If you haven’t heard of Olaplex, it is multi step bond builder that maintains the hairs strength during and after the lightening process. Today I am sharing with you how I like to use Olaplex in my salon. It’s not their #1 recommended way and here is why!
First, let me break it down.
Most of my clients are aware of what Olaplex is because of the never ending stream of education you can now receive on social media. Most of you probably follow celebrity stylists online and see the product they use and either ask your existing stylist to use them or seek out a stylist that you know uses them.
Olaplex started out with 3 simple products. Two that were strictly for in salon use only and one that is meant to be used at home to maintain your hairs elasticity.
- Step 1 goes into lightener, color or can be mixed with water and applied by itself.
- Step 2 is a post treatment put on the hair directly after Step 1 has been rinsed and before the shampoo and conditioner.
- Step 3 being your at home treatment that you are instructed to use once a week.
Here are a couple of behind the scenes details your stylist probably hasn’t told you.
Olaplex dramatically slows down the lightening process when used the #1 recommended way that Olaplex instructs it to be used.
This is one of the major factors why SO MANY people can’t get out of the yellow phase of the hairs lightening process when using this product. Because the lightener becomes weakened in power.
This makes perfect sense because the hair is being protected. So, think of it like a shield or a veil that deletes the intensity of the product.
To off set the slowing down of the products effectiveness, stylists were taught to up the developer strength of the lightener.
This is a double edge sword because when you are using a higher developer you are opening up the cuticle as wide as it can open. Now Olaplex claims to protect the hair in this state and help that cuticle close again but its not always guaranteed!
The longer this strong lightener is on the hair the weaker and weaker your hair is getting despite the protection that olaplex can give the hair.
Your hair type and current condition are the difference and should be thoroughly considered when looking at the likeliness your hair would be ideal for a bonding service with or without Olaplex.
If you are considering going lighter are interested a complimentary consultation and live in the Bay Area, visit the book now page to set an appointment up with me!
If you are not in the Bay Area go to yelp and look up highly rated stylists in your local area. One of them is sure to use Olaplex and be happy to sit down for a consultation!
I personally use the products I am most familiar with in the way that I am comfortable and can be confident with how they will turn out.
I do believe there is a time and place to use Olaplex by putting it into the lightener like recommended and love that we have this tool but I more prefer to use it after the process in the glaze/toner.
I find it adds a lot more shine the the mid shaft and ends which when it is in the lightener doesn’t always get hit with the olaplex when it is in the lightener. This also helps the final color stay true to tone longer and closes the cuticle when it has been opened wide.
If we are not doing a glaze or toner after the initial lightening procedure, another option is to add it into a bowl with water and paint it onto the hair.
Another way I like to use it is by adding it into my color touch ups- refreshed ends color to saturate the ends of the hair while it is processing. This also helps the colors tone last longer and promotes shine and strength.
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After step 1, I follow the manufactures directions by using Step 2 and Step 3. Step 3 is the beginning of the at home maintenance regime that I recommend below.
Olaplex is finally upping their game with a brand new Shampoo and Conditioner!
I am so excited about this because it is important to use a system.
Of course, I love mixing and matching product lines. I think of it like cooking actually. The Shampoo and Conditioner is the main component of the meal and the styling products are the seasoning. The flavor changes with each swap and there really isn’t any BAD combination. Like taste, hair is complex and very personalized.
Sometimes though, when you have a critical issue happening then it is important you treat the products you are using as a prescription.
What do I mean by this?
I mean, if you had a sinus infection you would get a prescription from your doctor telling you to take 1 pill, 2 times a day at an exact time. I don’t care what crazy season in life you are in you would figure out a way to make that happen with your calendar.
If you have extremely brittle and damaged hair that has already been cut and you are working with a professional stylist to mend it….you need to be treating your treatment plan the exact same way!
If your hair fits this description, damaged and brittle, then likely your stylist will tell you to take home:
And the newly released…
I have been using Olaplex in my salon now for about 3 years and I absolutely love it and stand behind it. If I didn’t I wouldn’t talk about it so much!
The addition of Step 4 and 5 to the equation is a game changer. You always needed to use a shampoo and conditioner after but with no option of one from Olaplex you were using whatever you had on hand.
That is STILL perfectly ok.
If you want to give your hair consistency for a little bit while it repairs from damage or is dry and brittle, consider using Step 3, 4 and 5 together. It could be all the difference for you and your hair’s health!
Is Olaplex as good as they say?
YES, I really believe it really is!
