Candour Beauty Guide - Discover Olaplex for AFRO Hair

Olaplex is a haircare range that’s used by stylists all over the world to repair and protect hair from damage. It uses patented bond-building technology to give the hair structure, strength and stability - this means healthy, shiny hair, even if you can’t let go of your heat or chemical styling.

Its patented ingredient (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) is a protein source that penetrates into the hair and supports its natural structure. Studies have shown that it’s extremely close to the structure of your actual hair and actually improves its structure - it “glues” hair back together after it’s been damaged by heat and processing.

When it comes to repair, Olaplex packs a punch. It repairs all types of hair damage, whether it’s been caused by heat, styling, chemical treatments, lifestyle and environment or ageing. It’s the best treatment for damaged hair and has won countless awards around the world for a reason!

Olaplex is safe for all types of hair, whatever your texture or curl pattern. Curly, coily and wavy hair tends to be drier than straight hair as it’s harder for natural oils to reach all the way through the hair: Olaplex can help you with that.

It’ll leave your hair feeling soft, shiny and moisturised, whether you have low porosity or high porosity hair. It’s also different to other types of protein treatment and won’t leave a build-up on your hair. If you’ve tried protein treatments before and found that it messes with your curls, coils or waves then it’s time to try Olaplex.

It’s safe for chemically-treated or heat damaged hair but works just as well on natural hair too. Even protective styles and natural hair needs protection from the environment. Styling and the environment can take its toll on black hair - especially relaxers, chemical treatments and heat - so adding Olaplex into your routine can give it a boost of much-needed TLC. If you’re thinking of bleaching or chemically treating your hair then using the Olaplex range is a must.

How to use Olaplex

Olaplex used to be a salon-only treatment but the great news is you can now use it at home. It can also be completely tailored to fit in with your own routine. Let’s take a closer look at each product and how it works

Olaplex Pre-Shampoo Treatments

Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment

This preps and primes your hair to absorb nourishment and stay protected. It’s formulated to repair hair from all types of damage and is suitable for all hair types. It’s the at-home version of Olaplex’s professional treatment and helps to replenish dull, tired and broken hair by rebuilding the bonds.

 How to use: Apply No.0 to dry hair and comb through to cover the whole head. Allow to sit for 10 minutes then add the No.3 Hair Perfector and allow to sit for another 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

This restorative shampoo repairs broken bonds while keeping your hair clean and removing dirt, oil and build-up. It’s paraben, sulphate and phthalate free and safe for all hair types, even damaged, over-styled or weak hair.

How to use: Gently massage across damp hair and scalp to create a lather. Rinse thoroughly and follow with the No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

This vegan-friendly hair conditioner helps to moisturise the hair, leaving it repaired and nourished. It strengthens, hydrates and maintains your hair for smooth, moisturised and manageable hair.

How to use: Apply after using the No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. Use a generous amount and work through the lengths and ends. Leave for three minutes and rinse

Need both? Our Olaplex Twin Bundle means you can pick up the shampoo and conditioner together for less.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother

This leave-in treatment can be used to moisturise and hydrate the hair for up to 72 hours. It helps relink any broken bonds caused by styling and revives dry or damaged hair without weighing it down..

How to use: Take a small amount on your fingertips and smooth across damp or dry hair. Focus on the lengths and ends.

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

This concentrated hair mask strengthens the hair and repairs brittle, weak or damaged hair without leaving it feeling weighed down. If your hair is damaged, dry or needs TLC after chemical and heat styling then this is for you.

How to use: Take a few pumps and work through damp, clean hair. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Use as a weekly mask treatment

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

This lightweight hair oil that tames frizz, repairs damaged bonds and protects your hair from heat damage up to 450° without leaving your hair feeling oily. It also adds shine to your hair and keeps dryness at bay.

How to use: Use a few drops and smooth across wet or dry hair before styling with heated tools like hair dryers, straighteners or curlers.