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So, let’s talk about Olaplex!

You’ve probably heard of the legendary hair repair and hair care brand across social media– unless you’re living under a rock. Olaplex uses ingredients that work to reform the bonds on your hair and repair the damage caused by chemical processing and heat.

But what is Olaplex, and what makes it so good?

Olaplex has become very well known in the beauty industry and is known as one of the best hair care brands around. You’ll probably see their products advertised by countless celebrities and hairstylists across the globe. Their formulas pack a serious punch for working magic and strengthening on all hair types.

Their revolutionary ingredients and in-depth scientific research behind their products help to repair the damage in your hair, including frizz, dryness, and breakage, by repairing the broken bonds in your hair follicle. Olaplex works to fix damage right at the root– pun intended.

Many hair salons across the globe offer it as an additional treatment to your appointment.

Olaplex can reverse the effects of heat styling, chemical processing, and even environmental damage. Their products can be used on all hair types, so anyone can benefit from a bit of Olaplex in their life.

A little goes a long way with these products, so they’re worth the investment.

For most of the Olaplex products, you only need a grape size of the product because their products are so concentrated. Today I will be running through my top recommendations of the Olaplex products, along with everything you need to know about the brand.

You don’t need to have damaged hair to benefit from Olaplex either; there is a product for everyone! So stay tuned. You won’t want to miss my selection of the top picks for you. Let’s run through the best Olaplex products on the market to achieve healthy hair!

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top picks of the Best Olaplex Products That Are Worth The Money

1.

Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector Repairing Treatment

best olaplex product for damaged hair

I first came across Olaplex a few years back; my hair was dry and damaged and in need of some TLC. I’d heard other salons had started offering Olaplex in their treatments, and I wanted to see what all the hype was about.

This was when I came across my favorite Olaplex product of them all.

I felt the changes in my hair after just one use of Olaplex No.3, and let me tell you; they are not kidding when they said the ingredients are revolutionary. My hair felt smoother, softer; my dry ends felt like they had been restored and less frizzy!

I have tried both Olaplex No 1 and 2 when bleaching clients’ hair, but if you’re looking for a similar effect to the first two, then the Olaplex No 3 is a groundbreaking at-home treatment that anyone can use! It works wonders for reducing breakage and visibly strengthening hair.

It will strengthen damaged hair and compromised bonds, and all you need is a pea-sized amount of it! I know you may be looking at the price and size thinking that’s a bit expensive, but a dime-sized amount will do your entire hair, and you only need to use it once a week!

The wonder of Olaplex is that a little goes a LONG way.

If I’m feeling lazy one evening, I will just dampen down my hair, run a wide-tooth comb through it, and then apply it to the ends of my hair. I then tie my hair up in a loose bun on top of my head and leave the No.3 treatment on overnight and wash and condition the next day.

As I rinsed, I noticed the difference in my hair; it felt like silk! This pre-treatment is revolutionary for chemical and color-treated hair because it works to rebuild and strengthen your hair follicles while the treatment is on and after.

If you use this in your routine, you will notice the difference almost instantly; it repairs the hair shaft from the inside outwards. Plus, to top it all off, all Olaplex products are free from all the harsh chemicals; they are also vegan and cruelty-free.

Olaplex, you’re off to an exceptional start!

Pros
  • Only need a small amount
  • Repairs bonds in the hair follicle from the core
  • Reduces frizz and breakage
  • Leaves hair feeling soft and silky
  • Vegan and free from harsh chemicals
Cons
  • None

Latest deal: Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3

2.

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

best olaplex shampoo

Olaplex No.4 has been a staple in my hair care routine for years now; many hairstylists like myself swear by this shampoo for color-treated hair. Your hair salon will most likely offer this as a treatment! It helps repair damage at the molecular level.

This color-safe shampoo protects and repairs damaged hair, split ends and works to tame frizz. It repairs and protects hair from everyday stresses such as heat damage, environmental stresses, and chemical processing.

It works to re-link broken bonds, leaving hair easier to manage– leaving hair feeling shinier and healthier after each use. Having Olaplex’s No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo handy has transformed my hair from the very first day after using it!

Split ends will feel less split and stronger!

The quality of the No. 4 Shampoo is unbelievable, especially if you have breakage and damage-related frizz or dull dryness from color treatments; this shampoo will help strengthen hair and repair bonds from the root.

Hands down, it is the best shampoo I have ever used!

The Olaplex No.4 is also brilliant for those with greasy hair as it is so lightweight but concentrated, it deeply cleanses and restores hair from the scalp all the way to the ends. It helps combat your natural oils without stripping them.

