Your ultimate guide to Olaplex UK
Updated: Apr 27
If you haven't heard of Olaplex, where have you been? It has taken the industry by storm and is the most sort after hair treatment. There are so many questions we are asked regularly. We have put together an ultimate guide and have tried to answer them all.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a hair treatment that is applied in a hair salon and can be continued at home.
How Olaplex treatment works
Olaplex is a bond multiplier Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate (we're not sure how to pronounce it either). It works on a molecular level to seek out broken hair bonds that are caused by chemical, thermal and mechanical damage. Why Olaplex is good is because you can use it to restore your hair.
What is a hair bond?
Our hair is made of a strong, fibrous protein called keratin. Hair is held together by two types of bonds. The first is hydrogen, which are temporary bonds that give hair its elasticity. When heat is applied to these, it can change the style of hair.
The second is Disulphide which are permanent bonds that maintain the shape of our hair. Broken disulphide bonds make your hair brittle. This can be from too much exposure to sunlight, products such as bleach and straighteners.
Who created Olaplex?
Beauty industry veterans Dean and Darcy Christal founded the Olaplex company in 2014 in their garage in California. After patenting the technology, it has taken the world by storm.
Why Olaplex have different numbers?
Olaplex currently has 8 numbers. But what do they all mean?
Olaplex 1 and 2
Number 1, or Bond Multiplier, is used in the salon. It is the first step to rebuild broken bonds and begins the process of preventing damage and repairing hair.
Number 2, or Bond Perfector, is the second step and continues to rebuild and restore any remaining broken bonds. It ensures the strongest, shiniest and healthiest hair possible.
If your hair feels like it needs some serious TLC is worth remembering that these super-concentrated steps of Olaplex can be used as a stand-alone treatment. See the Freestyle Hair Design treatment options below.
Olaplex 3
Number 3 is called Hair Perfector, a once a week at home treatment. It replenishes shattered hair bonds in between your salon visits. How to use Olaplex 3; apply to damp hair and leave on for at least 10 minutes. You could even sleep with it on and wash your hair in the morning to get maximum benefit.
Olaplex 4 and 5
Number 4 is the Bond Maintenance Shampoo. It repairs bonds whilst gently cleansing your hair. It adds moisture, strength and manageability.
Number 5 is the Bond Maintenance Conditioner. Again, it restores, repairs and hydrates without adding excess weight. It eliminates frizz for strong, healthy and shiny hair.
Olaplex 6
The leave-in conditioner is Number 6, Bond Smoother. It hydrates and protects all hair types, including coloured and chemically treated hair. Whilst strengthening and moisturising hair, speeding up blow-dry times. Ultimately, it results in smooth and silky hair.
Olaplex 7
Number 7 is Bonding Oil. The highly concentrated, ultra-lightweight styling oil dramatically increases shine, adds softness and strength. It also adds heat protection.