OLAPLEX: Hair Game Changer?

[Daina]

I currently have step 2 of olaplex's system in my hair right now and so far idk how i feel about it. I ordered it from eBay so hopefully it's legit.

Here is my story

Last March i decided i wanted to heat train my 4b natural hair because i was fed up with single strand knots and i wanted cooperative ends. I was also 4 months pregnant so i was thinking clearly but anywho...

I used ion's keratin treatment which required 5-7 passes. I thought something in the keratin treatment would make my hair straighter while protecting it from damage. Boy was i wrong.

I've managed to somewhat contain the damage with aphogee 2 step protein treatment but that eventually wears off so i want something a bit more permanent.

Here's what the olaplex looked like out of the packaging
View attachment 422957 i compared all of the ingredients on the label to the ingredients i found on the olaplex app. Neither my batch nor the app's list of ingredients listed protein.
I flat ironed my hair about a week ago and I've been applying olive oil through out the week. I started with this hair. View attachment 422959

I first shampooed my hair using Pantene moisturizing shampoo to get rid of the oil and serums in my hair. This was freshly washed hair before i
applied any olaplex. View attachment 422961 View attachment 422969

I applied step one olaplex and let it sit for 90 minutes. This is what my hair looked like after step one.
View attachment 422965 View attachment 422967
I currently have step 2 in so I'll come back with a final update. My hope is that it'll strengthen my heat damaged ends and help me keep breakage to a minimum. If a piece of straight hair curls up, that'll just be an added bonus but I'm not expecting any miracles.

The only thing I would encourage you to do is have patience! You have a significant severe amount of heat damage from the keratin treatment and it will take TIME. Some of those ends on your hair may have to be trimmed with time. I didn't see improvement in my hair right away, it took a minute before it was obvious which is why I took pictures. Sometimes it will be hard to see the progress especially when we want it overnight. Not sure if you still use heat but if you can stay away from heat for awhile. Start with a month, then 2 months, 3 months etc...Olaplex will help but it's not a cure all or quick fix. More than anything changing my hair practices is what turned my hair around.

Your bottles look like mine both the ones I bought directly from Olaplex and the ones from Amazon. My bottles from Amazon always came in Olaplex boxes and packaging both the inside and outside boxes. HTH!

 

[icsonia22]

The only thing I would encourage you to do is have patience! You have a significant severe amount of heat damage from the keratin treatment and it will take TIME. Some of those ends on your hair may have to be trimmed with time. I didn't see improvement in my hair right away, it took a minute before it was obvious which is why I took pictures. Sometimes it will be hard to see the progress especially when we want it overnight. Not sure if you still use heat but if you can stay away from heat for awhile. Start with a month, then 2 months, 3 months etc...Olaplex will help but it's not a cure all or quick fix. More than anything changing my hair practices is what turned my hair around.

Your bottles look like mine both the ones I bought directly from Olaplex and the ones from Amazon. My bottles from Amazon always came in Olaplex boxes and packaging both the inside and outside boxes. HTH!

I'm already back to my Celie plats lol. Thanks for the advice. Im going to take a break from heat and transition out of the damage

 

[bellatiamarie]

I forgot to update this thread.... I used step 3 last week and my hair felt great afterwards. I’ve noticed far less shedding and breakage throughout the week. So I’m planning to stick with my plan... number 1 and 2 once per month and number 3 weekly... at least until my hair improves and then I’ll step down to bi-weekly, monthly, as needed and so forth.

 

[GettingKinky]

I forgot to update this thread.... I used step 3 last week and my hair felt great afterwards. I’ve noticed far less shedding and breakage throughout the week. So I’m planning to stick with my plan... number 1 and 2 once per month and number 3 weekly... at least until my hair improves and then I’ll step down to bi-weekly, monthly, as needed and so forth.

Where did you get your opalex? I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get some.

 

[bellatiamarie]

Where did you get your opalex? I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get some.

I ordered from overstock.com. Someone in this thread suggested it. I don’t have any issues with mine and overstock does confirm on their website that it’s real olaplex.

