by Lesley Bowen
Calling all my curly and wavy-haired guys and gals! Whether strolling through the cobblestone streets of Rome or basking in the sun along the Amalfi Coast, Italians have long understood the art of embracing natural beauty. Just like Italy’s diverse landscapes, our hair comes in all textures and shapes—sometimes wild and unruly, other times soft and defined. Bound by our universal quest to tame our locks, we’ve formed a secret society, sharing tips and tricks to combat our arch-nemeses: heat and humidity. And trust me, the Italian summer is no joke when it comes to testing even the most resilient of hairstyles. The standard hair protocol for any hot destination without fail is always hair up in a messy bun. Am I right?
This all changes today, my friends. I am revealing the holy grail secret to a frizz free life. Brace yourselves.
Chances are that you know of the iconic hair care brand, Olaplex. Whether you are a beauty junkie like me or heard the buzz from your favourite influencer, there is no doubt that the brand is legendary.
When I received my personal invite from Olaplex about their new professional Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment salon service,I was nothing short of thrilled. The event was graciously hosted at Medulla & Co Salon located at 277 Davenport in Toronto. The multi level hair haven beamed in natural light and was draped in Olaplex branding – classic black and white of course. After being greeted at the front entrance I was ushered to a chair and the consultation began. I was informed this treatment would restructure and reinvigorate my curls creating bouncy locks that last up to 15 washes. I was also reassured this treatment was damage free and my hair would feel and look even better afterwards. Pinch me!
We began with a clarifying shampoo to remove any build up on my hair, followed by a 3-step system. The first step is a bond builder that is generously applied and lightly massaged into the hair. Next comes step two, a mist that’s sprayed section by section to fully saturate every strand – followed by 10 minutes of absorption time. Lastly, a gel is applied in small sections to define the curls by twisting and coiling the hair. The third step was definitely the highlight of the treatment as I witnessed my curls being brought back to life before my eyes. The final step in the overall process was drying my hair with a diffuser, a key step in setting the curls and getting that coiled definition.
Olaplex’s new Bond Shaping Technology™ leverages groundbreaking advancements to redefine hair care. At the core of this innovation is a unique peptide composed of 23 amino acids, designed to penetrate deep into the hair cortex. This allows the technology to reconnect and strengthen multiple points (up to 6) of a disulfide bond, a key structural component that gives hair its shape and resilience. Unlike traditional hair treatments that only coat the hair’s surface, Olaplex’s patented technology repairs and reshapes the hair from within, fortifying natural curl patterns and enhancing overall hair health. Paired with ingredients like Coconut-Avocado Milk, rich in Lauric Acid, and the Curl Retention Compound, these products not only nourish and condition but also form a curl-locking barrier that maintains definition, smoothness, and shine. This approach ensures a lasting, frizz-free finish, allowing curls to stay vibrant and healthy through heat, humidity, and everyday wear.
The verdict: holy wow, curls for days! I put this treatment to the test in Toronto during some of our most hot and humid days this summer and let me tell you, it was victorious. You see, our wins are far and few in between for us curly-haired folk, with so many products on the market but rarely anything that actually works.
So, as I sit here with my freshly revitalized curls—full of bounce and body, even in the heart of a humid Toronto summer—I can’t help but dream of my next adventure to Italy. Because with this professional Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment, I’m ready to take on the heat of a Roman afternoon, all while feeling as effortlessly chic as an Italian. Sometimes, the secret to great hair isn’t just in the products, but in embracing the lifestyle that comes with it—bold, natural, and unapologetically beautiful. Until then, my friends, let’s raise a glass of Prosecco to great hair days!
Prego! – VV
Photography courtesy of Olaplex and Unsplash
