#OLAFACTS: What is Protein?

One of the biggest OLAPLEX myths around is that it is a protein treatment. This concept may derive from a general misconception about what protein is and does regarding hair. Our hair comprises protein; specifically, a protein called keratin. Keratin is naturally produced in the body, while OLAPLEX is a patented chemistry invented to rebuild hair. The following will help you better understand how the two independently benefit the hair.

While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally. Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds. These bonds give the hair its structure, strength, and stability. When disulfide bonds break, the result is hair damage. OLAPLEX restores damaged and compromised hair by repairing from the inside out with our patented single ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. Once all the bonds are intact, and in alignment, you have healthy, beautiful, shiny, touchable hair.

While OLAPLEX repairs, rebuilds and strengthens hair, what protein treatments do is entirely different. Let’s get you up to speed on the basics of protein in the hair first:

Keratin is a filament-forming protein that acts as a barrier of protection. Keratin forms our fingernails, hair, and skin, and is also found in our glands and internal organs. Think of naturally forming keratin as building blocks. When hair lacks protein, it feels gummy, lacks elasticity, and is porous, calling for a protein treatment. Protein treatments fill any gaps where the hair’s cuticle is weakened. A protein treatment acts as a layer of protection to protect the hair from damage. This protection is only a temporary fix as that barrier is external and doesn’t last forever.

Therefore, it’s essential to keep your hair healthy internally with OLAPLEX treatments. When hair is repaired internally with healthy hair maintenance, it is less likely to need protein treatments. However, if it does, a combination of OLAPLEX and protein treatments as recommended by your haircare professional is a great combination to get your mane on track.

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