Keratin, K18 and Olaplex: What's the Difference?
These three get lumped together as "hair treatments," but they do completely different jobs. At Wigs & Warpaint in Sheffield we use all three, for different reasons. Here's what each one actually does and who it's for.
Keratin Smoothing
A keratin treatment is about frizz and manageability. It smooths the hair's surface so it's glossier, calmer and far quicker to style, and the effect lasts around three to five months. Best for: frizzy, coarse or hard-to-manage hair, and anyone who wants to cut their styling time down.
K18
K18 is a molecular repair treatment. It works at the structural level to repair damage from colour, bleach and heat, restoring strength and bounce in minutes. Best for: hair that feels weak, over-processed or stretchy, often used alongside a colour service.
Olaplex
Olaplex is a bond builder. It re-links broken bonds in the hair, most often used during lightening and colour to protect the hair as it's processed, and as a maintenance treatment at home. Best for: protecting and strengthening hair through colour services and ongoing upkeep.
So Which Do You Need?
- Want to kill frizz and speed up styling? Keratin.
- Hair feels damaged and needs strength back fast? K18.
- Colouring or lightening and want to protect the bonds? Olaplex.
They're not mutually exclusive; many clients use a bond or repair treatment to keep colour-treated hair healthy and a keratin treatment for manageability.
Get a Recommendation in Sheffield
Not sure which your hair needs? We'll assess it and recommend the right treatment at your appointment. Explore our treatments or latest offers, then book.