If you are looking for the best hair care products to repair and strengthen your damaged hair, you might have come across two popular brands: Olaplex and Redken. Both of them claim to offer effective solutions for restoring the health and beauty of your hair, but which one is better for your needs?
In this article, I will compare and contrast Olaplex and Redken products, focusing on their main features, benefits, drawbacks, and prices. I will also share my personal experience and opinion on using both brands, as well as some tips and recommendations for choosing the right products for your hair type and condition.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of which brand suits you best, and how to use their products to achieve the best results.
Let’s get started!
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Contents
What Is Olaplex and How Does It Work?
Olaplex stands out as a revolutionary hair care brand, established in 2014 by the innovative chemists Dr. Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker. They pioneered a patented technology aimed at addressing the core of hair damage – broken disulfide bonds, which are crucial for hair strength and elasticity.
The brand’s signature technology targets and repairs these broken bonds, primarily caused by chemical, thermal, or mechanical damage. The key to Olaplex’s effectiveness is an ingenious ingredient known as bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This powerful component acts much like a glue, reconnecting and fortifying the hair’s broken bonds, thereby restoring strength, elasticity, and health to the hair.
Benefits of Using Olaplex
Olaplex is designed for all hair types and textures and is profoundly beneficial for hair that’s been compromised due to coloring, bleaching, perming, straightening, or curling. By re-linking broken bonds, Olaplex not only repairs but also provides a protective layer around the hair shaft, shielding it from further damage. Additionally, Olaplex’s commitment to hair health is reflected in its formulation – all products are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals.
What Is Redken and How Does It Work?
Founded in 1960, Redken has a long-standing reputation for producing scientifically formulated hair care products. The brainchild of Paula Kent and Jheri Redding, Redken has continually evolved, using protein technology to address a wide array of hair concerns effectively.
How Does It Work
Among Redken’s notable innovations is the Acidic Bonding Concentrate (ABC) system. This line is devised to restore and maintain the hair’s natural bonds, much like Olaplex, but through a unique citric acid and bonding care complex. The ABC system is a comprehensive approach to hair restoration, providing not only bond repair but also pH balancing and overall hair health improvement.
Exploring the Benefits of Redken
Redken’s ABC products are a boon for individuals with various hair issues, including dryness, frizz, breakage, and color fading. These products deliver a multitude of benefits – moisture, shine, smoothness, and softness, all while offering heat protection. Suitable for all hair types, Redken’s formulations are especially advantageous for hair damaged by chemical treatments or environmental stressors. Echoing a commitment to health and ethical standards, Redken’s ABC line is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from many common harmful additives.
Olaplex vs Redken: How do they Compare?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what Olaplex and Redken products are, and how they work, let’s compare and contrast them in terms of their main features, benefits, drawbacks, and prices.
Here is a summary table that shows the main differences and similarities between the two brands:
| Feature | Olaplex | Redken |
| Technology | Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate | Citric acid and bonding care complex |
| Function | Repairs and protects the broken bonds in the hair | Repairs and strengthens the bonds in the hair, and balances the pH level |
| Benefits | Strengthens, restores, and improves the hair’s health and appearance | Strengthens, moisturizes, smooths, softens, and adds shine to the hair |
| Drawbacks | Can be expensive, requires frequent use, and may not provide enough hydration for some hair types | Can be drying for some hair types, and may not repair the bonds as effectively as Olaplex |
| Price | $28 for 3.3 oz of No.3 Hair Perfector, $28 for 8.5 oz of No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, $28 for 8.5 oz of No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner | $30 for 5 oz of Intensive Pre-Treatment, $30 for 10.1 oz of Shampoo, $30 for 8.5 oz of Conditioner |
Balancing Choices: Olaplex vs. Redken
Both Olaplex and Redken offer unique advantages and potential drawbacks, and choosing between them depends on various factors like your personal hair care needs, budget, and preferences. To make an informed decision, consider the following guidelines tailored to different hair conditions.
