Olaplex is a bond multiplier containing a single active ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. Olaplex works by finding single sulfur hydrogen bonds and cross linking them back together to form disulfide bonds before, during and after services. Disulfide bonds are broken via chemical, thermal, and mechanical processes. Olaplex is the only product of its kind with 8 worldwide patents publishing soon. Olaplex is free of silicone, sulfates, phthalates, DEA, aldehydes, and is never tested on animals.

The company was started by two of the world’s leading PHD’s in Materials and Chemistry that had never worked on hair products before, Dr. Eric Pressly and Dr. Craig Hawker. This treatment links broken bonds in the hair during and after chemical services making them stronger than they were before. The 3-step system includes the Professional Treatment (#1 Bond Multiplier and #2 Bond Perfector) and a take-home product to use once a week (#3 Hair Perfector) to keep hair strong between salon visits. Check out what top colorists are saying about Olaplex all over social media! Needless to say, I’ve become obsessed with this product since it’s launch in the fall of 2015. OBSESSED!

This is ground-breaking technology that has never been done before. This allows us hairstylists to revive hair back to life, where as before we would have to throw our hands up in the air (and tell you that a shorter haircut is your fate). I have been using this product in my color to protect hair against damage during processing, as well as a strengthening treatment to restructure the CORE of the hair shaft. They make a take-home treatment that keeps hair strong in between appointments. 

After getting certified with Keratin Complex in 2007 when the company first launched, I’ve been offering this smoothing treatment over chemical relaxers for my clients. The innovative technology in this Smoothing Therapy treatment binds keratin to the hair. This process helps prevent humidity from penetrating the hair, thus locking out frizz. Soft, shiny hair?! Yes, please!

What is Keratin?!? Keratin is a protein and the major component in skin, hair and nails; in fact, the hair is mainly comprised of keratin-associated proteins. Keratin acts both as an external protective protein in the cuticle (the outer layers of a hair strand) and as an internal structural protein in the cortex (the inner core of the hair that helps determine its strength). Keratin is depleted when hair is damaged physically, chemically and/or from environmental factors, such as the sun. This keratin loss exposes the hair’s cortex, making it susceptible to additional damage, and causes porous spots to develop—much like potholes in a road. Replenishing lost keratin helps to correct porosity and smooth the hair’s surface. It restores strength and elasticity, giving the hair a more youthful, healthy appearance.

I got introduced to the Goldwell color line in 2007 at the second salon I worked at after getting licensed. I went through an apprentice program where the color line was dissected in great detail, and fell in love with the philosophy that Goldwell stood behind. Since this introduction, I have attended many classes through Goldwell to expand my knowledge and education to use this color line to it’s potential. This company started small in 1948 by Hans Erich Dotter, but wasn’t launched in the US until 1982. His vision: to build a company that focuses exclusively on hairdressers as business partners. His philosophy: Hairdresser Exclusive, Advanced, Performance with Care.

I use Redken Shades as my demi-permanent color behind the chair – from adding shine to the hair with a Clear Glaze, to toning blondes or adding rich dimension back into the hair after lightening services.

Bumble and Bumble started off as a New York City salon in 1977. In 1990, the product Brilliantine was created and a new product line was born.  Bumble has expanded worldwide – with salons offering their shampoos and conditioners, as well as styling products for stylists and clients to take great care of their hair. Bb.U officially launched in 2004, which is located in the Meatpacking District of NYC. This is when the stylist’s education took precedence and the focus on quality hair styling multiplied within the brand.

I love this company because they have a strong focus on education and being connected with their stylists using their products. Bumble often sends educators to my salon in Portland, OR for ongoing education and product knowledge (as well as offering classes to attend in New York at Bb.U). I have had the opportunity and experience to attend a two day course at Bb.U in 2015, and hope to return for more education at the “House of Bumble”.