Olaplex 4 &5 ruining my hair. Help !

[Leonthelobster]

I have used the 0, 3, 6 and 8 for about 2 years and it's really helped my dry, brittle hair. About 2 months ago I added the 4&5 and now Instead of my hair looking smooth and silky, it's like straw. It also makes my scalp feel a bit dry. Has anyone else been unimpressed with the shampoo and conditioner? What shampoo and conditioner should I replace it with to try re-hydrate it again. I'm really disappointed as before using these 2 my hair looked the best it's looked in years.

I really like the shampoo and conditioner. There's a nice banana range by garnier that might help?

Hopefully someone with a bit more expertise will come along, but I have Olaplex treatment at the hairdresser and use it at home. My hairdresser suggests when using Olaplex products and similar ones with protein in, to alternate with a more moisturising treatment.

So I’ve been advised if you’re using Olaplex use a deep conditioning treatment too, as too much protein can leave your hair feeling worse. I use a Pureology shampoo and conditioner and Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. You might want to try a clarifying shampoo as well now and then in case you’re suffering any buildup.

Redken acidic bonding concentrate is fab. Similar aims as olaplex but uses different science (acids) and I have seen a big improvement. Did not like olaplex shampoo or conditioner at all but do like the other products. Also have tried pureology like pp and thought it was good.

My nieces hair started to fall out with olaplex. She found it very irritating too.

Ohhhh olaplex 4 and 5…the worst things I have ever done to my hair. It’s still not the same, I have no idea why I kept persevering with it despite the fact I had itchy eyes after washing my hair, scalp flaking like I’ve never seen before in anyone, and dry brittle hair that just snapped/fell out. Pureology has done wonders to heal my scalp but it’s so much thinner now 😫 had no problems with 3 or in salon treatments so very weird. Won’t go near any of it now! I hope you get it sorted x

I gave up on Olaplex, just felt as if my hair was getting worse and worse. I know exactly what you mean. Have been using Hairstory shampoo for the last 5 months and my hair is so much better - it’s almost glossy!! You can watch their videos or read up, but basically the shampoo doesn’t strip out the oils. No conditioner needed. Plus I do t wash as much. Have used their hair balm and also Hershesons e almost everything cream.

WorryMcGee. That sounds like an even worse reaction to it than mine. I will try the Pureology. I’ve not heard of that brand but I need something to sort out the dry straw I now have . It sounds from these posts I’m not the only one to think the 4&5 aren’t good.

I’ll have a look at Hairstory too thanks. Not heard of that either. I’m glad it’s sorting your hair out after the Olaplex peonies

I've always used supermarket shampoo and conditioner so thought I should try something better - I have fine long "straggly" hair naturally that I straighten so it's not in good shape.

Bought the 4&5 as was £45 and thought it must be good at that price - the first time I used it I couldn't believe the difference - my hair wasn't my own. Used it again more sparingly and the same - can't bare to use it every time I wash my hair because of the cost (I wash at least once a day due to running / wanting to in the morning) so have been using it every 3 or 4 washes and it's stayed the same and I'm completely sold on it. So it may be use it only 2/3 times a week - I use the banana garnier in between and think that in itself is good but the Olaplex was a game changer.

Resisting buying the other numbers as it's just shocking to me how much it costs.

I hate it as well. I use colour wow shampoo and conditioner and the dream wow treatment is better than olaplex for me. (Olaplex pulls my colour out.) I do use the olaplex oil on the ends to eek out hairdresser visits.

It looks like I’m not alone in ending up with strawy, brittle hair from this. Going to try sell it on Gumtree and try the pureology. Usually I try use up toiletries even if I’m not mad about them but I dread to think what my hair might end up like if I keep using this.

tryagain. I really like the other products in the range which was why I was disappointed with the 4&5. It seems to have undone the improvement the rest of the stuff had made 🙁

It did exactly the same to mine. So much so that I almost cut it all off!
But I found Oribe moisture shampoo and conditioner and tried it as a last ditch attempt. I also splurged on the mask and use itbonce a week but even just the shampoo and conditioner is enough. Oh my goodness. It is amazing, my hairdresser cannot believe the difference, I cant either. I have hair that shines, feels like silk and looks great. It is pricey, but so, so worth it. I have tried every high end brand and this beats them all.

Pureology was great for me for the first few times, then my hair went dry and brittle again.

Shuttheblinds. Really glad you found something to put the olaplex damage right. I’ll have a look at Oribe. I’m so annoyed that within a month or so my hair which was looking the best it’s looked in years is now like a flipping hay bale

I went to the hairdressers I always highlight my hair blonde and never had any issues my hair was normal it wasn't overly processed and I've had highlights for years this new hairdressers asked me would I like opalax I said what's that and she said it's supposed to be more gentle on the hair of which I paid extra for and stupidly thought oh that's great 👍 when I walked out of the salon I didn't notice as it was late and I was ready to get home to my kids and husband who had the kids driving him insane. I came home after I oaid for no hair to be blowdried only to notice my hair was like straw it had no movement it was as though I had hairsprayed it and when I looked at the ends they were all fried. I instantly knew it was the opalax as that was the only thing different. I got the scissors and starred cutting the fried bits off of my already thin/fine hair 😒 now my hair is dull and dry and split ends. I've tried researching opalax but all you hear is great reviews and hairdressers telling you how amazing it is. My hair is fine and naturally curly I dont know if this is a issue amongst curly haired different hair texture types or fine hair but I would say to anybody just because the reviews are all great do not be fooled I'm surprised this company hasn't been sued tbh as I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced this.

Now my hair is frizzy and looks thinner due to me having to cut into it almost like layers. I have split ends galore and I got this treatment done months ago cannot re highlight my hair even though its due to be coloured as my hair is in the worst condition it has ever been and the shortest it has ever been. Although there will always be positive reviews too so some people may have had a positive experience from it just be cautious is all I would say and if something isn't broke don't change it meaning if something has worked for you for years like my hair being highlighted with bleach and was fine don't change it . 😊

It sounds to me like you're using too many strengthening products. It makes your hair inflexible so prone to breakage and prevents moisture from getting into the cuticle. You need moisture - pick up something that claims to be moisturising, checking the ingredients to make sure it doesn't contain any protein, keratin, hydrolysed protein, peptides etc.

Interesting!

When I finish my current bottle of Olaplex 4&5 I won't be bothering again. also same goes for all the other numbers. It has done nothing for me. TBH though my hair was in pretty good condition to start with so I put it down to this.

The best hair I have had is when I have done an at home keratin treatment with Cocochocco and then used Keratin Complex shampoo and conditioner.

A few weeks ago a couple of my work. mates told me I had beautiful shiny hair. That morning I had used Head and Shoulders followed by left over dregs of some condition I was trying to get rid of.

Go figure

This could be my problem too. I’ve found my hair v dry but put it down to menopause. Now I’m thinking could it be olaplex? I bought the shampoo and conditioner at beginning of lockdown and have been using it since. Thinking I’m helping my hair. My hairdresser said recently that my long hair was a bit damaged at the back and had broken off a bit. I couldn’t understand it as I felt I was taking good care of it. I’m going to ditch the olaplex shampoo and conditioner for a week and see if there’s any improvement x