Olaplex vs K18

Hair Bonding Treatments

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Olaplex and K18 are two of the biggest names in hair repair bonding treatments. How do they work and which ones, as a professional hair stylist do I use?

Olaplex and K18 are both popular hair treatments designed to repair damaged hair, but they work in different ways and are based on different technologies. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Olaplex and K18 / Technology & Action:

Olaplex:
Olaplex’s main ingredient is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which works by repairing disulfide bonds in the hair. These bonds are often broken due to chemical treatments like bleaching, coloring, and heat styling.

               *It focuses on bond-building within the hair structure, making the hair stronger

                 by reconnecting broken bonds.
               *The Olaplex system has several steps, and the bond-building is a cumulative process.

K18:
K18 uses biomimetic peptide technology. It claims to restore keratin chains in the hair that have been damaged by chemical and heat processes.

                *It works on a molecular level, targeting deeper damage within the hair structure,

                particularly the inner cortex where keratin proteins are broken down.
              *K18 is designed to mimic natural keratin and repair hair from the inside out in just

                one step, rather than multiple treatments like Olaplex.

Application & Usage:

Olaplex:
Olaplex has a multi-step system, often starting with professional in-salon treatments (Olaplex No.1 and No.2) and continuing with at-home products like No.3 (treatment), No.4 (shampoo), and No.5 (conditioner).

The at-home treatment (No.3) is a rinse-out product, meaning you apply it, leave it on for a certain amount of time, and then rinse it off before shampooing and conditioning.

K18:
K18 has a simpler application process. You apply the leave-in molecular repair mask after shampooing (without conditioner), leave it in for four minutes, and don’t rinse it out.

K18’s simplicity makes it more convenient, especially for people who don’t want to use a multi-step system.

Repair Focus:

Olaplex:
Focuses primarily on disulfide bond repair, which is essential for hair strength and elasticity.

Works best for damage caused by chemical treatments and heat styling.

K18:
Targets the keratin protein structure of the hair, focusing on rebuilding both protein chains and bonds.

K18 aims to reverse more severe types of damage, including the breakdown of internal hair structure caused by intense chemical processes like bleaching.

Time to See Results:

Olaplex:
Olaplex results are cumulative, meaning you’ll see better results over time with regular use, though some people report improvement after the first use.

K18:
K18 claims to show visible results after just one application. Some users report a noticeable difference in hair texture, strength, and shine after the first use.

Price:

Both Olaplex and K18 are in the higher-end range for hair care products, though K18 tends to be slightly more expensive, particularly since it’s designed to be more of a one-step product.

Suitability for Hair Types:

Olaplex:
Suitable for all hair types, especially those with chemically treated or heat-damaged hair.

K18:
Also designed for all hair types but particularly effective for very damaged or chemically processed hair.

Longevity of Effects:

Olaplex:
Works best when used consistently over time. The more you use it, the stronger your hair becomes due to cumulative bond-building.

K18:

Aims to provide longer-lasting repair from the first use, with effects that don't wash out as easily. It’s positioned as a treatment you might not need to use as frequently once the damage is addressed.

Summary:

Olaplex:

Best for bond-building, requires multiple steps, cumulative results over time.

K18:

Simpler, focuses on protein and bond repair in one step, with faster results.

Both are excellent for repairing damage, but your choice would depend on the type of damage your hair has, how much time you want to invest in the process, and whether you prefer a multi-step routine or a more simplified approach.

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