Olaplex Vs. K18
Which is Better for Your Hair?
As a stylist, one of the most frequent questions I get asked is: "Which is better, Olaplex or K18?" The truth is, I use them both! Each product has its unique strengths and serves different purposes when it comes to hair care. Read on to learn the truth.
Understanding Disulfide Bonds
To understand why Olaplex and K18 are so effective, we need to delve into the science of hair. Hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin, which has various bonds that hold its structure together. Among these, disulfide bonds play a crucial role in maintaining hair's strength and shape. These bonds are formed when sulfur atoms in two cysteine amino acids link together, creating a strong bond that provides hair with its resilience.
Unfortunately, disulfide bonds can be broken through various forms of damage, including:
Chemical Treatments: Processes like bleaching, perming, and relaxing can disrupt these bonds, leading to weakened hair.
Heat Damage: Excessive heat from styling tools can also break down the protein structure, resulting in brittle and lifeless hair.
Environmental Factors: Sun exposure, pollution, and even hard water can contribute to the degradation of disulfide bonds, making hair more vulnerable to damage.
Olaplex is the only brand on the market specifically designed to repair these broken disulfide bonds. Its groundbreaking technology works at the molecular level, using a patented synthetic molecule to reform bonds within the hair fiber. This powerful repair mechanism is what sets Olaplex apart from other hair care products.
The History of Olaplex
Olaplex has a fascinating history. Co-founded by a female entrepreneur, it started in a garage in California, driven by the vision to create a product that could truly repair hair. The founders, Dean and Nancy, harnessed their expertise in chemistry and hair care to develop a unique formula that has revolutionized the industry. Since its inception, Olaplex has become a staple in salons worldwide. In the past year, the company went public, solidifying its status as a leader in hair care innovation.
The History (and Chemistry) of K18
Image From k18hair.com
K18, formerly known as Khairprep, was developed by a team of scientists who sought to create a product that could effectively address hair damage at a molecular level. The technology behind K18 focuses on natural peptide technology derived from keratin-associated proteins. These peptides are designed to mimic the structure of hair, allowing them to bind effectively with the keratin in the hair shaft.
In terms of chemistry, K18 works on the Alpha helix structure of keratin. This means it can penetrate the hair shaft and help restore the natural integrity of the hair, making it more resilient and hydrated. K18 is not just a reparative product; it replenishes and revitalizes hair, making it particularly beneficial for those who may not require extensive repair but still want healthy, nourished locks.
Since its launch, K18 has rapidly gained a loyal following among stylists and clients alike. Its ability to hydrate and revitalize hair without weighing it down has made it a favorite, especially for those with color-treated or heat-damaged hair.
Different Needs, Different Solutions
Because of their different functions, there’s really no comparison between the two. They each meet distinct needs within various parts of the hair. In my salon, I always prep the hair with K18 before any color service. If a client has significant buildup, I’ll use a chelator, which works by breaking down and removing any residue from products or hard water, ensuring a clean canvas for coloring.
When it comes to color services, I always add Olaplex to my color and lightener. In fact, about 95% of my color services come with an Olaplex treatment built in. This not only enhances the health of the hair during the coloring process but also leads to better, more vibrant results.
My Go-To Products
For leave-in protection, Olaplex No. 6 is my absolute go-to. It acts as a leave-in heat protectant and works in the hair for up to 72 hours—perfect for us girls who wash our hair every few days! This means you get that added protection without the need to constantly reapply.
I also love the Olaplex’s Volumizing dry shampoo and their no. 4 & no. 5 shampoo and conditioner. However, not everyone needs that much reparative benefit daily. For a good daily option, I recommend K18 shampoo, which is gentle yet effective. Plus, K18 offers an excellent take-home mask, perfect for my blonde clients who need a little extra TLC.
Conclusion
In summary, both Olaplex and K18 have their place in hair care and can complement each other beautifully. Whether you’re looking for repair or replenishment, using the right products can make all the difference in your hair’s health and appearance. So, which one is better? It really depends on your specific needs!
Both Olaplex and K18 offer unique benefits to cater to different hair care needs. Olaplex excels in repairing disulfide bonds and restoring the structural integrity of damaged hair, making it a go-to for those who frequently color or chemically treat their hair. K18, on the other hand, provides a deeply hydrating and revitalizing solution that helps maintain healthy hair, especially for individuals looking to enhance their hair’s overall appearance without extensive damage.
Using both products in conjunction can yield incredible results, allowing you to enjoy the reparative benefits of Olaplex while reaping the nourishing qualities of K18.
Ready to give your hair some love? Check out the links below to shop for your favorites:
- [Buy Olaplex]
- [K18 Shampoo] (Damage Shield)
Let’s keep those tresses looking fabulous! 💖