Olaplex goes one step further with their shampoo and recently introduced their purple shampoo. It uses the same formula as the regular. The Olaplex No. 4P is highly concentrated purple cleanses, tones and repairs while keeping hair hydrated.

It creates a rich lather to neutralize brassiness and boost brightness by up to 3 times after one use! So if you need a purple shampoo that offers the same benefits as the No.4, then their No. 4P is pretty incredible—ideal for my blonde girls out there.

To top it all off, both shampoos are sulfate-free and free of all the nasties; which one will you go for? 

Pros
  • Color-safe shampoo
  • Repairs and restores bonds
  • Deeply cleanses and hydrates hair
  • Offers a purple shampoo for blonde hair
Cons
  • Quite pricey

Latest deal: Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

3.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

best olaplex for dry hair

Buying a good quality conditioner is a must in my haircare routine, and Olaplex No.5 is worth the investment. It is an ultra-hydrating conditioner that delivers revolutionary results after just one use.

If you want to buy the basics and still reap the benefits, then buying Olaplex’s 3-4-5 set is what you need to repair damaged hair. These three products are the staple products in Olaplex’s collection and together will work wonders to repair hair.

I start by firstly rinsing my hair, and if I have a couple of hours, I will pop the number 3 treatment on the ends of my damp hair for at least 10-30 minutes; sometimes, I leave it overnight. I then shampoo and condition with No. 4 & 5, and my hair feel refreshed and restored!

For those looking for the best way to reap all the benefits without breaking your bank, using 3, 4, 5 together will do the trick!

So let’s talk more about this groundbreaking conditioner. The Olaplex No. 5 is a highly moisturizing, reparative conditioner that can be used on all hair types. It will leave your hair feeling like silk and works wonders for repairing split ends and frizz.

After shampooing my hair, I squeezed the excess water from the ends of my hair and applied the conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends of my hair. If I have the patience, I will leave it on for 5-10 minutes so it can penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.

What Olaplex No.5 does best is re-link the broken bonds in the hair. Trust me when I say you will notice a difference from the first time you use it! Not only does it make your hair visibly softer but also much more manageable when styling.

The Olaplex 3, 4, and 5 will always be the bare essentials in my haircare routine.

Pros
  • Re-links broken bonds and repairs damage
  • Leaves hair easier to manage, shinier and softer
  • Color-safe and helps tame frizz
  • Leaves hair feeling stronger
Cons
  • None

Latest deal: Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

4.

Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

best olaplex product for damaged curly hair

Right this treatment is brilliant for those that need a serious moisture kick. This Olaplex No.8 Mask is best for those with curly hair, straight hair, dry hair, damaged hair. You name it. No.8 offers multiple benefits for your hair.

For starters, this treatment is infused with patented Olaplex Bond Building technology; it is a highly concentrated reparative mask that adds shine, smoothness, and boost while providing intense moisture to treat severely damaged hair.

So let’s talk about the Clinical Results from tests by Olaplex!

From the clinical tests, this treatment is said to boost shine by up to 2x, add 4x moisture, 6x more body. 64% of consumers even noticed more bodies in their hair. Unlike other hair masks, Olaplex doesn’t weigh your hair down and leave it oily.

Olaplex No.8 is brilliant for those with curls; it is one of the best Olaplex products for curly hair. It helps promote and deeply moisturize the natural curl; anyone with curly hair knows that hydration is a must in the curly hair routine!

The moisture and bond multipliers help keep curls shiny and strong. This treatment uses critical ingredients like jojoba oil and glycerin, which help to infuse hair with moisture and lock in hydration for a long period, which is important for all hair types.

Finally, a hair mask that offers deep nourishment and hydration without weighing your hair down, feeling greasy or heavy!

Pros
  • 2x more shine, 4x more moisture, 6x more body
  • Deeply hydrates and repairs bonds
  • Makes hair strong and visibly healthy
  • Doesn’t feel heavy or weigh down hair
  • Ideal for curly hair
Cons
  • None it is flawless

Latest deal: Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

5.

Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother

best olaplex for blow drying & styling

Now when I tell you you need less than a pea-sized amount of this product, I am being serious. Take it from me I used a grape-sized amount and massively regretted it. This leave-in smoothing creme is highly concentrated and will last you forever!

Olaplex No. 6 is brilliant at strengthening, moisturizing your hair strands; it will even speed up blow-drying! This concentrated leave-in smoothing cream works on all hair types to eliminate frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours.

You read that right. Up to three days, ladies!

