“Perfect Tee” (Went up one size. Also available here.) / Gingham Midi Skirt (Obsessed. Size down.) / Olaplex
It’s probably pretty evident that I don’t know much about beauty products, but I HAD to write this post because it truly changed everything for me in the hair department. I kind of can’t believe that this product real, and I’m hoping that this post will help others who are in a similar predicament. :)
The background
All I dream about is long, thick hair that looks awesome when air dried and doesn’t frizz. Unfortunately, though, I have dry, frizzy, baby-fine locks… and since college, I’ve been on a mission to destroy every last hair on my head with the help of bleach and a trusty flat iron. (Would you believe that before this obsession started, I had long, silky brown hair down that fell to my waist?! It’s true.)
Because of all this, my hair has felt like straw for the last few years. To boot, I had a baby about a year an a half ago, and roughly half of it fell out. The STRUGGLE. (In case you’re wondering, this is common! It’s slowly growing back, but it’s been rough.)
After I had Emma, I realized just how much I wanted healthier hair, and I decided it was time to make some major changes in order to achieve that. So:
- I threw away my straightener. Legitimately did this so I wouldn’t be tempted. I now either air dry or blow dry on “low” on cold days. (I use this curling iron or this straightening brush—both far less damaging than a flat iron–when I go out. But I make sure to only do this a couple of times per week.)
- I stopped highlighting my hair. All together. After I finally convinced myself that I could live without blonde hair 😂, my hair stylist and I decided to lowlight my hair and go with a balayage treatment, which helped to blend my roots with the lighter hair that was growing out. It worked! (I will say, however, that the lowlights have since faded. I could go back and have additional lowlights put in, but I honestly don’t mind it that much since it’s mostly visible from the back… and I just want to stop messing with it. It’s also far less noticeable when I wear my hair wavy or curly, which is nice.)
- I started using Olaplex.
Olaplex
When I went in for the balayage treatment, my stylist told me about Olaplex. Widely used by actors and actresses who regularly go from dark to light and vice versa for different roles, it’s known as a miracle product for actually restoring and repairing lifeless, dry and damaged hair. (It glues back together the broken bonds that result from over processing or thermal styling.) For a while, it was only a three-step salon process, but it’s now available to purchase (find it here on Amazon!) in one- or three-step treatments, and you can use it at home whenever you want.
Note: The one-step retails for around $28, and the three-step goes for $250, but the bottles are much larger. The one-step is SUPER easy, while the three-step is a bit more complicated. It’s typically administered in a salon during color treatments, but again, you can do it at home as well, even if you aren’t dyeing your hair. Just be sure to follow the directions.
Since my stylist called it a “magic unicorn,” I figured I should give it a try.
Three-step Olaplex salon experience
For my first time, I did it in the salon with my stylist, and we went with the three-step process since I was also getting a color treatment. It took roughly a half hour, which was incredible. I can’t remember how much it cost (killin’ it with this review 😂), but from the research I’ve done, it sounds like most places charge between $40 and $100 for it, depending on location and whether you go with the one-step or three-step process.
In short, I was astounded by the results. I walked into the salon with brittle, dry hair and frizzy hair… and when I walked out, my hair felt like it did in middle school. The softness was unreal! It honestly felt like Emma’s hair. Stronger than ever, full of life, and so much smoother. My mom was visiting (and babysitting Emma) at the time, and she seriously gasped when I walked in the door.
Ah-mah-zing.
About a month later, I started feeling like I needed it again, though. I wouldn’t say that my hair returned to straw; it just didn’t feel like pure silk anymore. So I bought Olaplex 3.
Olaplex 3 at-home experience
My stylist recommended I use Olaplex 3 (the one-step process) between one and three times per week at home. She explained that all I needed to do was simply apply the stuff to damp hair, put it in a bun, and let it sit. I could get great results in only 10 minutes, but she told me the longer, the better.
Of course, I’m a complete psychopath, and decided to use it every single day for 12 hours for a week straight because I really took that “the longer, the better” sentiment to heart. How did I pull that off? I applied it to damp hair around 7 p.m. every night, and washed it out the following morning. And yes. I realize I’m outing myself for having the least interesting social calendar in the world, but… you know. ;)
The result? That same, silky sooth hair I achieved from the three-step process! (Honestly, it felt silky after day 1 of Olaplex 3; I’m just a crazy person and kept going.) Truly incredible.
Frequently asked questions
Are there risks with using Olaplex “too often”? Apparently no. Olaplex cannot damage your hair, no matter how often you use it. Some users have reported that when they use it for long periods, the amount of time it requires to “take effect” will climb and climb. I haven’t used it enough yet to say whether I’ve found validity with this claim, but I’ll be sure to report back.
How long does its effects last? I’m now about a month out, and I’m starting to feel like I need it again. I’ll probably just use the stuff once or twice a week, now that the weather is warming up and I’m out and about more. But a month is a long time, in my opinion!
Can I use it if I’ve never dyed my hair? Yes! Even “virgin” hair will benefit from Olaplex, as there are tons of factors–environmental, for example–that can cause damage. Were you born with dry hair? Frizzy hair? Fine hair? Olaplex helps with all of that.
How much is in the bottle? There are 3.3 ounces in the $28 at-home Olaplex 3 bottle. Doesn’t seem like a lot, but I’ve used it only seven times and half the bottle remains. I also really slathered it on. I’d say a single bottle will last several months, especially if you’re only doing it one, two or three times per week. It’s definitely worth it. :) The three-step kit’s bottles are MUCH larger, btw, but the price tag is considerably steeper.
What other products do you use? I love Pantene’s “Three Minute” line. It’s not as powerful as Olaplex is, but it’s good. It’s insanely affordable and can be found at any drugstore, too. I’m also still using Purador. They sent me hair loss shampoo and conditioner last year to review, in case you didn’t read the post. Truthfully, I’m not sure how to judge whether something like that is working, but I haven’t lost any more hair, so I’m just going to continue on with it! And then I use OGX Coconut Oil–whatever version of it that I can find. (I simply put a small amount in my hair after washing when damp.) I ask this below, but I’d LOVE to know about any miracle products out there that you guys use.
What’s next for me
My grand plan is to grow out my highlights and be done with them once and for all. I’m getting frequent trims and haircuts, and with any hope, I’ll have “untouched” new hair in a few years. That said, I now realize that I’m going gray, haha, and I’ll likely have to do something about that eventually. When I color, though, I will lowlight only… and I’ll probably do it only once or twice a year.
Go shorter. Again, I long for long hair. (See what I did there?) In reality, though, my hair looks stringy when it’s long–at least in its current state. (Back in the day, it was good!) Maybe down the line, I’ll be able to have longer locks, but for now, I think I might need to cut it to my shoulder so I have more body. Starting to feel good about that decision; might even do it today, haha!
Try the three-step process. As I mentioned, the three-step process is a bit more complicated to use, but it’s also totally doable at home as long as you follow the directions. Once my Olaplex 3 bottle runs out, I might buy the three-step process and give it a try! (It’s less expensive on Overstock, btw.)
Start taking vitamins. I did start taking biotin after I had Emma, but I stopped when I learned that in can cause flare ups in people who are prone to cystic acne. (In truth, an excess of or a deficiency in biotin can cause flare ups, but because my skin’s been good for a while now, I didn’t want to risk it.) That said, I know there are a lot of other vitamins out there–even multi-vitamins, for example!–that will help with hair growth, so I’d like to start taking one. Any recommendations?!
Lean less and less on thermal styling. I’m very proud of myself for giving up my flat iron, but I’d love to give up the rest of my thermal styling tools! That said, air-dried hair really isn’t a great look for me when I’m going out. I just ordered this styling treatment by Living Proof (reportedly great for air drying hair), but I’d LOVE to know about any miracle products out there. My dream life entails getting out of the shower, applying something that takes no more than 30 seconds, scrunching my hair, and being done. (Does that exist?!) Again, I have very fine and thin hair, and it dries wavy or curly depending on the humidity. And not in a pretty way, haha. :)
Edit: Be grateful. Hair is so not important; I just need to remind myself of that more often, and focus on what actually matters.
Many thanks, and I hope this review helped!
SaveSave
Kelly, I’m SO glad you posted! I’ve got the baby fine hair and recently lost almost 1/2 of it due to an auto immune flair up. I’ve already ordered Olaplex and am just waiting for it to come in, but reading your post on it has given me hope! I’ll also second what someone else said about Vital Proteins – I’ve noticed less shedding and more baby hairs growing in when using it! I use the Marine Collagen because I need those omegas – you cant taste it at all! Thanks for your review on this!
I know this is a bit older discussion, but I would like to add that MSM (sulfur) supplements are amazing for hair growth! I initially got them for their anti-inflammatory properties for my RA and only found out later about the added benefit of hair growth stimulation when I read how many other people were taking it for that reason. Within two weeks- exactly like the other reviewers stated- I noticed significant hair growth and thickening, even though I wasn’t actually needing it personally. It’s an effect that many people get, but like with most things I don’t suppose it’s guaranteed that every single person will see the same results, as everyone will respond differently, but it appears to be a pretty common reaction. We don’t get nearly enough sulfur in our diets, and MSM ( Methylsulfonylmethane, to be precise) has many great benefits, including repair for hair loss, cell damage, wound repair, scleroderma, inflammation, etc…more on webmd will help you if you’re interested. But I and my husband definitely saw major hair growth within a couple of weeks even though I didn’t intend to (I started him on it after I noticed it b/c he’s started to thin a bit :) Just thought I’d share!
good info–thanks!
