Olaplex Review In 2022

Let’s Talk About Olaplex:

If there’s one beauty woe we can all relate to, that is hair damage. But what can we do? The everyday stresses and damage caused by weather, over brushing, heat, UV, chemical damage cannot be prevented.

Well, let me introduce you to Olaplex, the lifesaver for damaged hair.

Olaplex has taken the world by storm, and there’s no wonder as to why. Olaplex has made a name for themselves as “one of the best hair care brands around,” all because of their scientifically researched and extreme damage repairing formulas that work wonders on hair.

Their main ingredient, “Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate,” is a single molecule that dramatically improves hair strength, protecting and repairing from the inside out. I know what you’re thinking; what on earth is that?

It’s fair to say it is a mouthful and a half, but this ingredient helps the hair pair the single sulfur hydrogen faster, so the three oxygen cannot pair with this molecule to prevent damage.

In layman’s terms, it helps repair broken hair bonds by helping the hair form new ones. But don’t worry, I will go into detail as to why our hair gets damaged in the first place and how Olaplex can help repair even severely damaged hair.

So let’s talk about Olaplex in more detail and the top products in their line!

How Olaplex Started: 

Olaplex is a fairly new brand in the hair industry; they are known as the “new kids on the block,” and they have changed the hair industry forever thanks to their legendary ingredient “Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate,” which transforms damaged hair.

But how did it all start?

Olaplex was first established back in 2014, and they have now been on the market for 8 years!

Christal built Olaplex from his Santa Barbra garage, hiring scientists to create a chemical that would dye hair better than existing brands without damage. Olaplex’s big break came when Christal was introduced to celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham, who realized the value of the product.

The “invention,” the Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate ingredient, allowed professionals to reach new heights in color and care. Hair wasn’t just becoming healthier, but it took on a completely different quality; blondes were brighter, brunettes were more radiant, and redheads more vibrant.

Their patented technology is changing what is possible for hair.

As of today, Olaplex is one of the largest independent hair care brands in the world, with over 100 worldwide parents. Through a grassroots approach, the brand quickly became a global sensation, paving the way for a completely new category of hair care, stripping it back to the basics with its “bond-building” technology to repair damage from the root.

Olaplex No.3 is what really put Olaplex on the map, using technology from their already amazing professional products 1 and 2 to create a sensational damage repair product that rebuilds bonds and restores extremely damaged hair.

How Olaplex Works:

There are four causes of damage within our hair caused by thermal, chemical, mechanical, and environmental damage to the hair and caused by everyday stresses, using heat on your hair, and more.

Thermal Damage: 

High levels of heat from curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons, and other heat-styling tools can break down the bonds in your hair which results in damage. Constantly exposing your hair to heat without any form of protection can cause it to become brittle and split.

Using styling tools without any form of heat protection can also strip the moisture from your hair strand, so your hair feels dry and brittle. The steam produced is trapped underneath the cuticle within the cortex and cuticle membrane, and the vaporization of water forces spaces in the hair to expand, which can destroy the protein.

This will leave hair feeling brittle and damaged.

Chemical Damage: 

When we take a trip to the salon, hairstylists may be using professional products, but these chemicals can still cause damage to your hair, even more so if you use a cheap box color or bleach from the store on your hair.

Chemical factors like color treatments like coloring and bleaching and chemical treatments like perms and relaxers can cause prolonged damage to your hair strands.

Perming chemicals break down the disulphate bonds, which hold together the polypeptide chains of keratin; this can cause extreme damage.

Bleach raises your hair’s outer cuticle in order for the bleach to fully penetrate. This can permanently raise the cuticle, which can cause continuous loss of moisture from the strands.

Mechanical Damage:

Brushing, pulling, and tugging your hair can cause mechanical damage, especially when your hair is wet. You shouldn’t tug or pull on strands when your hair is wet, as this can cause unnecessary breakage as your hair is weakest when wet.

While you can prevent mechanical damage by investing in a wet brush or detangling brush and only brushing your hair when dry (unless you have curly hair).

Something as simple as using a cotton towel can cause mechanical damage to your hair. The friction and texture of the towel can cause small holes in the hair shaft. Instead, there are many benefits of using a microfiber towel instead.

It is much more gentle on hair and prevents breakage, so pairing this with an Olaplex treatment can help repair your hair. Olaplex works to reform the bonds broken by mechanical factors.

Environmental Damage: 

The last top common cause of damage is from environmental factors like UV damage from the sun, humidity, and extreme changes in hot/cold weather conditions. UV damage is the top culprit as it can cause as much damage as a styling tool.

