Olaplex Vs Wellaplex: Two popular damaged hair-repair treatments that seek to reduce split ends, frizz, breakage, etc. Find out here which is better.
As a hairstylist, I'm always on the lookout for new and innovative products that can benefit my clients. Recently, two hair treatments have been making waves in the industry: Olaplex and Wellaplex. Both products claim to repair and strengthen hair, but what are the differences between them?
Olaplex is a three-step system that works to repair damaged hair by reconnecting broken bonds. It's particularly effective for those with chemically treated hair, as it helps to restore the hair's natural strength and texture.
On the other hand, Wellaplex is a two-step system that also aims to strengthen and protect hair, but it's specifically designed to work with Wella Professionals color products.
While both Olaplex and Wellaplex have similar goals, they do have some distinct differences. Understanding these differences is important in order to choose the right treatment for your hair type and needs.
What Is Olaplex
Olaplex is a hair treatment system that is designed to protect and strengthen hair during chemical processing. It was developed by a team of scientists who were looking for a way to prevent damage to hair caused by bleach, color, and other chemical treatments.
The Olaplex system consists of three products: Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier, Olaplex No. 2 Bond Perfector, and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector. No. 1 is mixed with the bleach or color before application, No. 2 is applied after rinsing out the bleach or color, and No. 3 is a take-home treatment that can be used once a week to maintain the health of the hair.
The key ingredient in Olaplex is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which works by repairing broken disulfide bonds in the hair. Disulfide bonds are responsible for the strength and elasticity of hair, and they can be damaged by heat, mechanical stress, and chemical treatments. By repairing these bonds, Olaplex helps to prevent breakage and improve the overall health of the hair.
Olaplex is suitable for all hair types and can be used on both virgin and chemically treated hair. It is particularly beneficial for those with damaged or compromised hair, as it can help to restore strength, shine, and manageability. However, it is important to note that Olaplex is not a miracle cure and cannot reverse all types of damage.
What Is Wellaplex
Wellaplex is a hair treatment system designed to protect and strengthen hair during the coloring process. It claims to prevent hair damage by using a patented technology that works from the inside out. The Wellaplex system includes three products: a Bond Maker, a Bond Stabilizer, and a Nourishing Hair Mask.
The Bond Maker is added to the hair dye mixture before application to help strengthen the bonds in the hair. The Bond Stabilizer is then applied after rinsing out the dye to further reinforce the bonds and protect the hair from damage. Finally, the Nourishing Hair Mask is used to provide additional nourishment and hydration to the hair.
According to the manufacturer, Wellaplex can be used with any hair dye brand and is suitable for all hair types. It is particularly recommended for those with damaged or fragile hair who want to protect their hair during the coloring process.
Overall, Wellaplex appears to be a promising hair treatment system that can help prevent hair damage during the coloring process. However, as with any hair treatment product, results may vary depending on individual hair type and condition.
Differences Between Olaplex Vs Wellaplex
When it comes to hair repair treatments, Olaplex and Wellaplex are two popular options. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before deciding which one to use.
Difference 1: Olaplex is a more comprehensive repair treatment than Wellaplex. While Wellaplex focuses on the cuticles and core of the hair, Olaplex works on all three parts of the hair: cuticles, cortex, and core. This means that Olaplex can provide a deeper repair that is more complete.
To understand this difference, it's important to know how hair strands are structured. A strand of hair has three main parts: the cuticle, cortex, and core. The cuticle is the outer layer that covers the cortex, which is the middle layer that contains pigments and nutrients. The core is the innermost part of the hair where the DNA is found.
Wellaplex reinforces the bonds between the cuticles and cortex to form a protective shield on the hair. Olaplex, on the other hand, goes through the cuticles and cortex to reach the hair core. The following stages then repair and restructure the DNA strands of your hair to strengthen them.
