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Olaplex

Olaplex is a professional hair treatment that uses a patented active ingredient (Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate) to re-link the broken disulfide bonds inside the hair, strengthening chemically or mechanically damaged hair from within. Unlike a conventional mask that only conditions the surface, Olaplex repairs the internal structure of the hair.

Olaplex is a so-called «bond-building» system – a treatment that actively rebuilds bonds inside the hair. Every hair is made of keratin, whose strength depends in part on its disulfide bonds (sulfur bridges). Bleaching, colouring and perming, but also heat (blow-drying, flat irons) and mechanical stress, break these bonds. The result is dry, brittle hair with split ends. Olaplex's patented active ingredient seeks out these broken bonds and re-links them, stabilising the hair structure from the inside.

In the salon, Olaplex is typically used in two ways. As an additive during a chemical service: «No.1» is mixed directly into the bleach or colour so the hair suffers less damage while it is being lightened. This is followed by «No.2» as a repair step that is left in for a few minutes after the colour has been rinsed out. Alternatively there is the standalone treatment – a pure repair service without simultaneous colouring, ideal for already stressed hair. For home use there is a complementary care line (including «No.3 Hair Perfector» plus shampoo and conditioner) that maintains the effect between salon visits.

Olaplex is suitable for all hair types in principle, but delivers its greatest benefit on chemically treated, bleached, coloured or generally weakened hair. Fine hair benefits too, because Olaplex does not weigh the hair down but strengthens the fibre. Anyone who lightens their hair frequently or wants to go from dark to blonde can often push a stronger lightening step with Olaplex without the hair breaking.

Time-wise the treatment is moderate. As an add-on to colouring or bleaching it extends the appointment only by a few minutes of processing time. As a standalone treatment it takes around 20 to 40 minutes including processing and rinsing. It is important to understand that Olaplex is not a one-off miracle cure but builds its effect over several applications. The repaired bonds do remain intact, yet new stress keeps breaking new bonds – which is why many hairdressers recommend a regular combination of salon treatment and matching home care.

In terms of price, Olaplex in Switzerland is usually a surcharge on top of the actual service. As an add-on to colour or bleach the extra cost is roughly CHF 15 to 40, while a standalone repair treatment costs approximately CHF 30 to 70 depending on the salon and hair length (rough Swiss guide values, without guarantee). The actual cost depends on region, salon and hair volume – comparing prices pays off.

Example

A client with dark brown, long hair wants to switch to a light blonde. Because such a lightening step puts the hair under heavy stress, the hairdresser mixes Olaplex No.1 into the bleach and, after rinsing, applies No.2 as a repair step. This keeps the hair supple rather than straw-like despite the strong lightening – and the client takes No.3 home to maintain the result until her next appointment.

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Frequently asked

How much does an Olaplex treatment cost in Switzerland?

As an add-on to colour or bleach, the surcharge is roughly CHF 15 to 40. A standalone repair treatment costs approximately CHF 30 to 70 depending on the salon and hair length. These are rough guide values without guarantee – actual prices depend on region, salon and hair volume, which is why comparing prices is worthwhile.

Is Olaplex damaging to the hair?

No. On the contrary, Olaplex is one of the treatments designed to reduce hair damage by re-linking broken sulfur bonds. The active ingredient contains no silicones or oils that weigh the hair down. That said, with very frequent use and no accompanying moisture care, hair can feel slightly firmer – so a balanced care routine makes sense.

How long does the Olaplex effect last?

The newly linked bonds essentially remain intact. However, since new stress such as colouring, heat or mechanical brushing keeps breaking new bonds, Olaplex is not a one-off permanent fix. For a lasting result, a combination of regular salon treatment and matching home care is recommended.

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