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Design Courtesy of Leah Romero
I Tested Olaplex Bond Maintenance for 12 Weeks, and It Completely Saved My Color-Treated Strands
The shampoo-and-conditioner duo is a miracle in a bottle.
By Jennifer Barthole
Want to know if a product really works? Welcome to Slow Beauty. Since it can take up to six weeks to see results from using a new formula, we have testers try the best and buzziest in hair and skin care for double that amount of time to determine what actually makes a difference.
For as long as I can remember, I have been experimenting with different hair treatments to help manage and enhance my beautiful, coily hair. My 4b/4c strands have been through it all—from relaxers while I was growing up to the keratin treatments I currently receive. I’ve also fallen victim to the endless cycle of heat styling, coloring experiments, and the daily environmental pollutants I’m exposed to while living in NYC. Over time, my once resilient mane has become brittle, tangled, and lackluster.
So, when I was given the opportunity to test the bond-building Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, I couldn’t have been more excited. The science behind it resonated—rebuilding the broken bonds within the hair shaft to restore the strength and shine. It almost seems too good to be true, but here goes nothing!
Courtesy Of Olaplex
Prior to washing my hair, it felt limp, dry, and tangled—especially my ends (despite getting a recent trim). So, I was pretty shocked to see a noticeable difference after using this shampoo and conditioner duo. My blow dryer comb glided through my strands effortlessly, and my hair looked healthier and shinier overall. The only exception was my ends. They looked more moisturized but still felt parched.
During the second week of testing, the weather was rainy, so my hair was on the frizzier side, and my roots were matted. However, my hair maintained a slight sheen, which was quite impressive. At the end of the week, after shampooing and conditioning my mane, it was super easy to detangle my roots (which is normally a painful process). Post blow-dry, the frizz was completely gone, and my hair was left with a glossy finish.
This week, I finally noticed a significant difference with my ends. They appeared less brittle and felt softer, especially after my wash and blow dry. I’ve also noticed that my hair has more body, and my curls are more voluminous, which is a welcome change.
Over the weekend, I received multiple compliments from friends, noting that my hair looked both ‘healthy’ and ‘shiny’. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop smiling and realized that my strands have come a long way (from their limp origins) in the past couple of weeks. In addition to looking healthier, I’ve noticed that my stronger tresses feel fuller.
Courtesy Of Olaplex
My main takeaway from this week was intense hydration. I’ve observed that my previously rough strands look and feel way more moisturized. As a result, my mane appears sleeker overall, and I have way fewer flyaways.
Before this week, my Dyson blow dryer’s comb attachment was full of unruly hairs by the time I was finished using it. However lately, I’ve observed that there is way less breakage and my locks are more resilient in general. After heat styling my hair, I have half the amount of strands caught in the comb, and the drying process is painless.
I just can’t stop running my fingers through my hair because of how soft and silky the texture has become. Just from the look and feel of it, I can tell that it’s already become healthier. Considering how damaged and scraggly it used to be just a month ago, it’s a much welcome change.
Now that I’m two months in, this shampoo and conditioner duo has already delivered thicker-looking hair. Not only do my locks look fuller, but they’re also more dense and less prone to split ends. As a result, my ponytails are pumped up, and my buns appear bigger.
Courtesy Of Olaplex
To my surprise, my hair has had so much volume this week. In fact, it’s the fluffiest I’ve seen it be in years, which makes my blowouts look way better. I also noticed that it looks more lifted at the root, which also gives it the illusion of looking fuller.
I love how these products help my hair hold curls all day (without styling spray!). They also make my strands feel weightless, so they have more movement and bounce. Moving forward, I’m excited to curl my hair because I know that the spirals will actually last.
Eleven weeks in, and I’m noticing that my hair cuticles are a lot smoother and no longer feel like straw. Also, before blow-drying my hair, I noticed that my natural waves are starting to make a comeback! They aren’t perfect spirals yet, but they are more defined than the limp waves I was sporting before.
I referenced my picture from twelve weeks ago and compared it to my hair today. The difference is amazing! My strands are noticeably thicker, shinier, and my split ends are barely there. Also, curls are back in full force.
Design Courtesy of Yousra Attia
The author before and after testing the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.
Final Thoughts
Coming into this experiment, I was skeptical that my damaged hair could be revived in just two months. However, my current hair transformation is a testament to the power of science and a solid haircare routine. From the first wash, I was given a glimmer of hope, and my hair instantly felt more manageable. Afterward, week after week, the change continued. My tresses regained fullness, my dullness turned into a healthy shine, and my ends became stronger. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a source of newfound confidence as well. No longer did I shy away from wearing my hair naturally, and the once-dreaded wash day became a chance to nourish my mane.
