Whether you’ve heard about it from social media or your hairdresser, you’ve probably heard about the hype surrounding Olaplex. Powered by science, this brand’s patented formula works on a molecular level to repair and rejuvenate damaged and broken bonds in your hair. But where do you start?
What makes Olaplex unique
Olaplex isn’t like other hair treatments. While other hair care brands simply smooth over the problem, the Olaplex formula actually repairs the damage using their patented single ingredient Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. This works on a molecular level to restore your hair. In fact, it is the only patented bond builder in the biz.
Olaplex has previously been a salon-only treatment, which professional stylists use to help repair and rebuild damaged hair. Luckily for us, you can now get your hands on their science-backed hair treatments in the comfort of your own home. Their products help repair all types of chemical damage, like relaxing and keratin treatments, as well as perms and colouring.
Over styling and hair stressors can break the strong disulphide bonds in the hair, which Olaplex aims to rebuild. While Olaplex is rebuilding them, it also moisturises, hydrates and strengthens your hair’s structure from within.
Key products and what they do
The best Olaplex routine depends on your hair’s condition and the desired outcome. Here are some core products and their purposes:
- No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment is an at-home treatment that primes your hair to absorb nourishment for maximum repair. It’s applied to dry hair and typically saturates the hair before other steps.
- No. 3 Hair Perfector is a bond-multiplying treatment for all hair types that can be used alone or with No. 0, transforming damaged hair and delivering smoother, stronger results.
- No. 4 Shampoo & No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo cleanse while maintaining bond health. The clarifying No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo removes minerals, chlorine, and product build-up for a salon-strength cleanse.
- No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is a daily conditioner that nourishes without weighing hair down and helps relink broken bonds.
- No. 6 Bond Smoother is a leave-in treatment that smooths, hydrates and speeds up blow-dry times, protecting against frizz and heat damage.
- No. 7 Bonding Oil is a lightweight oil that adds shine, softness and strength while offering heat protection and improving manageability on damp or dry hair.
- No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask provides moisture, body and shine for all hair types, strengthening hair alongside Olaplex’s bond-building technology.
- No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is a serum that protects against pollution and provides heat protection up to 232°C, suitable for use on damp or dry hair.
For those seeking deeper cleansing, the No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo offers a salon-strength deep cleanse by removing hard water minerals, chlorine, and product build-up, helping the hair feel refreshed and ready for treatment.
Alongside Olaplex’s bond-building technology, Rambutan Seed Extract neutralises odour and Micro Starch absorbs excess oils to keep hair feeling refreshed between washes.
Recommended routines: step-by-step
Step 1: Prep with No. 0
Apply No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment on dry hair and comb through to cover the whole head. Leave for 10 minutes to allow full absorption before applying the next step.
Step 2: Build bonds with No. 3
Over the No. 0, apply No. 3 Hair Perfector from roots to ends. Leave on for 10-30 minutes depending on damage, then rinse and proceed with shampoo and conditioner.
Step 3: Cleanse and condition
Rinse No. 3, then wash with No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo (or No. 4C clarifying shampoo if needed), followed by No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner to nourish without weight.
Step 4: Treat and seal
Apply No. 6 Bond Smoother to damp hair, then No. 7 Bonding Oil for added shine and protection. Optionally, finish with No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask on damp hair from mid-lengths to ends, leaving for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Step 5: Protect and finish
Use No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum on days you wash or in-between washes for added protection against pollution and heat. You can air-dry, blow-dry, or diffuse to preferred texture.
For a blonde, highlighted or grey hair, No. 4P may be used to maintain vibrancy and neutralise brassiness. The No. 0 and No. 3 pairing is a recommended starter routine for severely damaged hair, while the 4-6-7-8-9 sequence supports ongoing maintenance and styling benefits.
How to integrate Olaplex into your salon visit
After your hairdresser uses Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier and No. 2 Bond Perfector, you can begin your home routine with No. 0, followed by No. 3, then continue with the appropriate at-home products for maintenance. If you’re coloring, your stylist may mix Olaplex No. 1 into the lightener, followed by professional No. 2 during the process.
To keep results optimal, use a moisture and protein balance routine. Olaplex recommends merging bond-building treatments with regular cleansing and conditioning to preserve hair health and shine.
Practical tips for best results
- Always apply No. 0 to dry hair for best absorption and saturate thoroughly.
- Combine No. 0 and No. 3 when repairing significant damage and leave No. 3 in for the recommended time before rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly after each treatment and follow with the appropriate shampoo and conditioner.
- Adjust application amounts based on hair length and thickness; longer or thicker hair may require more product.
- Introduce Olaplex treatments gradually into your routine and tailor usage to your hair’s response and damage level.
Additional notes
Olaplex targets the disulphide bonds in hair, rebuilding them while providing moisture, strength, and protection against heat and environmental factors. The No. 4C clarifying shampoo and No. 9 serum offer additional cleansing and protective benefits, respectively, to support overall hair health.
Olaplex Treatment - Olaplex Tutorial (Step-by-step)
Readers often report impressive before-and-after results with Olaplex, highlighting its effectiveness for restoring bond integrity and shine. The system is designed to work across various hair types and textures, with a focus on rebuilding bonds caused by chemical, heat, and mechanical damage.
To begin your journey, consider an at-home routine starting with No. 0 and No. 3, then progressively incorporate No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8, and No. 9 as needed for your hair goals and lifestyle.