So with Olaplex now having steps 0- 7 things can get a little confusing. We know our hair has never been healthier or stronger since using Olaplex, we're totally addicted to our No.3 and quickly becoming dependent on the new number 7 bonding oil, but why? What does each step do? This is something I get asked a lot so I thought I would break it down step by step.
Maybe we should begin quickly with What the heck even is Olaplex and how it works.
Olaplex is a bond multiplier with a patented active ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. It works on a molecular level to seek out broken bonds in the hair that are caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage. You can use Olaplex to restore compromised hair, or add it to another service to provide the ultimate breakage insurance.
The image below shows a hair shaft that has been 'Olaplex'd' and one that hasn't.
OLAPLEX NO. 0
Much like skincare and makeup, most products work best with a primer. Eyeshadow sits best and lasts longer when put on top of an eyeshadow primer, and makeup sits better on the face after a solid skincare routine. Think of No.0 as the primer to your No.3 treatment. No.0 can certainly works on it's own and will provide repair; however, the product is intended to work as a two-part process. OLAPLEX technology works best when the product is wet in the hair. No.0 is a watery liquid that will dry quickly. Using No.3 over it, keeps the hair damp so both products can continue to work during the process. With salon time reduced and COVID-19 restrictions, clients can perform the No.0 treatment at home to reduce the time spent in the salon.
So, who can use OLAPLEX No.0? No.0 is for everyone and works on all hair types and textures, just like the entire OLAPLEX line! Though all hairstyles benefit from his treatment, more intensely damaged hair will see the most dramatic results at first. The more often No.0 is used, the healthier the hair becomes. Results may not be as noticeable, but it is still working within the hair structure.
OLAPLEX NO.1
This concentrated first salon step rebuilds broken disulfide bonds and begins the process of preventing damage and repairing hair. At The Shear Style Salon we always recommend adding Olaplex to your hair color services, we add Olaplex No.1 directly into all of our colors and bleaches to prevent damage to keep your hair in the best condition possible.
OLAPLEX NO.2
The second salon step continues to rebuild and restore any remaining broken bonds ensuring the strongest, shiniest, and healthiest hair possible. This is applied through out the hair post colouring but pre shampooing to ensure that every hair benefits from the all the Olaplex goodness!
HAIR HACK* - If your hair feels like it needs some serious TLC its worth remembering that these super concentrated steps of Olaplex can be used as a stand alone treatment. You might have seen I mentioned that above, the stand alone Olaplex treatment is like the holy grail of in-salon repair treatments. The No.1 is added to the hair in a little bit of warm water then the No.2 is added directly over the top for the ultimate in hair repair, as this is a pre shampoo treatment you can follow up with your favourite conditioning mask. Trust us your hair will thank you!
OLAPLEX NO. 3
Moving on to the at-home steps in the Olaplex line, No. 3 Hair Perfector is a leave in with directions to use once a week, or 2-3 times a week if you have damaged hair. The purpose of No. 3 is to repair damaged bonds in between salon appointments. It’s recommended to leave in for at least 10 minutes. I like to wash my hair, towel dry, then apply No. 3 liberally. I then wrap my hair in a towel turban and sleep in it. You will immediately feel and see a difference in your hair after using this treatment.
OLAPLEX 4 & 5
OLAPLEX NO.4 aka SHAMPOO - Repair bonds while gently cleansing all types of hair. Impart moisture, strength, and manageability with every wash.
OLAPLEX NO.5 aka CONDITIONER - Restores, repairs, and hydrates without adding excess weight. Eliminates damaged frizz for strong, healthy, shiny hair
OLAPLEX NO.6
A leave in conditioner which helps to prevent frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours. OLAPLEX Number 6 hydrates and protects hair of all hair types, including coloured and chemically treated hair. It strengthens and moisturises hair as well as speeds up blow dry times resulting in hair feeling smooth and silky. Apply a tiny amount of the product into damp or dry hair focusing on putting it on your mid-length to ends. Comb hair and style as you wish!
OLAPLEX NO.7
The latest edition to the Olaplex family and we're already OBSESSED! OLAPLEX N°.7 Bonding Oil is the first-of-its-kind. Highly concentrated, ultra-lightweight, reparative styling oil dramatically increases shine, adds softness and strength, and enhances all hair types and textures. When used with any thermal styling appliance N°.7 provides heat protection up to 450°F/230°C.
HAIR HACK* For the ultimate frizz free, soft glossy hair cocktail your Olaplex 6 & 7. Mix them together in your hands and apply to clean damp hair before styling!
Hopefully that makes perfect sense now! We know you’ll be just as obsessed with Olaplex as we are! xoxo -Robin