November 29, 2019
What is the Olaplex hair treatment and how does it work?
The Olaplex hair treatment is the one of the biggest advances in hair technology for years – but does it really live up to the hype when it comes to repairing damaged and brittle hair?
Kim Kardashian reportedly swears by the Olaplex hair treatment (it’s apparently how she goes to platinum and back again without wrecking her tresses), saying: ‘When your hair is really damaged, if you sleep in that, it really works. I notice a huge difference.’
When should Olaplex hair treatment be used?
For best results, it’s important to use it during a colour treatment, rather than after it.
This is where some of the confusion around the hair treatment comes in – the Olaplex hair treatment is not a cure-all for dry or damaged hair. It is a scientifically-developed treatment that works on hair condition from within, as opposed to a conditioner that improves only the superficial condition of damaged tresses.
Olaplex is invaluable in maintaining the disulphide bonds within the hair structure during the colour process. These bonds are normally broken down during the colour process and can sometimes result in breakage and candyfloss results mainly in high lift situations such as balayage, highlights or lift tints. It’s a must for anyone heading lighter.
Olaplex is also split into three main stages, and when you use each one differs, with four hair maintenance products to support your hair condition.
Olaplex before and after
Olaplex 1
Olaplex No 1 goes on your hair while it’s being coloured. It’s mixed in with the colour and applied directly onto your hair.
Olaplex 2
Olaplex No 2 is applied when you’re at the back wash sink. Once the hair dye has been rinsed, it’s applied to the hair and left on for around 20 minutes, then rinsed out. A little bit like a deep conditioning hair mask.
Olaplex 3
Olaplex No 3 is your turn; an at-home treatment that you use once a week. Pop it onto damp hair, comb through so that it reaches every strand and then leave for at least ten minutes. Do it for as long as you can – make like Kim K and leave it in whilst you sleep, then wash out afterwards.
