Olaplex vs K18 - which is better? How do they work?

The battle of K18 vs Olaplex - how do they work and which one is better? READ MORE below
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[@Elizabeth-kl9ps]

Never saw much change with Olaplex but did with K18. Expensive but worth it. Fragile hair in canopy area much stronger. Thanks for review.

[@Hairromance]

Thanks for sharing Elizabeth! I agree - I owe my hair to K18! x

[@ielline]

I kinda wanna see someone try this on half of their head only so we can truly see the difference after 6 washes 😅

[@laurelharper2268]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4fVe5Snn6dnoK8

[@Someonesomewhere5112]

A saw a video of a girl doing it I don’t know her name she’s blond with short hair she try it and they was kinda similar but the k18 side was looking a little better kinda smoother

[@learnnailswithme7041]

Sophie hannah

[@Zenstylezhairsalon]

A girl did short curly coiled Bob type in pro k18

[@PandaA-cv3mm]

Thanks so much for your detailed and honest review. I also adore this product far more than Olaplex too. It’s been a hair saviour for me! ☺️

[@TheKateM88]

Really useful video thank you. Do you think it would work to alternate K18 and Olaplex? As it says to only use K18 every 3-4 washes and to skip conditioner or other treatments when you use it…so on the other washes use the olaplex No3?

[@hajarhajar9335]

the best review have seen for ever

[@bernardsadowski6812]

Love the Olaplex shampoo and K18 tretment! It works for me!

[@tammielpowell]

Thank you for the good info and beautiful look for you today!

[@Hairromance]

Oh thank you! 💛💛💛

[@DanteVelasquez]

Excellent comparison. With all this new technology and so little regulation its so important to understand these distinctions so we can be informed consumers and get the products that will actually do what we want them to do 🙂

[@lpgilber]

I think you break it simple enough for me to truly get the differences.

[@xxo5294]

Olaplex has never worked for me when I have actually damaged hair. When my hair is healthy and just minor color and heat styling, sure, but so does any drug store brand. For actually damaged and breaking hair, only K18 has helped and made a difference. This and also redken acidic bonding complex.

[@freemindsloveforever]

You could do a double whammy: 6 weeks of weekly K18 followed by 6 weeks of weekly Olaplex. Thats double the hair insurance!

[@cw9452]

I've been in the sun and swimming a lot this summer and I have used olaplex 3 and k18. k18 has really worked amazing whereas olaplex didn't really help much! So yeah I definitely agree k18 is awesome for swimmers/surfers. :D

[@aprilb2733]

this is a great video on both, I am curious as to what maybe you suggest as moisture treatment and what as a protein treatment, I am in midst of trying to balance this out for my hair.

[@hollywithaGT500]

Love this video! My stylist turned me onto olaplex at home products a few months ago and I have absolutely loved them I didn’t know about the in salon treatment until recently and asked her about it and she said it really only goes on the new hair she’s coloring and not the already colored hair? Just making it seem like it won’t do anything for my damaged parts? What’s your take? I just yesterday received my newly discovered k18 and did my first treatment! So I’m glad to see ylhr opinion on that! Also use olaplex shampoo and conditioner and every 2 weeks no 0 and 3.

[@jakebeauchamp3com]

I have both, but I just started using K18 yesterday. I’m planning on doing the 6 consecutive uses, but it feels weird skipping out on conditioner. My hair did feel pretty good the first time, since I’m still aloud to use my favorite leave-in products. Thanks for breaking it down for us!

[@franciscopena6905]

Do you use it in combination with any olaplex number ?

[@jakebeauchamp3com]

@@franciscopena6905 with the Olaplex 6 and 7 leave in products.

[@SilverScreenDreamer]

You can still condition your hair afterwards. You just can’t do it directly after washing your hair since it would block the k18 from penetrating the hair shaft. However, once you’ve had the k18 in your hair for 4mins, you can proceed with the rest of your hair care routine, including conditioning or deep conditioning.

[@jakebeauchamp3com]

@@SilverScreenDreameryeah, I hear we can do it that way now. I’m gonna try that out. My hair desperately needs to be conditioned.

