from keratin treatments, perms and colouring. Even if you avoid these treatments, hair can still get damaged from heat, meaning most will benefit from their exclusive formula.
What’s the science behind it?
While other hair treatments aims to smooth the problem out to create an appearance of healthier hair, Olaplex formula actually repairs the damage using their patented ingredient ‘Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate’. This ingredient works on the molecular level to restore your hair.
The science focuses on strengthening bonds within the hair. Over-styling breaks down the strong disulphide bonds in the hair, vital for healthy-looking hair. A single sulphur hydrogen bond is created from the break down, which can then pair with three oxygen molecules. If this pairing occurs, it produces ‘cysteic acid’, which eats away at your hair’s protein. To counteract this process, Olaplex quickly pairs with the single sulphur hydrogen bind to link the bonds back together, recreating a healthy disulphide bond.
No.0 – Intensive Bond Building treatment.
No.0 is an excellent way to prep the hair for the No.3 hair perfector. In particular, it is an at-home version of the No2 bond perfector, which is only available in salons. This product is perfect for making dull hair bright again by rebuilding broken bonds.
To use, simply apply the product to dry hair and comb through to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Allow the product to sit for 10 minutes before applying the No.3 hair perfector over the top; allow it to sit for another 10 minutes. After this, rinse the product out and follow with shampoo and conditioner.
No.1 & 2 – Salon only Treatments
These products are only to be used by professionals and therefore aren’t available to buy on the high street to use at home. No.1 Bond multiplier, is used on coloured hair at the salon and mixed into the bleach and applied directly to the foils with the added colour. Additionally, this product can also be used as a stand-alone product. No.2 is the Bond perfector which is applied after the colour has been rinsed out and is left on for 20 minutes.
No.3 – Hair Perfector
This product is their best-selling product and my personal favourite. The treatment reconnects the broken bonds with its bond multiplier system. The hair perfector ensures smoother and stronger hair and prevents split ends and dryness. It’s also great for hair growth!
To use, start with damp hair (either wet with water or use the No.0 mentioned previously). Once damp, apply evenly from your roots to the tips. Leave on for at least 10 minutes and then rinse with water and follow with shampoo and conditioner.
No.4 – Bond Maintenance Shampoo
This shampoo restores and repairs the broken bonds while also cleaning your hair and removing excess oil, creating a clean and soft feel to your hair. The shampoo is also free from parabens, sulphates, and phthalates.
To use, take a small amount of product and gently massage into your scalp and hair until the shampoo starts to lather. Then rinse your hair and follow with the No.5 conditioner for the best results.
No.5 – Bond Maintenance Conditioner
This product helps moisturise your hair and repair it from damage. This formula strengthens, hydrates, and maintains your hair colour for longer-lasting results.
To use, apply after the No.4 Bond maintenance shampoo. Use a generous amount and cover your hair to the ends. To get the most out of the product, leave for 3 minutes and then rinse.
No.6 – Bond Smoother
This bond smoother is a leave-in treatment that tames flyaways for up to 72 hours while repairing dry, damaged hair by relinking any broken bonds. The smoothing cream is perfect for moisturising strands and improving your styling process.
To use, take a small amount of product and apply an even amount onto damp or dry hair. Make sure to focus on the lengths and ends before styling.
N7 – Bonding Oil
This bonding oil helps tame frizzy hair and repair the damaged bonds. Additionally, the oil can protect your hair from heat up to 450 degrees. Unlike other oils, the bonding oil is lightweight and doesn’t leave your hair feeling greasy. The bonding oil is also perfect for getting rid of dull looking hair and adding shine.
To use, run a few drops of the product through wet or dry hair before styling with heated tools such as hair dryers and straighteners.
No.8 – Bond Intense Moisture Mask
This hair mask is the most recent product from Olaplex. The concentrated hair masks strengthens and repairs brittle and damaged hair. The product adds moisture and shine to your strands with fast results. By adding volume, your hair will look and feel healthier.
To use, take a few pumps from the product and distribute through damp and clean hair. Leave in for 10 minutes and rinse through. Use this mask weekly for the best results.
Sources
https://www.cosmetify.com/blog/how-to-use-olaplex-beginners-guide/
https://www.bustle.com/style/how-to-use-olaplex-products-for-best-hair-results