Hair fanatics everywhere will be familiar with the Olaplex Treatment regime that beauty pros can’t live without – and with good reason. It has changed the game of hair treatments that can be done both in salons and at home, which is just as well seeing as many of us have been busy experimenting with our hair throughout lockdown, tending to our grown-out roots, braving colour transformations from box dyes, and stretching, curling and manipulating our curl patterns so that we have something fresh to keep things exciting – both for ourselves and for the ‘gram.
While our grids may looks great, our hair has suffered the tension from these chemical and physical processes – this is where Olaplex comes in.
The breakthrough multi-step technology repairs severely damaged hair that’s been coloured or chemically-treated as well as delivering a glossy, strengthening treatment to all hair types and textures. Up until now the popularised multi-steps treatment rebuilds the di-sulfide bonds within the hair that can be broken by colouring, chemically treating or using high heat on hair.
Now, the brand has introduced a new player, the Olaplex No. 8. It is a 4-in-1 restorative mask infused with that iconic patented Olaplex Bond Building technology, that promises to provide the hair with intense moisture, add volume, smoothness, body and shine. Sounds like the ideal treatment for damaged hair.
So we have 5 people from the GLAMOUR team to put it to the test and here is our verdict.
The Product:
(from 8th April for app users only and then onsite from the 9th April)
The Reviews:
Ella Simpson, Senior Marketing Manager, Condé Nast Britain
I’ve always been really skeptical about trying out hair products that aren’t specifically designed just for curls. As a curvy girl, it reminds me of when clothing products are “one size fits all” – it just ain’t gonna work! So when I saw that the OLAPLEX Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask was for “all hair types” I felt a little freaked out.
My hair has been suffering lately due to lockdown, and my curls have become really brittle, thin and dry due to their lack of attention from a hairdresser. The mask was really simple to use – I just did my normal wash routine and then applied the product through my hair (avoiding the roots) and left for 10 minutes before rinsing out. I then applied my usual curl defining product and let it air dry exactly as I normally would.
The mask definitely lived up to its name! As soon as my curls had dried they felt far more moisturised than usual and much softer to touch. I also noticed that they had become fuller and less separated, meaning that I had a thicker, bouncier curl rather than a thin, stringy one. It’s refreshing to know that there is an “all hair types” product that actually works on my hair, leaving it feeling healthier and fuller. I’d definitely use it again!
Rating: 9/10
Charlie Teather, Fashion Editor
I’m going to be honest – and pray that my colourist, Harriet Muldoon, isn’t reading this – I am perpetually lazy when it comes to haircare. I once went four years without so much as a trim thanks to a fear developed after a very ill-advised ‘Pob’ about fifteen years ago, and if it weren’t for my bleached bonce I’d likely avoid the hair salon for another four. As it is, I plumped for platinum at Larry King three years ago and have been loyally returning every 8-ish weeks since. That was, of course, until lockdown hit.
Having got my mitts on the Olaplex No.8 I decided, for a brief moment, to do exactly what I was told for my hair. I freshly shampooed, applied (a few more than) the recommended 2 pumps, swooned over the delicious scent – not strictly in the instructions but I challenge you not to do the same – and worked the product through my mid-lengths to ends with my fingers. I waited a little longer than the recommended 10 minutes (in fact, I tied it in a top-knot and had a bath because #selfcare but also because who wants to dry off just to get back in the shower?) before rinsing, air-drying as usual and straightening. I won’t lie, I was ready to tell you that there was ‘no noticeable difference’ but that I’d likely repurchase for the scent alone. After all, how much could one treatment improve this frazzled bleached head? Turns out, a lot. Turns out the professionals really know what they’re talking about.
It genuinely feels so much stronger, I have fewer stray hairs that sprout out in whichever direction they choose – even the overall colour of my hair feels more uniform after some haphazard at-home toning. The four-or-five inches that needed a good chop before have also been reduced to one-or-two, which is a huge tick in my book. I’d usually acknowledge at least one drawback, however minor, to prove my sincerity but I can’t find a single one – it was super easy, effective, smells great and the packaging is ideal for a #shelfie. I’m already excited for my next application.