Choosing Olaplex for Intensive Repair
If your hair has been severely damaged or chemically treated and you’re looking to significantly repair and rebuild your hair’s structure, Olaplex might be the optimal choice. Renowned for its innovative technology that repairs hair at the molecular level, Olaplex specifically targets and reconnects broken bonds. Its effectiveness is widely recognized among users with severely damaged hair. Olaplex’s versatility extends to being beneficial before, during, and after chemical treatments, offering a preventative approach to minimize future damage.
Opting for Redken for Balanced Care
On the other hand, if your hair damage is moderate or if you’re battling dryness, Redken could be more suited to your needs. Redken’s product line is extensive, focusing on not just repairing the hair bonds but also enhancing the overall health of your hair with added moisture, shine, smoothness, and heat protection. It’s particularly effective for those looking to maintain or improve their hair’s manageability and vibrancy. With products that help balance the hair’s pH level, Redken can also be instrumental in maintaining color-treated hair and preventing color fade.
My Personal Experience and Opinion
I have tried both Olaplex and Redken products, and I have to say that I like them both for different reasons. I have fine, wavy, and color-treated hair, that tends to get dry and frizzy. Here is my personal experience and opinion on using both brands:
Olaplex: Weekly Deep Conditioning
Every week, I treat my hair to Olaplex’s No.3 Hair Perfector, applying it to damp hair and letting it sit for about an hour. Afterward, I wash it out with No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. This routine has significantly strengthened my hair, leaving it smoother and more radiant. The difference is especially noticeable in my color-treated hair, which looks healthier and shines more brightly. For me, investing in Olaplex is investing in my hair’s long-term health.
Redken: Enhancing Softness and Manageability
On the other hand, Redken is part of my daily routine. I use the Intensive Pre-Treatment along with the matching shampoo and conditioner every other day. This regimen keeps my hair soft, well-hydrated, and manageable. I’ve seen a reduction in frizz, tangles, and breakage, making hair care not just easier but more enjoyable. The scent and texture of Redken products make them a pleasure to use, and their affordability doesn’t compromise on quality or results.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions that you might have about Olaplex and Redken products:
Can I use Olaplex and Redken products together?
Yes, you can use Olaplex and Redken products together, as long as you follow the instructions and directions for each product. For example, you can use Olaplex No.3 as a pre-treatment, and then follow with Redken Shampoo and Conditioner. Or, you can use Redken Pre-Treatment as a post-treatment, and then follow with Olaplex No.4 and No.5. However, you should avoid mixing the products together, as they might interfere with each other’s effectiveness.
What is the primary difference between Olaplex and Redken in hair treatment?
The primary difference lies in their approach and technology. Olaplex uses Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate to repair and reconnect broken disulfide bonds in the hair, primarily focusing on restoring the hair’s internal strength and structure. In contrast, Redken utilizes a bonding care complex with Citric Acid to not only repair and strengthen hair bonds but also balance the hair’s pH and provide comprehensive care, including moisture, shine, and color protection.
Are Olaplex and Redken suitable for all hair types, and how should I choose between them?
Both Olaplex and Redken offer products suitable for various hair types. If your hair is severely damaged, particularly from chemical treatments or heat styling, Olaplex might be more beneficial due to its intense repair capabilities. For those with moderately damaged or specific hair care needs such as color retention or hydration, Redken’s wide range of targeted products might be more suitable. It’s important to consider your hair’s condition, desired results, and budget when choosing between the two.
Final Words
In conclusion, Olaplex and Redken are both great brands that offer effective solutions for repairing and strengthening damaged hair. However, they have different features, benefits, drawbacks, and prices, that might make them more or less suitable for your needs.
I hope this article has helped you understand the differences and similarities between Olaplex and Redken products, and how to choose the best ones for your hair. Remember, the best way to find out which products work for you is to try them yourself, and see how your hair responds.
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
