Olaplex vs K18 vs Milbon: Which Hair Treatment Will Actually Save Your Fried Hair?
- Benji Pow
- Apr 13, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Nov 5
Let's be real - if you're reading this, your hair has seen better days. Maybe you went a little too hard with the bleach, or perhaps those at-home box dyes didn't turn out quite like the package promised. Whatever brought you here, you're probably wondering which of these fancy hair treatments - Olaplex, K18, or Milbon - is actually going to bring your hair back from the dead.
Good news? All three of these treatments can seriously help repair damaged hair. The tricky part? They all work differently, cost different amounts, and are better for different types of hair disasters. Let's break it down without all the marketing fluff.
First Things First: Why Is Your Hair So Messed Up Anyway?
Before we dive into the treatments, let's talk about what actually happens when your hair gets damaged. Think of your hair like a rope made of tiny protein fibers. When you bleach, dye, or heat-style the heck out of it, those protein bonds literally break apart. Your hair becomes weak, dry, and basically just... sad.
Here's what usually does the damage:
Going blonde (especially multiple times - we've all been there)
Box dyes from the drugstore
Straightening or curling your hair every single day
Getting chemical services back-to-back without giving your hair a break
The thing is, regular conditioner just sits on top of your hair and makes it feel nice temporarily. These professional treatments actually get inside your hair and try to fix the broken stuff. Pretty cool, right?
Olaplex: The OG Hair Saver
What's the Deal with Olaplex?
Olaplex was basically the first treatment to blow everyone's minds. It uses this ingredient (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate - try saying that five times fast) that literally reconnects broken bonds in your hair. It's like super glue for your damaged strands.
How Does It Work?
Your stylist will usually do a two-step process:
Step 1: Goes on during your color service to minimize damage
Step 2: A standalone treatment that rebuilds what's already broken
Then you can take home a bunch of products (Steps 3 through 9) to keep the magic going.
The Real Talk on Olaplex
What's awesome about it:
It actually works (like, scientifically proven works)
You can find it at most salons
Tons of at-home products to choose from
Your stylist can use it while they're coloring your hair
What's not so great:
It's mainly about fixing bonds, making your hair super soft or shiny requires different product, see options below.
You might need multiple treatments if your hair is really toast
Best for: People who've bleached their hair or done a lot of chemical processing
K18: The New Kid on the Block
What Makes K18 Different?
K18 is the newer player in the game, and they're all about this fancy peptide that mimics your hair's natural building blocks. The big selling point? It works in just 4 minutes. Seriously!
How It Works
This one's super simple:
Stylists spray on the K18 Pre Treatment to your hair before coloring.
You wait 4 minutes
That's it - no rinsing, your colorist / stylist starts their magic.
The Honest Truth About K18
Why people love it:
Fast as hell (4 minutes and you're done)
No rinsing needed - you can style right after
Makes hair feel amazing immediately
Works on pretty much any type of damage
The downsides:
Cost is $75 per treatment
Newer product, so less long-term data
Best for: Busy people who want quick results and don't have time for long salon treatments
Milbon: The Japanese IT Brand
What's Special About Milbon?
Milbon is huge in Japan and HOT in the US market. They take a totally different approach with a 4-step system that's like a full hair makeover. Think of it as the most extra treatment of the three - but in a good way.
The 4-Step Process (It's Actually Pretty Cool)
Step 1: Prep your hair to absorb the good stuff Step 2: Pump hydrolyzed keratins into your hair shaft (if you're getting color, they'll tone your hair here too) Step 3: Target the most damaged areas with their "reconstructive complex" Step 4: Seal everything in with cellulose to lock in moisture and shine
Real Talk About Milbon
What rocks about it:
Lasts the longest (up to 5 weeks)
Fixes multiple problems at once
Comes with weekly ***At-home treatments***
Feels great for super damaged hair
The not-so-great parts:
Takes the longest (45-60 minutes)
Not available at every salon
Best for: People with seriously damaged hair who want the full VIP treatment
So Which One Should You Actually Choose?
Go with Olaplex if:
Your hair is bleached or chemically processed
You want something tried and true
You like having lots of at-home product options
Your salon offers it (most do)
Pick K18 if:
You're always in a rush
You want instant gratification
Your hair has general damage from multiple sources
You don't want to commit to a bunch of products
Choose Milbon if:
Your hair is seriously fried
You want the longest-lasting results
You don't mind spending more time and money
You can find a salon that offers it
The Money Talk
Let's be honest - none of these treatments are cheap. Here's what you're looking at:
Olaplex: Usually $35-75 for the in-salon treatment, plus $28-50 for at-home products
K18: Around $75-100 for professional treatment, $75 for the at-home mask
Milbon: $80-150 for the full treatment, plus weekly boosters
Remember though - fixing your hair now is way cheaper than having to chop it all off and start over. Trust me on this one.
How to Make Whatever Treatment You Choose Actually Work
Before Your Appointment:
Don't wash your hair for a day or two before
Be honest with your stylist about what you've done to your hair (yes, even the questionable box dye incident)
Take pictures of your hair so you can see the difference later
After Your Treatment:
Use sulfate-free shampoo (seriously, this matters)
Don't wash your hair every day if you can help it
Use the recommended products - they're not just trying to upsell you
Protect your hair from heat and sun
The Bottom Line
Here's the thing - all three of these treatments can seriously help damaged hair. The best one for you depends on how messed up your hair is, how much time and money you want to spend, and what your main hair goals are.
If you're not sure, start by talking to a stylist you trust. They can look at your hair and give you honest advice about what's going to work best. And remember, sometimes you might need more than one treatment to get your hair back to where you want it.
Your hair didn't get damaged overnight, and it's not going to be perfect again after one treatment. But with the right approach and a little patience, you can definitely get it back to looking and feeling healthy again.
The most important thing? Stop doing whatever damaged it in the first place. I know, I know - easier said than done. But your future self (and your hair) will thank you.
Pro tip: Whatever treatment you choose, take before and after pics. You'll be amazed at the difference, and it'll help you decide if you want to do it again.
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