Hair Health 101: The Beginner’s Guide to Olaplex

Beloved by hairdressers and TikTokers alike, Olaplex is the hair treatment on everyone’s lips (and strands). When we think about how to get healthy hair, this brand ALWAYS seems to have the answer. Why? Experts swear by this game-changing haircare range as the only patented technology that dramatically repairs damaged, bleached and colour-treated hair. Whether we want to strengthen our copper-coloured hair, slick back our buns, or add life to our French bangs - you’re just one at-home treatment away.

But what is Olaplex, and is an Olaplex treatment worth it? You’re in luck: we caught up with the team behind the magic to answer all our burning questions.

For those who don’t know, what is Olaplex and what exactly does it do for your hair?

Olaplex discovered and pioneered technology which strengthens and repairs bonds on a molecular level, deep in the hair. It’s a game changer for hairdressers worldwide, and Olaplex hair products now include treatments you can use at home. Our award-winning collection strengthens and repairs hair from the inside out. With patented OLAPLEX® Bond Building TechnologyTM, hair isn’t just healthier, it takes on a completely different quality.

Please run us through a step-by-step on how to use Olaplex

A great starting point for any Olaplex newbies would be our bond maintenance system. Start by applying No.3 hair treatment to damp hair (clean and towel dried if you have a heavy build up, or on unwashed but damp hair if you don’t), then rinse after 10-30 minutes. Follow with nourishing and repairing No.4 Olaplex shampoo and No.5 Olaplex conditioner.

After how long can we expect to see results from using Olaplex?

Immediately! After just one use, Olaplex treatment will rebuild the broken bonds in the hair for visible results. With these mended bonds you will find your hair will hold more moisture, look more hydrated and be more resilient.

How often should we be using No.3, and how?

We would suggest using 1-2 times a week for healthier hair and 2-3 times a week for noticeable damage repair.

What else can we do alongside Olaplex to keep our hair healthy?

To minimise the damage that is in your control. Our hair is very vulnerable when it’s wet so be careful to comb through delicately, starting at the ends and avoiding vigorous towel rubbing. Maintain between hair treatments with a premium, hair-type appropriate shampoo and conditioner. For those wanting to safeguard more, you could consider silk pillows. I would also be sure to ask your hairdresser to use Olaplex treatments to prevent any damage from chemical services.

Are there any haircare myths you’d like to bust?

Olaplex uses a patented technology to repair the hair on a molecular level and our hair treatments do not contain proteins and so can not be overused. In fact, the more you use Olaplex hair products, the more repair you will see.

If you had to choose one Olaplex product to always keep in your beauty bag, which one would you pick and why?

Oooh don't make me choose. For on the go, it would have to be No.3 hair treatment, and as a handbag staple it would be our Bonding Oil as it can be used in damp hair to protect from heat, or on dry hair for smoothing touch ups on the move.

And finally, are there any haircare secrets you think more people should know?

For so many years hairdressers have known the importance and impact that hair treatments and shampoo choices have. Luckily, this secret is out of the bag and we can all benefit from premium haircare. Just look at the Olaplex before and after for proof.