What are Olaplex No. 1 and No. 2?

You won't find these two Olaplex products on store shelves. No. 1 Bond Mulitplier and No. 2 Bond Perfector are designed exclusively for in-salon use. They can be used by themselves as a conditioning treatment or combined with chemical services like lightening, permanent hair coloring, or even perms to help mitigate damage and leave your locks healthy and strong.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

What is Olaplex?

If you have dyed or color treated hair, you've probably heard a lot about Olaplex. The Olaplex system is designed to repair broken disulfide sulfur bonds and help hair look and feel healthier. It's not just a product that coats your hair; it actually changes your hair internally. Anyone can use Olaplex to restore their hair, regardless of their hair type or what type of damage it has. When Olaplex is added to chemical services, it can leave hair in better condition after the service than before.

Given our focus on eco-friendly products, we are happy to share that all of the products in the Olaplex system are free of sulfates, silicone, parabens, and phthalates. They are also vegan and cruelty-free!

What is Olaplex No 1?

No. 1 Bond Multiplier is the first step of the Olaplex system that begins in the salon. Stylists mix Olaplex directly with bleach powder during the highlighting or lightening process to lessen damage during chemical processing. It can also be added to color, toner, or gloss. No. 1 help prevent breakage and improves the condition of the cuticle.

You don't have to partake in chemical treatments to take advantage of the restorative properties of Olaplex Bond Multiplier. It is also the first step in a stand-alone treatment to restore and repair damaged hair. Even un-treated tresses can benefit from Olaplex products. Blow dyers, flat irons and other heat tools can cause broken bonds. Environmental damage is another factor that affects un-treated hair.

Olaplex No. 1 is never intended to be used alone; it should always be followed by No. 2.

What is Olaplex No 2?

This second step of the Olaplex system is also intended for in-salon use. As mentioned above, No. 2 should always follow No. 1 to help repair broken bonds that may have been missed during the first step.

No. 2 can be used by itself for additional benefits. It's a more concentrated version of the famous No. 3 Hair Perfector that is available for at home use.

It's important note that No. 2 (and all other Olaplex products for that matter) are not just conditioning treatments, and they are not protein treatments. They actually repair the hair follicle by bonding with the molecules left exposed by broken hair bonds. This strengthens the hair and actually helps to prevent future damage.

Why are Olaplex No. 1 and No. 2 only for salon use?

Olaplex works to repair hair internally. No. 1 and No. 2 are used together as a powerhouse treatment to restore and protect your hair. The main purpose of No. 1 Bond Multiplier is to be used in conjunction with chemical services to protect and repair damage during the treatment. Because of this, it has very specific usage instructions.

It has to be weighed precisely in relation to the amount of color or bleach powder being used. It's also too strong to be directly applied for the stand-alone treatment, so it has to be properly diluted before being applied to a client's hair. No. 2 Bond Perfector's usage is less precise, but it pairs directly with No. 1.

Olaplex designed another treatment pair that requires less precision to be used at home. No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment is a diluted version of No. 1 that is safe to use at home. No. 3 Hair Perfector is a less version of No. 2 that pairs with No. 0.

So, basically, the stand-alone treatment done in salons is No. 1 and No. 2. The at-home equivalent (just a little less potent) is a treatment done with No. 0 and No. 3.

How can No. 1 and No. 2 be used in salon services?

If you are getting your hair chemically treated, there is a chance your stylist will add Olaplex without you even knowing. You can always ask if your salon uses Olaplex when you make an appointment.

There are a few fun ways stylists can use No. 2 as an add-on service above and beyond adding it at the shampoo bowl after using No. 1 mixed in with a color or chemical treatment.

Stand-alone treatment

This professional Olaplex service consists of two steps to repair and protect the hair. Some salons may list this as a service, but not all Olaplex salons do. Everyone can benefit from this treatment, not just those getting chemical treatments!

The treatment involves applying No. 1 properly diluted with water for 5 or more minutes. Without rinsing, No. 2 is applied and left on for at least 10 minutes. Finally rinse, shampoo and, condition.

Repair treatment during a cut

When you get a cut, you usually sit with wet hair for 20 or 30 minutes. This is a great time to take advantage of the healing properties of Olaplex Bond Perfector. Instead of shampooing before a cut, ask your stylist to wet and towel dry your hair and then apply No. 2 .

While your hair is being cut, it will also be getting stronger! After the cut is finished, your stylist can rinse, shampoo, and condition before blowing it dry.

Strengthen ends during root touch-ups

If you are getting your roots touched up, your stylist is probably using No. 1 mixed in with the color. Ask them to add Olaplex No. 2 to the rest of your hair shaft while your bleach or color processes. Not only will this help your ends get healthier, it will prevent breakage and damage if any overlap occurs at the line of demarcation.

Can Olaplex No. 1 and No. 2 be used at home?

Although No. 1 and No. 2 are only sold to salon professionals, you can find them online if you look. Please remember that this treatment is intended to be used only by salon professionals.

The instructions for the stand-alone treatment using No. 1 and No. 2 are:

• Mix 1/2 oz (15ml) No. 1 Bond Multiplier with 3 oz (90ml) water. This can be adjusted accordingly for different hair lengths. For example, if your hair is very long, 1 oz No. 1 can be mixed with 6 oz water.
• Apply the No. 1 mixture to clean, dry hair until saturated.
• Leave on for 5 minutes.
• Without rinsing, apply a generous amount of No. 2 Bond Perfector from root to ends. Comb through thoroughly.
• Leave on for 10 or more minutes.
• Rinse, lightly shampoo, and condition.

Notes:

• If you have a lot of product or oil buildup, shampoo first and start with wet, towel dried hair for best results.
• Any leftover mixture of No. 1 and water can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• The No. 1 and water mixture should not be applied with a spray bottle. Olaplex products are non-toxic, but it's still not a great idea to be inhaling them.
• If applying the stand-alone treatment on human hair extensions, avoid the glue, track, or tape to prevent loosening.

How often can you use Olaplex 1 and 2?

OLAPLEX is a bond building product, not a protein or deep conditioning treatment and can be used as necessary. 1 or 2 treatments per week for a few weeks is a good place to start. These treatments make a huge difference, so see how your hair responds and talk to your stylist about what else you might need. There is no such thing as too much Olaplex!

Are Olaplex results permanent?

Yes! The bonds repaired by Olaplex do not require ongoing treatments. Even if you only do one Olaplex treatment, the repair is permanent. Continued exposure to chemical and environmental damage will obviously result in more disulfide sulfur bonds broken, but there is no requirement to do more than one Olaplex treatment.

What is the difference between OLAPLEX 0 and 1?

No. 0 contains fewer active ingredients than No. 1. Both products are the first step in a 2 step treatment. Both should be applied to dry hair, left on for a few minutes, and then followed with their corresponding Perfector treatment.

However, No. 1 can not be used alone. It is meant to be mixed with bleach powder or color or diluted with water. No. 0 can be used directly from the bottle.

What is the difference between Olaplex No 2 and 3?

Olaplex Bond Perfector (No. 2) is more concentrated than Olaplex Hair Perfector (No. 3). It is formulated for salon usage, while No. 3 is safe for home use.