To use Olaplex, start by shampooing your hair and towel-drying it thoroughly. Next, apply Olaplex No. 3 to your scalp and comb it through your hair. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm water, then shampoo and condition your hair as normal. Alternatively, use the Olaplex website to find a salon near you that offers Olaplex treatments. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to use Olaplex to repair extremely damaged hair, read on!
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You can think of Olaplex as your hair follicle rebuilder. If you can imagine your hair follicle as a thin vine, blowing in the wind, external elements like heat, colour and rough combing can cause this vine to split and break down. When applied before, during and after colour treatment, Olaplex can re-strengthen this vine and rebuilt it from the inside-out.
Another piece of good news about this already jaw-droppingly exciting product is that it can be applied to all hair types, including virgin, coloured, textured or highly compromised. The Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is an ideal hair mask of sorts that will help fortify, smooth and protect your locks.
What’s the Difference Between Olaplex No. 1, 2 and 3?
If you’ve read up a little on the Olaplex phenomenon, you’ll know there are actually three different formulas — aptly named Olaplex Nos. 1, 2 and 3! Each works slightly differently, so here’s a quick run-down.
All treatments contain the same key ingredient, just in different dosages for their own distinct purpose. Olaplex Nos. 1 and 2 are available for professional use only. No. 1 gets added directly into the hair colour or lightener to protect and repair hair while it’s being coloured. Stylists also use Olaplex No. 1 as a standalone treatment on particularly damaged hair — it can be key to a total rebuild of the hair follicles!
Olaplex No 2. is a cream formula, so can easily be applied after a colour service to restore the strength, structure and integrity of the hair. This is used by the pros, often post-Olaplex No. 1 to ensure a transformative, fortifying experience.
Finally, Olaplex No. 3 is a take-home treatment that can be used to keep hair strong and healthy between colour treatments in-salon. Olaplex No. 3 is easily accessible by consumers, and you don’t need to have had either of the prior treatments to use it. It’s the most powerful at-home hair rebuilding agent on the market — just read the stacks of glowing reviews!
How to Use Olaplex No. 3
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So, you’ve picked up a little bottle of Olaplex No. 3 and you’re just dying to use it — we don’t blame you! Here’s exactly how you can start perfecting your hair from home with Olaplex to get results that’ll hopefully mimic those in the image above!
- You can either start by washing your hair lightly with your favourite shampoo (We recommend the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance) to rid your hair of oil and build up, or if you feel your hair is already clean enough, you can apply Olaplex to dry hair. However, if you apply dry, you’ll need more product to thoroughly saturate the hair.
- Apply a good amount to towel dried (or dry as mentioned above) hair and comb through gently.
- Leave to sit for at least 10 minutes. If your hair is extremely damaged (or if it just needs a little boost), you can leave the Olaplex on for up to 90 minutes.
- Rinse out in the shower, then follow up with shampoo and conditioner. For best results, we recommend using the Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner, both of which are formulated with the Olaplex Bond Building chemistry. Olaplex is not a leave-in treatment, and is meant to be followed up with your everyday haircare routine.
- Style hair as usual. Try using the Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother, a concentrated leave-in smoothing cream that eliminates frizz, hydrates and protects all hair types.
The results you’ll experience post-Olaplex can be varied, but one common misconception is that it’ll leave your hair silky-soft like never before. Although Olaplex is sure to soften the hair a little, it might not be as soft as you’ve come to expect, as it’s not a hair mask or deep conditioner. Remember, Olaplex works from the inside out to repair broken hair bonds. What you should notice is that your hair is a little more manageable, and also that breakage is less obvious up-close. You might also reap some added benefits, like a burst of gorgeous shine!
It’s recommended you use Olaplex No. 3 no more frequently than once a week, but you can also use it less frequently based on your needs.
The results experienced from Olaplex are permanent, so the reconnected hair bonds won’t break on their own. However, the daily elements of your haircare routine can create damage and thus re-break the repaired bonds. These processes include styling with heated tools, over-brushing and colouring the hair. To help restore once again, simply grab out your trusty Olaplex No. 3 again and repeat the process.
The Olaplex Range
No. 0 Bond Builder
The bond-building hair treatment works as a primer for the No. 3 Hair Perfector, helping to rebuild bonds and strengthen damaged hair.
No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
A bond-strengthening shampoo, formulated with Olaplex Bond Building Chemistry, the effective shampoo works to restore internal strength and moisture levels while gently cleansing and adding shine.
No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Designed to be used weekly in place of your regular shampoo, the Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo delivers a deep cleanse to remove impurities, build-up and pollutants from your hair.
No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
This sulphate-free shampoo offers customisable blonde maintenance, helping to neutralise brassy tones while intensely moisturising and brightening your hair.
No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Also formulated with Olaplex Bond Building Chemistry, this reparative conditioner works to restore tresses and intensely hydrate without adding excess weight. Strengthening and replenishing, the conditioner will help to eliminate damage and combat unruly frizz to leave locks looking stronger, healthier and shinier.
No.6 Bond Smoother
A leave-in reparative styling crème which eliminates frizz, hydrates and protects all hair types.
No.7 Bonding Oil
This ultra-lightweight, reparative styling oil dramatically increases shine, softness and strength to your hair.
No.8 Bonding Oil
This multi-benefit treatment works to moisturise and smooth whilst adding body and shine, creating visibly healthier-looking hair.
No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
An antioxidant-rich, leave-in hair serum to shield hair from pollution, heat, and future damage by nourishing hair, blocking pollutants, and neutralising free radicals.
FAQs
Can I sleep with Olaplex in my hair?
If you’re short on time you will be able see the results of Olaplex in as little as 10 minutes. However, On their Instagram, Olaplex has said you can leave the treatment on overnight. Just make sure your hair doesn’t come into contact with your face or eyes!
Is Olaplex a conditioner?
No, Olaplex is not a conditioner, it’s an at home hair re bonding product. However, there is an Olaplex Bond Maintenance Conditioner (see above).
How often should I use Olaplex?
This depends on the condition of your hair. We recommend using Olaplex No.3 once per fortnight and for hair that’s particularly damaged amp up your use to once per week.