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If you struggle with damaged, listless hair, learning how to use Olaplex can be a game-changer for your confidence. We’ll teach you how to use Olaplex, including when to use each of the 8 products and what to consider.
How to Use Olaplex: A Summary
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Incorporating Olaplex treatments into your routine is easy since they label their bottles according to the order you should use them. They are as follows:
- Visit the salon
- Apply Olaplex No. 0
- Apply Olaplex No. 3
- Apply Olaplex No. 4
- Apply Olaplex No. 5
- Apply Olaplex No. 6
- Apply Olaplex No. 7
- Apply Olaplex No. 8
Let’s explore how to use Olaplex so that you can maximize its many benefits.
How to Use Olaplex in 8 Steps
Prepare yourself to see a 180 change with your damaged hair when you apply Olaplex by following the steps below.
1. Visit the Salon
The first two steps of using Olaplex require a professional hairdresser to apply Olaplex No. 1 and No. 2.
If you’re among the 66 – 74% of women who use hair coloring products, it’s especially important that you find a hairdresser that works with Olaplex, as they can mix No. 1 into the bleach before they color your hair. Alternatively, a salon can apply Olaplex No. 1 as a standalone treatment.
In either case, Olaplex No. 1’s purpose is to work on mending disulfide bonds. Your hair will then have the opportunity to start repairing and have the ability to prevent future damage.
Whether your hairdresser uses Olaplex No. 1 as part of your coloring treatment or applies it solo, you must use Olaplex No. 2 immediately following No 1.
So, your hairdresser will rinse your hair and then comb Olaplex No. 2 through your hair, leaving it on for a minimum of 10 – 20 minutes. Doing so is essential, especially for hair colorings, as Olaplex No. 1 alone cannot combat all the damaging effects of hair color.
Olaplex encourages users to leave No. 2 on their hair even past the 20-minute mark. They say that the longer you leave it on, the more effective it’ll be.
In either case, your hairdresser will likely wash your hair two times to ensure they get out all the Olaplex No. 2. Otherwise, if there’s any residue lingering on your hair, the toner won’t take as well.
2. Apply Olaplex No. 0
No, we didn’t mix up the order of using Olaplex products. Instead, Olaplex uses its “zero” product as the base for at-home treatments. Olaplex’s No. 0 is a bond builder and primer for helping the No. 3 product in the next step to achieve maximum absorption.
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglcol Dimaleate is the primary active ingredient in No. 0. Olaplex has its patent on this molecule, and it works to repair hair damaged via the following methods:
- Thermal
- Chemical
- Environmental
- Mechanical
Furthermore, No. 0 prevents future damage to your hair due to these circumstances. To apply Olaplex No. 0, take a shower and dry your clean hair.
Then, apply the product using a comb to ensure it spreads evenly from root to tip throughout your hair. Leave No. 0 on for ten minutes, and don’t be surprised when it dries fast—Olaplex designed this product to do just that.
3. Apply Olaplex No. 3
Olaplex No. 3 works closely with No. 0. So closely, in fact, that you should apply No. 3 on top of No. 0. So, once you comb No. 0 through your hair, crack open the bottle of No. 3 and squeeze it generously throughout your hair.
By combining No. 0 with No. 3, you’ll enhance No.3’s strengthening properties. Olaplex recommends using No. 3 once per week, using a 1 – 3 teaspoon application on your hair, depending on the severity of your hair damage.
Like No. 0, you should leave No. 3 on your hair for at least ten minutes. However, the longer you leave it on, the better the potential results. Olaplex has even said that people report outstanding hair restoration when they leave it on for up to 90 minutes.
When you’re ready to remove No.3 (and, as a result, No. 0), take a shower. After applying these two products, you’ll need to rinse your hair, shampoo, and condition it like you usually would.
4. Apply Olaplex No. 4
You can expect Olaplex’s powerful formula to impress you up to this point. So, this is when many people choose to begin using Olaplex No. 4, which is a shampoo.
No. 4 is a reparative and nourishing shampoo that will supplement the protection that your hair is already benefiting from by you using products No. 0 – 3. It has a pH balance of 6 – 6.5, which aids its restorative properties.
Whether you’re looking to reduce frizz, want to prevent split ends, or are tired of dull hair, Olaplex’s shampoo addresses all these issues. You can use No. 4 as a complete replacement for your regular shampoo.
To use it, squirt the shampoo in your hand according to the length of your hair. Then, massage it into your scalp.
It’s safe to use Olaplex No. 4 daily, although many salons recommend less frequent shampooing for hair health. Then again, research shows that daily washing reduces the amount of the stress hormone cortisol.
Read Next: How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair
For Blondes: Apply Olaplex No. 4-P
Whether you have naturally blonde hair or blond hair coloring or highlights, skip Olaplex’s No. 4 shampoo and use No. 4-P instead. No. 4-P is a purple shampoo designed to help blonde hair maintain its brilliant color.