[@elin_]

I probably don't have super damaged hair, since I haven't bleached it in an eternity.. But I still experience a slight difference with Olaplex 3. It feels like it has made my hair better ever so slightly.

[@pamelawalmsley5971]

Thank you.

[@raquelt5342]

Love your hair! Is there any point in using both of them?? Like if I use the k18 would the olaplaex do something the k18 wouldn't and visa versa? I have both but not sure if it's a waste of time to use them both??

[@joliendewin]

can you use both olaplex and k18 together? because I want to try them both because I have already tried everything with no success. can i use for example: olaplex 0,3,4,6,7 and 8 and instead of number 5, use the k18 or?

[@nuthingnatural]

Curious why you would choose to use Olaplex at the salon instead of using the K18 Mist? thx!

[@aliciarupe4445]

Can you use Olaplex no 6 after waiting the 4min?

[@JuicyJuice1313]

If the hair is very damaged from bleaching and I use K18, do I still need protein treatment or is this a protein treatment? Thank you :)

[@curlywavydiane]

excellent and informative video! I used olaplex for years and have been using k18 for a little over two months now and honestly like k18 so much better. I see a bigger difference in k18 then i ever did with olaplex.

[@Hairromance]

So interesting! K18 is a magic product, I'm obsessed 💛

[@lauraKe85]

Is it good for fine thin coloured hair that is damaged ?

[@Hairromance]

@@lauraKe85 yes it's ideal for all coloured and damaged hair. You only need to use a small amount too. You don't get better results with using more.

[@nickprince9119]

Omg me too! I’ve noticed such better results with k18 than with Olaplex

[@andiandi3123]

How about Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate (shampoo, conditioner and leave in treatment)? They claim the 3 steps regimen hydrate, strengthen and restore your strands. A sort of treatment that is between Olaplex and K18. What do you think? Are you able to investigate and review the products?

[@tammytodd1664]

The Redkin line works way better for me than anything I've ever tried. So worth it!

[@franciscopena6905]

Can i use both ? I use the olaplex like 0,3,4,5,6,7&8, can i use k18 with 4,6&7 ?

[@LRey85]

K18 hands down…I tried playlet for years and I just so happened to give k18 a try and boy was I shocked. Olapelex isn’t bad but I never saw real change. With k18 I’ve never ever felt my hair be so smooth and my curls so bouncy. I absolutely love this product!

[@alexandramusat8102]

Can we use Olaplex 3 with K18?

[@Brandonbrianjackson]

What would happen if a client were to use K18 Mist, then applied Olaplex Stand-Alone Treatment on top, thoroughly washed and towel-dried, and then K18 Mask?

[@NicquiMadden]

I'm wondering about this as well.

[@WhiteCoffee917]

Why not to use both of them Olaplex. No 3 before shampoo and K18 mask after?

[@Misskitty15]

My hair was still breaking with kl18 and not with olaplex. Does it matter how porous your hair is?

[@ADEYENO]

What if you use olaplex no 0 with the k18 mask?

[@melaniebrowne906]

can u use k18 alonside olaplex shampoo and leave in conditioner? how important is the clarifying shampoo?

[@maryhatch6839]

K18 didn't work on dry damage hair at all. This product dries them up and they became frizzy after the recommended 6 uses. After I use Phyto Paris products (a lot less expensive that K18 for a lot more product), my hair became shiny. I'm sure glad I bought K18 at Sephora as I got my money back. Thanks Sephora for my 100.$. This product is not cheap mind you. Over-enthusiastic followers hyped it up but it doesn't deserve it in my very humble opinion.

[@gretagani2720]

Hey what do you recommend from Phyto Paris? I want to try some of their products

[@maryhatch6839]

@@gretagani2720 Phyto 9 for ultra-dry-hair. It worked well for me after a really bad perm. Don't put too much as you won't need it if if you have medium lenght hair. I also love Phytodéfrisant, for unruly, frizzy and rebellious hair. The first one is great after a perm and the second one after its starts to be less frizzy.

[@gretagani2720]

@@maryhatch6839 thanks for replying! That sounds like it will work for my blonde bleached hair too.

