I have insecurities, but my hair is something I have always been proud of. It is always at least chest length for me, and I take great pride in keeping it long and healthy. We can all relate to the temptation of new hair color, and I was no exception. I started eyeing lighter shades, and, like most naturally black-haired Asians, I ultimately caved into my milky caramel brown desires. The silky black hair that fell to my waist was in desperate need of moisture, and I was experiencing split ends for the first time. Although I don't want to exaggerate, it was a hair crisis for a girl who prides herself on the health of her hair. As much as I could, I used overnight masks, hot oil treatments, and leave-in conditioners, which helped some. Even so, I still had trouble ... MoreI have insecurities, but my hair is something I have always been proud of. It is always at least chest length for me, and I take great pride in keeping it long and healthy. We can all relate to the temptation of new hair color, and I was no exception. I started eyeing lighter shades, and, like most naturally black-haired Asians, I ultimately caved into my milky caramel brown desires. The silky black hair that fell to my waist was in desperate need of moisture, and I was experiencing split ends for the first time. Although I don't want to exaggerate, it was a hair crisis for a girl who prides herself on the health of her hair. As much as I could, I used overnight masks, hot oil treatments, and leave-in conditioners, which helped some. Even so, I still had trouble getting my hair back to its original state—until I discovered Olaplex. You've probably heard of this cult-acclaimed brand if you're familiar with the hair care space. Despite being a favorite product, few people understand what it does. As opposed to other hair treatments that add shine and moisture to the outside of your hair, Olaplex repairs disulfide bonds at the molecular level. The DNA strand of hair is like a ladder with hydrogen disulfide bonds held in pairs. Brushing hair roughly, coloring, swimming pool water, beach water, thermal styling, etc., all break these bonds. A broken sulfide bond creates lactic acid and eats away at your hair's protein when it latches onto oxygen molecules. Hair treatments usually contain proteins, silicones, and oils, and while these ingredients are not always harmful, they can be when overused. As a result, the hair becomes dull and heavy. The damage will eventually return when the coating wears off. In contrast, Olaplex relinks and strengthens broken disulfide bonds inside the hair, making hair permanently healthier until damage recurs. Moreover, it lessens the damage caused by molecules that eat protein from the hair by working faster than damage can occur. Hair color will also last longer when you repair the hair's inner structure. It didn't take long for me to be hooked after using No. 3 for the first time. It doesn't leave my hair greasy or heavy, which is usually an unavoidable side effect of hair conditioners. Olaplex has eight different products, so each product has a number that indicates the order in which it should be used if you opt for the complete system (pretty simple, right?). Your hairdresser might offer Olaplex 1 and 2 as add-ons when you schedule a color appointment. Olaplex's No.3 Hair Perfector ($28; sephora.com) contains the smallest amount of the active ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate (which repairs the aforementioned broken disulfide bonds in the hair). I apply the formula before shampooing and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing out in the shower. As an alternative, you can use No. 0 ($28; sephora.com), which is a bond-building spray treatment, as a primer before applying No.3. The rest of the process is relatively straightforward. You use shampoo and conditioner in the shower, as usual, then three styling products afterward: a bond smoother, a bonding oil, and a moisture mask. A purple shampoo designed explicitly for blondes was also recently launched by Olapex. Despite my aversion to bleach, this brand makes me feel more confident about going blonde. I keep my routine haircare simple - shampoo, conditioner, and bonding oil on damp ends. My hair feels like my old hair again after using this product regularly.