In addition to blondes, people with lightened and grey hair can also benefit from this product. Olaplex No. 4-P is so effective for these hair types because it neutralizes brassiness thanks to its sulfate-free properties.
In addition, you’re sure to love its rich lather, which will leave your hair feeling cleaner and more toned than possibly any shampoo you’ve used in the past. In fact, Olaplex claims that their No. 4-P formula will leave your hair three times brighter than other purple shampoos for blondes.
While you can apply No. 4-P daily like regular shampoo, Olaplex says you only need to use it 2 – 3 times per week to benefit from its effect. You can then use their No. 4 product between your blonde shampoo treatments.
5. Apply Olaplex No. 5
A high-quality shampoo means little without a good conditioner to accompany it. That’s where Olaplex No. 5 comes into play. Olaplex No. 5 is a daily conditioner that touts its bond maintenance properties, supporting the treatments you’ve given your hair in the previous steps.
It’s suitable for all hair types and actively does the following to hair:
- Hydrates
- Repairs
- Strengthens
The color-safe Olaplex No. 5 has a pH that ranges from 4.0 – 5.0. Its moisturizing qualities mean that every time you use it, you’ll notice your hair becoming shinier and healthier.
When applying Olaplex No.5, focus on the tips of your hair; this formula will do little for supporting the roots, unlike the previous Olaplex products we’ve covered.
Best of all, No. 5 doesn’t use any dangerous aldehydes, formaldehyde, or diethanolamine. Although aldehydes occur naturally in the environment, the way that many conditioners use this organic compound makes it a health hazard to humans.
6. Apply Olaplex No. 6
Now that you’ve got your hair stronger and shinier, it’s time to use Olaplex’s products to style your hair. Olaplex No. 6 is a high concentration smoothing cream that you can use in wet or dry hair.
Unlike other styling products that require reapplication after a day of use, Olaplex No. 6 lasts as long as 72 hours. During this time, it’ll do the following:
- Prevents frizz
- Moisturizes
- Strengthens
You also won’t have to worry about pesky flyaways, given that this styling cream does an excellent job of holding your hair into your favorite style. To apply Olaplex No. 6, squeeze the cream onto your hand.
Then, rub your hands together and work the cream into your hair, starting mid-way down your hair and moving down to your tips. It’s safe to use Olaplex No. 6 with a blow dryer, and you can apply this styling cream every time after washing your hair.
7. Apply Olaplex No. 7
If part of your styling routine involves heat products like a flat iron or curling iron, you’re in luck—Olaplex No. 7 offers outstanding heat protection for hair up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. But even if you don’t need thermal protection from these products, No. 7 is still helpful for everyone.
That’s because this bonding oil offers UV protection while increasing the softness, shine, and color vibrancy in hair. Best of all, it doesn’t take a lot of Olaplex No. 7 to see its impact.
Simply tip the bottle upside down and tap until a few drops fall into your hand. Then, run the product through your hair. You can use Olaplex No. 7 on wet or dry hair, as well as just before you apply a heated styling tool.
8. Apply Olaplex No. 8
At this point, you’ll be rocking the most brilliant, soft, and damage-free hair you’ve likely had in all your life. However, to maintain this look, Olaplex offers their No. 8 product—a maintenance hair mask to keep up with the results you’ve received in the previous steps.
Olaplex uses its bond-building technology to deeply moisturize hair and treat any damage that comes up as you’re living your best life. Other features that No. 8 offers your hair include:
- Smoothness
- Shine
- Body
Olaplex No. 8 isn’t a product to use daily. Instead, apply it once per week by squirting a pump of the cream on your hand. Then, work this leave-in product through your damp hair after getting out of the shower.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you still have questions about how to use Olaplex, rest easy. The answers below should help you out:
Can you apply Olaplex 3 to wet or dry hair?
It’s best to use Olaplex 3 on damp hair. After leaving it on for a minimum of ten minutes, hop in the shower and rinse it off. Then, proceed with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.
How do you use Olaplex for the best results?
The ideal way to use Olaplex for the best results is to visit your local hair salon so that they can treat it with their salon-only No. 1 and No. 2 products. Then, continue the treatment at home per the steps we discussed here.
In what order do you use Olaplex?
You should use Olaplex in order of their numbers (No. 1 – 8). That said, there are some divergences, such as a No. 4-P product for blondes and the No. 8 follow-up product that you should only use weekly.
Can Olaplex regrow hair?
No, Olaplex cannot regrow hair. Instead, it helps your current hair remain healthy and strong.
Does Olaplex prevent split ends?
Yes, Olaplex does an excellent job of preventing split ends. Its products have restoration and strengthening properties to maximize your hair’s health.
So, How Do You Use Olaplex?
So there you have it — how to use Olaplex. Olaplex is a multi-step process, but many of its products can replace the products you currently use. By sticking with the Olaplex brand, you can expect to have shinier, softer, and stronger hair.