Olaplex has become one of the most popular hair care brands in recent years, especially among women with color-treated hair. But what exactly makes Olaplex stand out? Here’s a closer look at why Olaplex treatments and products have become a staple for so many.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a hair care brand that was created by two California-based hairstylists, Dean Christal and Eric Schwartz. It’s focused specifically on repairing and protecting damaged hair that has been chemically processed through coloring, perming, or straightening.
The key active ingredient in Olaplex products is something called bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This patented molecule works by re-linking the disulfide bonds that can be broken down by chemical processes like bleaching and coloring. By mending these bonds at a molecular level, Olaplex can dramatically improve the strength, texture, and appearance of compromised hair.
Why Do People Love Olaplex?
There are several key reasons why Olaplex has become such a hit among women with colored and damaged hair:
It Really Repairs Hair
Unlike many bonding treatments that create only a temporary effect, Olaplex makes permanent repairs at a molecular level. This means it can actually restore compromised hair to a healthy state, not just coat damaged areas.
It’s Safe for All Hair Types
Olaplex can be safely used on all hair types and colors. Whether you have fine and fragile hair or thick and curly hair, Olaplex treatments can improve texture, strength, and manageability.
It Prevents Further Damage
Olaplex doesn’t just fix past damage – it helps fortify hair against future breakage and split ends. Using it regularly helps keep hair strong and protects color from fading quickly.
It Makes Coloring Easier
When used as a pre-treatment before coloring, Olaplex allows colorists to use higher volumes of bleach safely. This means clients can achieve lighter and brighter shades with less damage.
It Improves Styling
By repairing damaged cuticles, Olaplex makes hair smoother and stronger. This makes hair far easier to style. Styling products also tend to work better on hair that has been “Olaplexed.”
It Reduces Frizz
Olaplex seals the hair cuticle and enhances manageability, resulting in less frizz even in very humid weather. For people with thick or curly hair, this is a game changer.
It Leaves Hair Soft and Shiny
Hair that has been damaged by chemical processing often feels dry, brittle, and dull. Olaplex treatments restore softness, shine, and vibrancy to lackluster locks.
It’s Sulfate-Free
All Olaplex products are free of sulfates, which can be harsh and drying for colored hair. The gentle formulas help keep moisture levels up.
It Smells Great
Unlike some bonding treatments with unpleasant chemical odors, Olaplex products have a refreshing, spa-like scent that clients love.
How Does Olaplex Work?
To understand why Olaplex is so effective, it helps to understand how it works at a molecular level:
Healthy hair strands are held together by disulfide bonds within the hair proteins. Chemical processing like bleaching breaks many of these crucial bonds, leaving hair brittle and prone to damage. Olaplex contains bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, a unique active ingredient that finds and re-links those broken disulfide bonds. This restores the hair’s integrity to a pre-damaged state.
In addition to the bond-building active ingredient, Olaplex products contain moisturizing oils, proteins, and nutrients to further strengthen and improve hair’s condition. However, it’s the patented active that sets Olaplex apart from other bonding products.
What Treatments Does Olaplex Offer?
Olaplex is available in salon treatments as well as at-home maintenance products:
Salon Treatments
- No. 1 Bond Multiplier – Used prior to coloring services as a preventative treatment.
- No. 2 Bond Perfector – Used after coloring to repair broken bonds.
- No. 3 Hair Perfector – An intensive reparative treatment.
- No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo – A coloring service additive.
- No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – A coloring service additive.
At-Home Products
- No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
- No. 3 Hair Perfector
- No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
- No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
- No. 6 Bond Smoother
- No. 7 Bonding Oil
- No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Olaplex Reviews
Olaplex has earned rave reviews from everyday users as well as professional colorists:
| Reviewer | Comments |
|---|---|
| Melissa, Minneapolis | “My stylist used Olaplex when doing my balayage and it left my hair in amazing shape! Zero damage even with lightening.” |
| Ashley, Los Angeles | “I use Olaplex No. 3 once a week and it has made my colored hair so incredibly soft and manageable.” |
| Clara, Miami | “Olaplex is MAGIC. It saved my curls after so much heat damage. Now I use the No. 5 conditioner to keep my texture smooth.” |
| Salon owner, Portland | “Every client that gets an Olaplex treatment is blown away by how healthy their hair feels afterwards. Total game changer.” |
Across social media, reviews for Olaplex tend to be extremely positive. Users rave about how well it repairs damage, protects color, detangles, reduces frizz, and restores shine. Many say Olaplex has completely transformed the look and feel of their hair.
Common Concerns About Olaplex
While satisfaction with Olaplex is generally very high, there are a few common concerns that come up:
It’s Expensive
Some balk at the above-average prices for Olaplex, with the salon treatments ranging from $50-80 per service and at-home products costing $28-38. However, considering the dramatic results most users see, many feel the price is fully justified.
Results Don’t Last Forever
Although Olaplex repairs damage permanently, regular use is needed to maintain optimal hair health. This means purchasing ongoing salon treatments and/or at-home products.
It Can Cause Hair Loss
A small number of people report increased hair shedding or loss after using Olaplex. This may occur if protein is overloaded on already damaged hair. However, this side effect seems to be uncommon.
No Heat Protection
Some incorrectly assume Olaplex will protect hair from heat styling damage. While it repairs existing damage, Olaplex does not replace traditional heat protectant sprays and creams.
Is Olaplex Worth the Hype?
For most hair coloring devotees, Olaplex is 100% worth the hype. The dramatic difference it can make in the condition of damaged, over-processed hair is unparalleled. No other product can actually mend broken disulfide bonds at a molecular level like Olaplex.
For people who regularly color, bleach, perm, or straighten their hair, Olaplex is almost essential for maintaining healthy hair. Using it regularly minimizes damage and breakage, while keeping hair soft, strong, shiny, and vibrant.
While Olaplex is not cheap, it pays for itself many times over by allowing for more frequent hair coloring services with less wear and tear. For severe damage, a few intensive salon treatments can restore hair to nearly pristine condition.
As long as expectations are realistic – Olaplex strengthens but doesn’t permanently protect hair without ongoing use – most users find it well worth the investment. For damaged, colored hair, Olaplex stands in a class of its own.
Conclusion
Olaplex has skyrocketed to popularity thanks to its ability to actually repair – not just temporarily mask – damage from chemical processing. Its patented active ingredient works at a molecular level to mend broken bonds that make hair brittle and prone to breakage. This allows people with colored, bleached, permed, or straightened hair to achieve their desired shade and texture with far less damage.
Regular Olaplex use also keeps hair strong and protected between salon visits, minimizes frizz and tangling, extends the life of hair color, and restores a healthy, youthful texture and shine. Despite the relatively high cost, for most users with compromised hair, Olaplex is an investment well worth making. It has become a staple hair product for a reason – it simply works.