Rating: 10/10
Shei Mamona, Beauty & Features Assistant
I took out my faux locs specially for this occasion, Olaplex has been on all the hair gurus’ lips for some time and it was about time I tapped into the trend. Calling it a trend is probably a dis-service for the brand who has been consistent in treating damaged hair since 2014 and has maintained a loyal fan base since. I hear this is not just the latest fad, it’s the real deal, so I went ahead and gave it a shot.
I have an afro which I would categorise as being a wild and unpredictable mix of 4b-4c coils. They’re dry and brittle and although I’ve never coloured them, at any given time, you will find me experimenting with yet another ‘protective’ style. My hair is like my art palette, I love the regular switch up, but over manipulation can come with a cost.
On first impressions, I love to bottle and applicator. I started by applying the suggested two pumps of the product. My hair is thick and don’t let the length you see in the picture fool you, the shrinkage is real, and the two pumps didn’t quite cover it, so I went in with two (or three) more! I got way too impatient but next time I use it, I will probably let it sit for longer than the recommended ten minutes.
The initial feel of the product on the hair felt a little rough and drying, I got worried, but after the final rinse, it was a different story. As soon as I started wet brushing my curls, the comb just glided through smoothly. My hair did look noticeably shinier, my curls bouncier and the texture smoother. It lived up to the expectations, so I’m going to implement it into my hair routine and I cannot wait to see what the long term results will look like.
Rating: 8.5/10
Celia Gomez, Video Editor
I had just dyed my hair so I was thrilled to try Olaplex as it claims to work very effectively on repairing damaged hair. If you have curly thick hair like me you’ll need to use quite a few pumps of product to make sure you cover it all even if you’re avoiding the roots, and when I say quite a few I mean QUITE A FEW. It does have a fresh scent to it, although I wasn’t particularly attracted to it.
After I massaged in all the product generously through the lengths of my hair, I ended up leaving it on for about 15-20 minutes the recommended ten minutes didn’t feel like they would allow enough time for the product to soak through my curls. Plus as a regular hair dyer, I need all the damage control I can get. Prevention over cure!
I was surprised as I was expecting an immediate miracle. With similar hair masks, my hair would usually start feeling smoother after two to three minutes, but with this one, I didn’t notice much difference at first.
However, the magic happened after. I let my hair and it definitely felt silkier, shinier, and more hydrated. I’m always looking for volume, when it comes to my hair, the bigger the better. I didn’t feel a lift in volume, so that was probably the only thing that lacked for me, but overall, it still a really great hair treatment.
Rating: 6/10
Camilla Kay, Beauty Director
Ok so here’s what your need to know – Olaplex and I go way back! And I confess it has been my haircare addiction for most of the past decade. From launch, the professional-only treatment No. 1 which was one of two that must be administered by the professionals, was the product beauty editors wanted to get their hands on, but in lieu of that, No. 3 the at-home treatment became a hair repair go-to. I literally sleep in it about once a week. And we’ve pretty much never parted since.
The bond building technology gives a superior sense of repair to any other mask l’ve tried (and that must be numbering the 100’s) and makes my bleached hair, that is usually frayed on the ends within a month of a cut – soft, manageable and just about passable as health-looking.
And while the later additions such as the shampoo and conditioner were nice, No. 3 was always the one. Until now that is! The arrival of No. 8 may take the crown as my new hair hero. The satisfyingly thick masque consistency wins hands down over the liquid formula of No. 3 and it needs just ten minutes to do it’s work post shampoo. No need to wait for it to soak in. Yet old habits die hard here and I still put it in as a pre-wash treatment and leave for an hour or so to work it’s magic. It left my hair so silky there was no need to condition after washing. No surprises here, I’m convinced and it’s already a staple in my shower.
Rating: 9.5/10
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona