What is Olaplex part II
Q: Can OLAPLEX build up on the hair? I’ve heard too much protein can cause the hair to be brittle. How often should I be using OLAPLEX?
A: OLAPLEX is not actually a protein treatment at all - it uses a completely different technology! It cannot be overused and it cannot build up on the hair! In fact, the more you use it, the more repair you will see.
OLAPLEX No.1, No.2, No.3, No.5 and No.7 contain no protein at all. But, in the spirit of absolute transparency (and in OU we are all about transparency) there is a trace amount of hydrolyzed vegetable protein in OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother. This ingredient is used as an emulsifier in the products and the amount is so scant that even the most protein-sensitive hair will not be negatively impacted. This ingredient is water soluble and does not build up on the hair. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein can be found in countless professional and over-the-counter hair products. It is a very common ingredient, and more than likely it is in the products you already regularly use!
When it comes to how frequently OLAPLEX products should be used, they can be used as often as necessary! Here is a little breakdown:
- OLAPLEX No.1 and No.2 can be used as often as needed. Generally speaking, a monthly Stand Alone treatment is a good idea, but this treatment (or a mini treatment using No.2) can be performed multiple times within a short period if the hair is compromised and needs extra repair.
- OLAPLEX No.3 can be used 1-2X a week for healthy hair, and more often for compromised hair.
- OLAPLEX No.4 and No.5 can be used any time the hair is washed - even daily, should you wash your hair daily.
- OLAPLEX No.6 and No.7 can be used as often as needed, although No.6 has frizz fighting power for up to 72 hours (provided it is not shampooed from the hair before that), so it may not be totally necessary to use more often than that. Use your best judgement and do what works for you!
Q: Is it OK to sleep in OLAPLEX treatments?
A: As a company, OLAPLEX does not suggest sleeping in OLAPLEX treatments because it can get in your eyes. Additionally, it should be noted that OLAPLEX treatments continue to work as long as they are kept moist. Once the product dries out, it is no longer working. Additionally, OLAPLEX treatments reach max efficacy around the 45 minute mark. Please keep these two things in mind when considering sleeping in OLAPLEX treatments.
On the flipside, there are people who choose to sleep in OLAPLEX treatments and they absolutely love their results.
Another important thing to understand is that OLAPLEX is not a moisture treatment or a protein treatment, although it does improve moisture retention and helps secondary treatments take to the hair much better. What OLAPLEX does is repair disulfide bonds, and in layman’s terms, repair the “bones.” Then, protein addresses the “muscles” and moisture the “skin.” When the hair is quite damaged or over-processed, it is often lacking in protein and moisture, in addition to the disulfide bonds being broken. It is important to assess what the needs of the hair are in each individual case. An easy way to tell whether the hair is needing protein, is if it feels slimy when it’s wet. When it comes to moisture deficiency, the hair will feel very rough and, well, dry! The easiest way to combat this is to use the appropriate protein and/or moisture treatments after using OLAPLEX. This is applicable to the salon, as well as at home.
