Plex Treatments for Lightened Hair: What Wellaplex and Olaplex Actually Do
An Olaplex or Wellaplex treatment is a bond treatment designed to help prevent damage or breakage by protecting the internal bonds that lightening breaks. It works inside the hair, not just on the surface like a conditioner. It won't reverse damage that's already done or change your color, but it's a good way to support hair that's lightened often.
Key takeaways
- Lightening breaks bonds inside the hair, and plex is designed to help protect them.
- Plex works differently from conditioner or protein treatments.
- It supports careful lightening but never replaces it.
- Over processed hair may need a deeper treatment instead.
What does a plex treatment do inside a strand of hair?
It helps protect the bonds that give hair its strength. Each strand is held together by links called disulfide bonds. Lightener breaks some of them as it lifts color out, and that's a big part of why blonde hair can feel weak, stretchy or snap easily.
Plex treatments are bond builders. They're designed to help protect those bonds during lightening and support the ones that are left afterward. That's different from a conditioner, which mostly smooths the outside of the hair, and from protein treatments, which fill gaps in the surface. Plex works on the structure underneath.
Which plex will my stylist use, Wellaplex or Olaplex?
Your stylist chooses the one that suits your hair and your service. We carry both, and both are bond builders. You don't need to research brands or pick one before you book. If you've used one before and loved it, just say so.
You can add plex two ways. As an add on, it goes into any service on the menu and comes with a take home treatment. Or you can book Plex + Blowdry on its own. See the details on our plex bond treatment page.
When is plex worth adding to a blonde appointment?
Any time lightener touches your hair, plex is worth thinking about. It's the most useful on big lifts and repeat lightening. That includes a first double process all over blonde, a gradual plan from dark to light, or regular platinum upkeep.
If you're on a steady retouch rhythm, our guide to how often to book a double process retouch explains why protecting your lengths matters visit after visit. Plex also helps clients who heat style most days, even without color.
Related guide: see our honest guide to platinum and double process color for the full picture.
Plex add on, Plex + Blowdry or Repair and Heal
- What it is. Plex add on: Bond treatment added to any service. Plex + Blowdry: Bond treatment booked on its own. PuraLuxe Repair and Heal: Amino acid treatment that fortifies damaged hair.
- Best for. Plex add on: Lightening, color or regular heat styling. Plex + Blowdry: Stressed hair between color visits. PuraLuxe Repair and Heal: Over processed, damaged hair.
- Comes with. Plex add on: A take home treatment. Plex + Blowdry: A finished blowdry. PuraLuxe Repair and Heal: Protection for six to eight months.
- Smoothing treatment. Plex add on: No. Plex + Blowdry: No. PuraLuxe Repair and Heal: No, and no flat iron.
What can't a plex treatment fix?
Plex is support, not magic. It's worth being clear about what it won't do:
- It won't replace careful lightening. Good sectioning, the right lightener and knowing when to stop matter more than any add on.
- It won't mend split ends. Once an end has split, a trim is the only real fix.
- It won't change your tone. Brassiness is a toner question. Our guide to why blonde hair turns brassy covers that.
- It won't make hair damage proof. Heat, harsh brushing and too much lightening still add up.
Plex protects good lightening. It can't make up for rushed lightening, so we never rush it.
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How should I use my take home plex treatment?
Follow your stylist's directions, since each product works a little differently. Your stylist will tell you how often to use it and at what point in your wash routine. It matters most in the weeks right after lightening, when hair is at its most delicate.
Pair it with gentle habits so your routine isn't working against the treatment. Keep your home routine simple and steady.
Daily habits that help plex do its job
- Use your take home treatment as directed. Stick to the rhythm your stylist gives you, especially right after lightening.
- Detangle gently. Use a wide tooth comb on wet hair and start at the ends.
- Protect before heat. Apply heat protection before every hot tool and lower the setting when you can.
- Wash cool and condition. Cool water and a conditioner made for lightened hair keep strands softer.
- Keep plex in your plan. Add it to future lightening appointments so protection stays consistent.
Is plex enough for hair that's already over processed?
Sometimes it isn't. Plex is a great ongoing habit, but hair that's been lightened too many times may need something deeper. Our PuraLuxe Repair and Heal treatment packs the hair with amino acids to fortify over processed hair, and it protects against damage for six to eight months. It isn't a smoothing treatment and doesn't use a flat iron.
Not sure which your hair needs? Book a complimentary consultation in person or by video call, and your stylist will look at your hair before recommending either. Pricing for both is on our Service Menu.
Your plex treatment questions, answered
Can plex help hair that's already breaking?
It can help strengthen what's left and slow further breakage, but hair that has already snapped won't grow back together. If you're seeing lots of short broken pieces, tell your stylist. They may suggest plex, a trim, a break from lightening, or PuraLuxe Repair and Heal, depending on how much support your hair needs.
Will adding plex change how my color turns out?
Plex is designed to protect your hair, not to shift your shade. Your stylist still controls your blonde through lightener choice, placement and toner. Adding plex simply supports the hair while that work happens. If you're ever worried about how a treatment will affect your color, ask before your service begins.
How often should platinum blondes get plex?
Many platinum clients add plex at every lightening appointment, since each retouch puts lightener on the hair again. Between visits, the take home treatment keeps the care going. Your stylist can suggest a rhythm based on how your hair feels and how often you lighten, so you're not overdoing it.
Is plex worth it if my hair isn't colored?
It can be. Daily heat styling and rough handling stress hair too, and plex helps support it. If your hair isn't colored but feels weak or stressed from heat, Plex + Blowdry is an easy standalone appointment. You get the treatment and leave with finished hair, without booking a color service.
Does plex replace deep conditioning?
No, they do different jobs. Plex works on the bonds inside the hair, while conditioners and masks soften and smooth the outside. Lightened hair usually does best with both. Keep using a conditioner made for lightened hair, and let plex handle the strength side of your routine.
Protect your blonde at your next visit
Add plex when you book online, or book Plex + Blowdry on its own. Current pricing is on our Service Menu.