Has anyone else’s hair taken a beating during lockdown? After four self-performed haircuts and less styling than before the pandemic (because where are we going?), I thought my hair would be thriving. But it hasn’t. My usual go-to leave-in treatments have been working okay (no shade directed at my favorites: Ranavat Mighty Majesty Oil and Rene Furterer Absolue Kératine Repairing Beauty Cream) but my thick hair has been feeling drier and frizzier than usual. Which triggered a need to find something new. Over the past few weeks, I’ve become beyond impressed with Olaplex No6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Cream. Seriously, I have not tried anything this good in a long time. More below.
It’s been impossible to miss the countless Olaplex raves on social media over the last couple of years. Since I’ve been generally happy with my routine, I haven’t been tempted to explore changing it up. And, I received a bottle of Olaplex No3 in a gift bag once and wasn’t blown away. Wetting my hair, applying No3, waiting, and then getting back in the shower to rinse, felt like too big a production.
What is Olaplex?
The system, labeled ‘The Original Bond Builder’ on the brand’s website, claims its “patented active chemistry works on a molecular level to repair damaged and broken bonds in the hair that are caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage.” I’d weigh in if I could but I know nothing about hair other than thinking it is dead protein. Well, mine’s definitely been looking dead lately. Whatever Olaplex uses to help it look alive, works.
How do I use it?
After I shampoo and condition, I apply a small dollop of Olaplex No6 to my fingers, rub both palms together, and run my hands through towel dried hair. Ideally, I let it air dry before I touch up here and there with my ghd flat iron. Not only is my ‘do’ frizz-free, the hair feels noticeably smoother and healthier. I’ve actually noticed these impressive results after the first application — and they are getting better with time. It also makes for a great intense overnight leave-in treatment.
If you’ve experienced leave-in treatments that dry crunchy or feel sticky after drying (the absolute worst, right?), Olaplex No6 does neither. Some may find the scent too present but luckily, it hasn’t bothered me. It also doesn’t linger. For someone with thick, unruly hair that can easily experience frizz or flyaways, especially on hot, humid days, the No6 Bond Smoother has worked exceptionally well. A small amount of product per application is all you need so the $28 bottle will last a while.
Available at dermstore.com and sephora.com.