I should have never broken up with Olaplex No.3

So, I decided to take the plunge and see if the rumors in the form of reviews were correct. After 1-2-3 long months of hooking up with Olaplex No.3. on consistent weekly tea dates, where we played charades, sipped mimosas and shared stories of our personal hair journey's, I noticed my hair looking like a thick scrumptious meal! We were living it up to the fullest, every Friday evening. Traveling, watching the sunset, bars; there was that one magical time in The Gulf of Mexico when Ola met this handsome French foreign exchange student...anyway, let's just move on, some things are best left unsaid. Everything went out with the Gulf stream after that. I became jealous of Ola spending way too much time with Frenchy, & I began to notice his hair, it was longer & fuller, ... MoreSo, I decided to take the plunge and see if the rumors in the form of reviews were correct. After 1-2-3 long months of hooking up with Olaplex No.3. on consistent weekly tea dates, where we played charades, sipped mimosas and shared stories of our personal hair journey's, I noticed my hair looking like a thick scrumptious meal! We were living it up to the fullest, every Friday evening. Traveling, watching the sunset, bars; there was that one magical time in The Gulf of Mexico when Ola met this handsome French foreign exchange student...anyway, let's just move on, some things are best left unsaid. Everything went out with the Gulf stream after that. I became jealous of Ola spending way too much time with Frenchy, & I began to notice his hair, it was longer & fuller, all in a span of a month. I wasn't having any of it. I questioned Ola and I was told that Ola is for everyone, not just me, not just my split ends, dull strands and long-suffering tresses. But I know Ola's secret, Ola was running low, & I could no longer afford to keep up with the fast lifestyle Ola demanded, as deserving as Ola is, I just could no longer keep up. The breakup was nasty with me looking for other bonding partners to travel the world with & Ola popping up at every turn. Nothing was the same, my hair was looking ok for the most part, but the nasty splits and dull dryness returned! Long gone was the soft, thick luxurious life I paid Ola for.Please forgive me Olaplex No.3 I love you and I need our friendship to grow stronger and attack these split ends and breakage from my lack of faithfulness, & cheap last-minute decisions. I am coming home to you!

Made me bald

I have curly hair so I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I bought the FULL line and I only used #3 once a week for 10 Minutes. It caused my hair to get damaged but it happened in stages. The first stage was my soft , bouncy curls turned to straw. My entire curl pattern went straight. Then my hair snapped off, all 10-14 inches like a halo. Then my hair began to fall out from the root . And then it caused my scalp to get red and inflamed and my hair fell out in giant patches , my entire hairline also fell out. This stuff either causes Alopecia or it mimics Alopecia. I stopped using it and my hair is no longer falling out and my “Alopecia areata and female pattern baldness and frontal fibrosing alopecia and what looked like traction Alopecia ” is miraculously gone ... MoreI have curly hair so I only wash my hair 2-3 times a week. I bought the FULL line and I only used #3 once a week for 10 Minutes. It caused my hair to get damaged but it happened in stages. The first stage was my soft , bouncy curls turned to straw. My entire curl pattern went straight. Then my hair snapped off, all 10-14 inches like a halo. Then my hair began to fall out from the root . And then it caused my scalp to get red and inflamed and my hair fell out in giant patches , my entire hairline also fell out. This stuff either causes Alopecia or it mimics Alopecia. I stopped using it and my hair is no longer falling out and my “Alopecia areata and female pattern baldness and frontal fibrosing alopecia and what looked like traction Alopecia ” is miraculously gone smh. This might work for some people, but it’s poison to others.Since the damage occurred in stages,I had no idea at first what was causing it and I allowed stylist to manipulate me into believing olaplex can’t cause damage. I continued using it for months. But once all my length snapped off I realized olaplex was poisoning me.All of my hair problems and scalp issues went away when I stopped using that stuff.And yes I saw a derm, a doctor, got my thyroid checked etc. my only problem was using olaplex . My hair fell out from olaplex ! long before I ever got covid, this isn’t something new. It wasn’t covid hair loss, which is actually tellogen efflivium, which presents itself as diffused shedding . My hair was already going bald a year before I got covid, in fact, my hair started to heal during the time I got covid because so much time went by without me ever touching olaplex again.It’s not some bandwagon people are jumping on. In fact a couple years before this even got the media and news I shared my olaplex hairloss story on the Sephora beauty insider community.

Not convinced... but it may work for you!

