What to Expect: First Olaplex Hair Color Add-On (or Standalone Olaplex Treatment)

My studio has a peaceful, spa like feel, and I’m big on making you feel right at home, which matters a lot when you’re trying something new. If you’re a little nervous about adding Olaplex to your color appointment, that’s normal. Most people just don’t want surprises, especially when it comes to their hair.

An Olaplex (Color Add-On) / Olaplex Treatment is a bond-repair step that I can add during your color service to help protect and rebuild the disulfide bonds that get stressed during chemical processing. It usually adds about 15 to 30 minutes, it won’t change your color result, and prep is simple. In this guide, I’ll walk you through timing, price range, how it feels, and exactly how to take care of your hair after, especially with Lake Norman sun, humidity, and summer water in the mix.

Before you come in: 5 prep steps that actually matter for Olaplex

You don’t need to overthink prep for Olaplex hair color services. I keep it practical, and I’ll ask questions if I need specifics.

• Detangle before you arrive. It saves time, and it keeps the start of your service relaxed, especially for thick or curly hair.
• No special washing is required unless I request it for your specific color plan. If you’re unsure, ask when you book and I’ll tell you what I want you to do.
• Know your goal. Are you doing Full Highlights, partial highlights, toning, a refresh, or fixing color that “didn’t jive well” from somewhere else? The more clearly you can describe what you want, the easier it is for me to map out the safest plan.
• Be honest about your hair history. If you’ve been experimenting at home or you’re recovering from damage, I’m not judging. I’m planning.
• Build a little buffer into your schedule. Olaplex can be quick, but great hair takes the time it takes.

If you’re searching “hair salon near me” because you’re new to Davidson, I’m right in the Downtown Davidson and Main Street area near Davidson College. I also see plenty of guests who drive in from Cornelius, Huntersville, Mooresville, Charlotte, and Mount Mourne, so I keep booking options realistic for commuters.

Inside your appointment: how the Olaplex add-on fits into hair color

First, I’ll do a quick consult so I’m clear on your goal and your hair’s condition. People often tell me they appreciate that I listen, take my time, and check in during the appointment, because it makes them feel confident about the result. That check-in piece is important when you’re doing color and adding a bond step.

Step-by-step, in plain language

1. Consult and plan: I look at your hair, talk through what’s realistic today, and make sure we agree on the end goal. This is especially helpful if you’re coming in for color correction or you’re trying to get back to a more natural look.
2. Color service first: We do your planned service, like Full Highlights, partial highlights, toning, Men’s Color, or a refresh. If you’ve been searching for “hair styling near me” or “haircut near me, ” this is also where I’ll talk through the cut and finishing plan so it all works together.
3. Olaplex bonding step: I apply Olaplex as an add-on during the color appointment to help protect and rebuild bonds stressed by processing. You’ll notice it doesn’t change your color. It’s there to support the hair, not rewrite the shade.
4. Processing time: Plan on about 15 to 30 extra minutes for the add-on. I’ll confirm your exact timing when we’re booking, because your total time depends on the color service you’re pairing it with.
5. Rinse, care, and style: We rinse, condition, and I style your hair so you can actually see the finished result. Some people get so comfortable at the sink they joke they could fall asleep.

"I also liked that you checked in with me during the appointment, it made me feel confident about the result."

one of our regulars

If you’re coming in around a Davidson College event or you’re squeezing this in before heading back on I-77, tell me. I’ll help you pick an appointment plan that keeps the timing realistic.

After your Olaplex Treatment: how to keep hair stronger in humid Davidson summers

Right after your appointment, your hair usually feels smoother and a little more flexible, especially if you’ve been dealing with dryness or breakage. Olaplex is about strength and elasticity, so the “win” tends to show up as less snapping during brushing and better shine once you’re back in your normal routine.

"Jackie gave me the best hair treatment and style. She then gave me some tips on what to do when I’m home to maintain my style and keep my hair healthy!"

a first-time client

If you’re actively repairing damage, I’ll usually suggest thinking in a short series instead of a one-and-done fix. That might mean pairing Olaplex with your highlights appointments for a few visits, then spacing it out once your hair feels stronger.

And if your main goal is frizz control, ask me about options like Keratin Treatment or my curl-friendly anti-frizz work. Olaplex and frizz services can support each other, but they solve different problems.

Real talk on cost, timing, and why people keep coming back to JL Studio

For the Olaplex (Color Add-On) / Olaplex Treatment itself, I price it at $35 to $65. The reason for the range is simple: hair density, length, and how much product your hair needs. I’ll confirm the exact add-on cost when you’re booking, so you’re not surprised at checkout. People consistently mention that they appreciate being told fees upfront.

Time-wise, my standalone Olaplex service is listed at 45 minutes. As a color add-on, it typically adds 15 to 30 minutes to your appointment, depending on what we’re pairing it with.

People drive in from Charlotte and beyond, and a lot of them become regulars. That loyalty usually comes down to comfort, attention to detail, and the fact that I take hair health seriously, especially for curls, short cuts like a ladies short hairstyle, and precision work like a mens haircut near me search tends to lead to. If you’ve been trying to find a hairdressing salon where you feel listened to, this is your sign to stop settling.

If you’re planning a bigger color change, check out my Downtown Davidson hair color guide. It’s a helpful read if you’re deciding between highlights, toning, and more corrective work.

Two insider tips for first-timers in Downtown Davidson (and a simple next step)

Tip one: if your hair breaks easily, ask to pair Olaplex with your next color service instead of waiting until after damage shows up. Preventing that “crispy” feeling is always easier than chasing it later.

Tip two: if you’re on a busy schedule, I’d rather you do fewer things well in one visit than cram in a long list that leaves you stressed. We can plan smart combos, like partial highlights plus bond support plus a cut, then bring you back for another step if needed.