Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Olaplex salon (and take home) treatment experiences...

25 replies

nearlyovertherainbow · 07/03/2016 12:30

Hi,

So I've just had it and I have to say, I can't really tell much of a difference. Yes, it's smoother than usual, but then I've had a professional blow dry.

I'm a bit worried that I've fallen into another beauty trap. I bought the take home, step 3 treatment, at a snip for £33 Confused so that I can keep it topped up, but surely I can't use this forever. The hairdresser said that when my hair is in better condition, I can stop using it, as it's essentially a permanent treatment. I would have thought though, that as soon as I stop using it, my hair will go back to the way it was. I guess I'm just confused by the whole "permanent" statement.

So who's tried it? Who's loving it? And who's....not loving it so much?

TIA

OP posts:
TreatYoSelf · 07/03/2016 12:47

I bought the Olaplex Number 3 home treatment but haven't had the salon treatments 1 or 2.

It sounded as if I'd still benefit from 3 alone, but I've not been impressed so far.

I've used it 4-5 times, leaving it on for 15-30 minutes each time. I could definitely feel a difference in the texture of my hair (softer) but it didn't look any better. I started getting a lot of static in my hair and it also began to feel a bit clogged up with products.

The build-up has now been removed with clarifying shampoo but I'm unsure whether or not to continue with the Olaplex. (I had never had the build-up problem before Olaplex so I feel justified in blaming it.)

This might not be an entirely fair review of the product as I didn't use the 'system' as a whole but I thought I'd be happier with the results that I have been. My hair - dry, damaged, bleached, dyed, straightened, oh the glamour! - seems to be the ideal candidate but I feel a bit meh about it.

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 07/03/2016 13:50

I bought the whole treatment online and applied at home, was nothing special IMO and I was disappointed after all the hype. I had high expectations that were not realised sadly.

Original poster
nearlyovertherainbow · 07/03/2016 14:36

Oh ffs! I'm really pissed off. I read such amazing reviews, but then found some negative and sceptical ones just before my appointment.

I've spend just under £100 on this stuff overall! Maybe I'll see the results better when I wash my hair next.

OP posts:
FrustratedFrugal · 07/03/2016 15:41

I had the treatment done in Oct. A teeny-tiny difference, my hair felt marginally nicer for about a week, and I was thinking about going back to buy the product kit, but then had to travel and decided it would not be worth it.

Toxicity · 07/03/2016 16:12

I've had the Olaplex treatment in the salon twice when I've been having highlights done and I think its made a difference to my hair. My hair (due to the colour) can get a bit dry, especially at the ends.

I bought the at home treatment but have been lazy and not used it yet. however I do feel that the salon treatments have made a diffirence to my hair. My hair looks more shiny and the ends are not as dry as they were. I also feel that my hair sits better than it did before. I am a convert and will get it done when I next get highlights.

I'll report back once I've tried the at home treatment - I should add, my hairdresser said to only use the tiniest amount through damp hair and to comb it through, he said you do not need to use much.

Original poster
nearlyovertherainbow · 08/03/2016 09:25

Tox, so there is hope yet Grin

I've a lot of compliments, but I don't know if that's just because I've had a really good blow dry.

I should have done a before and after on here!

OP posts:
Toxicity · 08/03/2016 11:41

There is definitely hope Nearly! It was after a couple of weeks that I thought to myself that my hair was looking in much better condition and then I realised it must be due to the treatment as I hadn't changed anything else.

Really hope it's worked for you too!

CrossfireHurricane · 08/03/2016 11:45

I had Oliplex at the beginning of the year when I had a full head colour and I have noticed the difference especially as my hair normally feels so dry a week or two after colouring.
I am having another treatment in April.
Haven't used the home products just the salon one.

ShangriLaLaLa · 08/03/2016 13:58

I've had the salon treatment twice and can't say I notice any difference, apart from a much steeper bill. I do feel under pressure to have it, though. Last visit I declined but their reaction made me feel that I was being so unreasonable that I relented. I am practicing my assertive 'no thanks' for next time.

Lndnmummy · 08/03/2016 15:23

I have used it in combination with high/low low lights and it has really made a difference to how well the colour lasted. It has been over 3 months since my last visit and my hair still looks really good. Not all down to olaplex as the colourist was fab, but I am convinced it has benefited me greatly.

Didee22 · 26/05/2017 11:38

You really need the 1 and 2 at a salon and then use the 3 at home every few weeks as a top up.
My hair was so soft after the treatment at the salon and I've just used the 3 at home for the first time. You need to follow the instructions and not put it on hair that has had any sort of product on it including conditioner or it won't be able to bind the hair.
I went to an event the other night and it was hot and humid. Normally my hair would spring into frizzy mode but it stayed straight I was amazed.
I'm getting it done again before my holidays so no more frizzy in the sun. I'm a convert.
You do need to follow the instructions they are there for a readon.
Happy hair.

Katybearcat · 25/05/2018 16:15

Just had my hair fried with olaplex!