Despite the hype surrounding Olaplex, I don't think it's for me.As someone with bleached hair who gets their roots done every 6 weeks, I've had the in-salon Olaplex treatment a few times, on my stylist's recommendation. I always tend to defer to her judgement as she does a great job with my colour and cut.After these treatments, I can't say I've noticed much of a difference in my hair's condition. But my stylist says she does. The words of another blonde, Mandy Rice Davies, spring to mind -- 'well she would say that, wouldn't she!'I dunno. I trust my stylist though. Maybe it's been doing something to help strengthen the hair, under the surface...Anyway, I went and bought this No.3 at-home treatment. Not only because everyone seems to rave about it, but also ... MoreDespite the hype surrounding Olaplex, I don't think it's for me.As someone with bleached hair who gets their roots done every 6 weeks, I've had the in-salon Olaplex treatment a few times, on my stylist's recommendation. I always tend to defer to her judgement as she does a great job with my colour and cut.After these treatments, I can't say I've noticed much of a difference in my hair's condition. But my stylist says she does. The words of another blonde, Mandy Rice Davies, spring to mind -- 'well she would say that, wouldn't she!'I dunno. I trust my stylist though. Maybe it's been doing something to help strengthen the hair, under the surface...Anyway, I went and bought this No.3 at-home treatment. Not only because everyone seems to rave about it, but also because Olaplex say it's a must-have booster between visits. Maybe this No.3 at-home mask was the key to unlocking the benefit of the in-salon treatment. Or maybe even replace its magical, though seemingly imperceptible, effects, and save me money...Turns out it's the opposite. In fact, using it once, a week after an in-salon Olaplex treatment, turned my hair into a disaster zone. My hair's condition actually ended up taking a downward turn, losing all its elasticity and taking on a straw-like texture. It took weeks of pampering to get it back to an acceptable condition.So, that didn't work. But how about using it when I *haven't* had the in-salon treatment? Well, not much. Like the in-salon treatment on its own, it wasn't terrible for my hair's condition - but I can't say it seems to do much for it, either.With the help of a hairdresser friend, I think I've figured out why my hair seems to take a dislike to Olaplex - we reckon it creates a protein overload. Hair needs a balance of protein and moisture to be its healthiest, and that balance is different for different people, according to their natural hair structure, porosity and haircare routine. It does explain why it's not really for me, while others swear by it. What I need is more moisture, while others need the extra protein it provides.So, I'm personally on the fence. I haven't chucked No.3 in the bin. I'll keep it in case I ever feel my hair's lacking in the protein balance, and meanwhile, I'll hold on the in-salon treatments. And continue my search for no/low protein hair care products...For others who are feeling seduced by the world of Olaplex, I'd say go for it and give it a go - but be careful. Use these products judiciously, and listen to what your hair needs, rather than the hype!

Such a game changer for my hair! Don’t give up, results can take a couple weeks!

I have bleached blond hair that has been frizzy when dried since before I can remember. Even if I stop dying my hair and let it grow out I struggle with this problem and I thought I would live with this forever. I have tried everything to fix the frizz and brittleness without success…until now. I have been using the K18 bonding repair treatment with great success but still felt like something was missing and recently someone told me to add in Olaplex to my hair care regime as the pre-shampoo (following the no.3 directions), as K18 is a post-shampoo treatment. I cannot stress enough how much of a change this has had on my hair. Using both in tandem is an absolute game changer. My hair went from feeling like straw in the shower after using shampoo, to feeling thick ... MoreI have bleached blond hair that has been frizzy when dried since before I can remember. Even if I stop dying my hair and let it grow out I struggle with this problem and I thought I would live with this forever. I have tried everything to fix the frizz and brittleness without success…until now. I have been using the K18 bonding repair treatment with great success but still felt like something was missing and recently someone told me to add in Olaplex to my hair care regime as the pre-shampoo (following the no.3 directions), as K18 is a post-shampoo treatment. I cannot stress enough how much of a change this has had on my hair. Using both in tandem is an absolute game changer. My hair went from feeling like straw in the shower after using shampoo, to feeling thick and moisturized even before adding any conditioner or leave-in conditioner to my hair. Suffice it to say, Olaplex is now a staple in my hair care regime, that I am extremely grateful for. For the first time in forever, I can let my hair air dry and it turns out luxurious and beautiful, even if it’s humid or windy!The only caveat I want to mention is that I have tried bond repair treatments before and ended up stopping after a week because I was just not seeing any results. I have now realized that I had just given up too soon. This time I stuck with it and at just over two weeks of no change, it was like a switch had been flipped and all of a sudden my hair felt amazing. The results were not gradual at all. Two weeks of no change, and then beautiful hair. I was stunned. I will never go without bond treatments ever again.

