Olaplex #3 is known around the Curly Girl Method community as the savior of naturally textured hair. But it’s often the source of a lot of confusion, so let’s down to all the facts we need to know about this miracle product.
What is Olaplex #3?
In simplest terms, it’s a weekly treatment to help repair, protect, and strengthen your hair.
Olaplex #3 is known as the Hair Perfector; it is one of the only two Curly Girl Method approved product from their line. This treatment works on repairing hair at the core by focusing on repairing the disulfide bonds in your hair. Consider Olaplex your hair breakage insurance.
Contrary to popular belief, Olaplex #3 is NOT a protein treatment or a conditioner.
How does Olaplex #3 work?
Olaplex works on all hair types and textures. You can use this product even if you have virgin hair. Damage is sustained every single day, even if you don’t dye it, Olaplex helps you take preventative steps against damage.
According to the Olaplex blog, “Olaplex is a three-step system with all three steps containing the same patented active ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This ingredient is a “molecule with maleate ions on either end. It works by keeping bleaching and coloring agents from breaking disulfide bonds.”
To understand how Olaplex #3 works you need to understand the structure of the hair strand.
According to the Milady Cosmetology Textbook, “Hair is made up of approximately 90% protein. This protein is made of long chains of amino acids, which in turn make up elements. The major elements that make up human hair are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur and are often referred to as the COHNS elements. These five elements are also found in skin and nails. The cortex (innermost layer) of your hair contains all the side bonds necessary to allow for the styling of your hair. There are three types of bonds, the most important in this case, being hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds.”
Hydrogen bonds are weak, physical, cross-link side bond that is easily broken by water or heat. Although individual hydrogen bonds are very weak, there are so many of them that they account for about one-third of the hair’s overall strength. Hydrogen bonds are broken by wetting the hair with water. That allows the hair to be stretched and wrapped around rollers. The hydrogen bonds reform when the hair dries.
Disulfide bonds are a strong, chemical, side bond that is quite different from the physical side bond of a hydrogen bond. Although there are far fewer disulfide bonds than hydrogen, disulfide bonds are so much stronger, they also account for about one-third of the hair’s overall strength. Disulfide bonds are not broken by water. They are broken by permanent waves and chemical hair relaxers that alter the shape of the hair. The bonds can be broken by extreme heat produced by boiling water and some high-temperature thermal styling tools such as straightening or flat irons. The disulfide bonds that are treated with hydroxide relaxers are broken permanently and can never be reformed.
How to use Olaplex #3?
Olaplex suggests applying your product to unwashed hair. This means applying it to your hair before you shampoo. If you have a lot of build-up, I suggest clarifying a few days before you decide to do the treatment. I always prefer steaming my hair first, to allow the product to penetrate my hair more effectively.
- Apply to wet or dry hair. (The formula works on hair in either state, please note the formula works BEST if hair remains moist)
- Put a shower cap and leave on anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. (Please note the company says the formula reaches its max efficiency at 30-45 minutes)
- Shampoo out when done and continue with your wash day. (The formula needs to be shampooed not co-washed)
Where to purchase Olaplex #3?
Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate is a patented ingredient developed by the makers of Olaplex. They were the first company to come out with this ingredient until shortly after the discovery and announcement, L’Oreal came out with their own formula, resulting in a lawsuit as Olaplex founders claim the rival company stole their discovery.
Costco and Amazon also got in some hot water for selling fake and watered-down versions of Olaplex #3, this is why the company asks you ONLY purchase Olaplex from authorized vendors:
- Official Olaplex Website – olaplex.com
- Sephora stores and website – sephora.com and www.sephora.ca
- Professional Salons – You can find local salons closest to you with their salon locator – https://locator.olaplex.com/
When I order my bottles, I order directly from the company website ensuring my product is real and effective. Your formula should have an appearance of opaque (off-white to white) emulsion. It’s pH balance ranges between 3.50-5.00. The smell can be described as herbal floral (description from Olaplex Safety Data Sheet last revised on March 31, 2020)