Humidity tends to damage the bonds in your hair because it causes a change in the way that the protein bundles in your hair bind together. It breaks the hydrogen bonds causing the hair follicle to swell, which explains why your hair goes frizzy when the weather is humid.

Winter and extreme weather changes can be very harsh on hair; it can make it very dehydrated, making it more prone to breakage than the warmer months. It is important to keep your hair hydrated during these months.

Olaplex not only repairs the bonds in your hair but deeply nourishes the ends of your hair to offer protection from all types of damage.

How It Works:

Olaplex’s Patented Bond Building Technology works on a molecular level. Their main ingredient, “Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate,” is a single molecule that dramatically improves hair strength, protecting and repairing from the inside out.

You will notice immediate results from using Olaplex.

All hair types (natural, curly, fine, straight, etc.) all benefit from using Olaplex. We derive most of our integrity from healthy, properly paired disulfide bonds. When hair is damaged, these bonds are broken apart, which results in breakage.

But what happens when disulfide bonds break?

Well, there are two reactions that take place, the first being that the single sulfur hydrogen component pairs with a single oxygen molecule. This makes the perfect pair and reduces any further damage from taking place.

While the second reaction is when damage occurs, this is when the single sulfur hydrogen molecules pair with three oxygen molecules, which creates Cysteic Acid, which eats the protein out of the hair, which inevitably results in damage to the hair follicle.

Olaplex works by helping the hair pair the single sulfur hydrogen faster so the three oxygen cannot pair with this molecule to prevent damage.

Best Sellers In The Olaplex Range:

There are ten products across the Olaplex range. However, you don’t need all of them. For starters, a few of them are for salon use only, and others are from seriously damaged hair. If your hair is a little damaged but all in all in pretty good condition, then the Olaplex No. 3, 4, and 5 with your chosen heat protectant will be enough to protect your hair.

But enough of me rambling, here’s how you can use the Olaplex treatments for the ultimate healthy hair.

Olaplex 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment

Olaplex No. 0 is a deep bonding treatment; it primes the hair for maximum repair. Just like when we do our makeup, most products work best after using a primer. So No.0 is used as a primer for the No. 3 treatment.

It is part of the two-part process for an intensive at-home reparative treatment. But how do you use Olaplex 0 and 3 together?

It works best on dry hair, No. 0 is a watery liquid that dries quickly, but when No.3 is applied over it, it helps keep the hair damp so both products can work together to offer maximum repair and bond restoring. It is scientifically proven to offer 68% more repair.

The No. 0 contains less of the active ingredient than the Standalone treatment as it was created during COVID-19 lockdown so clients could perform the treatment at home, so they didn’t need to spend as much time in the salon.

No. 0 is a salon-worthy treatment that works on all hair types and textures (just like their entire line). It is best for those with intensely damaged hair and who want to see results fast!

The best way to use Olaplex No.0 is to apply it to clean dry hair and comb it through to ensure even coverage. You should use it with the No. 3 treatment as despite the No. 0 treatment working alone, it works better and offers better results when paired with No.3.

Leave the No. 0 treatment on for 10 minutes and then apply Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector directly on top of the No.0. Comb it through again and leave it to sit for a minimum of 10 minutes, but if you want better results, then you should leave it on for longer!

Then once you’ve left it for a while, you can shampoo and condition using the Olaplex No. 4 and 5 for the ultimate results.

Olaplex No. 1 and 2:

The Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier and No.2 Bond Protector is exclusive to professionals. The No.1 Bond Multiplier is a concentrated additive to less damage during chemical processing. It is used as the first step in the In-Salon Olaplex System.

It can be used in hair color and bleach, or you can use it with other hair treatments as a standalone treatment if your client’s hair is extremely damaged.

The second step of the In-Salon Olaplex System is the Stand Alone Treatment– also known as Olaplex No.2 Bond Protector. It works to rebuild and restore broken bonds, ensuring the strongest, shiniest, and healthiest hair possible.

The best way to use Olaplex No.2 is to apply to the hair after washing the hair; after all, processing has been completed and leave for at least 20 minutes, and then rinse. The Olaplex No.0 is a weaker version of this that can be used by clients.

Olaplex 3 Hair Perfector:

The Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is not a conditioner; it is a weekly at-home treatment that reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving the look and feels. You can use it as the two-part system with the No. 0 to strengthen and repair extremely damaged hair.

This treatment is what put Olaplex on the map! I created a full guide on how to use Olaplex No. 3 to reap the most benefits, so be sure to check it out!

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is known to visibly reduce breakage and strengthen the hair while improving the look and feel of all hair types. It is recommended to be used once or twice a week (depending on the condition of the hair) on damp hair from roots to ends.