The product works wonders! I

The product works wonders! I actually bought Olaplex products to care for my once in a lifetime purchase of a human hair wig. I want to take the best possible care of it, being that it was an incredibly expensive investment. Since it has been both bleached and colored, I wanted to buy products that could repair any damage done, and prevent any new damage from taking hold. I have not been disappointed what so ever.Using No.0 with No.3 made a big difference. I also left the product on for 20 hours (with the wig in a clear plastic bag to keep it wet) and was utterly amazed at the amount of improvement! I have very short hair, so I use just the No.3 on myself and save the 0 for the wig. The only downfall to the product is the rather exorbitant price. I really think ... MoreThe product works wonders! I actually bought Olaplex products to care for my once in a lifetime purchase of a human hair wig. I want to take the best possible care of it, being that it was an incredibly expensive investment. Since it has been both bleached and colored, I wanted to buy products that could repair any damage done, and prevent any new damage from taking hold. I have not been disappointed what so ever.Using No.0 with No.3 made a big difference. I also left the product on for 20 hours (with the wig in a clear plastic bag to keep it wet) and was utterly amazed at the amount of improvement! I have very short hair, so I use just the No.3 on myself and save the 0 for the wig. The only downfall to the product is the rather exorbitant price. I really think they could do better, or at least have sales, or percent off coupons on a regular basis, no question.All in all, I like all the Olaplex products I use, though I don't use all of them-it simply isn't necessary. The No.4 shampoo smells great, but it is a little heavy, and the same for the No.5 conditioner. I only use them occasionally. I use the No.6 styling cream on the wig only, as my hair is super short and baby fine.All in all, the product does work - the more damage you have the more improvement you will see, like I saw with the wig - MAJOR improvement in all ways! I am very very happy with this and all of the products I own and I will continue to use and buy from this line.

Works on damaged hair

So far I'm not having any problems that some of the other reviewers mentioned. I have used this product in the past and didn't find it too effective. Certainly not a game changer, but recently I've lightened my hair with highlights and this seems to really help with the fried lightened areas and ends. I think some reviewers don't like this because if your hair isn't damaged you won't see much change in the condition of your hair. Today I used #0, then #3 followed by the shampoo and conditioner, which I got as samples with a purchase. I also use #6 before styling and that product is my holy grail. Makes my hair dry faster with less frizz and it holds my style until my next shampoo which I can now put off for about 4 days. My fine, frizzy and damaged hair looks great. ... MoreSo far I'm not having any problems that some of the other reviewers mentioned. I have used this product in the past and didn't find it too effective. Certainly not a game changer, but recently I've lightened my hair with highlights and this seems to really help with the fried lightened areas and ends. I think some reviewers don't like this because if your hair isn't damaged you won't see much change in the condition of your hair. Today I used #0, then #3 followed by the shampoo and conditioner, which I got as samples with a purchase. I also use #6 before styling and that product is my holy grail. Makes my hair dry faster with less frizz and it holds my style until my next shampoo which I can now put off for about 4 days. My fine, frizzy and damaged hair looks great. It's manageable and looks thicker. I don't know if I'll use this as frequently as suggested because it's pretty spendy. I plan to use it monthly and after coloring. I also won't use the shampoo and conditioner because I don't think they are special enough to justify the price. I'll keep using my Nioxin which is the best shampoo/conditioner combination I've found and helps with excessive shedding. I do think #0 makes #3 work better and it didn't take very much product to dampen my fine hair. Overall, I'm happy with this purchase and plan to repurchase.

Worth it!

I bought the 3.3 oz size in January. My hair has never been colored but has a lot of split ends and breakage. Although I have a lot of hair, the strands themselves are fine. Since I have wavy hair, I straighten them a lot.I trimmed my hair 2 inches in January and it has grown back already. I have been using Olaplex 3 every week for 10 minutes. My hair feels soft every time I use it and it doesn't feel heavy since I shampoo it out. I don't see any new split ends.I've changed a lot of things in my hair routine like using a professional shampoo, Olaplex 6, and soft water since I'm in a new location. Therefore, besides Olaplex 3, there are other factors aiding in my hair health. However, my hair has never been this healthy even after using leave-in conditioner and ... MoreI bought the 3.3 oz size in January. My hair has never been colored but has a lot of split ends and breakage. Although I have a lot of hair, the strands themselves are fine. Since I have wavy hair, I straighten them a lot.I trimmed my hair 2 inches in January and it has grown back already. I have been using Olaplex 3 every week for 10 minutes. My hair feels soft every time I use it and it doesn't feel heavy since I shampoo it out. I don't see any new split ends.I've changed a lot of things in my hair routine like using a professional shampoo, Olaplex 6, and soft water since I'm in a new location. Therefore, besides Olaplex 3, there are other factors aiding in my hair health. However, my hair has never been this healthy even after using leave-in conditioner and wavy hair shampoo and conditioner. There is a lot less breakage so my hair has been able to grow long without split ends. Since my hair is healthier, I've noticed a shine throughout and less frizz. I've only used a bit of it for 2 months and expect it to last at least another 4 months.Some cons are that it smells medicinal but it's light so you don't notice it after a while, especially after washing it out. It's annoying to shampoo first, apply Olaplex, and then wait 10 minutes out of the shower before going back in but it works.I'm not sure if I will repurchase this because it's expensive and I want to see if my hair can maintain its health without it but I would recommend this to anyone who wants to kickstart their hair health. I put my hair through a lot of mechanical and heat damage but it was still relatively healthy so I questioned if Olaplex was the product for me. I'm so glad I tried it because my hair has never been more healthy.

