This is how you use Olaplex

Hair professionals swear by the one, two, three-step plan of Olaplex, and nowadays you can find a restorative treatment for damaged hair in almost every salon. The brand has proven that it does exactly what it needs to do, and not only for the salon, they also have plenty of options for the most beautiful hair at home. I am a big fan of the shampoo and conditioner, which are definitely not to be missed in my bathroom; the 2-liter bottles are proudly displayed in my shower. The collection gets bigger every year, but what does it actually all do? And can you combine all the numbers? Let me go through it with you, here it comes.

Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

This product is inspired by the treatment in salons, but for home use. No. 0 acts as a kind of primer for your hair and is a golden combination with No. 3 for intense care and repair. Its use only requires some time, as you apply it to dry hair, from root to tip. Once your entire hair is coated with a thin layer, you let it sit for ten minutes before applying number three. You comb this combination through your entire hair. You let it sit together for another ten minutes. Now you can finally wash it with shampoo, preferably of course with Olaplex. You can do this treatment a few times a week until your hair looks and feels less damaged.

Moving on to Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier and No. 2 Bond Perfector

Unfortunately, these are not available for purchase in stores, as these are the products used in a salon and require some professional knowledge. This treatment is often recommended when you are going to dye your hair or if your hair is very damaged from frequent styling with heat tools. Number 1 is often added to bleach, so if it smells particularly nice, you know there is some Olaplex in the dye. Number 2 is always applied separately to the hair, so you do not combine the products. Once the dye with number 1 has been rinsed out, they often apply number 2 for repair and shine. This needs to sit for an average of 5 to 10 minutes and helps maintain your natural sulfur bridges. Chemical treatment (the dye) can damage your sulfur bridges, affecting the structure and strength of your hair. This special treatment restores that and prevents your hair from losing its strength.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

This one is in my bathroom cabinet, but I've only used it a few times (oops). It is one of the most popular products in the collection to improve your texture, and after just one use, you can already notice a difference, which is always nice. The reason I don't use it that much is the instructions; you apply it to towel-dried hair and let it sit for ten minutes before wetting your hair again and rinsing it out. So you do need some time to stand under the shower twice, or you need to have a bath, then it's just a matter of wrapping your hair in a towel and chilling again, but unfortunately, I don't have that. But to be fair: the time I used it, I did see a big difference in how my hair was: it has much more shine and healthier ends. I should try it again.

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

You only need a tiny bit of the shampoo, even with long hair, and it lathers beautifully. The conditioner, on the other hand, is a bit thicker but works just as well. You only use it on the ends. Both products need to be rinsed out really well, so if you turn off the tap within thirty seconds, a residue might remain, and then you can wet your hair again the next day. I've been a fan of this combination for years, hence the two-liter bottles in my bathroom. Split ends and frizz are significantly reduced by this combination, and my hair looks very healthy, despite dyeing, blow-drying, and styling. Also nice: suitable for all hair types, which I think is an absolute plus.

Olaplex 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

This one is new in the collection, and I still need to try it because I'm super curious about it. It is especially suitable for blonde, highlighted, or gray hair to eliminate yellow, warm tones. You only need a tiny bit because it is super concentrated. You let it sit for a few minutes, but not longer than three minutes, otherwise, you'll end up with purple hair, and you don't want that. Tip: use number 4 to wash your (greasy) hair first to clean it, and then use this toning shampoo to refresh your color.

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother

For a few weeks now, I have been the lucky owner of number 6. I received it for my birthday, and I am surprisingly pleased with it. I noticed that my hairdresser always uses the Bond Smoother (together with No. 7) before she styles it, and it always smells so nice. The leave-in smoother is applied to towel-dried/moist hair, especially on the lengths and ends. It protects your hair from the heat of styling tools, but also from UV radiation, which is so important. You need to protect your hair (just like your body) from UV every day, and this Bond Smoother provides 72 hours of protection for your hair: perfect, right? If you don't have much time in the morning to blow-dry your hair, then this is definitely a product for you, as it shortens the drying process.

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

This award-winning oil can be very well combined with number 6 if you have very dry ends and if your hair is very frizzy. You really only need one drop of this golden oil, which is why the packaging is so small (it's for your entire hair). The oil works best if you warm it up first by rubbing it between your hands, and you can apply it all over your hair. It doesn't make your hair greasy, which is often the case with an oil. Therefore, you can also apply it every day if needed. It also protects your hair from heat up to 230 degrees; nice to know before you set the straightener to the highest setting. It also contains UV protection.

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

This highly concentrated mask has not been in the collection for long and has already won multiple awards. This mask gives your hair an intense hydration boost that makes it shinier and feels much softer. It also provides more volume, as it does not weigh your hair down, which a nourishing mask can sometimes do. You use it very easily on wet, washed hair, especially on the lengths and ends. Comb it through well with a brush or your hands, whichever you prefer, let it sit for ten minutes, and voilà, you're done. Occasionally, I apply a hair mask in the evening and rinse it out the next day; if you really need a good boost, this might be a good tip. Just make sure to wrap a microfiber towel around your hair so that the mask can absorb well.