If your hair is seriously damaged, dry, and dehydrated, and you plan to bleach it in the salon, I recommend investing a little more money and choosing Olaplex.
The molecular bonds of the hair are broken during bleaching to expel the color. Also, the internal bridges of the hair structure break and leave your hair dry, dull, and frizzy. In that case, Olaplex will repair your hair during the chemical bleaching process.
Difference 2: Olaplex is an eight-step treatment, while Wellaplex has only three steps. Both Olaplex and Wellaplex have several application stages, but the first two steps are for professional use at the salon during coloring or bleaching.
Wellaplex's three-step treatment includes the Bond Maker, which is mixed with bleach or permanent hair dye, and the Bond Stabilizer, which is applied after rinsing bleach or a permanent hair dye. It stabilizes the pH of your hair and finishes sealing your cuticles.
Olaplex's eight-step treatment includes Olaplex 0, which is applied to the hair 20 minutes before starting the process to start protecting the hair fiber, Olaplex 1, which is added to the bleaching mixture to give elasticity to the joints of the hair and keep the cuticles protected, and Olaplex 2, which is applied after the coloring process to repair the DNA of your hair core that was damaged during the process.
Both Olaplex and Wellaplex have at-home treatments. Wellaplex 3 is a hair stabilizer that helps maintain the treatment until your next salon visit. Olaplex has five subsequent stages for home use to maintain the treatment: Olaplex 3, Olaplex 4, Olaplex 5, Olaplex 6, and Olaplex 7.
Difference 3: Olaplex is more expensive than Wellaplex. The first three stages of Olaplex cost $400, while the complete Wellaplex treatment costs $270. If you add the home treatment products to Olaplex, you'll need between $25 and $60 for each product.
In conclusion, both Olaplex and Wellaplex are effective hair repair treatments, but they have some key differences. Olaplex is more comprehensive and works on all three parts of the hair, making it a better choice for seriously damaged hair that has been bleached.
Wellaplex is a good option for those who only color their hair or do regular highlights touch-ups. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your hair's history and the damage it has sustained, as well as the cost.
Similarities Between Olaplex Vs Wellaplex
While Olaplex and Wellaplex have key differences, they also share some similarities. Both treatments aim to repair damaged hair caused by chemical processes or external factors. They also have professional-use stages and home-use products to maintain the treatment.
Both Olaplex and Wellaplex work by reinforcing the bonds in the hair structure. Wellaplex focuses on the cuticles and cortex, while Olaplex penetrates all three parts of the hair (cuticles, cortex, and core). Both treatments use a multi-step process to repair and strengthen the hair.
Additionally, both Olaplex and Wellaplex offer home-use products to maintain the treatment. Olaplex has five subsequent stages for at-home use, including a weekly treatment, shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatment, and repairing oil. Wellaplex has a single product, the Hair Stabilizer, which is applied once a week for up to 20 minutes.
While Olaplex and Wellaplex have notable differences, they share similarities in their approach to repairing damaged hair and offering at-home maintenance products.
The Verdict: Which Is Better For Hair
After comparing Olaplex and Wellaplex, it's clear that both products are effective in repairing damaged hair. However, there are a few key differences to consider before making a decision.
Olaplex is known for its patented active ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which works by repairing broken bonds in the hair.
This product is particularly effective for those with severely damaged hair, as it can restore strength and elasticity. Olaplex is also free of silicone, sulfates, and phthalates, making it a safer option for those with sensitive scalps.
On the other hand, Wellaplex uses a different active ingredient, maleic acid, to strengthen and protect hair. This product is often used in conjunction with hair dye, as it can help prevent damage caused by the coloring process. Wellaplex is also more affordable than Olaplex, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Ultimately, the choice between Olaplex and Wellaplex comes down to personal preference and hair type. Those with severely damaged hair may benefit more from Olaplex, while those looking to protect their hair during the coloring process may prefer Wellaplex. Both products are effective and can help improve the overall health of your hair.