No, Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is not a protein treatment; it's a bond-building treatment that repairs broken disulfide bonds at a molecular level, strengthening hair from the inside, while protein treatments deposit protein to fill gaps on the hair shaft, notes OLAPLEX Inc. and Curl Warehouse. While some other Olaplex products contain tiny amounts of hydrolyzed proteins, No. 3's core function is bond repair, not protein replenishment, making it distinct from traditional protein treatments.
No. There are two kinds of filler when it comes to hair. Olaplex is a treatment that helps rebuild bonds and prevent then from breaking, whereas a protein fill will fill the holes where you have lost protein in the shaft. These holes arise in part from the bonds being broken in the first place.
Strengthens hair and repairs damage on a molecular level by rebuilding the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength.
Proteins are ingredients that adhere to our hair strand, temporarily filling in the damaged gaps and cracks in our hair's cuticle. 🧬 Bond-building treatments physically repair the broken bonds that keep our hair strong and our curl pattern in tact. They are more tolerable for all hair types.
As we mentioned, both K18 and Olaplex contain keratin which is a protein our bodies make naturally. Too much keratin can start to do the opposite of leaving your hair healthy and shiny and start to make it brittle and fragile due to over stimulation from the keratin protein.
3 Hair Perfector™ contain protein? Nº. 3 Hair Perfector™ does NOT contain protein in its formula.
Common signs of protein overload
Signs Your Hair Needs Protein:
Flat Ironing and Blow Drying
These heat-based methods provide straightening until the next time you wash your hair and work on most hair types. To avoid damage, use a heat-protectant spray and maintain a consistent hair care routine. Blow drying with a smoothing serum is considered one of the least damaging methods.
There's no direct scientific evidence linking Olaplex products to hair loss. The fragrance ingredient lilial, a known allergen, was previously included in Olaplex products. It's possible lilial could have led to contact allergic dermatitis on the scalps of some people using the products.
The class action lawsuit alleged Olaplex falsely advertised its products, specifically the Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, as being “Made in the USA” when they actually contained foreign-made ingredients.
Can you overuse Olaplex? No—you can use Olaplex as often as you like, says Cherry. “Since we break these bonds in our hair every day, there is always work for Olaplex to do.
3 works best on damp hair, as this allows for even application, thorough saturation, and better absorption of the product. 2. Apply to damp hair – Squeeze a generous amount of OLAPLEX No. 3 onto your lengths, then comb through from roots to tips until your hair feels fully saturated.
While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment.
If you have healthy hair that is not damaged, you don't want to go overboard with protein treatments or have protein in every single product of your routine since it's not needed. Using too much protein can cause a stiff, brittle feeling because the proteins accumulate on the hair, known as protein overload.
The "Big 3" for thinning hair, especially male/female pattern baldness, are typically Minoxidil (Rogaine), Finasteride (Propecia), and sometimes Ketoconazole shampoo, or even Microneedling, forming a multimodal approach to stimulate growth and block hormones (DHT) causing hair loss, with Minoxidil boosting circulation, Finasteride inhibiting DHT, and Ketoconazole reducing inflammation and acting as a mild anti-androgen.
Our Top Treatments for Damaged Hair
Hair looks limp and stringy.
Dull and limp hair is a sign of protein deficiency.
In addition to hair loss, you may face other hair issues if your diet is lacking in protein. Hair becomes brittle and dry, which causes split ends and hair breakage. Hair loss is highly likely without protein, which is essential for healthy hair.
What does too much protein in your hair feel like? Hair often feels straw-like, stiff, and rough, with low elasticity, snapping easily when stretched. It may also appear dull, matte, frizzy, and lack its usual definition.
If your hair is limp and flops down it likely needs more protein. If that strand is stiff and does not bounce like healthy hair does, you either have extreme damage or too much protein in your hair.
You should choose sulfate-free types and replace them with types that contain natural products that enhance the production of natural oils for the hair, such as: shea butter. Using a shampoo rich in argan oil is one of the important pillars that maintain the moisture and natural shine of your hair.
Over-moisturized hair looks limp, mushy, and lacks definition, with curls falling flat and feeling overly soft, stretchy (without bouncing back), and heavy, often appearing stringy or greasy, even feeling cool and damp for a long time after washing due to moisture overload and a lack of protein balance.