So you’ve finally given in to the hype and purchased your first Olaplex pack, or maybe you’re still doing your research and are looking to integrate the products into your hair care routine. Well, whatever has gotten you interested in this magical range, you’ve got to read this guide before you begin your Olaplex journey. We’ve got you covered in this blog with our complete guide on how to use Olaplex, from No. 0 to No. 8. Whether you’re wanting to treat dry or damaged hair, the patented Olaplex technology is the saviour you’ve been waiting for.
Olaplex has been in the hair game for as long as we can remember. With very few other brands being able to top the results of this holy grail hair brand, it’s only become more and more popular around the world.
What is Olaplex and how does it work?
Olaplex began as a salon treatment product that professional hairdressers would use to treat dry, damaged hair. As they extended their range to include more formulations, people were able to shop the range and get salon results at home. Whether you’ve experienced hair damage from perms, brushing, colouring, bleaching, heat, or just general external stressors, Olaplex is a solution that will get your hair where it needs to be.
So what’s the science behind these groundbreaking products? Olaplex offers Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate formulated products in their hair care, this star ingredient is what repairs your hair at a molecular level. And because it’s been patented, it’s a one-of-a-kind hair solution that you can’t get anywhere else. When our hair gets damaged from environmental stressors, styling and harsh hair treatments, our disulfide bonds can break. These bonds are what keep our hair healthy, luscious, and strong. When the bonds break down, you have single sulfur hydrogen bonds trying to connect with three oxygen molecules, causing you to lose hair proteins. So Olaplex works by protecting that single sulfur hydrogen bond, and nurturing it back to health.
Olaplex offers a suitable solution for all kinds of hair, whether you’ve got dry, oily, coloured, thick, thin, or even coarse hair, you can reap the benefits of its groundbreaking bond technology. Another added bonus is that the whole range is cruelty-free, vegan, and sulphate-free.
How to use each Olaplex product
Olaplex No. 0 - Intensive Bond Building Treatment
The perfect pair to go with Olaplex No. 3, the bond building treatment is a primer that has the highest concentration of the Olaplex bond building technology. It is a priming product that helps your hair absorb more moisture and nourishment from the Olaplex pre-wash treatment. This can be applied to dry hair, saturating every section so No. 3 can work its magic.
Olaplex No. 1 - Bond Multiplier
Olaplex No.1 and No. 2 are formulated for salon use, when colouring and bleaching hair. There are several ways in which it can be used in the colour or bleach mixtures. It can be used for balayages, as an on-scalp lightener, for extensions, in toner, glaze, gloss or colour mixes.
Olaplex No. 2 - Bond Perfector
Usually applied after hair processing in the salon, Olaplex No. 2 is a concentrated mini-treatment that will repair and smooth your hair in 10 minutes. You can rinse off afterwards, and use shampoo and conditioner as you would in your usual wash routine.
Olaplex No. 3 - Hair Perfector
Olaplex No.3 is a pre-wash treatment that is best used when you have a little more time on your hands. This is the perfect nourishing solution for those experiencing dry, brittle, and damaged hair. You can use Olaplex No.3 once a week, and leave it in anywhere between 10-45 minutes, then rinse off with your shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to dampen your hair before application so it can deeply penetrate your hair cuticles. To make it even more effective, we recommend you purchase the Olaplex No. 0 and No.3 pack.
Olaplex No. 4 - Bond Maintenance Shampoo
The Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5 are a must-have pair for your hair wash routine. The shampoo is the first step in your regular wash routine. Giving you stronger, shinier, and voluminous hair through every wash, you’ll be able to nurse your hair back to health in no time.
Olaplex No. 5 - Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Step 2 in your wash regime - the Olaplex No.5 will detangle, smooth, and hydrate your hair. Apply this formula from root to tip, and leave it in for at least 3 minutes.
Olaplex No. 6 - Bond Smoother
After washing your hair, if you’re using heat tools or blow during, we recommend you apply the leave-in styling cream. This protects, smooths and hydrates your hair using coconut oil and Vitamin E.
Olaplex No. 7 - Bonding Oil
The bonding oil is another option you may choose for your pre-styling hair prep. It provides heat protection up to 230°C. You can use this formula on both damp or dry hair, and it will give you instant shine, smooth flyaways, and frizz. You can also use it just as an extra step of hydration after washing.
Olaplex No. 8 - Bond Intense Moisture Mask
The moisture mask is the perfect choice for those who want to add some body, smoothness, moisture, and shine. You can apply a couple of pumps to damp, towel-dried hair, from your mid lengths to end, and then rinse after 10 minutes. Olaplex No. 8 is ideal for weekly use.
Which Olaplex kit should I be using?
With so many different formulas to choose from in the Olaplex collection, you might be a bit confused on which ones you need, and how often you should use it. We recommend Olaplex No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 for beginners, and your choice of post-wash product, either No. 6 or No. 7. Generally, No. 1 and No. 2 are designed for salon use, or if you are going to colour and bleach your hair at home. No. 0 is a great addition to No. 3 as well to enhance its effectiveness. No. 8 is a great choice for those with visible damage and need intense hydration. No matter what you choose, the entire Olaplex collection provides benefits for everyone’s hair.
You can find various Olaplex value packs at LUX Hair to suit your hair needs and budget. Check out our full Olaplex range.
Shop at LUX Hair for Olaplex products in Australia
You can find all the Olaplex products we mentioned online, on the LUX Hair website, or in store at one our store locations in Preston, Coburg, or Altona. Experience the difference of Olaplex today.
