Your OLAPLEX Guidebook: OLAPLEX Products Explained
You’ve undoubtedly heard of our hair hero, Olaplex, before. These little white bottles of gorgeousness live in bathrooms across the country, but with so many fabulous products to sort through, it can be tricky to know where to start. After all, with 0-9 steps, there’s a lot of numbers flying about.
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 No.7 bonding oil… But why? What does each step do? This is something I get asked a lot (especially on our Agony Aunt Sunday Instagram stories feature) so I thought I would break it down step by step!
Maybe we should begin with a quick lesson on ‘what the hell even is Olaplex and how does it work?’
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 (no giggles) that has been 'Olaplex'd' and one that hasn't.
Now you know the super science-y reasons why Olaplex is our hair goals holy grail, we can get into the knitty gritty of each individual product.
Starting at the beginning, we’ve got Olaplex No.0, the ‘Intensive Bond Building Treatment.’
OLAPLEX NO.0
Ever wanted to have that salon swishy feeling at home? Olaplex No.0 delivers a professional-inspired treatment for you to use in your very own bathroom. This super intensive formula primes hair for deeper repair with the highest inclusion of Olaplex’s patented technology (aka the good stuff) than any take-home product out there.
It’s a little miracle in a bottle: it rebuilds your hair bonds and strengthens and protects your hair’s integrity. Meaning, your hair will stay healthy and breakage free even when you’re bleaching it within an inch of its life. Hallelujah!
We love using Olaplex No.0 with Olaplex No.3 for a powerful hair potion that repairs and strengthens hair. It’s even been scientifically proven (brace for stats) that it creates 68% more repair & 3x stronger hair. We’ll take ten! And you can take ten, too, in our online store here!
We’re getting exclusive up in here. Sorry to say, Olaplex No.1 & No.2 are exclusively for hairdressing professionals. These products are used in salon as part of your technical services or as a professional stand alone treatment. While you can’t nab these products for yourself on any other site, you can get your hands on Olaplex No.2 in our store. ‘Cus we love you. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s walk you through why these two Olaplex products are salon only exclusives.
OLAPLEX NO. 1
Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier does exactly what it says on the tin. This is our first step in salon whenever you’re getting your hair coloured and living your best bleached life. This concentrated formula rebuilds broken disulfide bonds (aka the stuff that keeps your hair strong) and begins the process of preventing damage and repairing hair.
At Samantha Cusick London, we always recommend adding Olaplex to your hair colour services. To keep hair as lucious and luxe as possible, we add Olaplex No.1 directly into all of our colours and bleaches to prevent damage to keep your hair in the best condition it can be.
OLAPLEX NO.2
The second salon step, Olaplex No.2 Bond Perfector, continues to rebuild and restore any remaining broken bonds ensuring the strongest, shiniest, and healthiest hair possible. And who doesn’t love strong, shiny, healthy hair?! This super potent perfector is applied throughout the hair post-colouring but pre-shampooing to ensure that every hair benefits from all that Olaplex goodness!
It’s basically a must for hair colouring enthusiasts everywhere. And, the best thing? We’ve got a surplus of stock, and we’re giving you this Olaplex powerhouse for a super low price. Have a look!
HAIR HACK* - If your hair feels like it needs some serious TLC it's worth remembering that these super concentrated steps of Olaplex can be used as a stand alone treatment. As I mentioned 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
The best seller. The fan favourite. The one and only, Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector! You’ve definitely heard of this hair-saver in a bottle. A once-a-week at-home treatment, this little miracle replenishes shattered hair bonds in between your salon or styling sessions, so you can carry on maintaining your favourite hair colour and style without the worry of damage. For an improved look and feel, Olaplex No.3 is your one-stop-shop for healthier hair.
HAIR HACK* - This is a pre-wash treatment and needs to be on at least 10 minutes to do its things!
Get your hands on everyone’s favourite Olaplex treatment, No.3, here in our store!
OLAPLEX NO.4 & NO.5
Our favourite power couple, Olaplex No.4 Shampoo and Olaplex No.5 Conditioner. We often pair them together because, just like Posh and Becks, we can’t imagine them being apart.
