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I was thrilled about this amazing shampoo and conditioner duo just after Christmas, but as usual, it took me a while to share my written review. Honestly, that’s actually a good thing because it allowed me to thoroughly test Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5 to an almost obsessive level.
You might have already heard of Olaplex; it initially started as a professional, in-salon product used to dramatically repair and strengthen damaged hair. It was one of those secret treatments that those in the know would quietly recommend.
Olaplex is particularly popular among those who regularly bleach their hair. Steps 1 and 2 are the in-salon components, with step 1 mixed into the hair color or bleach to help rebuild hair structure, and step 2 applied after rinsing. Although hair is technically dead, this treatment makes it feel smoother and stronger, almost like using adhesive to fix a skeleton—it’s fascinating when you think about it.
There’s also a home treatment line now that complements the salon process, starting with step 3, the Hair Perfector, which is a pre-shampoo leave-in treatment. Then there’s step 4, the shampoo, and step 5, the conditioner. Step 6 is more of a leave-in treatment to protect against frizz during blow-drying.
In this review, I’m focusing on steps 4 and 5 specifically. So far, I haven’t felt the need to introduce steps 3 or 6 into my routine. The shampoo and conditioner have done an incredible job on their own, leaving my hair feeling very strong and smooth. It’s such a relief that I haven’t felt the need for anything stronger.
I sometimes wonder if hair can become too strong. What if I accidentally knock something over with my ponytail? Yet, the shampoo and conditioner deliver remarkable results. Even before blow-drying, I can feel the satisfying softness in my hair—a sensation I haven’t truly felt since I first started coloring my hair at sixteen.
Olaplex products can be found at Space NK, with prices starting at £13 for smaller bottles and £26 for larger ones. I’ll share more thoughts once I get around to testing steps 3 and 6. In the meantime, if your hair is weak, brittle, or just generally lackluster, Olaplex is definitely worth trying. Even though my colorist doesn’t use the first steps, I’m still getting fantastic results from the at-home products. The weighty, swingy feeling of healthy hair is there without that awful greasy residue some strengthening products leave behind. It’s a game changer!