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Blog/Salon

Luxury Hair Treatments: Olaplex vs. K18 vs. Redken Chemistry

January 5, 20246 min read

In the world of luxury hair care, bond-building treatments have revolutionized how we approach hair health. At Salon 3636 in Westlake Hills, our master stylists use the most advanced treatments available. But with so many options, which one is right for your hair?

Understanding Hair Damage

Before diving into treatments, it's crucial to understand what happens when hair is damaged. Chemical services like coloring, highlights, and relaxers break the disulfide bonds that give hair its strength and structure. Environmental factors like Austin's intense sun and humidity compound this damage.

Traditional conditioning treatments only provide temporary cosmetic benefits. Modern bond-building treatments actually repair the internal structure of your hair, delivering lasting results that improve with each use.

The Science Behind the Treatments

Olaplex

Bond Builder

$45 add-on
at Salon 3636

Rebuilds broken disulfide bonds in hair shaft

Best for: Damaged, over-processed hair

Pros:
  • Proven science
  • Works during chemical services
  • Visible results
Considerations:
  • Can be overpowering on fine hair
  • Multiple steps required

K18

Molecular Repair

$65 add-on
at Salon 3636

Penetrates to reconnect keratin chains

Best for: All hair types seeking strength

Pros:
  • Leave-in formula
  • Works on all hair types
  • Quick application
Considerations:
  • Higher price point
  • Newer to market

Redken Chemistry

pH Balancing System

$35 add-on
at Salon 3636

Rebalances pH and seals cuticle

Best for: Color-treated, chemically processed hair

Pros:
  • Great for color longevity
  • Immediate shine
  • Affordable
Considerations:
  • Less dramatic repair
  • Temporary effects

What Our Westlake Hills Clients Choose

At Salon 3636, we customize treatment recommendations based on your hair's specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. Here's what we typically recommend for different situations:

  • For Blonde Maintenance: Olaplex remains our go-to for heavily lightened hair. The multi-step system provides comprehensive repair during and after lightening services.
  • For Busy Professionals: K18 is perfect for clients who want maximum results with minimal time investment. The leave-in treatment works while you go about your day.
  • For Color Longevity: Redken Chemistry excels at preserving color vibrancy and shine, making it ideal for clients who color frequently.
  • For Damage Recovery: We often layer treatments, starting with Olaplex for structural repair, then maintaining with K18 between appointments.

The Salon 3636 Treatment Protocol

What sets our treatment application apart is our customized approach. Mariel, our master stylist, has developed a proprietary protocol that maximizes the benefits of each treatment based on your hair's porosity, damage level, and styling routine.

We begin with a thorough hair analysis using advanced microscopy to determine the exact level and type of damage. This scientific approach ensures we select the most effective treatment and application method for your unique needs.

Maximizing Your Investment

Luxury treatments are an investment in your hair's health and your overall image. To maximize results, we provide each client with a personalized home care regimen that extends and enhances the in-salon treatment.

This includes specific product recommendations, styling techniques that protect your investment, and a timeline for follow-up treatments. Consistency is key - most clients see dramatic improvements after their third treatment.

The Austin Factor

Living in Austin presents unique challenges for hair health. Our intense UV rays, high humidity, and frequent pool and lake activities all contribute to hair damage. We factor these environmental stressors into our treatment recommendations.

For our Westlake Hills clients who spend time on Lake Travis or at country club pools, we often recommend more frequent treatments during summer months and always include UV protection in our home care protocols.

Ready to Transform Your Hair Health?

Schedule a complimentary hair analysis with our master stylists. We'll recommend the perfect treatment protocol for your hair's unique needs and Austin lifestyle.