One of the most popular hair care brands on the market today is Olaplex. With how popular it has become, you might be tempted to try it on your own hair. However, what about the claims that Olaplex products may lead to hair loss? The last thing you want to do is spend your hard-earned money on a hair care product that doesn’t work and can also worsen your hair!
Today, we’re here to uncover the myths and facts surrounding Olaplex hair loss. Keep reading to learn more, helping you figure out whether purchasing Olaplex products is a good idea or not.
What is Olaplex?
First, what exactly is Olaplex? Olaplex is a luxury hair care brand that has gained a lot of attention over the years, with the brand claiming it can reduce hair damage by repairing hair bonds, leading to more luscious locks when used routinely. Many people online have raved about the products, with the brand even being endorsed by major celebrities such as Athena Layna and Kim Kardashian. [1]
Olaplex has quite a wide range of products, including shampoos, oils, conditions, and treatment kits. They offer hair products for several hair types, including those with sensitive skin.
The Lawsuit Claims Against Olaplex
Now onto whether Olaplex is safe and effective. In February 2023, 28 women started a lawsuit against Olaplex, claiming that their products caused their hair to fall out. [2] There were other people on social media claiming that the products had done the same to their scalps.
However, there is no scientific evidence to back these claims up, with Olaplex maintaining its statement that its products offer safety and efficacy in every bottle. It has even linked multiple studies that show its products do not produce inflammation or cause any sensitivity. [3] These studies involve a repeat insult patch test, an industry standard test to prove whether a product is safe and effective. It was established that they are, and Olaplex has not recalled any of their products after the claims came out.
So, Can Olaplex Cause Hair Loss?
There is no evidence that any Olaplex products cause hair loss, despite the claims. Olaplex has science and studies on their side, and many people have experienced positive results with their products, whether that’s their shampoo and conditioner or their oils. As such, you can rest assured that Olaplex likely won’t cause any issues!
There’s a chance that the people who experienced hair loss had a very specific allergic reaction. Or, perhaps they experienced hair loss due to a myriad of other potential reasons, from alopecia areata to female pattern baldness, which can happen to anyone.
Should You Use Olaplex?
The question of whether to use Olaplex is a personal one.
If you already use Olaplex and you have experienced no issues, there is no reason you should stop. You can keep enjoying the hair benefits from the products as long as you want to!
If you have never used Olaplex, you shouldn’t be too put off by the claims. The studies have shown how safe the products are, so you likely won’t experience any issues with them. In fact, using Olaplex might lead to healthier, shinier, more luscious hair.
Of course, it’s up to you – there are plenty of other luxury hair care brands out there, so you have plenty of options. You could use a hair track app when using a new product to see if it works well for you, monitoring the results.
How to Use Olaplex
If you’re eager to use Olaplex, you should first know how to use their products.
Find the Right Products for Your Hair Type
Your first step is to pick the right products for your particular hair. The good news is that Olaplex carry a wide range of hair products to suit your hair type. For example, if you have fine hair, the best Olaplex product to use is the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, so perhaps give that a try!
Using Olaplex Shampoos
Olaplex shampoos, like the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, are very easy to use. Use it as you would a normal shampoo, massaging it into your damp hair before rinsing out and following up with a conditioner.
Some of the Olaplex shampoos shouldn’t be used daily. For example, the Olaplex No.4c Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo should only be used once per week. It’s always worth reading the instructions before using a new product.
Using Olaplex Conditioners
To use Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, apply it through the length of your hair after shampooing, leave it on for three minutes, and then rinse. You can use this one daily.
Using Olaplex Bonding Oil
The Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil can easily be used by applying a couple of drops to the ends of damp hair.
Using Olaplex Bond Building Treatments
To use the Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment, you apply it to the hair, comb through, and leave it on for ten minutes. You can then either use the No.3 Hair Perfector on top for another ten minutes before washing out or wash out straight away. It’s important to rinse well and follow it up with a shampoo. This is one of their most popular products.
Using Olaplex Moisture Masks
The Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask can help repair damaged strands. To use it, apply it to damp hair while in the shower, leave for ten minutes, and then rinse out. Use once a week for optimal results.
Hopefully, one or a handful of these products will work well for you. Keep in mind that Olaplex is not a hair loss treatment – while it likely won’t cause hair loss, these products won’t regrow your hair either. Instead, they are all about repairing the bonds and providing healthier locks.
Are You Experiencing Hair Loss?
Are you experiencing hair loss? Whether it’s from using a product or because of genetics, it is very hard to deal with, especially emotionally. If you think your hair loss is due to using a product (Olaplex or otherwise), stop using it immediately.
The good news is there are tons of excellent hair loss treatments out there to help you regrow your locks. These include:
Minoxidil and Finasteride
Minoxidil and finasteride are hair loss treatments that are administered in the form of medication. They both work a little differently – on one hand, minoxidil stimulates hair growth in men and women, treating androgenetic alopecia. On the other, finasteride specifically treats the overproduction of DHT in men, which is linked to hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you’re considering using either of these. Minoxidil is available over the counter, while finasteride can only be acquired through a prescription.
Light Therapy
Many people experience positive results through low-level light therapy, which uses UV rays to stimulate hair growth. You’ll likely need a couple of sessions to see results. There are devices you can even use in the comfort of your own home.
Steroid Injections
One of the most common treatments for alopecia areata is steroid injections. You’ll need to get these at a dermatologist’s office, and you’ll receive them every four to six weeks. It’ll take a while to see results, but many people have experienced hair regrowth following this treatment, so it’s worth a try if you have alopecia.
A Hair Transplant
A hair transplant is a surgical hair loss treatment that works by taking hair follicles from one section of the scalp and inserting them into the balding section. The process is performed by a surgeon, with most patients able to leave the clinic on the same day as the treatment. Recovery time is minimal, and people tend to see results within a matter of months, with full results coming through after about a year. It’s something to consider if you have androgenetic alopecia and would like natural results that last forever.
Olaplex Hair Loss: The Takeaway
You don’t need to worry too much about Olaplex hair loss. While the hair care brand did end up under fire and facing lawsuits from 28 women, they were able to perform studies that showed no ingredients were harmful to the hair or scalp. If you want to use Olaplex to repair bonds in your hair, you should feel free to do so. Of course, always stop using any product if you think you’re having an allergic reaction!
Are you more interested in a hair loss treatment? If so, you’re in the right place. Here at Harley Street Hair Clinic, we specialise in FUE hair transplants. We are proud to work with the best surgeons in the industry, providing patients with an excellent service that gives them a full head of hair once more. If you’re interested in what our services can do for you, check out our patients gallery. We already have a long list of happy patients, and you could be next!
Sources:
- https://celebrityendorsers.com/endorsements/olaplex/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64662934
- https://olaplex.com/pages/testing-results