[@soojunglee425]

I'm going to try K18 mainly due to this video and the fact that I trust you, internet hair friend.

[@soojunglee425]

Update: K18 is now a HG for me.

[@zaqeerahsalie5651]

@@soojunglee425 hi, what is HG?

[@soojunglee425]

@@zaqeerahsalie5651 holy grail: something that is now an essential part of my routine

[@zaqeerahsalie5651]

@@soojunglee425 thank you.

[@mimivee5494]

Some people get dryer brittle hair from it. Is that like healthy hair that gets an overload (protein like?) Can it harm or ruin your hair if you use it while hair is healthy, and you use it!

[@mayashby7314]

So I tried k18 at home but I also use regular shampoo for seborrhoea dermatitis and didn’t like the look the next day after washing out k18. I tried k18 as I felt it needed strengthening after the strong shampoo use long term. I have leftover olaplex home care as well which I loved btw for smoothing my hair. And now I’m two minded on the K18 and considering using both these treatments but don’t know how to. I need to sustain smoothness as my hair as my hair is very coarse with the dermatitis treatment. Please could u advise me in this. I also use a clarifying shampoo once a month as I use a lot of products as I have to wash and blow dry my hair on alt days due to heavy gym workouts. Thank u for your time

[@Zenstylezhairsalon]

As someone Who has recently introduced Kay teen into their salon and just got certified with them k18 Says it may have the opposite effect if it's overused In my personal opinion between the shampoo that you were using and this K18 it might be too much protein for finer hair less is more just do where needed instead of running it through

[@ellenaweston5051]

Hi, I have bleached hair and always use a hair drier, so I have a fair bit of damage. Do you think it's worth buying a big bottle and doing the full 6 consecutive treatments and an extra treat every so often? Or would buying the small $12 travel size and using it once be sufficient? I'm trying to be cost efficient. Thanks.

[@PandaA-cv3mm]

I’m similar and I honestly found I have best results with the bigger bottle and using it the consecutive treatments as suggested. It’s been a game changer for this bleached headed gal 👍☺️

[@SKATERLIZ15]

I'd like to see oribe added to this mix

[@zinitaxozinitaxo1581]

I wonder, if Schwarzkopf Fibreplex is similar to Olaplex. Does anyone know?

[@bloodgutsandlipgloss]

So I had been using olaplex for a while and the shampoo & conditioner is great. I recently tried k18 when I got my hair done and bought the take home treatment. The take home treatment from k18 makes my hair extremely dry and brittle. Has anyone had this from k18? I’ve followed instructions every time

[@dakotajazzy409]

Your hair might already have enough protein, I’m not sure what’s in k18 but if there’s protein in there than it might cause protein overload. I’m not a hair guru so I hope that makes sense

[@pamjohnson4230]

Take a look at some of the reviews for k18 on Sephora. There are other people who have experienced this, and some of them say they noticed a huge difference when they tried using less k18 product on their hair. Maybe your hair doesn’t need as much as you are applying? Just an idea 😊

[@ashley_brown6106]

I've read so many bad reviews on K18 that I'm never gonna risk using it tbh. Olaplex is good enough for me.

[@KarinSatori]

I tell you, k18 is a game changer …. My hair is sooooo beautiful after k18 ❤ I highly recommend it definitely more than olaplex FOR SURE

[@violettavigano7808]

I have been straightening my very curly hair for almost a year now and the effects of the hair iron are now quite visible.. I was thinking of having a cheratine treatment at the salon, do you think k18 could achieve the same results? Do you think I could do both? Thanks for the review, I love my curls but needed a break after 40 years! I will go back to them one day, hoping they will still be there 🤞🏻

[@Hairromance]

Hi Violetta! K18 is not the same as a keratin treatment. In salon, keratin/cheratine treatments are smoothing/styling treatments that chemically straighten your hair. K18 repairs the damage to your hair and keeps your natural hair shape. You can use K18 after a keratin treatment 💛

[@dawnrus156]

I’ve recently bought K18 and used it twice. Instructions say to apply to towel dried hair, which I did, then added a little leave in conditioner and gel, but my hair didn’t look as good as when I apply to products to really wet hair. Is there a way round this? Thank you 😊

[@Hairromance]

I know exactly what you mean, and I've found I prefer to let my hair dry in braids or blowdry smooth after K18. If you want to wear your curls, here's what to do. Towel dry & apply the k18 as you do - then wait 4 minutes and comb through. Then wet your hair again and style with your curly prods. K18 say this is fine to do as long as you allow the time for K18 to work in between. Hope this helps!

