Olaplex Vs Redken 2024: Is The K18 Or Acidic Bonding Concentrate Better For Damaged Hair

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Between Olaplex vs Redken which hair repairing treatment is better? Find if you should choose the K18 or Acidic bonding concentrate to reduce damage, split ends, frizz, and more.

In This Article:

Product	Olaplex K18	Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Pre-Treatment
Purpose	Repairs and strengthens hair	Repairs and strengthens hair
Key Ingredient	Bioactive peptide	Citric acid
Usage	Can be used as a pre-shampoo treatment or leave-in conditioner	Used before shampooing
pH Level	pH 5.0-7.0	pH 3.0-4.0
Price	$75 for 50ml	$29 for 150ml

Olaplex K18 and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate are both designed to help repair and protect damaged hair. Olaplex K18 is a newer product that is often compared to Olaplex No. 3, a popular at-home treatment.

It uses a patented bioactive peptide to penetrate the hair shaft and repair broken bonds, resulting in stronger, healthier hair. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, on the other hand, is a professional salon treatment that uses a blend of citric acid and bond-building polymers to strengthen and protect hair.

Olaplex Vs Redken

Key Ingredients Comparison

Olaplex K18 is a hair treatment that uses a unique blend of ingredients to repair and protect damaged hair. The key ingredients in Olaplex K18 include:

Bioactive Peptides: These peptides are designed to penetrate the hair shaft and repair damage from the inside out.
Amino Acids: Amino acids help to strengthen and protect the hair, while also improving its elasticity and flexibility.
B Vitamins: B vitamins help to nourish the hair and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing breakage.

OlaplexNo.3 Hair Perfector	REDKENAcidic Bonding Concentrate Pre-Treatment
Alcohol-Free Silicon-Free NOT Fragrance-Free NOT Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free NOT Oil-Free NOT Fungal-Acne Scalp Safe Reef-Safe NOT Eu-Allergen-Free Vegan Cruelty-Free	NOT Alcohol-Free Silicon-Free Fragrance-Free NOT Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Oil-Free NOT Fungal-Acne Safe Reef-Safe Eu-Allergen-Free NOT Not Vegan NOT Cruelty-Free

Benefits

Olaplex K18 is designed to repair and protect damaged hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthier and stronger. Some of the key benefits of Olaplex K18 include:

Restores elasticity and flexibility to damaged hair
Reduces breakage and split ends
Improves overall hair health and appearance
Protects against future damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate has several advantages over other hair treatments. One of the main advantages is that it is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair. The product is also easy to use and can be applied in the salon or at home.

Another advantage of Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate is that it can help to reduce breakage and split ends. The product can also help to improve the general health and appearance of the hair, leaving it looking shiny and smooth.

Application Method

To use Olaplex K18, simply apply a small amount to damp hair and distribute evenly throughout. Leave the treatment on for 4-10 minutes, depending on the level of damage, and then rinse thoroughly. For best results, use Olaplex K18 once or twice a week, depending on the condition of your hair.

To use Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, start by shampooing the hair with a Redken shampoo. Next, apply the bonding concentrate to the hair and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly and follow up with a Redken conditioner.

For best results, it is recommended to use Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate once a week. The product can also be used in combination with other Redken hair products for optimal results.

Core Components

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate is a professional hair treatment that is designed to strengthen and protect the hair. The product contains a unique blend of core components that work together to help repair damaged hair and prevent future damage. These core components include citric acid, taurine, and maleic acid.

Citric acid helps to balance the pH of the hair, which can help to reduce damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays. Taurine is an amino acid that can help to strengthen the hair and protect it from damage. Maleic acid is a bonding agent that can help to repair damaged hair by filling in gaps in the hair cuticle.

is olaplex or redken better for bleached hair

Performance

Both Olaplex K18 and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate are designed to repair and protect damaged hair. However, after testing both products, I found that Olaplex K18 provided a more noticeable improvement in hair texture and overall health. My hair felt softer, smoother, and stronger after using Olaplex K18, while the results from Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate were less dramatic.

Hair Type Suitability

While both products are suitable for all hair types, I found that Olaplex K18 worked particularly well on fine hair. It didn’t weigh my hair down or leave any residue, which can be a common issue with other hair repair products. On the other hand, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate may be better suited for thicker, coarser hair types that require more intense repair.

Product Accessibility

Olaplex K18 is currently only available through select salons and online retailers, while Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate can be found at most hair supply stores and salons. However, Olaplex K18 does offer a smaller, travel-sized version of their product that can be more convenient for on-the-go use.

I actually feel that both Olaplex K18 and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate are effective hair repair products, but Olaplex K18 may be a better choice for those with fine hair, while Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate may be better suited for thicker hair types.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, Olaplex and Redken have differences that are worth noting. Olaplex is generally more expensive than Redken products. For example, Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, which is a popular at-home treatment, retails for around $28 for a 3.3-ounce bottle. On the other hand, Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment, which is similar to Olaplex No. 3, retails for around $22 for an 8.5-ounce bottle.

However, it’s important to note that Olaplex products are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. This means that although the initial cost may be higher, Olaplex products may last longer than their Redken counterparts.

In terms of salon treatments, Olaplex may also be more expensive than Redken. Olaplex No. 1 and No. 2, which are used in salon treatments, are typically priced higher than Redken salon treatments. However, the cost of salon treatments can vary greatly depending on the salon and location.

Olaplex Vs Redken: My Summary

After extensively researching and testing Olaplex K18 and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate, I have come to the following conclusions.

Both products have their strengths and weaknesses. Olaplex K18 is known for its ability to repair damaged hair and restore its strength and shine. It is also easy to use and does not require any additional steps in your hair care routine. However, it may not be suitable for all hair types, and some users have reported that it can make their hair feel greasy or heavy.

On the other hand, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate is designed to strengthen and protect hair from damage caused by chemical treatments and styling tools. It is also suitable for all hair types and is easy to incorporate into your hair care routine. However, it may not be as effective at repairing existing damage as Olaplex K18.

Ultimately, the choice between these two products will depend on your individual hair needs and preferences. If you have severely damaged hair and are looking for a product that can restore its strength and shine, Olaplex K18 may be the better option. If you are looking for a product that can protect your hair from future damage and strengthen it over time, Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate may be the better choice.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.