A great way to judge a brand before trying it yourself is to look at reactions in group chats. I knew I was on the right track when I mentioned that I was trying a full Olaplex routine. I received compliments, envy, and requests to pass on the product. My friends' reactions reflected the general hype surrounding the brand. Recommended by hairdressers and celebrities, you're likely to find Olaplex in every beauty lover's bathroom cabinet. The brand's most recent product launches (Purple Shampoo and No. 8 Hair Mask) are selling out and creating a huge buzz on social media for their ability to transform brassy blonde hair into cool tones and dull, lackluster hair. Transforming into luscious hair takes just minutes.
Olaplex is dedicated to making salon-like treatments available at home, and is known as a savior for those who color their hair. Unlike other treatments that simply add moisture and shine to the hair's outer layer, Olaplex's proprietary technology (the main ingredient is bisaminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) works at a molecular level and seeks out the hair's Broken bonds (caused by). chemical, thermal and mechanical damage). It then repairs these bonds and encourages new growth, leaving hair feeling and looking softer, shinier, and stronger from the inside out.
After years of beachside living, sun damage, and more than two years without professional help due to lockdown, my hair was in need of a little TLC (I thank TikTok for teaching me how to cut my own hair). As I did more research on Olaplex, I discovered that not only is it beneficial for bleached and dyed hair, but it can also repair damage caused by environmental aggressors and styling. Even better, it does a world of good for people with dry, frizzy hair like mine. This is a beautiful lifeline as frizz can be exacerbated by cold winter temperatures and aggressive central heating.
But here's the million-dollar question: Are each of these products worth the hype? To find out, I spent a month using these seven. Read what I really think and all the information you need before purchasing the entire Olaplex hair care range.
Olaplex No.0 Bond Builder, £28
No.0 Bond Builder is a powerful tool in your regenerative hair care routine, featuring the highest concentration of Olaplex's patented molecular technology. According to the brand, it works best when combined with the No.3 Hair Perfector. To start, the brand recommends applying No. 0 to all dry hair, saturating hair from roots to ends and leaving it on for 10 minutes before applying No. 3. After another 10 minutes, the brand recommends washing both products with No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Conditioner.
To be honest, I am a little skeptical about No. 0. Its watery formula doesn't seem to deliver on its purported transformative power. Your hair will feel a little greasy after application. However, if #3 is added to the mix, I can see the appeal. After washing and air-drying my hair as usual, I didn't have any of the usual frizz, just soft, shiny waves. It felt like a lot of effort, and the tiny nozzle meant it took a while to fully soak into my hair. I can only imagine that those with long, thick hair would have more problems. I think I'll keep this as an occasional treat in the future.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, £28
The second pre-wash treatment in my routine is No.3 Hair Perfector. It's not a hair mask or leave-in conditioner, but a creamy builder that should be used before shampooing. Unlike #0 (which needs to be paired with #3 to work), it can be used alone. I've tried both methods and my hair feels smooth and silky every time. However, I realized how small bottle #3 was. You must also allow your hair to completely saturate during this process, leave it on for at least 10 minutes, and then rinse. I find that my hair doesn't need to be treated more than once a week. 3 treatments are required, but dyed or damaged hair may require two to three doses. It's effective, but at £28 for 100ml, it can be expensive.
Olaplex No.4 Bond Conditioning Shampoo, £28
#4 looks tiny compared to the big bottle of Monday Conditioning Shampoo that you usually keep in the shower. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way, though, and the formula is super silky and smells amazing (lightly fruity, like something from an expensive hair salon). This product is great for those with thick, dry, frizzy hair that needs some extra moisture. I only need a small amount to lather my entire head. My hair does feel healthier, stronger, and shinier after using #4, but I also have very thin hair and the formula is too strong to use regularly.
Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, £28
Olaplex recommends leaving No. 5 (Bond Maintenance Shampoo's nourishing counterpart) on for three minutes and then rinsing it off. I admit I have a hard time remembering my morning routine, but it's worth it, especially if you have dry hair and split ends. In everyday life, there is no need to use #0 and #3 if you have #4 and #5 in your arsenal. To give my hair a break here and there, I alternate it with a milder, thinner conditioner.
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoothener, £28
I'm especially excited to try this. No.6 Bond Smoother is a thick, buttery leave-in styling cream that moisturizes dry hair and eliminates frizz. I've been in desperate need of it this past month, considering the havoc the change of seasons has wreaked on my dry cul-de-sac, and the central heating system causing severe frizz. Applying a pea-sized drop to damp, washed or dry hair before styling is enough. It practically blends into the hair, leaving it soft, shiny, light and bouncy. It never feels greasy or weighs down the hair.I just wish Olaplex had a larger version because this is the clear winner for me.
Olaplex No. 7 Adhesive Oil, £28
Small but mighty - that's the only way to describe No. 7 Bonding Oil. It softens and detangles hair, extends color vibrancy, reduces frizz, tames unruly hair, and is a powerful heat protectant (good for temperatures up to around 230°C, not to mention UV rays). It comes in a small bottle (30ml, £26, which I think is quite rich) but I find I only need a drop or two combed through the ends of my hair to get an instant shine and smooth look. The formula is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and has a delicious, sweet scent. However, using the applicator can be a bit annoying. I prefer a smaller pump so I can really feel like I have control over the product.
Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisturizing Mask, £28
The No.8 Bond Intense Moisturizing Mask is another favorite on this list and one that I will probably buy again and again. This is a simple but really effective hair mask. It's suitable for all hair types and is formulated not only with Olaplex's bonding technology but also with powerful ingredients (the ones you're more accustomed to in your skin care routine). Hyaluronic acid moisturizes hair, ceramides speed up the repair and recovery process, and avocado, rosehip, and rice bran oils leave your hair glowing. It's a more concentrated version of #3, which my dry, fine hair eagerly absorbed. You only need to use it once a week. Apply it to clean, damp hair, working from mid-lengths to ends, and leave on for 10 minutes (mine only needed two pumps). I've incorporated this into my Sunday self-care routine as a treat to get my hair ready for the week. I might even skip the conditioner if that's the case.
Post a Comment