Our hair goes through a lot. Exposure to the elements, colour treatments, extreme heat from styling products, and stress, can all leave our locks feeling dry, brittle, and in need of some serious TLC. Olaplex shampoo is a professional level, hair rescuing, frizz taming wonder that will leave your hair feeling nourished, healthy, and strong. New to Olaplex? Come with us as we find out how it works and the many benefits it can offer.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a hair care brand that was developed in California in 2014 and, since then, has taken the haircare world by storm. All Olaplex products contain an ingredient known as 'the invention' or, to give it its full name, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which works to repair hair at an individual strand level.
To understand how Olaplex is so beneficial, it's first necessary to understand a little about the hair's structure. Each strand of hair is made up of proteinous keratin fibres, which are held together by disulfide bonds. If these bonds are broken, hair becomes frizzy, dry, and fragile. Olaplex works by repairing and strengthening hair's bonds, which has a wide range of benefits:
- Makes hair stronger
Repairing the hair's individual bonds makes hair stronger and healthier, and more resilient against future damage.
- Reduces frizziness
When an individual hair breaks due to damage, it creates small strands that stick up making hair frizzy. Olaplex helps to smooth these strands, making hair shiny and manageable.
- Perfect for all hair types
Whether your hair is curly or straight, thick or thin, Olaplex can provide significant benefits. With regular use, curls appear more defined, straight hair looks smoother, and colours appear more vibrant.
- Protects hair from future damage
A suitable shampoo and conditioner help maintain hair between treatments. For heat styling, choose a product with stated heat protection and follow its directions; shampoo is not a substitute for a heat protector.
- Suitable for regular use
Different Olaplex shampoos have different roles. No.4 is the regular cleansing option, No.4P adds blonde toning and No.4C is a periodic clarifying wash. Choose the formula and frequency for your hair rather than using every shampoo in the same way.
How to use Olaplex shampoo
For No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, apply to wet hair, work into a lather and rinse thoroughly. Follow with No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.
No.4P Blonde Enhancer is a toning shampoo: apply to wet hair, lather and leave for one to three minutes before rinsing. Use as needed for brassiness and follow the bottle directions.
No.4C Clarifying Shampoo is for product build-up. Use weekly or as needed, lather into wet hair, leave for up to five minutes and rinse well before conditioning. Check with your stylist before clarifying freshly coloured hair.
For treatments, conditioners and styling steps beyond shampoo, our guide to which Olaplex number you need explains the wider range.
You can see the complete Olaplex collection, including shampoos, conditioners, serums, and masks here at The Flawless Body shop.