[@LindaEaves]

Retired yet still licensed cosmetologist here. I stopped going in salon for hair color services. Been giving my fine curly hair a break, but I miss it. Got my first small bottle of K18 to try. My goal is to grow it long again. Great video explaining the differences and benefits of both product lines. My hair is pretty healthy (hello shrinkage), with some environmental and manipulation damage. It's great to have the k18 in my toolbox. Found a stylist for trims, now it's time to grow.

[@SilverScreenDreamer]

After the 4min k18 treatment, I use a spray bottle to dampen my hair again, so that I can apply other products that work better on wet/damp hair.

[@Melissa-zw1ft]

Hi I got K18 and it’s AMAZING. Can you continue using it weekly and does it have to be every 3 washes? Or is it something to only use once in a while? Thanks 😊

[@hey956]

Hey, did you find out ?

[@made.by.ruthie]

I saw on a K18 video they commented that you cannot overuse it - so if you have really damaged hair continue to use it weekly until it’s regained strength then reduce down :)

[@made.by.ruthie]

@@hey956 in case you were curious too

[@hey956]

@@made.by.ruthie Thank you 😊

[@NativeNewYorkCityGir]

Hi! I read that K18 should be used for 6 consecutive shampoos, and then every 3 to 4 shampoos. What is a smart option when not using K18? Olaplex 1, 2, and 8? Olaplex 0, 3, and 4-in-1? A hot oil treatment? Curl Smith Bond Curl Rehab Salve? Hair does need protein at times, and moisture other times. Thanks!

[@Hairromance]

Hi! Yes you get a cumulative effect with the K18 and best results with a few uses in a row. Personally I go back to my normal shampoo & conditioner and then alternate moisture masks with the occasional protein mask. My faves are Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yoghurt and the Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I also love the Oribe Moisture and Control Deep treatment.

[@lisamorgan1743]

Matrix Instacure leave in treatment ! A lot cheaper and works great !

[@spiritseeker9531]

You explained the ola-led as used in a studio. Then you compare it to the home use of the k18. Very confusing

[@IsabelleJ84]

Anyone using OlaPlex 0 and K18 together? Or is anyone alternating with OlaPlex with K18?

[@artsyfartsyme]

I switch between the two - every few weeks. They both work and help. :)

[@IsabelleJ84]

I’ve been doing the same and I’m loving the results. I’ve been using olaplex 0,3,8 and alternating k18 every other week

[@noepp]

The K18 works so much better than the Olaplex. Yeah, it is very pricey but I need just 1 pump for my fine wavy/curly hair so that's ok. My curls improved so much since I use the K18. Before they were almost just waves and maybe 1 or 2 corkscrew curls. Now almost the complete hair curls like that when I don't use a denman brush and scrunch it. It's crazy. Never had that with Olaplex. And I love so much more that the K18 is a leave in. Makes the routine so much quicker. Just love it 😍 Only thing they could improve is the bottle. Would be better if it would be possible to see how much is still in the bottle.

[@abundantlife4758]

I have naturally wavy hair, it got ruined using aveda colour, tried olpalex, it’s softer but no curls, would you think the K18 help?

[@noepp]

@@abundantlife4758 I would try it. You can get small try out sizes. I still love it but just use it every 4th or 5th washday as it says on the bottle and it still gets the job done 🤩

[@abundantlife4758]

@@noepp - I just booked in to try it. Thanks for your reply !

[@daniella309]

K18 all the way ❤️ I don’t think you can compare for me they do slightly different things.