Hello there I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing which supplements name or brand that you took with MSM I would like to give them a try thank you so much Tania Beed
Is it useful to use Olaplex3 before dying hair? and if so , what is the directions of use?
Thanks dear
Loved the article and have a secret to share with you ladies. My mum is a hairdresser, and I currently have highly processed and damaged hair to the point that nothing was working, apart from Olaplex. Unfortunately Olaplex is quite expensive. I tried so many products… and just as the author, I also found the best relief in Olaplex and the Pantene 3-minute doses.Then I found Schwarzkopf BC OIL Miracle Barbary fig oil mask!! Now it is my miracle product for “beyond damaged” hair and you can find it cheaply online. I bought 500ml for 11€. Another great product that is also good for our straw/frizzy dry hair is BLONDE ME keratin restore mask and potion (used together – first you put on the potion and then spread the mask over it and waite a few minutes… the longer the better. These are the only products that can get my long straw hair looking sexy.
I agree with everything you’ve written! My only disagreement would be that my olaplex bottlr ran out after 3 uses. (Once a week for a month), so it definitely does depend on thickness of hair.
Curly Girl Method and Ouidad guided me on how to get my curls under control. Now I can shower, add some product in 30 seconds, scrunch, and head out the door (like you mentioned above)
I lost hair blue to steed and I’ve found Hairnamics supplements. I think they work great and suggest you try them out.
Olaplex.. I’ve heard alot about it, but haven’t tried it yet. I’m not completely where I want to be in getting my hair growth back to where it was..but I think I will try adding Olaplex to my routine. Thank you for the review.
Loved reading this, you write very well, very engaging humor!:)
Olaplex has helped my dry breaking hair tremendously ! I use 0-7. I was told 0 is like a steroid for #3. Use 0 first and leave on for 10 min then apply #3. Then shampoo and conditioner and I follow up with #6 and use #7 occasionally on my ends only. Love it and worth every penny!
sounds like we have pretty much the same hair and the same hair issues… and the same things we have tried and want to try. keep at it sis! I like your grateful edit. I always say I”m really grateful I HAVE hair. the hair I got is better than none!
Dear Smelly, I appreciate all the information you shared. It was very kind of you. I also have fine hair. Fine people have fine hair!
Gratitude, Dr. Portis
If you want to go no heat on your hair and its has a wave/frizz you should definitely try out the curly girl method!!
Thank you so much for this. I will try the 3 step as my curly hair is thinning and I’m still losing more hair than usual after more than a year that a very unprofessional hairdresser highlighted my hair without any protection smh. I miss having lighter hair and straightening them but I had to stop for a while. I wonder if I should try the shampoo and conditioner as well. Do you think that would help?
I second the MSM. I was on a keto diet and my hair was falling out horribly and I read about MSM. In 5 days it stopped the shedding and my hair grew back! But, don’t take it for too long! I started getting horrible itching on my scalp and body and docs couldn’t figure out what was going on. When I finally realized it might be the MSM, I stopped talking it and problem solved! Lesson: it works but don’t take it for too long or stop when you experience uncontrollable itching!!!
Hello Monique,
Thanks for the advice. I am loosing my hair like crazy. Am so worried. Which MSM brand did you use? I believe MSM is for osteoarthritis. Could you please confirm. Appreciate your help. THANKS SHILP
Try spirulina for hair growth and make sure you’re getting enough zinc. Also, look into lysine.
This was so helpful and thx for the link to the three step olaplex at overstock! It sounds like you need a formaldehyde free keratin treatment. I did one at a salon and it lasted about 6 months of pure frizz free perfection straight from the shower. It does cause you to lose all volume but your hair is silk after air drying, so it’s a trade off. They also sell them online…I’ve done it on my own too but it is such a process.
Olaplex can and has and will damage certain peoples hair. It has taken me a little over a year to pin point olaplex at that ingredient that has changed my hair. I am now in a healing process.
No it can’t. There’s nothing in Olaplex that can damage hair. It could potentially react with other products and that could possibly cause damage, but Olaplex itself is chemically incapable of damaging hair.
