Want to know if your products really work? Welcome to Slow Beauty. It can take up to six weeks to see results from using a new formula, so we asked our testers to take twice that long to try out some of the best and most popular hair and skin care products to find out what they really are. Ask them to decide if it makes a difference.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve tried various hair treatments to manage and strengthen my beautiful, coily hair. My 4b/4c strands have been through it all, from relaxers when I was growing out to the keratin treatment I’m currently receiving. I also fell victim to the never-ending cycle of heat styling, color experimentation, and environmental pollutants I was exposed to daily while living in New York. Over time, my once bouncy mane became brittle, tangled, and lackluster.
So when I was given the opportunity to test the Bond-Building Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, I couldn’t have been more excited. The science behind it resonates, rebuilding broken bonds within the hair shaft to restore strength and shine. It seems like it’s too good to be true, but it won’t get you anywhere.
Offered by Olaplex
1st week
Before I washed my hair, it felt soft, dry, and especially tangled at the ends (despite a recent trim). So, after using this shampoo and conditioner duo, I was quite shocked to see a noticeable difference. The dryer comb went through my hair effortlessly and my hair looked healthier and shinier overall. The only exception was my purpose. It looked moisturized, but it still felt dry.
2nd week
The second week of testing the weather was rainy, so my hair was frizzy and my roots were matted. However, my hair maintained a slight shine, which was very impressive. At the end of the week, after shampooing and conditioning my mane, it was so easy to detangle the roots (usually a painful process). After blow-drying, the frizz was completely gone and my hair had a shiny finish.
3rd week
This week I finally noticed a huge difference in my end. It felt less brittle and softer, especially after washing and blow drying it. I also noticed that my hair had more body and my curls had more volume. This is a welcome change.
Week 4
Over the weekend, my friends complimented me on how “healthy” and “shiny” my hair looked. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop smiling and noticed how much progress my hair (from its original limp state) had made over the past few weeks. In addition to looking healthier, I noticed that my hair felt stronger and fuller.
Offered by Olaplex
Week 5
My main takeaway this week was a thorough hydration. I noticed that my hair, which used to be coarse, looked and felt much smoother. As a result, my mane is completely smoother and has much less flyaways.
Week 6
Until this week, the comb attachment on my Dyson dryer was full of frizzy hair by the time I finished using it. But lately I’ve noticed a lot less breakage and a more resilient lock overall. After heat styling your hair, the amount of hair caught in the comb is halved and the drying process is painless.
Week 7
My hair is so soft and smooth that I can’t stop running my fingers through it. You can already tell that you’re healthier just by looking and feeling. This is a very welcome change considering how damaged and battered it was just a month ago.
Week 8
After two months of use, this shampoo and conditioner combo is already making my hair look thicker. Not only does my hair look fuller, it is also denser and less prone to split ends. As a result, the ponytail is raised and the bun looks bigger.
Offered by Olaplex
Week 9
To my surprise, my hair has gained so much volume this week. In fact, it’s the fluffiest I’ve seen in years and makes my pimples look much better. I also noticed that my roots seemed to be more lifted, making them look fuller.
Week 10
These products will help your hair stay curly all day long (without styling sprays!). It also makes your strands feel weightless, giving them more movement and bounce. I look forward to curling my hair because I know the spirals will actually last.
Week 11
It’s been 11 weeks and I’ve noticed that my hair cuticle is much smoother and doesn’t feel like straw anymore. I’ve also noticed that my natural waves are starting to return before I even blow dry my hair. It’s still not a perfect spiral, but it’s more defined than the limp waves I used to sport.
Week 12
I referenced photos from 12 weeks ago and compared them to my hair today. The difference is amazing! My hair is visibly thicker, shinier, and has almost no split ends. Also, my curls have completely returned.
Design provided by: Yousra Attia
Author before and after testing Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.
final thoughts
Going into this experiment, I was skeptical that damaged hair could be revived in just two months. However, my current hair transformation is a testament to the power of science and solid hair care habits. From the first wash, I was given a glimmer of hope and my hair immediately felt more manageable. Then, week after week, the changes continued. My hair has regained its fullness, dull hair has been replaced with a healthy shine, and my ends are stronger. It wasn’t just a matter of beauty. It was also a source of newfound confidence. I’m no longer hesitant to style my hair naturally, and the once dreaded wash day has become an opportunity to nourish my mane.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner Related Articles
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