If you regularly color or bleach your hair, you already know the trade-off: beautiful results often come at the expense of hair health. That’s exactly where pH Plex comes in.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use pH Plex Step 1 and Step 2 correctly, and why its application is significantly easier and more user-friendly compared to Olaplex.
What is pH Plex?
pH Plex is a professional bond-building system developed in Germany, designed to protect hair during chemical treatments and repair it immediately afterward.
Its key advantage: the active ingredient (malic acid) binds to all 21 amino acids in the hair, enabling a more comprehensive repair of the hair structure.
Step-by-Step: How to Use pH Plex 1 and 2
Step 1: Protection During Coloring or Bleaching (pH Plex 1 Protect)
pH Plex Step 1 is used directly during your coloring or bleaching process:
- Prepare your hair color or bleach as usual, following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Add the entire sachet of pH Plex 1 to the finished mixture
- Mix thoroughly (note: very liquid consistency)
- Apply the mixture as usual
- Do not change processing time or temperature
👉 Important: pH Plex does not alter your color result or lightening performance.
After processing:
- Rinse thoroughly
- Shampoo your hair
Step 2: Deep Repair After Treatment (pH Plex 2 Repair)
Now it’s time to repair the hair structure:
- Towel-dry your hair
- Apply pH Plex 2 evenly to lengths and ends
- Leave on for 5–10 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Continue with your usual care and styling routine
👉 Step 2 penetrates deep into the hair and rebuilds damaged areas immediately after chemical stress.
Intensive Treatment (Without Coloring)
For damaged or dry hair, you can use pH Plex as a standalone treatment:
- Mix Step 1 and Step 2 in a bowl
- Apply to damp hair
- Leave on for 5–10 minutes
- Rinse, shampoo, and style
👉 Perfect for restoring brittle or overprocessed hair.
pH Plex vs. Olaplex – Key Differences in Application
While both systems aim to protect and repair hair, their application process differs significantly.
1. Simple Sachets vs. Precise Measuring
- pH Plex: Pre-dosed sachets – just add the whole content
- Olaplex: Requires precise measurement (e.g. 3.75 ml)
👉 pH Plex advantage: no measuring errors, no tools needed.
2. No Changes to Your Formula
- pH Plex: No adjustment of developer, timing, or mixture
- Olaplex: May require adjustments in professional settings
👉 pH Plex advantage: use your color exactly as intended.
3. Designed for Home Use
- pH Plex: Developed for both professionals and home users
- Olaplex No.1 & No.2: Primarily salon-only products
👉 pH Plex advantage: professional results without professional complexity.
4. Easier Standalone Treatment
- pH Plex: Simply mix Step 1 + 2 and apply
- Olaplex: Requires dilution with water and a multi-step process
👉 pH Plex advantage: faster and more intuitive.
5. Shorter Processing Time
- pH Plex Step 2: 5–10 minutes
- Olaplex Step 2: typically 10+ minutes
👉 pH Plex advantage: saves time while delivering strong results.
Why pH Plex is the Better Choice
The biggest difference is clear: pH Plex is built for simplicity, safety, and efficiency.
Key benefits:
- No measuring or calculations
- No changes to your coloring routine
- Faster application
- Can be used as a standalone treatment
- Works on the entire hair structure (all amino acids)
- Professional results at home
Conclusion
pH Plex combines powerful bond-building technology with a simple, user-friendly application. While Olaplex remains a strong salon system, pH Plex stands out by making professional hair protection accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re coloring, bleaching, or repairing damaged hair – pH Plex protects your hair when it needs it most.
Tip: For long-term results, use pH Plex Step 3 weekly to maintain strength, shine, and elasticity.
