Olaplex Chief Science Officer Lavinia Popescu On Hair care

From combating dryness caused by heat and hard water to safeguarding strands against heat styling and pollution, discover the science-backed solutions tailored for the region’s unique haircare needs

Lavinia Popescu has worked as an expert in the haircare world for Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Moroccanoil, and now Olaplex – what she doesn’t know about keeping tresses luscious and luxurious isn’t worth knowing.

In this exclusive interview for Bazaar Arabia, Lavinia reveals science-backed strategies to protect, repair, and maintain hair health amid the Middle East’s harsh climate — offering essential advice for achieving lasting strength and radiant shine despite the heat, humidity, and environmental stressors.

Visiting Dubai for BeautyWorld Middle East, Olaplex Chief Science Officer Lavinia Popescu brings her expertise to the region’s toughest hair care challenges.

How does the Middle Eastern climate—hot, arid, and often humid—impact the health and beauty of hair, and what are the best ways to combat these effects?

The Middle Eastern climate is a major factor in hair health. The intense heat and low humidity lead to moisture loss, causing dryness and breakage. Then you have those sudden humidity spikes, which make the hair cuticle swell, leading to frizz. The sun’s strong UV rays also weaken the hair’s structure and fade colour, while urban pollution and dust contribute to oxidative stress.

Solution: To combat this, I focus on a multi-pronged approach. You need to rebuild the hair’s core structure — that’s what our patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate in Olaplex products does — while also using ingredients that attract and retain moisture. Lastly, you must protect your hair. A good leave-in serum like  Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum can create a shield against heat and pollution.

Water quality varies across the region, with some areas having hard water. What are the best practices or products you recommend for maintaining hair’s integrity in such conditions?

Hard water, with its high mineral content, is a significant challenge in many parts of the Middle East. These mineral deposits leave hair dull, tangled, and prone to breakage because they block your products from working effectively.

Solution: My top recommendation is to start with your water source. Consider installing a shower filter to reduce your long-term exposure to these harsh minerals. Beyond that, a weekly clarifying routine is a game-changer. Use a clarifying shampoo, like Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, which gently removes these minerals and build-up without stripping colour. For a more intensive treatment, your salon can provide a chelating service for deeper purification.

Heat styling tools are widely used in our region. How can we protect hair from the damage they cause?

It’s true, heat styling is a staple here for taming frizz and getting those sleek looks. But remember, a single use of a hot tool can sever up to 50% of your hair bonds. The key to protection is a good routine.

Solution: First, I always recommend a weekly bond-building treatment like our Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector to fortify your hair from the inside out. Then, before you even turn on your tool, apply a high-quality styling cream or serum that provides a shield against both heat and humidity.

Also, a simple hack can make a huge difference: switch to a silk pillowcase to minimise friction and breakage while you sleep. And always choose styling tools with adjustable settings and try to use lower temperatures whenever possible.

What are the key steps women in the Middle East should incorporate into their routine to preserve the strength and shine of their hair?

Maintaining healthy, beautiful hair in this climate is a proactive process. It comes down to three pillars: repair, maintain, and protect.

Solution: For repair, a weekly bond-building treatment is essential to rebuild the hair’s core structure. For daily maintenance, you need a nourishing shampoo and conditioner that hydrates and cleanses without residue. Lastly, for protection, finish with a leave-in styler that locks in strength and shine. And for an intensive boost, an in-salon Olaplex Stand Alone Treatment a few times a year can be transformative.

Lead Image Courtesy of Instagram/ @olaplex