Before...and after!
If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself diving down the rabbit hole of hair care products, just to end up more confused than enlightened. Join the club! As a curly-haired girl, I’ve trial-and-errored my way through the hair aisles, looking for the perfect potion for my aging locks, frizz, tangles, dryness, and split ends.
Let’s break down three products I’ve recently tried, and see which one I recommend the most: Arey Mend leave-in conditioner, K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, and Olaplex’s No. 6 Bond Smoother.
If you're looking for heat protection… Arey
I have a confession. I love my hot tools. And by love, I mean, “can't-live-without” kind of love. But with great power comes great responsibility. K18 doesn’t offer heat protection, though it does help to heal damaged hair, and Olaplex offers just enough protection for blow dryers, but not enough for temperatures up to 450°F.
Arey really shines here by claiming to reduce thermal damage by 45%*. Now, that's what I call a superhero cape for my locks. It also protects against heat damage for up to 450°F. It's like a safety net for my heat styling addiction, and I’m already experiencing less breakage and more shine. ✨
*compared to hair not treated with Arey Mend.
If you're looking for a product made with dull, brittle, and aging hair in mind... Arey
You know how our skin has its own set of concerns as we age? Hair is no different! That silver lining (quite literally, for some of us) comes with its quirks like dryness and dull and brittle strands.
Arey Mend was specifically designed with aging hair in mind. Sr-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1, the fancy term for vegan collagen, actively hydrates and can make those silver strands appear darker. It’s like your hair's very own time machine, working to rewind the clock! And let me tell you, my grays have never felt (or looked) better.
Olaplex and K18 are beautiful products for specific purposes, but just don’t quite hit all of my aging hairs needs quite like Arey does.
If you're looking for a cruelty-free product… It’s a tie!
All three brands are cruelty-free and vegan, and all three go the distance by offering products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. 🐇 K18 does contain a small amount of wheat protein, whereas Arey and Olaplex are gluten-free.
In addition, Arey products are also made in California, free of synthetic fragrance, Polyethylene Glycol, Formaldehyde and dyes, and Olaplex is also free of nuts and phosphates. K18 follows by offering color-safe products. If being cruelty-free is your priority, all three brands will do perfectly.
If you're looking for the best hydration and shine... Arey
Between frizz fiascos and dryness disasters, hydration is my hair’s BFF. Arey Mend is a rich, nourishing leave-in conditioner that really helps my hair look and feel healthier. I apply it on wet hair, before heat styling, and my styles turn out smoother, shinier, and bouncier. It contains beneficial oils like chia seed to blast collagen deep into my strands, and my hair is way softer.
While Olaplex did help calm my frizz and K18 repairs, Arey really wins the hydration game in my book. Plus, the cedar and sage scent is to die for. 🌿
Ultimate Winner… Arey
After diving deep into Arey, K18, and Olaplex, I've got to say, Arey Mend really stands out, especially for those of us noticing the grays and brittleness that comes with aging hair. Mend’s blend of vegan collagen and chia seed oil? A total game changer. You can also get 25% off when you subscribe to Arey products, plus free US shipping!
While K18 and Olaplex have their moments in the spotlight, Arey feels like that trusty go-to you didn't know you needed. It's not just about finding good hair care, but the right hair care. And, at least for now, Arey seems to hit that sweet spot. Here's to always finding what works best for our ever-changing locks!