The best way I like to use the No.3 treatment is to hop in the shower after a long day at work to wash my body and then dampen down my hair; I will then comb through the ends of my hair and apply a pea-sized amount to the mid-lengths and ends.

I will then twist the ends of my hair and tie it up in a loose bun on top of my head using a silk or satin scrunchie; I will then go about my evening, and then by the time its time to go to bed, it should be dry enough to sleep in.

The next day I then rinse out the treatment and follow up using the Olaplex 4 and 5 as part of the three-part system.

Olaplex 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo:

Olaplex No 4 is a bonding shampoo that is highly nourishing and reparative; it protects hairs from everyday stresses such as repairing split ends frizzy and damaged hair by relinking broken bonds. It is both color-safe and sulfate-free and ideal for everyday use.

It works with Olaplex No.5 Conditioner to add moisture without excess weight, making it ideal for all hair types and textures.

Here’s a pro tip to make Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo last longer: you don’t need as much as you think you do!! Start with a dime-sized amount and emulsify it in your hands to activate and kick start the lather before applying it to your wet hair.

Olaplex No. 4P: Recently, Olaplex has also introduced a purple shampoo to their range known as the No 4P. It offers the same benefits as the Olaplex but works to neutralize brassiness and boost brightness on blonde tones.

Olaplex 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner:

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is a deeply nourishing, reparative, moisturizing conditioner for all hair types. It works to relink broken bonds while deeply hydrating the ends of your hair. The patented system repairs extreme damage to turn dry, brittle hair into soft and resilient hair.

Before applying Olaplex No 5, squeeze out any excess moisture before applying as this will help the conditioner penetrate more deeply. Use a small amount and massage into the ends, and work your way up to the mid-lengths, trying to avoid roots.

Grab a wide-tooth comb and comb through the ends to ensure even coverage, and then leave it for at least three minutes and then rinse. I tend to wash my hair first and then apply the conditioner and then do things like shave, exfoliate and wash, so you don’t lose time in the morning waiting around to wash out the conditioner.

Olaplex 6:

The Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is a highly concentrated leave-in treatment smoothing cream that strengthens, moisturizes, and speeds up blow-drying times. It works to eliminate frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours; the No. 6 is a serious smooth talker.

This leave-in reparative styling treatment is infused with patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology. It speeds up blow-drying time by smoothing the cuticle.

Start with a small amount for shoulder-length hair, I have quite thick hair, and I don’t need any more than a pea-sized amount of this stuff. But if you do have very long, thick hair, you might need more, but always start with a little bit and add more.

Apply to damp or dry hair on the mid-lengths and ends. I usually apply it after getting out of the shower after shampooing and conditioning my hair before styling. Apply it after roughly combing through your ends and then comb through again for even coverage.

Olaplex 7:

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil acts as a heat protectant from both styling heat and UV rays. It is a weightless styling oil that works with No.6 to smooth flyaways and frizz while protecting hair when heat styling. It also offers color vibrancy, smoothness, and shine.

It is very lightweight so it is perfect for fine hair as well as thick hair.

You only need a small amount of this oil; a little goes a long way. Remove the cap and turn the bottle upside and gently tap to dispense a metered drop; you’ll only need a few drops. Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair and style as desired.

Olaplex 8:

The last Olaplex product is the Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. This highly concentrated reparative mask adds shine smoothness while providing intense moisture to treat damaged hair. It is infused with their Bond Building Technology.

This hair mask can help those with thermal damage, chemical damage, frizzy hair, and it can even be used on curly hair or wavy hair for curl definition. Check out the best Olaplex products for curly hair for more details. 

Use 1-3 pumps and massage into freshly shampooed, towel-dried hair. The highly concentrated formula will fully absorb into the hair.

Work through the mid-lengths all the way to the ends of your hair and then leave it on for at least 10 minutes and rinse. This will give your hair a serious hydration kick and repair it from the inside out.

Plus, if you have naturally curly hair, it will promote your natural curl.

Why We Love Olaplex At Beautists:

Olaplex has truly taken the world by storm and earned its place in the top haircare brands on the market. Many people found that their hair felt softer, more manageable, and overall in much better condition when using Olaplex.

Unlike other brands, Olaplex works on a molecular level to repair the hair; it rebuilds bonds within the hair and overall strengthens the hair from within to prevent and protect against damage in the future. They have set a whole new level for other brands to follow.

If you have damaged hair, straight hair, curly hair, dry hair, or hair that just needs a bit of TLC, this is what we love Olaplex for. It will magically transform your hair and leave it more manageable, healthier, and brighter.

All of us at beautists love the Olaplex range, we have many reviews for each individual product, and despite each being in a little bottle, a little goes a long way, so Olaplex will last you for months!