[@saltychick667]

Can’t stand the olaplex…however, the first time I used K18 at the salon, game changer

[@HelenaA6388]

K18 has denat alcohol as the second ingredient. I dont get it, denat A is the worst for the hair

[@pamjohnson4230]

This was copied from the k18 site: We like to keep our formulas minimal, only using the exact amount of ingredients needed to get the peptide where it needs to go. Our unique blend of 3 alcohols function to open up the hair cuticle so the K18Peptide ™ can penetrate the inner most layer of hair, reaching the broken polypeptide chains (keratinchains). Here the alcohol serves as an agent to optimize the hair environment for K18 to work on a deeper level.

[@niamhmeehan6579]

Olaplex absolutely ruined my hair, I’ve hardly none left. It’s broken and in bits. I have k18 at home but too afraid to use it after what olaplex did 😮 😢

[@denisesophie8572]

Olaplex did the same to me, did an experiment, used olaplex, had really bad hair fall- you could make a wig with what fell every shampoo, stopped olaplex for 3 months and hair fall stopped eventually and used olaplex again and guess what? Excessive hair fall again! I’m not saying olaplex is a bad product as so many people have great results but has to be said that some people have catastrophic hair loss with it too. I’m on my 5th application of K18 so far so good, no hair fall and hair softer and shinier so will stick with that

[@niamhmeehan6579]

@@denisesophie8572 yes I agree, olaplex isn’t for all hair types. I know people who have had great results with it but unfortunately it really damaged mine and I don’t know if it’ll ever be fixed. I’m trying out the k18 aswell and I’m liking it so far, same as you no fall out with it so hopefully it’ll do the magic like it says it will. I would try anything at this stage my hair is so bad 🙈 I’m glad you have found what was causing the fall out. Did you find your hair snapping and breaking after the olaplex and dried it out completely? My hair is literally different lengths all over and like rats tails 🙈😳

[@denisesophie8572]

I didn’t notice further damage with olaplex, but did nothing for condition of hair- was genuine olaplex direct from them so I know it was the real thing. I’ve tried everything and hair still dry/ damaged and frizzy. K18 is good but not miraculous for me (yet) I will keep trying with k18 as no dreaded hair loss I had with olaplex. I’ve tried so many things in the past- redken acidic bonding range, absolutely awful on my hair, made it fluffy, frizzy and puffed out ends, Moroccan oil, very expensive, smells lovely but did nothing. There are lots of reports online about olaplex damaging hair and causing hair loss so we are not alone.

[@N0N4M30]

My hair is super super long and bleached what will this teenie tiny bottle be for me 2 washes ? Ugh 😩 why so pricey for such a little amount

[@PandaA-cv3mm]

I have similar and I have found that I barely need very much. It’s quite potent and I concentrate it on my ends. It’s really helped repair a lot of my damage. Then I take a break and use every few washes. It’s pricey but it’s simplified my routine. Hope this helps a little and best of luck to you ☺️🙏

[@case1962]

You don't heavily coat your hair with this -- tiny pumps are all that's needed, and you leave it in. As posted above, it's quite potent. For your very long hair, yes you'll need more pumps, but no surprise there.

[@waterdragon5418]

K18 is better.

[@tombrown7936]

No Thank You Overpriced Junk 🔥☠️😁

[@ilickgrandmas2854]

Cringe

[@emilywhittam5417]

Hi! I know this was posted 6 months ago but I need answers! 🥲 I’m a hairdresser.. and I’m going to go blonder! I have access to olaplex no 1 and 2 while bleaching OR should I get hold of the k18 mist instead? I already have the k18 mask but I know I can’t use the olaplex no 2 and the k18 together so my question is do I use the mist and the k18 mask for highlighting? Or the olaplex no 1 and 2? and then in the following weeks to keep it repaired everytime I wash my hair use k18 instead of olaplex no 3?.. I hope this makes sence and I would really appreciate your advise? 🤞😄

[@NicquiMadden]

I'm doing exactly that - K18 Mist onto slightly damp hair before bleaching (let it dry a fair bit), Olaplex 1 in my bleach, Olaplex 2 after bleach is washed out with a Clarifying Shampoo, K18 Leave-In Mask after toning.