Olaplex has become a game changer for women in recent years but what is it? and why do so many women swear by it?

What Is Olaplex?

Olaplex has become one of the most trusted names in professional hair care. The creators describe it as “the original, unique, patented chemistry that multiplies bonds and cross-links broken bonds.” In simpler terms, Olaplex repairs broken disulfide bonds—the very bonds damaged during colouring, lightening, heat styling, or mechanical stress.

When these bonds break, your hair becomes fragile and prone to breakage. By choosing an Olaplex treatment at Iron + Ivy Hair Studio, you can restore strength, resilience, and shine to your hair.

👉 Learn more about the science of bond-building on the official Olaplex website.


Why Clients Swear by Olaplex

Many women (and men) worldwide rely on Olaplex because it doesn’t just mask damage—it actually repairs it. Here’s why it has become a salon must-have:

  • Stronger hair – Restores broken bonds for more resilient strands.

  • Longer-lasting colour – Protects colour vibrancy between salon visits.

  • Safer lightening – Allows you to go lighter without compromising condition.

  • Ongoing improvement – The more you use Olaplex, the healthier your hair becomes.

For more details on colour care, explore our colouring services at Iron + Ivy.


How We Use Olaplex in the Salon

At our Queenstown studio, we recommend Olaplex in two main ways:

1. Added to Colour Services

When you lighten or colour your hair, we mix Olaplex directly into the formula. This gives instant protection during the chemical process and reduces breakage.

2. Standalone Treatments

Olaplex can also be booked as a deep-repair service for compromised or heavily styled hair. This option is perfect if you want stronger, smoother strands without colour.

Looking for a luxury hair refresh? Take a look at our treatment menu.


At-Home Olaplex Care

The benefits don’t stop at the salon. The Olaplex take-home range lets you continue the repair process between appointments:

  • Apply to slightly damp hair—no need to wash first.

  • Leave for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum results).

  • Rinse out, shampoo, and condition as normal.

Personally, I love leaving it on overnight—no time wasted, just stronger, shinier hair by morning.


Why Choose Olaplex?

Olaplex is the only bond-building product of its kind. It is free from silicones, sulfates, phthalates, DEA, and aldehydes. It’s also gluten-free and cruelty-free. That’s why it has earned its reputation as the gold standard in professional hair repair.


Experience Olaplex at Iron + Ivy Hair Studio

At Iron + Ivy, we proudly stock and use the full range of Olaplex products. Whether you’d like it added to your next colour, booked as a standalone treatment, or recommended for at-home use, we’re here to guide you.

✨ Ready to transform your hair? Book an appointment at Iron + Ivy Queenstown and ask your stylist about Olaplex.

Love,
Lauren McMurray

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olaplex and how does it work?

Olaplex is a bond-building treatment that reconnects broken disulfide bonds within the hair shaft — the bonds that are damaged by chemical processes like bleaching, colouring, and heat styling. It works at a molecular level rather than just coating the hair, which is why the results are more lasting than traditional conditioning treatments.

When should I use Olaplex — during a colour service or as a standalone treatment?

Both. Olaplex is most often added to bleach or colour formulas (Olaplex No.1) to protect the hair during the chemical process. It can also be used as a standalone treatment (No.0 and No.3) to rebuild integrity in hair that’s become damaged or weak over time.

How often should I have an Olaplex treatment at the salon?

For highly colour-treated or damaged hair, adding Olaplex to every colour appointment is worthwhile. For maintenance, a standalone Olaplex treatment every 6-8 weeks alongside your regular appointments will build noticeable improvement in hair strength and texture over time.

What’s the difference between in-salon Olaplex and the at-home range?

In-salon Olaplex (No.1 and No.2) are professional-strength bond multipliers applied during and after chemical services. The at-home range (No.0, No.3, No.4, No.5 etc.) is designed to maintain and extend the results between visits. Both are genuinely effective — the at-home range isn’t watered down.

Does Iron + Ivy offer Olaplex as part of colour services?

Yes — we regularly use Olaplex as an add-on to colour appointments, particularly for clients doing lightening or extensive colour work. Discuss it with your stylist at consultation and they’ll recommend whether it’s worth including for your specific service.

About Iron + Ivy Hair Studio

Iron + Ivy is Queenstown's award-winning hair studio, located inside Queenstown Central Shopping Centre on Grant Road. Our team of specialist stylists bring real expertise and a genuine love of hair to every appointment — whether that's a colour transformation, a lived-in balayage, a precision cut, or bridal hair for a wedding in the mountains. We work with a focused clientele because exceptional hair takes time, skill, and care. You'll always leave knowing exactly what went into your hair and how to look after it at home.

Come and see us in Queenstown — we’d love to welcome you at Iron + Ivy Studio

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Ready to visit Iron + Ivy? Explore our Queenstown balayage service or our Queenstown blonde specialist services — or book a consultation today.

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