I used olaplex 3…i later purchased the bonding oil… Olaplex on its own.. Fabulous.. Olaplex 3.. Then bonding oil.. Not so good. Its as off 3 stopped working after I’d started putting on the bonding oil…
Second best to Olaplex I have recently discovered L’oréal Wonder Water- I have never been more impressed with a product! It works similar to Olaplex but doesn’t fix bonds, instead it deposits amino acids to damaged hair and honest to god makes it feel like instant silk! recommend trying and reviewing it, you apply in between shampoo and conditioner AND it only takes 8 seconds!! rinse and be amazed
I loved your review as I’m in my new olaplex hair heaven. Pretty much same issues with hairs I suffered a trauma which makes your hair fall out. I have wavy hair I flat ironed & blew dried everyday. I’ve spent a lot of money on products & olaplex by far is the best. I’m curious of you used the 0 that’s new & all their other products? Since I use them all my hair can go natural. Omg I’ve never. Olaplex makes whatever your natural hair is it’s best. I wish they would come out with a dry shampoo! I’m in love along with my hair with this product. Update about your hair?!? Sending light, love and positive vibes
Hi Kelly. Thanks for the review on Olaplex. As a result of your article and other reading, I went directly to the store and bought the sample kit of 3, 4, 5, 6. I am going to get 7 next. I didn’t realize what a big deal PRODUCT is! I could not figure out why my hair was so dry and frizzy because I use a good shampoo and condition, and go to a good salon. I finally learned that I need more!! I also appreciate that you shared other things that about hair care, including vitamins. I am on a mission to like my hair again!
Thanks,
Robin
No Heat by Joico is a really cool product that you just put on your hair right out of the shower and leave it! It helps significantly! :) and it doesn’t break the bank.
Love your writing style and clarity! Have you ever used Vegamour? I just purchased some, but haven’t received it yet. It’s supposed to help with regrowth among other things.
Everything on the topic are explained and what are the things we should know and keep it in our mind are discussed over here. So, anyone searching for same topic may find their shelter over here. This is a great article and you are banged on with your points about.If possible visit this website Luxeaurahair.com to gain more idea or tips on the same.
If your hair is past your shoulders, I find it hard to believe Olaplex 3 3.3oz bottle is only half full after 7 treatments of using it. You say you really lather it on. I can’t believe that. My hair barley touches my shoulders pretty thin and a Olaplex 3 has never lasted me 14 treatments. Thats what your saying with it being half full after 7 uses. No way does this 3.3oz bottle does 14 treatments. I love the stuff and yes it makes a big difference in your hair. But I think your pver exaggerating on how many treatments you get out of a 3.3oz bottle.
I think that you may be using it wrong. I also have fine/thin hair and have used it maybe 8-9 times, lather it on when my hair is damp, and still have half the bottle. She’s not over exaggerating.
If you are looking for a styling tool with less damage , I’ve been seeing that Dyson hair dryer has great feedback, people who use it say the hair feels smoother and doesn’t feel damaged. It also has a few different versions(one with curling attachments). It is a bit pricy but for something like that I will surely save up and get it.
This was a great post. I came across it because my sister has never used Olaplex before and got #3 for Christmas and we got into a family discussion about it. Lots of useful info here, and ironically, we use a lot of the same products. I too have baby fine hair and use Pura D’or products (curl therapy shampoo, original thinning shampoo, cleansing conditioner, and the gold label deep conditioner). All amazing, my hair is longer than it’s been in years and has softness and shine. I have baby fine hair and it can dry wavy, or curly depending on how I style. As for your question about a great style and go: I love the living proof in shower styler but it seems their products too are too heavy for me. It’s crazy. Not in a greasy way, but simply not the beauty and body I wish for. I have had great luck lately using a leave in after the shower (either red palm leave in by Shea moisture or Garnier 1-minute mask aloe as a leave in— I never use drugstore products so this one I’m shocked by) but I follow it with Bumble and Bumble’s “styling creme” and this has worked for me well for quite some months. The styling is surprisingly versatile too, for the first time the other night I did waves with a waver, and scrunched the B&B into my ends at the end and they held up crazy well for fine hair, all night. Another great style and go that will leave your hair smelling wonderful and bouncy and soft with light definition is Deva Curls “wave maker”. I used to be a Deva Curl girl when I was into having my hair curly, but have since ditched the entire line, besides wave maker as a definer.
I thank you for your very through review as I too have fine thin hair I will get a bottle of olaflex and hopefully i will have a positive result. Have a blesses New Year!
Hi, I recently had a treatment for my damaged hair and scalp. So my hair stylist gave me a bottle of olaplex 3 (along with other products) as my home routine. Now this is the first time am gonna start my routine, and have accidentally applied some amount on scalp. Now my concern is it gonna be fine or its completely wrong and should not be applied on a scalp at all.
informative
easy to read article
Carlson 2 daily are one of the best multi-vitamins on the market. They are time-released so u don’t just pee everything out. When u open the bottle there is a really strong smell because of the fish oil. I highly recommend starting with taking one in the am AFTER a meal and one in the pm After a meal! EAT FIRST! This will help with burping up the cod liver oil! Eventually you can take 2 at a time. Sold on Amazon and cost about 50 cents a day. Bonus- after about a month you will have a lot more energy and overall feel better.
I would LOVE to see you review the 6 part at home system! I haven’t gone back through to see if you have yet or not but I’m about to buy it and really hoping it works lol