What began as a hairdresser’s secret weapon has now become a household name. Founded in 2014, OLAPLEX has a stellar lineup of bond-repairing products under its belt, ranging from the iconic No. 3 Hair Perfector to daily-use Shampoo and Conditioner, but what comes next is what JuE Wong, CEO of OLAPLEX, calls “the next revolution in the bond-building category.”
After four long years of development, OLAPLEX No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($28), the most-requested product from the brand to date, launches today. Designed to repair broken bonds in the hair and strengthen from the inside out, the formula doesn’t weigh hair down like traditional masks can by leaving behind a film. Instead, the concentrated formula absorbs into each hair and works its weightless magic from within.
“Chemists made this formula for people to be able to use a mask without the hair going limp and I can stand by that,” notes celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham, who’s been testing the hair-care staple for months pre-launch. “I usually have to fight with my clients and convince them to let me use a mask on their hair because they think their hair will become limp afterwards—this is not the case.”
“When launching this hair mask, it was very important to us that it was scientifically proven,” says Lavinia Popescu, president of R&D for OLAPLEX. “All of our claims for this launch were based on independent and clinical studies.” Among the tried-and-true claims: two times more shine, four times more hydration and six times more smoothness for all hair types after only one application. Even more, 94 percent of consumers and hairstylists saw more body after one use.
The secret sauce lies in the brand’s long list of patents and top-tier lineup of active ingredients found in the concentrated formula. “The better the ingredients in your hair products, the better the hair results,” explains celebrity colorist Chad Kenyon. “No. 8 includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize the hair like they would the skin, plus avocado oil, rosehip seed extract and sunflower oil.” Like all OLAPLEX products, the Moisture Mask is color-safe and 100-percent free of sulfates, parabens, gluten and SLES.
Curious how it works? Christin Brown, hairstylist specializing in curly textures, makes it simple. “It comes in an airless pump that’s automatically dosed out for you,” she says, noting that one pump may be enough for short hair, but those with longer hair might need a little more. After shampoo and conditioner, Brown says to apply the mask to the midlengths through to the end, being mindful of your roots, and rinse out after 10 minutes.
No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is designed to be used weekly on all hair types; Brown notes she also loves it for those going through a transition from relaxers to natural hair. After a single use, I can personally attest to softer, healthier-looking strands, a noticeable downtick in visible split ends and much shinier strands. Like many other OLAPLEX products, this hair-helper promises to go fast—add one to cart while you can.
