If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Stocksy
In This Article
Olaplex: The mask, the myth, the legend.
But if you haven’t, we’re here to spread the news.
Stocksy
Olaplex belongs to the rare elite of buzzy beauty products that actually live up to their miraculous claims.
It’s the product that Kylie Jenner has credited with her ability to go from raven to platinum overnight.
It’s what allowed Julianne Hough to literally transform hernatural hair texturefrom straight to wavy.
We’ve already answered the question of whether or not Olaplex works: It does.
But exactlyhowdoes Olaplex work?
Keep reading to learn how Olaplex really works to transform strands.
Meet the Experts
Martine Robertsonis the director of education at Olaplex.
Violet Teritiis a hairstylist, extension artist, and the founder ofChaviv Hair Salons.
Matt Rezis a celebrity hair colorist andMoroccanoilGlobal Celeb Colorist.
Bianca Hillieris a celebrity hair colorist atAndy Lecompte Salon.
What Is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a three-step process that aims to repair and prevent hair damage.
(To findsalons that use the Olaplex system, check out its website.)
What makes the Olaplex system so universally beloved is that it works withallhair types and textures.
As Martine Robertson, director of education at Olaplex puts it, “Olaplex is for everyone, literally.
All hair goes through stress that can lead to breakage.
Natural, colored, fine, fulleven extensionsall hair types benefit from the treatment.
Hairstylist and extensions artist Violet Teriti swears by Olaplex for keeping clients' extensions pristine.
“The extensions always stay shiny and healthy, allowing them to reuse the hair over a year.”
How Does It Work?
It’s a patented ingredient that actively restores broken bonds.
and reconnecting them both ionically and covalently.
This means that broken or weak bonds, located anywhere on the hair shaft, are targeted.”
Much of the buzz surrounding Olaplex stems from its incredible capability to fend off damage from hair color.
Celebrity colorist Matt Rez considers it a must for hair lightening.
“Blondes and those who want the lightest strands must be on their Olaplex game,” he says.
“I use Olaplex in the salon all the time.
“Think of Olaplex No.3 as the ultimate mini treatment,” she says.
Start by applying a generous amount of the product on damp hair, from roots to ends.
Comb through and leave on for around 10-minutes, just like a hair mask.
Lastly, just rinse and shampoo and condition as normal.
When: Use Weekly
As for how often you should be using Olaplex?
That depends on the scope and severity of your hair’s damage.
Roberston recommends including a treatment with each salon visit followed by No.3 every one or two weeks.
“That causes swelling to the hair cuticle for color or lightener to do its job.”
This is where Olaplex comes in, and “secures a healthy lightening.”
What’s the Difference Between Olaplex Products?
Olaplex formulates a range of products.
Somelike the No.3are meant as treatments and only to be used once per week or sporadically.
Others, like No.1 and No.2, are meant only for in-salon use.
“This product is used as an additive to prevent damage,” Hillier says.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is a weekly at-home treatment that is intended for consumer use.
3 Hair Perfector can be used on top of the Olaplex No.
0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment or solo.”
Lathering up with thissulfate-free shampoowon’t dry out strands.
It’s chock-full of moisture and great for all hair types, including color-treated hair, too.
Bye-bye frizz and thirsty locks, this ultra-hydrating conditioner infuses moisture into strands for the ultimate hair health.
A leave-in treatment that smooths, protects, and moisturizes without weighing hair down.
No more dull, lackluster locks with this sheen-enhancing oil.
It’s light enough for fine strands yet hydrating enough for dry and coarse hair types.
Olaplex works on repairing your hair, not increasing its density.
Olaplex realigns broken disulfide bonds, which helps strengthen the hair after chemical services.
This is because virgin hair is still susceptible to environmental and thermal damage.
