If you’ve been hearing the word Olaplex everywhere lately, you’re not alone. From celebrity stylists to your local salon, Olaplex has become one of the most talked-about hair treatments in the industry — and for good reason. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and is it worth it?
At Chroma Hair & Beauty in Brixton, we offer professional Olaplex treatments as part of our hair services, and we’re here to break it all down for you.
What Is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a professional bond-building hair treatment that works to repair damaged hair at a molecular level. Unlike traditional conditioning treatments that simply coat the hair, Olaplex actually reconnects broken disulfide bonds inside the hair shaft — the bonds that give your hair its strength, structure, and elasticity.
It was developed by scientists and launched in 2014, quickly gaining a cult following among professional hairdressers. Today, it’s used in salons worldwide and is considered one of the most scientifically advanced hair repair systems available.
How Does an Olaplex Treatment Work?
Your hair is made up of protein chains held together by disulfide bonds. These bonds can be broken by:
- Chemical processes — bleaching, colouring, perming, and relaxing
- Heat styling — regular use of straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers
- Environmental damage — UV exposure, pollution, and hard water
- Mechanical stress — excessive brushing, tight hairstyles, and towel drying
When these bonds break, your hair becomes weak, brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. Olaplex’s patented active ingredient — bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate — seeks out and relinks those broken bonds, restoring the hair’s internal structure from within.
The result? Stronger, healthier, shinier hair — not just on the surface, but at its core.
The Olaplex Treatment Range
Olaplex has a full numbered product range, each designed for a specific purpose:
- No.0 — Intensive Bond Building Treatment — A pre-treatment that primes the hair and amplifies the effects of No.3
- No.1 — Bond Multiplier — Used in-salon only, added to colour or bleach to protect bonds during chemical services
- No.2 — Bond Perfector — Applied in-salon after colour to restore and rebuild bonds
- No.3 — Hair Perfector — A take-home treatment that continues the bond-building process between salon visits
- No.4 — Bond Maintenance Shampoo — A reparative shampoo that cleanses without stripping
- No.5 — Bond Maintenance Conditioner — A deeply nourishing conditioner to follow up with
- No.6 — Bond Smoother — A leave-in styling cream that tames frizz and adds shine
- No.7 — Bonding Oil — A lightweight oil that reduces breakage and adds lustre
- No.8 — Bond Intense Moisture Mask — An intensive mask for deeply hydrated, repaired hair
In a professional salon setting, your stylist will typically use No.1 and No.2 as part of a colour service, or offer a standalone No.2 treatment for repair and restoration.
What Are the Benefits of an Olaplex Treatment?
Whether your hair is chemically treated, heat damaged, or simply dry and brittle, Olaplex can make a noticeable difference. The key benefits include:
Repairs damage from within — Rather than masking damage with silicones or oils, Olaplex rebuilds the actual structure of the hair strand.
Reduces breakage — Stronger bonds mean less snapping at the ends and less hair fall during brushing.
Improves colour results — When used alongside colour or bleach, Olaplex allows your stylist to achieve better results with less damage — ideal for blondes and those going through significant colour changes.
Adds shine and softness — Once bonds are restored, hair looks visibly healthier, smoother, and more lustrous.
Suitable for all hair types — Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, Olaplex is formulated to work across all hair textures and types.
Long-term improvement — With regular use, both in-salon and at home, the cumulative benefits continue to build over time.
How Long Does an Olaplex Treatment Last?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on your hair, your lifestyle, and how you maintain it at home.
In general terms:
- The in-salon treatment typically delivers noticeable results for 4 to 6 weeks, after which the hair gradually returns to its pre-treatment state if no maintenance is done.
- With at-home maintenance (using No.3, No.4, and No.5 regularly), the benefits can be extended significantly — many clients notice continuous improvement over several months of consistent use.
- With colour services, the protective benefits during the bleaching or colouring process are immediate and last for the duration of the colour’s lifespan.
If your hair is severely damaged, one treatment alone won’t perform miracles overnight. A course of treatments, spaced a few weeks apart, will deliver the most transformative and lasting results.
Is Olaplex Worth It?
In a word — yes, particularly if your hair has been through any kind of chemical or heat stress.
Olaplex is not a deep conditioning mask or a protein treatment. It’s a bond repair system backed by genuine science, and the results speak for themselves. Clients regularly describe their hair feeling like a completely different texture after just one in-salon treatment — softer, stronger, and easier to manage.
For those who regularly bleach, colour, or use heat tools, incorporating Olaplex into your hair care routine isn’t just a luxury — it’s an investment in the long-term health of your hair.
How Much Does an Olaplex Treatment Cost?
The cost of an Olaplex treatment varies depending on your salon and whether it’s offered as a standalone service or added to a colour appointment. At Chroma Hair & Beauty, we can advise you on the best treatment option for your hair during your consultation.
Book Your Olaplex Treatment in Brixton
Ready to give your hair the repair it deserves? At Chroma Hair & Beauty on Acre Lane, Brixton, our experienced stylists are trained in the full Olaplex system and will tailor the treatment to your hair’s specific needs.
Whether you’re booking a standalone bond repair treatment or adding Olaplex to your next colour appointment, we’re here to help you achieve healthier, stronger, more beautiful hair.