For hair colorist addicts, both Brazilian Bond Builder and Olaplex offer excellent protection to your hair against bond breakage. These bond builders are designed to reattach and build hair bonds, keeping your hair strong and minimizing breakage. While they have similarities, there are also key differences between the two treatments. In this article, we will explore what Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder are, their differences, and which one may be right for you.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex is a three-step treatment invented by Dr. Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker, who were not hair product specialists. It is a silicone and oil-free formula that helps realign broken hair bonds during or after chemical treatments. The treatment consists of two steps that take place at the salon, followed by a take-home product for maintenance. Olaplex is known for its ability to make hair stronger and has been widely praised by hair stylists and colorists worldwide.
What is Brazilian Bond Builder?
The b3 Brazilian Bond Builder is a bond builder that uses an engineered co-polymer. It reattaches and builds hair bonds using a high-purity targeted system. This treatment helps protect the cuticle and cortex cells of your hair, keeping the inner structure protected. It also prolongs color retention and vibrancy while minimizing hair breakage. The Brazilian Bond Builder is a simpler one-step treatment that can be done in the salon, and the take-home products are optional.
Key Differences Between Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder
Treatment Process
Olaplex is a three-step treatment, with the first two steps taking place at the salon. The third step is a take-home product that mimics the salon steps. On the other hand, Brazilian Bond Builder is a one-step treatment that is done in the salon. This makes it a more straightforward and time-efficient option.
Time and Cost
Olaplex is considered more time-consuming than Brazilian Bond Builder due to its three-step process. Additionally, Olaplex requires the purchase of a take-home product for maintenance. This can make Olaplex a more expensive option compared to Brazilian Bond Builder, which offers optional take-home products and a simpler treatment process.
Expert Opinions on Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder
Various hair stylists and colorists have shared their opinions on Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder. Some prefer Olaplex for its ability to provide smoother hair and its proven strength-building properties. Others favor Brazilian Bond Builder due to its retention of color and its formula that adds shine and strength without slowing down the process time.
Pros and Cons of Olaplex
Pros:
- Stronger hair
- Proven by hair stylists and colorists worldwide
- Effective at realigning broken hair bonds
Cons:
- More time-consuming with a three-step process
- Expensive, especially with the additional take-home product
Pros and Cons of Brazilian Bond Builder
Pros:
- Retains color better
- Simple one-step treatment
- Optional take-home products
Cons:
- May not provide as smooth hair as Olaplex
- Formula contains oils, which may impact some color services
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize smoother hair and are willing to invest more time and money, Olaplex may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if color retention and a simpler treatment process are more important to you, Brazilian Bond Builder could be the right choice.
Conclusion
Both Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder are effective bond builders that protect your hair against breakage and help maintain its strength. While Olaplex offers smoother hair and has been widely praised by professionals, Brazilian Bond Builder retains color better and provides a simpler treatment process. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing between the two, and consult with a professional hair stylist for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Brazilian Bond Builder and Olaplex be used on all hair types?
Both Brazilian Bond Builder and Olaplex can be used on all hair types, providing bond realignment and protection.
2. Do I need to use additional take-home products with Olaplex?
Yes, with Olaplex, it is recommended to use a take-home product to ensure the success of the bond realignment process.
3. Does Brazilian Bond Builder retain color better than Olaplex?
Yes, Brazilian Bond Builder is considered to retain color much better than Olaplex.
4. Is Olaplex more time-consuming than Brazilian Bond Builder?
Yes, Olaplex requires a two-step application process, making it more time-consuming compared to the one-step process of Brazilian Bond Builder.
5. Does Brazilian Bond Builder contain oils?
Yes, Brazilian Bond Builder formula includes oils, which can add shine and strength to the hair.
6. Can Olaplex be used during or after chemical treatments?
Yes, Olaplex can be used both during and after chemical treatments to realign broken hair bonds.
7. Does Brazilian Bond Builder help with hair breakage?
Yes, Brazilian Bond Builder helps minimize hair breakage by protecting the inner structure of the hair.
8. Are Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder suitable for frequent hair color changes?
Yes, both Olaplex and Brazilian Bond Builder are recommended for frequent hair color changes as they help maintain the strength and integrity of the hair bonds.
9. Can Olaplex be used on chemically treated hair?
Yes, Olaplex is specifically designed to repair and protect chemically treated hair.
10. Is Brazilian Bond Builder a one-step treatment?
Yes, Brazilian Bond Builder is a one-step treatment that is done in the salon, making it a simpler process compared to Olaplex.