Yes, it's a gem!

I've been using olaplex for alot of years, now I'm starting to realise how long it's been it's scary. Do I hold it accountable for my ott hair colours? Yes absolutely! Why ? because it let me be me and when the reality dawns that my hair probably wouldn't be in a 10th of the condition it is if it'd of gone it alone without olaplex, I realise how lucky I was to be introduced to it many years ago, when I went platinum blonde to have pink highlights put through, then a whole host of colours depending on mood. My hair is in a condition I think I'd have without colour because my routine is strict, I never have a colour without olaplex and i use all the products in between, because they work. If you care about your hair, you invest in it, If you don't invest, don't ... MoreI've been using olaplex for alot of years, now I'm starting to realise how long it's been it's scary. Do I hold it accountable for my ott hair colours? Yes absolutely! Why ? because it let me be me and when the reality dawns that my hair probably wouldn't be in a 10th of the condition it is if it'd of gone it alone without olaplex, I realise how lucky I was to be introduced to it many years ago, when I went platinum blonde to have pink highlights put through, then a whole host of colours depending on mood. My hair is in a condition I think I'd have without colour because my routine is strict, I never have a colour without olaplex and i use all the products in between, because they work. If you care about your hair, you invest in it, If you don't invest, don't complain. Simple as that. But if or don't because of cost or you expect results over night, which is not possible! don't complain when a colour strips the bonds and when it becomes brittle because you can't be bothered to invest in what works. Results are built up it's not a miracle product, it's not got magic powers, it's science, learn how it works or stand there scratching an itchy scalp when you think it's going to reverse a chemical mishap or endless colouring without protection. Healthy hair starts with looking after what you have not fixing what is beyond repair. Right the smell, it's not going to win awards for that. Definitely not. I put it on 3 nights a week and I ensure those nights there's no heat the next day. I have a whole host of hair styles I can look smart and enable the products in the olaplex range to work their science. You have to adapt your hair to it's condition, you can't expect to heat style daily and it remain great. Use your smarts and olaplex is an phenomenal investment.

good

One of the most effective home hair care products!!!With the help of this elixir, you will keep your curls beautiful, as if just after the salon!The tool is universal, so it is suitable for both natural hair and tinted or dyed hair, as well as after perming. Having thin undyed hair, I also appreciated this product and believe that it is definitely worth the money. Hair after applying the elixir looks alive, shiny, soft to the touch and easier to comb.The consistency is delicate, creamy, the aroma is neutral. Regarding the properties of the product: significantly reduces skin damage after dyeing, restores hair, preserves color stability, makes hair strong and well-groomed.Speaking of the composition, the elixir does not contain harmful substances: aldehydes, ... MoreOne of the most effective home hair care products!!!With the help of this elixir, you will keep your curls beautiful, as if just after the salon!The tool is universal, so it is suitable for both natural hair and tinted or dyed hair, as well as after perming. Having thin undyed hair, I also appreciated this product and believe that it is definitely worth the money. Hair after applying the elixir looks alive, shiny, soft to the touch and easier to comb.The consistency is delicate, creamy, the aroma is neutral. Regarding the properties of the product: significantly reduces skin damage after dyeing, restores hair, preserves color stability, makes hair strong and well-groomed.Speaking of the composition, the elixir does not contain harmful substances: aldehydes, sulfates, silicones, phthalates and diethanolamine, having a pH of 3.5-5. Among the key ingredients: the active molecule Olaplex - restores the disulfide bonds inside the hair, protects and strengthens the hair, aloe vera, panthenol - have a soothing effect, vitamin E, vitamin C - act as antioxidants, jojoba seed oil - has a softening effect .I definitely advise all girls to try this product, especially those with colored or damaged hair, you will definitely see how your hair will change for the better