Olaplex 101: What It Does, When You Need It, and When You Don’t
— in Scalp & Hair HealthOlaplex works. But it works most on hair that needs it.
Olaplex has been in professional salons since 2014, which makes it one of the most established bond-building systems on the market. Knowing which category your hair falls into helps you decide whether it is worth adding to your service.
What Olaplex Was Designed to Do
During a bleaching or lightening service, the disulfide bonds in the hair cortex are broken. These bonds give the hair strand its tensile strength and elasticity. Olaplex’s active ingredient reconnects those broken bonds.
The Numbered System
No. 1 Bond Multiplier: Applied by your stylist mixed into or alongside the lightener during a bleaching service.
No. 2 Bond Perfector: Applied in-salon after rinsing the lightener. It continues the bond-reconnection process and is the professional step that determines how much of the benefit you retain.
No. 3 Hair Perfector: The at-home version. Applied to damp hair before shampooing, left for ten minutes minimum.
No. 4 and 5: Olaplex shampoo and conditioner. Color-safe, bond-building formula for daily use.
4-in-1 Mask: A deep treatment mask available at Fettle and Mane as a standalone add-on service.
When Olaplex Makes the Most Difference
During any significant bleaching or lightening service. For guests who color their hair frequently. For guests whose hair has begun showing signs of damage. See the five signs that indicate hair may be over-processed
When It Is Less Essential
For a toning or demi-permanent color service only, Olaplex is not necessary. Shades EQ does not lift the cuticle or break bonds in the way that lightener does. Not sure whether K-18 is a better fit for your situation?
Want Olaplex added to your next service? Mention it when you book and we will factor it in.