 

[Atthatday]

I forgot to update this thread.... I used step 3 last week and my hair felt great afterwards. I’ve noticed far less shedding and breakage throughout the week. So I’m planning to stick with my plan... number 1 and 2 once per month and number 3 weekly... at least until my hair improves and then I’ll step down to bi-weekly, monthly, as needed and so forth.

Great news. Are you aware that #3 is a weaker version of #2? In an effort to save money and avoid duplicating products, I just use #1 and #2. I do use #2 every week for my new routine.

 

[bellatiamarie]

Great news. Are you aware that #3 is a weaker version of #2? In an effort to save money and avoid duplicating products, I just use #1 and #2. I do use #2 every week for my new routine.

No, I wasn’t aware. Hmmm... thanks for sharing.

How are the products working for you?

 

[naturalyogini]

I ordered from overstock.com. Someone in this thread suggested it. I don’t have any issues with mine and overstock does confirm on their website that it’s real olaplex.

Sephora now sells olaplex #3 FYI

 

[bellatiamarie]

Sephora now sells olaplex #3 FYI

Thanks.... I see someone else mentioned it as well. I wonder if it’s reasonably priced.

 

[Atthatday]

No, I wasn’t aware. Hmmm... thanks for sharing.

How are the products working for you?

Unfortunately, I haven’t used them consistently enough to see a difference.

 

[naturalyogini]

Thanks.... I see someone else mentioned it as well. I wonder if it’s reasonably priced.

$28

 

[sgold04]

My hair has been colored for about 8 months now with blonde highlights in the front and still no damage. Thanks to Olaplex I believe. The bleached parts are more dry but I haven't experienced any breakage. I do step 3 at home, and steps 1 and 2 in the salon when I get my color touched up.

 

[nymane]

My hair has been colored for about 8 months now with blonde highlights in the front and still no damage. Thanks to Olaplex I believe. The bleached parts are more dry but I haven't experienced any breakage. I do step 3 at home, and steps 1 and 2 in the salon when I get my color touched up.

@sgold04 Thanks for your review. How often do you use the No.3? Do you always shampoo the No. 3 out as per the directions?

 

[sgold04]

@sgold04 Thanks for your review. How often do you use the No.3? Do you always shampoo the No. 3 out as per the directions?

I use it every time I wash, so once a week or every two weeks. It's part of my pre-poo process so I do wash it out as instructed

 

[Aggie]

I just bought the Olaplex system (professional size) and will be using this based on @Daina's results with it. I wasn't going to but I need to compare it with Alfaparf Bond Rebuilder system which works like Olaplex.

The Alfaparf Bond Rebuilder did tremendously slow down my breakage and left my hair feeling a little hard but using NG Rose Clay Moisturizing DC took care of that pretty good. I got the Olaplex for research purposes of course.

 

[CurlyRy]

I really want to give this a go. I need to strengthen my hair some. I'll probably buy some next week and maybe try it out next month

 

[imaginary]

I need to re-up on this. But I want to be sure I get the genuine thing.

 

[Aggie]

This is the professional set that I got last night and by the way, it shipped today:

I have the set in the 17.75 oz size of steps 1 and 2 but an additional step 2 comes with the set in size 67.62 oz. This was a great buy from a professional salon site. I own a beauty salon, by the way. I didn't want to take the chance of ordering a fake product. I can't wait for it to arrive and try it out.


ETA:
I didn't get any step 3 product. I don't think I really need it having so much of step 2 on hand, which incidentally is just step 3 but stronger.

 

[Atthatday]

Unfortunately, I’m selling the remainder of Olaplex #2. I “suspect” Olaplex #2 may be too strong for me. My hair has broken off twice, in the back.

I’m glad to hear that others are having/had positive results.

 

[GeorginaSparks]

This is the professional set that I got last night and by the way, it shipped today:

I have the set in the 17.75 oz size of steps 1 and 2 but an additional step 2 comes with the set in size 67.62 oz. This was a great buy from a professional salon site. I own a beauty salon, by the way. I didn't want to take the chance of ordering a fake product. I can't wait for it to arrive and try it out.


ETA:
I didn't get any step 3 product. I don't think I really need it having so much of step 2 on hand, which incidentally is just step 3 but stronger.

from where? link please.

