Anyone who has ever lightened her hair knows the feeling: the shade is exactly as you dreamed, but the hair has become dry and brittle. This is the very challenge the people behind Olaplex set out to solve.
What happens when hair is damaged
Hair’s strength depends largely on disulfide bonds – tiny “bridges” inside the hair fibre that hold it together. Lightening, colouring, heat from dryers and straighteners, and even everyday brushing gradually break these bonds. Hair becomes weaker, more porous and starts to break.
A regular conditioner mostly cares for the surface of the hair. For a while it looks better, but nothing changes inside.
A discovery from the world of science
The Olaplex story is an unusual one. At the University of California, Santa Barbara, two chemists – Craig Hawker and Eric Pressly – developed a molecule that can attach to broken disulfide bonds and help rebuild them. Its name is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, and it is patented.
In 2014 Olaplex arrived in salons, and soon colourists around the world were talking about bond building. Olaplex effectively created an entirely new category of hair care.
What it means for your hair
Rather than masking damage, Olaplex works with the structure of the hair from within. That is why it is valued both by colourists and by those who regularly lighten, colour or heat-style their hair. And it is not only for blondes – the brand states that the technology suits all hair types and textures.
Where to start at home
Olaplex products are numbered, which helps you understand the order of use:
- Nº.0 and Nº.3PLUS – intensive treatment before washing. Nº.0 prepares the hair, Nº.3PLUS takes care of its repair;
- Nº.4 and Nº.5 – shampoo and conditioner for everyday use. There are also versions for fine (FINE), curly (CURL) and light hair (P – to neutralise yellow tones);
- Nº.6, Nº.7 and Nº.9 – after washing: Nº.6 smooths, Nº.7 adds shine, Nº.9 nourishes and protects.
There is no need to start with everything at once – you will find all the products in our Olaplex collection. If you would like advice on what suits your hair best, write to us – we will happily help you build a routine that is right for you.
