Olaplex Hair Treatment - Over the Top or Over & Out

Hair coloring and bleaching take a serious toll on the hair, as the sulfur bonds of the hair are broken. This bond breaking leads to weakened and damaged hair. And this is where Olaplex hair treatment claims to repair these bonds effectively. The products also help in restoring the natural strength and elasticity of the hair. Olaplex has garnered a cult-like massive following amongst the hairstylists and its consumers. However, like any other brand, it has its own merits and demerits, including some serious lawsuits.

Table of Contents

The Seven-Step Olaplex Hair Treatment –

Olaplex offers an extensive seven-step system that can be used both in-salon and at home. The in-salon steps include the following –

Olaplex No. 1 – It claims to be a bond multiplier to rebuild the broken bonds and decrease the damage.
Olaplex No. 2 – It is a bond perfector that improves the strengthening of bonds and intensifies the hair color.

The at-home steps for Olaplex Hair Treatment –

Olaplex No. 0 – It is the bond-builder applied to the hair to intensify the effects of the succeeding steps.
Olaplex No. 3 – As called the hair perfector, it provides continuous bond protection. It is their best-selling product which found itself in legal trouble because of the presence of Lilial (Lilial is a chemical compound commonly used as a perfume in cosmetic preparations and laundry powders, often under the name butylphenyl methylpropional).
Olaplex No. 4 – Then the bond maintenance shampoo to lock in the hydration after the wash.
Olaplex No. 5 – Followed by bond maintenance conditioner for smooth and hydrated hair.
Olaplex No. 6 – Next to it is the bond smoothing cream to moisturize and remove the frizz of the damaged hair.
Olaplex No. 7 – Completing with the bonding oil to restore the shine and vibrancy of hair without leaving a greasy residue.

Merits of Olaplex –

The primary selling point of Olaplex hair treatment is its ability to repair the broken disulfide bonds in the hair. It also promises to strengthen the hair making it more resistant to damage caused by other treatments.
Olaplex hair treatment is widely used during hair coloring sessions as it is said to minimize the damage caused by harsh chemicals. Olaplex can also improve color retention and make the color pop.
Olaplex Hair Treatment promises visible improvement in hair growth. Additionally, it can make the hair smooth and frizz-free.

Now that we know what the Olaplex hair treatment is and what wonders can it do, let’s explore some of the demerits associated with it –

One of the major criticisms of Olaplex is regarding its misleading claims. Some consumers claim that the products are not up to the extravagant merits they promise, leading to disappointments.
Another concern for the users was the lack of transparency in the ingredients which raises concerns about the potential allergic reactions.
It is a premium hair care brand with a hefty price, making it inaccessible for several.
There have been reports of allergic reactions faced by some users after the use of Olaplex hair treatment hence it becomes necessary to gather complete information about the products before use.
The products are not meant for everyone and the results can vary from person to person. Olaplex is specially targeted for people with extremely dry or colored hair, so it might not benefit people with other hair types.

The Legal Trouble –

Olaplex has found itself in a legal soup, facing several lawsuits. The major trouble for Olaplex began in 2022 when the European Union banned Lilial. This chemical is mostly used to provide a fragrance to the products however it is a potent reproductive toxicant that can reduce fertility. Additionally, Lilial in hair care products can irritate the scalp and cause the flare-up of contact dermatitis.

At that given point of time Olaplex was using Lilial in their best-selling product. However, the brand responded by saying that they had removed the ingredient stating it was not that important for the formulation. The scandal died down however, the brand found itself in trouble again when thirty women filed a lawsuit claiming that the products had caused serious harm to their hair. The women claimed that the products led to excessive hair loss, bald spots, and scalp irritation.

Another allegation was that Olaplex had not called off the product which contained Lilial. The presence of Vitamin B5 in the formulation was also mentioned which could cause allergic reactions and dermatitis. The plaintiffs also noticed that these products had sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid which can react together and form benzene which is a carcinogen. (Olaplex Lawsuits)

Here are some tips on how to get healthy hair back –

Try to minimize the use of harsh chemicals as much as possible.
Avoid using heat very often as it can remove all the moisture from the hair.
Oiling the hair really helps.
Use hair care products that are either 100% natural or gentle on the scalp and hair.
Take your Hair Gummies regularly.
Maintain a good diet and drink your daily quota of water for complete hydration.
Investing in a humidifier can be useful in maintaining the moisture and reducing the frizz.

Read More – 15 Ultimate Hair Care Tips for Winter

Conclusion:

Like every other beauty product, Olaplex too has its own pros and cons. The experience of using it was good for some but turned out to be disastrous for others. Users need to conduct thorough research regarding its risks and benefits before starting any new product. Ultimately, informed decision-making and an awareness of both the positive and negative aspects of the Olaplex hair treatment are important for those seeking to enhance their hair health.