 

[Aggie]

from where? link please.

I have a Spa Therapist/Beautician's license in the Bahamas and got it from www.cosmoprofbeauty.com.

 

[Aggie]

Unfortunately, I’m selling the remainder of Olaplex #2. I “suspect” Olaplex #2 may be too strong for me. My hair has broken off twice, in the back.

I’m glad to hear that others are having/had positive results.

I'm sorry it didn't work for you @Atthatday but I have a couple questions for you.

Have you moisturized or protein treated your hair based on what it needs? Did you follow instructions exactly as defined by the company and only as needed?

Bare in mind that Olaplex is not a replacement treatment just an enhancement to protect color and chemically altered hair from breaking off due to extreme or over-processing.

I refer anything to be extreme from a demi-permanent color to full dyeing to bleaching and even to heat damage by the way.

 

[Daina]

This is the professional set that I got last night and by the way, it shipped today:

I have the set in the 17.75 oz size of steps 1 and 2 but an additional step 2 comes with the set in size 67.62 oz. This was a great buy from a professional salon site. I own a beauty salon, by the way. I didn't want to take the chance of ordering a fake product. I can't wait for it to arrive and try it out.


ETA:
I didn't get any step 3 product. I don't think I really need it having so much of step 2 on hand, which incidentally is just step 3 but stronger.

@Aggie, nice haul! My BFF owns a salon and she was able to purchase for me from the same site. Keep me posted on how it works for you.

 

[toinette]

is it possible to get away with just using step 1 or just using step 2?

 

[Aggie]

@Aggie, nice haul! My BFF owns a salon and she was able to purchase for me from the same site. Keep me posted on how it works for you.

Will do hon. You have got me really motivated with your awesome progress with it. I'll take it easy with it and try not to overdo it. The Alfaparf Bond Rebuilder is pretty good at stopping breakage as well. It just made my hair a little hard until I used some deep moisturizing conditioner for an hour with heat to soften it up. I continued to saturate it with moisture throughout the week and now it feels wonderful again, thank God!

 

[Aggie]

is it possible to get away with just using step 1 or just using step 2?

There is no step 1 without step 2. Step 2 is a critical component with this system, especially if you want to see visible results.

Step 1 is used DURING your chemical services and it does a good job protecting the hair from massive damage but it does NOT cover all the single sulfur hydrogen bonds during this step.

This is what step 2 does - because it doesn't have the effects of your chemical services working against it, it fills in, multiplies and further cross link these bonds causing the hair to look healthy and shiny again.

 

[toinette]

There is no step 1 without step 2. Step 2 is a critical component with this system, especially if you want to see visible results.

Step 1 is used DURING your chemical services and it does a good job protecting the hair from massive damage but it does NOT cover all the single sulfur hydrogen bonds during this step.

This is what step 2 does - because it doesn't have the effects of your chemical services working against it, it fills in, multiplies and further cross link these bonds causing the hair to look healthy and shiny again.

i dont do chemical services to my hair though, thats why i asked. everything i read said stuff about mixing step 1 in with color or relaxer or perm. Im natural and occasionally straighten and am dealing with slight heat damage. Im just looking for something to strengthen my hair in general cause my ends are always splitting and i want to strengthen my hair enough to mitigate against possible damage when straighetning. It seems that step 3 is just a weaker version of step 2. im just wondering if step 2 is just a weaker creamier version of step 1.

 

[Aggie]

i dont do chemical services to my hair though, thats why i asked. everything i read said stuff about mixing step 1 in with color or relaxer or perm. Im natural and occasionally straighten and am dealing with slight heat damage. Im just looking for something to strengthen my hair in general cause my ends are always splitting and i want to strengthen my hair enough to mitigate against possible damage when straighetning. It seems that step 3 is just a weaker version of step 2. im just wondering if step 2 is just a weaker creamier version of step 1.

