Brand Focus / Hair and Scalp

The Beginner's Guide To OLAPLEX

Olaplex Hair Care

OLAPLEX is the hair care brand of the moment and people just can’t stop talking about it.

olaplex

You’ve probably heard of the global bestseller OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector which took the world by storm back in 2014 but what are all the other products and what do the numbers even mean? What do they actually do? Here you can find all the facts...

OLAPLEX was designed with all hair types in mind and that’s what contributed to its huge level of success. Whether you want to transform damaged locks and tame dry, brittle hair into gorgeous, luscious hair or simply maintain the healthy appearance that you already have then OLAPLEX has you covered with its scientifically proven patented bond building technology.

The products work by rebuilding broken bonds (the structure that holds our hair together) from the inside out with a single patented ingredient - bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate – once all your bonds are intact, you will have perfectly healthy hair with long-lasting results. Sounds simple, and with OLAPLEX products it really is.

No.1 & No.2 are the beginning of the OLAPLEX process but are not available for purchase to the public as they are exclusively for hair professionals only and are used as part of technical services or stand-alone treatments that you have during a hair appointment. No.0, No.3, No.4, No.4P, No.5, No.6, No.7, No.8, and NEW No.9 are all at-home treatments that work in conjunction with one another.

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1 OLAPLEX No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

The first at-home step to beautiful looking hair but, also one of the newer members of the OLAPLEX family.

OLAPLEX No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment is a professional-inspired treatment that is advised to be used as the first step of a two-part system. Its job is to prime the hair to ensure maximum absorption of OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector which is used as step two. Apply to damp hair 10 minutes before applying No.3 and use once or twice a week, three times if you have severely damaged hair.

no.3

2 OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector

The original and global bestseller that put OLAPLEX on the map is undoubtedly the most well-known product. No.3 is not a conditioner nor a mask, the rich cream is an at-home treatment that helps to reduce breakage, adds shine, visibly strengthens hair, and repairs bonds. It is suitable for everyone but particularly good for those with any kind of hair damage be it from chemical treatments, heat, or other hair treatments. Apply to unwashed but slightly wet hair and leave on for at least 20 minutes or alternatively overnight for best results and then rinse.

If you want to invest in one OLAPLEX product to begin with, definitely make it this one.

 

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3 OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

The original shampoo in the range... No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo protects and repairs hair from everyday stresses, damage, split ends and eliminates frizz with the famous OLAPLEX technology while also adding moisture and thoroughly cleansing from root to tip.

Use in place of your regular shampoo and apply during every hair wash. Concentrate your attention on the roots and finish with the OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner for best results. It can be used daily if required. The formula is very concentrated so you only need to use a minimal amount!

OLAPLEX No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

4 OLAPLEX No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

Welcome to the ever-going OLAPLEX family, No.4C! Designed to remove excess oil, product build-up, and impurities; it suits those of us with oilier hair perfectly. It even targets hard water minerals, chlorine, and pollutants all while leaving hair soft and shiny with vibrant clarity. 

Of course, it is formulated with the patented Bond-Building Technologyâ„¢ to maintain the strong hair bonds that OLAPLEX is so famous for. You can use this as an alternative to No.4 if your hair is on the oilier side or combine them both together for a double cleanse and best results.

olaplex blond shampoo

5 OLAPLEX No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

Designed for blonde, lightened, and grey hair types, OLAPLEX No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo effectively neutralises unwanted yellow, brassy tones while brightening and softening every strand. This toner will keep your blonde hair looking salon fresh in between hairdresser appointments.

The sulfate-free, highly concentrated formula allows for customisable and instant toning - the longer you treat, the brighter the results! Whether your blonde comes naturally or from a bottle, light highlights, or a full head, even if you’re rocking the grey! Olaplex No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo will keep your colour bright.

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6 OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Best used in conjunction with OLAPLEX No.4, No.5 is also the only conditioner within the collection.

The super nourishing formula successfully helps to restore, repair and hydrate all hair types at the same time without weighing the hair down and leaving it flat. You can expect super manageable hair with a glossy shine. Completely colour safe and actually helps to maintain a high-quality colour. Follow immediately after No.4 from mid-length to ends. For further results, rinse hair with cold water to reduce frizz and stimulate hair growth!

 

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7 OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother

Eliminate frizz and boost smooth, shiny locks for up to 72 hours!

No.6 is a highly concentrated leave-in conditioner that tames flyaways and tames frizz while also being packed full of Vitamin E and Coconut Oil to protect from damaging heat products and maximise hydration.

More than capable of looking after every hair type including afro hair, fine hair, coloured, coiled and chemically treated hair; this silky cream has you covered. You will also experience reduced blow dry times. Apply from mid-lengths to ends either on damp or dry hair and comb through.

 

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8 OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil

A highly concentrated, ultra-lightweight, reparative styling oil to dramatically increase shine, softness, and strength while also enhancing all hair types and textures. The product can protect against heat up to 450°F/230°C but this talented golden bottle also protects against UVA/UVB protection making it perfect for the summer months.

Shoulder-length hair should use a few drops and longer lengths should use a generous amount. Apply to dry or damp hair and for extra results and to reap the benefits of both you can mix together with OLAPLEX No.6.

 

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9 OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask launched in early 2021 and has been a hit ever since!

A highly concentrated at-home repairing mask with 4 main benefits – 2x more shine, 4x more moisture, 6x more smoothness, and 94% more body and even better, all these benefits last for several shampoos. It couldn’t be easier to use too – 1 pump for short hair, 2 for shoulder length, and 3 for long or thick hair. Apply to clean, damp hair from mid-lengths to ends and leave on for at least 10 minutes.  

olaplex 9

10 OLAPLEX No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

OLAPLEX No.9 is brand new to the OLAPLEX family. This anti-damage hair shield is a silicone-free, antioxidant-rich serum that increases manageability, delivers satin shine, provides style memory, and protects hair from pollution and heat up to 450°F/232°C. OLAPLEX No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is packed full of antioxidant-rich ingredients including Red Algae Extract to neutralize free radicals, prevent damage, and nourish the hair from the inside out.

Apply No.9 prior to your No.6 & No.7 styling treatments but after you have washed your hair with any of the OLAPLEX No.0, No.3, No.4, No.4P, No.5, or No.8.

Your New OLAPLEX Hair Care Routine

If you need some more help before clicking 'add to basket', feel free to ask us! All products recommended above are available to purchase at Dermacare Direct and we can help with our expert advice and top tips making your OLAPLEX shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via advice@dermacaredirect.co.uk, or pick up the phone now and call us on phone number 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.

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Andrea Patel Dermatology Nurse Practitioner & Director Author
View all posts by Andrea Patel