Much worse condition than highlights alone, I had pretty much all virgin hair and went for half head highlights with olaplex omg my hair is totally ruined

Have never had this with highlights before even years ago when products were harsher

I would 100% stay away from it, won't ever use it again. Apparently it's all the same thing just more diluted for each number in the product line, meaning if your not happy with one of them they will all be pretty much the same. I went for an olaplex treatment today as advised by them after being ruined with highlights, soon as it was washed off I could feel my hair in one big clump, unable to comb it

I think it's a hype and dangerous

I would report any issues to advertising standards or traiding standards to stop more people's hair being ruined by this stuff!

Katybearcat · 25/05/2018 16:18

I should also say on contacting olaplex they advised me to use MORE OLAPLEX!?!? now I am saying they are at fault they will not respond to any of my emails

My hair is falling out when I run my hand through it!

Don't forget celebrities are paid to advertise this crap, why would they take time to talk about it even if it worked? Without getting paid? I'm mean cmon!

I have to laugh otherwise I'd cry,
I was shaking and sick to my stomach when I saw what happened to my hair!

Oldermother66 · 26/10/2018 04:59

I have tried this in a salon and took the number 2 and 3 home with me. The difference is minimal I would say. I sometimes notice my hair feels more silky after using it at home but by next wash the effect is already gone. If you can't afford it don't worry you aren't missing much. I suspect all the reviews are paid for by the company.

Squarepeg29 · 26/10/2018 05:36

I’m appalled at what you’ve paid. I pay £20 for 1 and 2 in salon, and they charge £20 for a bottle of 3 but I’ve been buying it online for less (at lookfantastic usually). My salon bill is £75 for Olaplex and colour (no cut), or £105 with cut.

I have coloured hair which was very dry & frizzy, this stuff definitely helps. If I don’t use the 3 at home weekly then my hair becomes thinner after a couple of weeks.

However, have just started experimenting with PK Elastisizer (as oft recommended on MN) and have found that very good and easier to apply. If it continues to impress I intend to use that and try going without the 1 and 2 . I also use Kerastase Ceramic Thermique and sometimes that serum from Tesco that’s a quid in the red bottle (another MN find and easily as good as high end stuff).

MimieD · 26/10/2018 07:41

I have the olaplex treatment every 8 weeks at the hairdressers for the past year and try to use step 3 once a week at home. I just leave it in all night. My hair has never been in better condition. It used to be very fine, flat and dry but now has lots more volume and feels nice.

If your hair has been 'fried' after using this at a hairdresser when they were highlighting your hair, it would have been the actual hair dye that did this, sounds like they mixed the dye up wrong.

TheWombat · 26/10/2018 12:34

I am a big Olaplex fan - it makes my hair so much softer and shinier. Every 4 months or so I get 1&2 applied at the salon after work, and wash out the next morning. Costs about £20. I also sleep in no3 once a week if I can.
I have lots of long fine, dry, frizzy hair - whilst it hasn’t reduced frizz, I have fewer split ends and my hair looks much healthier overall. Probably the one thing I do that actually makes a difference to my hair.

Shehz21 · 26/10/2018 13:18

Basically RUBBISH IMHO.
I spent a good £100 for couple of treatments as well as bought the "system" but I now realise I jumped in the "Olaplex craze" bandwagon without much research. Still mourning this absolute waste of money.

Terriergrrrrrrrr · 26/10/2018 13:37

I found olaplex made no difference at all to my hair. A real waste of money

BabyPigeon83 · 27/10/2018 08:47

If someone is in the mood for some easy chemistry, this article is an interesting read about what olaplex is supposed to do.
labmuffin.com/how-does-olaplex-hair-treatment-work/

Oldermother66 · 27/10/2018 09:04

The question is who paid for the article babypigeon? It might not be independent. Perhaps the company has paid to have it published. There are large sums of money involved. Companies can be very crafty with this sort of thing. I wonder how much KimK was paid to endorse this product. We have probably all been duped.

BabyPigeon83 · 27/10/2018 09:17

I assume that the article is summarizing the information detailed in the patents.
patents.google.com/patent/US9095518B2/en
I don't think any product can be expected to perform the same in all conditions, I'm sure it won't make a notable difference for my hair because it's not damaged but It should make a difference if I decide to bleach and colour my hair (according to the scientific explanation).
Could it be a case of the product being recommended when it's not really needed?

beanaseireann · 27/10/2018 10:29

I've had it done twice in the hairdressers and don't use the product at home. I presume for heavily highlighted hair like mine it will take time to notice a difference as its put on top of hair probably already damaged iykwim.
What I have noticed is my hair has got greasier quicker.
I'll get it done again when next getting highlights

Oldermother66 · 27/10/2018 14:35

I just don't believe the hype having tried it.

Helpmepleasenow48 · 27/10/2018 16:42

I had it used with highlights earlier in the year and my hair was much much softer for weeks after. I am now growing out bleached highlights and trying to grow my hair longer before I have high lift tint ones instead olaplex every four weeks st the hairdresser - £25. I go in and they put the 1 and 2 on then I go home with a plastic bag on my head and wash out the next day. It has worked on my hair - I am also using PK elasticise the bergamot one.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page