Believe it or not heat damage causes a chemical reaction in the hair strand, thereby altering its structure. You'd still want to use step 1. And no to your last question from what I understand. If you have any doubts, it would be best to see a professional Olaplex stylist. I myself is just now starting to use this line. @Daina has been using it and she would be a better candidate to help you with Olaplex questions at the moment. My package is just arriving today and I'm about to pick it up in a couple of hours. I would suggest you use it exactly as the label says to use it.
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This is what I got from the Olaplex site:

Stand Alone Treatment:

This service is designed to be performed at the shampoo bowl

1. Mix 1/2oz (15ml) No.1 with 3oz (90ml) of water in a non-spraying applicator bottle. Take client to shampoo bowl and saturate thoroughly. Process for 5 minutes.
2. Without rinsing, apply a generous amount of No.2 from roots to ends and comb through thoroughly.
3. Process for a minimum of 10-20 minutes.
4. Rinse, shampoo and condition. Follow with moisture and protein where applicable.

*We recommend applying to dry hair to see saturation. If client has product buildup such as oils or silicones, shampoo first and then apply to damp, towel dried hair. If client has mineral buildup, a hard water treatment is recommended first to remove this as it will act as a barrier.

*Please note, if client requires more or less product in regards to first step, measurements may be changed. For short hair, mix 1/4oz (7.5ml) No.1 with 1.5oz (45ml) water. For long hair, mix 1oz (30ml) No.1 with 6oz (180ml) water.

ETA:
You could try using step 2 alone and see if it works for you @toinette. It just might work without step 1. But note that if you use step 1, you will have to use step 2 as well.

Hope this helps!

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I have been using Alfaparf Bond Rebuilder which performs like Olaplex, just without the step 1. Their step 1 is just a base to protect the scalp, then step 2 is the Bond Rebuilder that goes on the length of the hair only, and step 3 is a fiber protection that goes on the length of the hair and scalp. It's job is to restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair after a chemical service. I need this after I color my hair.

 

[SuchaLady]

Is #3 worth it without #1 and #2?

I can obviously buy #3 with no problem but 1-2 are a little harder to get but I wouldn’t go tracking it down unless I needed the entire line.

 

[toinette]

Believe it or not heat damage causes a chemical reaction in the hair strand, thereby altering its structure. You'd still want to use step 1. And no to your last question from what I understand. If you have any doubts, it would be best to see a professional Olaplex stylist. I myself is just now starting to use this line. @Daina has been using it and she would be a better candidate to help you with Olaplex questions at the moment. My package is just arriving today and I'm about to pick it up in a couple of hours. I would suggest you use it exactly as the label says to use it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is what I got from the Olaplex site:

Stand Alone Treatment:

This service is designed to be performed at the shampoo bowl

1. Mix 1/2oz (15ml) No.1 with 3oz (90ml) of water in a non-spraying applicator bottle. Take client to shampoo bowl and saturate thoroughly. Process for 5 minutes.
2. Without rinsing, apply a generous amount of No.2 from roots to ends and comb through thoroughly.
3. Process for a minimum of 10-20 minutes.
4. Rinse, shampoo and condition. Follow with moisture and protein where applicable.

*We recommend applying to dry hair to see saturation. If client has product buildup such as oils or silicones, shampoo first and then apply to damp, towel dried hair. If client has mineral buildup, a hard water treatment is recommended first to remove this as it will act as a barrier.

*Please note, if client requires more or less product in regards to first step, measurements may be changed. For short hair, mix 1/4oz (7.5ml) No.1 with 1.5oz (45ml) water. For long hair, mix 1oz (30ml) No.1 with 6oz (180ml) water.

ETA:
You could try using step 2 alone and see if it works for you @toinette. It just might work without step 1. But note that if you use step 1, you will have to use step 2 as well.

Hope this helps!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have been using Alfaparf Bond Rebuilder which performs like Olaplex, just without the step 1. Their step 1 is just a base to protect the scalp, then step 2 is the Bond Rebuilder that goes on the length of the hair only, and step 3 is a fiber protection that goes on the length of the hair and scalp. It's job is to restore the pH balance of the scalp and hair after a chemical service. I need this after I color my hair.

Thank you @Aggie

I'll go ahead and buy 1 and 2. I got the treatment done last Friday and just from reading the instructions I don't think she did it correctly. Id rather just shell out the money and do it myself again in 3 months. I was going to buy step 3 to use in the mean time but I'll just use step 2 diluted