What Is The Difference Between Olaplex and K18?
Two of the most popular brands made to repair damaged hair and breakage are Olaplex and K18. Both of these brands have significantly changed the world of hair care for the better, each offering different benefits depending on what your hair needs. That being said, there is a lot of confusion on what the difference between the two products are, and which one is better. So in this post, I’ll dive deep into what Olaplex and K18 do for your hair, how they compare, and which one might be better for you.
The main reason I wanted to write this post is because for a very long time, I myself didn’t understand the difference between these two products. Even as a hairstylist, the science behind these treatments was confusing to me! I didn’t have a chemistry degree, and it took a lot of education for me to fully understand the difference. And because it was so hard for me as a stylist to understand, I’m sure it’s like a foreign language to the general public out there trying to decide which one is best for them!
What Olaplex does for the hair
Olaplex was first created in 2014 for use in the salon only to prevent damage while performing chemical treatments. Their formula rebuilds the disulfide bonds in the hair. These bonds are responsible for the strength of the hair.
As stylists, we add step 1 into your color before we apply it to your hair. And then we follow it through with their step 2 which is a hair treatment that sits on for 10 minutes, is rinsed out, and then followed with shampoo and conditioner as normal.
Fast forward to now, and Olaplex has launched a plethora of at-home products that contain their patented technology to rebuild broken bonds in the hair.
So to summarize, Olaplex strengthens the hair by repairing BONDS that are broken during chemical processes.
What K18 does for the hair
K18 has been around since 2020, so it’s a newer company than Olaplex is. They use a peptide technology to reconnect the keratin chains that form your hair structure. And keratin is the protein that hair is made up of.
K18 can be used before, during, and after chemical services as well, but it is not actually added into the hair color like Olaplex is. It’s more focused on repairing already damaged hair, while Olaplex is better at preventing the damage. The mask step of the process also does not get rinsed out of the hair, and it’s meant to be left in.
Similarly to Olaplex, K18 was initially created for salon use only, but they’ve branched out to offering at-home retail products with their formula as well.
So to summarize, K18 reconnects the KERATIN CHAINS once the hair has already been damaged.
Which is better, Olaplex or K18?
Okay now that we know a little about each product, which is better?
Ultimately they are two different types of products, so it’s hard to say that one is better than the other. It’s like comparing apples to oranges am I right?
If your goal is to prep the hair and avoid damage during chemical services, then Olaplex is a perfect fit for you. But if you already have damaged hair including from other means like heat styling, then K18 will be your best friend.
This brings me to the next most frequently asked question, can I use both of them together?
Can I use both Olaplex and K18 together?
Since Olaplex and K18 serve two different purposes, they actually work phenomenally hand in hand.
Olaplex is best used during chemical and coloring services, and K18 is best used as a repairing treatment for the hair. Both are essential for strong and healthy hair.
For at home use, I recommend alternating between the two. That being said, I don’t recommend using them both at the exact same time. They both have specific instructions that are a little contradicting.
So I would use Olaplex the first time you wash your hair, then K18 the next.
Why does my hair feel like straw after using Olaplex and K18?
If you’re noticing a straw like feeling in your hair after using either of these products, first know that you’re not crazy. This is a somewhat common complaint, and there are a few different reasons for this.
First, try using a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up on your hair before using the product. If you have mineral or product build-up present, it can block the product from entering into your hair causing it to sit on the outside of your hair strand. This could be responsible for the straw-like feeling.
Second, it’s important to understand that these products are strengthening and restructuring your hair. It’s understandable that the hair may feel a little different afterwards. I’ve heard clients say that their hair felt a little more horse hair-like after using them. But ultimately, the hair was much stronger.
To reduce this feeling in the hair, I recommend to follow up with one of their hair oils or serums. Both Olaplex and K18 have oils and leave-in conditioners that they recommend using after their treatments. This should reduce the harshness and make your hair feel softer.
Lastly, always be sure you’re following the directions exactly as they’re mentioned. Both Olaplex and K18 have specific instructions that when aren’t followed properly can alter the results. Olaplex is meant to be shampooed and conditioned out, after the product is applied. And K18 is meant to be left in and not rinsed out. You also cannot use conditioner before using K18 or it can hinder results.
Which Olaplex and K18 Products should you use?
***Since I’m sharing the products that I love to use with you guys, this page includes affiliate links to these products. If you take action and purchase a product through clicking one of my links, I’ll make some commission money from it at no extra cost to you. This enables me to be able to continue giving you awesome hair tips, so thanks! ***
Olaplex: If you’re only going to choose one product below, I would choose No. 3, the bonding treatment.
- No. 0 (Pre Treatment Spray)
- No. 3 (Bonding Treatment)
- No. 4 (Shampoo)
- No. 4P (Purple Shampoo)
- No. 4D (Dry Shampoo)
- No. 4 C (Clarifying Shampoo)
- No. 5 (Conditioner)
- No. 5P (Purple Conditioner)
- No. 5Leave-In (Leave-In Conditioner)
- No. 6 (Cream Bond Smoother)
- No. 7 (Dry Bonding Oil)
- No. 8 (Moisture Mask)
- No. 9 (Serum)
- Volumizing Blow Dry Mist
K18: If you’re only going to choose one product below, choose the Leave-In Mask.
If you’re interested in learning more about deep conditioners, see my post here.
Conclusion
So when it comes down to Olaplex and K18, the choice largely depends on what you’re trying to achieve for your hair.
If you’re looking to prevent damage during chemical services, Olaplex is your go-to solution for repairing broken bonds during the coloring process.
However, if your hair is already suffering from breakage or damage, K18 can work wonders by repairing the keratin chains and restoring its strength.
The good news is, these two products can actually work together to keep your hair both protected and repaired—just be sure to alternate between them to maximize their benefits.
Regardless of which product you choose, both are excellent options for keeping your hair healthy, strong, and looking its best!
Let me know in the comment section if you’ve used either of these products and which one you like better! And be sure to subscribe if you want to make everyday a good hair day.
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