Once you use No.4, you never go back. This luxe shampoo repairs and protects your hair like no other shampoo has before.
Suitable for all hair types (hey curly girls!), No.4 gently cleanses and moisturises while improving the appearance and texture of hair. Say goodbye to damaged hair, split ends, and out of control frizz - you won’t be seeing them while you’re using No.4! Get set for shiny, healthy and strong hair like you’ve never seen it before.
Then there’s No.5, our absolute fave. The ying to No.4’s yang, No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner protects and repairs with each wash, leaving hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier. Focus this formula on the ends of your hair for a boost of moisture for all hair types.
Both products are formulated with Olaplex Bond Building chemistry and are colour-safe, helping to maintain bonds to strengthen all hair types and textures.
Honestly, every day is a good hair day when you’re using No.4 & No.5.
And, you guessed it, you can get both of them in a nice little discounted bundle here!
OLAPLEX NO.4P
You’re probably thinking… ‘Hang on, haven’t we already covered No.4?’ This one’s especially for the blondies out there. Keep brassiness out of your life with Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo. Highly concentrated purple shampoo cleanses, tones, and repairs while keeping hair hydrated from root to end. This sulfate-free formula creates a rich lather to neutralise brassiness and boost brightness after one use for all blonde, lightened, and grey hair.
OLAPLEX NO.6
For seriously smooth, silky hair, Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother is your new best friend. This leave-in conditioner helps prevent frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours. No matter what state your hair is in, coloured, chemically treated, or completely virgin, your hair will love all the strength and hydration that No.6 provides.
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!
A total must for those of you lucky enough to have natural, luscious curls. No.6 softly defines and helps air dry curls.
Check out this must-have, smooth talker right here.
OLAPLEX NO.7
The absolute hero of the Olaplex Bun, Olaplex No.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 No.7 provides heat protection up to 450°F/230°C. That’s some serious protection!
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!
Grab yourself the famous Olaplex No.7 and live your best Bella-Hadid-inspired life.
OLAPLEX NO.8
Hair SOS in a bottle, Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is a holy grail for dry, brittle hair. Damage can arise from a variety of stressors including chemical processes, styling, brushing, or exposure to harsh environments, leaving hair feeling dry, dull and unmanageable. Thankfully, No.8 has us covered, providing deep conditioning care for damaged hair.
Powered by Olaplex’s signature patented bond-building technology, this hair mask works wonders on every hair type to strengthen bonds more fragile than our self-control in a cocktail lounge. This multi-benefit reparative treatment works to moisturise and smooth whilst adding body and shine, creating visibly healthier-looking hair.
This hair saviour mask is available in our store!
OLAPLEX NO.9
Olaplex No.9 is a must for city gals. We’re uber aware of the damage our hair endures when we’re bleaching and styling our hair, but you might not be aware of how the pollution in the air affects your hair.
Full of the bond-repairing properties we know and love, Olaplex No.9 protects against nasty free radicals in the air that damage our hair and make our locks frizzy, dull and weak. Protecting your hair from daily damage, this weightless, leave-in, silicone-free hair serum shields hair from pollution for 48 hours and provides heat protection up to 232°C.
NEW PRODUCT ALERT
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NEW PRODUCT ALERT !
OLAPLEX NO.4C
The latest in the Olaplex fam is the No.4C! For years, we’ve been on the hunt for the perfect clarifying shampoo… And now it’s FINALLY here!
No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo utilises the latest in #hairgoals technology to reveal your healthiest hair.
Not only is this shampoo jam-packed full of the usual bond-repairing Olaplex goodness that we know and love… But it also removes those nasty impurities that cause damage to your hair.
Other, harsher clarifying shampoos can leave hair like straw. Luckily enough for us, the No.4C is sulfate-free & pH balanced to maintain healthy, hydrated hair.
Hopefully that makes perfect sense now! If you have any Olaplex tricks you swear by drop us a comment below and let us know!
Samantha X