What is Olaplex?
It’s the salon-worthy treatment that any decent hairdresser always want to use, but what actually is Olaplex?
“Would you like Olaplex with your colour treatment?” Asks any hairdresser who is worth their salt.
We delve into what Olaplex actually is, why it works and how it rebuilds your hair from within.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a salon-level hair treatment that works with your hair on a molecular level. Where other hair treatments only work on the surface of the hair, Olaplex works within the hair’s internal structure to repair its ‘disulfide bonds’.
There are seven different Olaplex treatments, consisting of both salon and home use treatments.
Olaplex No.1 and No.2 are salon level treatments and are only available in salons or to buy by hairdressing professionals - these are the treatments that are available at the salon.
Red Door’s Hair Colourist and all round boss lady, Maria, explains: “Think of it as an insurance for your hair - it’s like a protection before you’ve even caused any damage to it.”
How does Olaplex work?
Disulfide bonds are what give your hair its structure. When these bonds are broken, it results in damage.
“Think of it as an insurance for your hair - it’s like a protection before you’ve even caused any damage to it.”
It’s very normal for these bonds to be broken in normal hair processes such as bleaching or heat styling. Olaplex’s patented ingredient, bis-amino diglycol dimaleate (it’s a mouthful we know), restores damaged and compromised bonds within the hair resulting in shiny, healthy, glossy hair.
What can I expect from an Olaplex treatment in the salon?
Well, it depends on what treatment you decide to have.
If your hair's a little dried-out in between colouring and is need of a little TLC or you don’t have coloured hair but just want to give your locks some extra nourishment, then your Olaplex treatment will be applied whilst your hair is being washed. Once Olaplex No. 1 and 2 has been applied, it will be left on for 25 minutes and washed out and conditioned with No. 4 and 5.
If you get your Olaplex treatment during the hair colouring process (which is what we recommend) then it’s a little more complex.
Maria explains the process:
“Olaplex No.1 is mixed in with your colour and applied to your hair with it. This protects your hair from the offset, before the colour has even reached your strands. ”
“Olaplex No.2 is then applied to the hair before your colour is shampooed off. Designed to be used together, No.1 rebuilds the broken disulfide bonds and begins the process of preventing damage. What No.2 does is it then perfects these bonds by finding more single bonds and crosslinks them back together.”
Is Olaplex suitable for me?
Olaplex is suitable for everyone. From curly to straight hair, Olaplex is great for all hair types.
How much is it?
To have Olaplex included in your colour treatment it costs £30. Whilst this might seem like an additional expense it can actually save you money in the long run.
Maria explains: “Protecting your hair from the beginning can actually keep your colour fresher for longer. This is because the healthier your hair is and the stronger your hair bonds are, the more likely your colour is to stay looking fresh and vibrant.
Not having your hair coloured but just in need of some TLC? The stand alone service costs £40 and can be done alongside a normal cut or just a blow dry.
“This is the one if you’re in need of some extra TLC. It will leave your hair super smooth, repaired and nourished.” Maria says.
What’s the difference between Olaplex and a Keratin treatment?
Both Olaplex and Keratin treatments are fantastic for reversing damage and giving your locks that super glossy, soft to touch feel.
However, they work slightly differently.
“Olaplex works with the hair’s internal structure repairing it from within by restoring broken bonds. ”
Keratin treatments on the other hand work on the outside of the hair. The treatment has to be ‘locked in’ using a heated styler (usually a straightener) which smooths the hair shaft, smoothing them and preventing them from breakage.
Which is better?
Well, none. Both are really effective treatments that have amazing benefits. Your preference really depends on the current state of your hair and what your goals are.
As a general rule, Keratin can make hair more aesthetically glossy and is often used to create more natural-looking curls and straight tresses. Whereas Olaplex is more suited to those who have particularly damaged hair and are in need of a little extra ‘strengthening’ power.
Want to unlock your healthiest locks yet? Book your appointment as Red Door Hair Studio now.