It is safe to use on colored and chemically treated hair to help repair bonds and deeply nourish while adding shine and softness. The patented system noticeably repairs extreme damage. It turns dry, brittle hair into soft, shiny, and resilient hair.

Now the smell from this bond smoother is addictive! You will be smelling your hair for hours afterward, and it is so noticeable that your partner will even compliment you on it. It will be an absolute game-changer for your hair; it will make damaged hair feel like new!

I’ve even used this styling treatment mixed with no.3, and it makes a wonderful overnight, leaving hair feeling silky, soft, and shiny after washing the next day. You will notice the difference in your hair even after one use.

All in all, it is a must-have in your haircare routine.

Pros
  • Smooth, moisturizes, and strengthens hair
  • Can be used on color-treated and chemically treated hair
  • Eliminates frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours!
  • Leave damaged hair feeling like new
Cons
  • Only need a small amount otherwise may look greasy (which is a hidden pro in itself)

Latest deal: Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother

6.

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

Best olaplex styling oil with heat protectant

I’ve tried more hair oils in my life than I can shake a stick at, and Olaplex has been one of my favorites! This highly concentrated, weightless reparative styling oil dramatically increases shine, softness, and color vibrancy.

You’ll never see shine like it! It acts as a heat protectant and protects hair up to a whopping 450⁰F/230⁰C, plus it leaves your hair smelling as sweet as roses.

You’ll notice the difference after a few uses, it repairs damaged and compromised hair, strengthens and protects the hair structure, and restores a healthy look and feel– your hair will be shinier, healthier, and more manageable.

As if that was enough.

The No.7 Bonding Oil works on a molecular level to repair damaged and broken bonds in the hair caused by chemical, thermal, mechanical, and UV damage. It is suitable for all hair types and free of all the nasty ingredients that damage hair. 

Want to get rid of frizz? Olaplex also massively helps those who suffer from frizz too. 

It is not only sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate, and phosphate-free, but it is also nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, like all their products. It speeds up drying time and leaves hair feeling smooth and silky.

Your hair will feel alive after this treatment; your hair will be in its prime once again!

Pros
  • Repairs hair molecules from chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage
  • Weightless formula
  • Protects hair up to 450⁰F/230⁰C
  • Increases shine, softness, manageability
Cons
  • Pricey

Latest deal: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

7.

Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment

Best olaplex for repairing breakage

So the last Olaplex product that is recommended for any user is the Olaplex No. 0 Intense Bond Building Treatment. It is a magical, professional-inspired treatment that primes hair for maximum, deeper repair.

It works to rebuild bonds, strengthen and protect hair integrity.

If you have extremely damaged this is the best first step you can take to revive damaged hair. You can use it with Olaplex No. 3 to strengthen, repair, and restore all types of damaged hair. It is backed up by intensive scientific research known to repair hair by up to 68% and leave hair 3x stronger when used with No.3 Hair Perfector.

No.0, when paired with No.3 as part of the two-part system, helps promote the strongest, healthiest hair possible. The No. 0 primes hair for deeper repair to boost the results of the No. 3 Hair Perfector; it works wonders on hair that feels beyond repair.

The science behind this product is pretty amazing!

The targeted nozzle helps reach every section; you can apply it to dry or damp hair for the best results and leave it for at least 10 minutes to work its magic. The patented system noticeably repairs extreme damage, turning brittle and dry hair to make it shinier, stronger, and more resilient.

So if your hair has been damaged over the years by over-processing it, using heat products without a heat protectant, or just bleaching until the ends of your hair is dead, then this treatment, when paired with the no.3 treatment, will be the savior for your hair!

Pros
  • 68% more repair and 3x stronger after use
  • Can be used with No.3 for best results
  • Easy to apply with targeted stream application
  • Repairs extremely damaged hair
Cons
  • Only lasts for 3-6 applications

Latest deal: Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment

Best Olaplex Products Review-- A Buyer’s Guide:

Olaplex is something of an enigma; it has become a staple brand for millions of hairstylists and consumers all over the globe. It has built its name in repairing damaged and chemically treated hair, but it has become so well-known for being suitable for any hair type.

But many of us don’t know what it does and why it is such a popular brand used by hair pros. According to Olaplex, “You can use Olaplex to restore compromised hair, or add it to another service to provide the ultimate breakage insurance.”

You may be looking at that thinking, but what does that mean? And don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this buyer’s guide, I will be giving you the complete rundown on what Olaplex can do for your hair and whether or not it is worth adding to your hair care routine.

Olaplex is inspired by hairstylists and backed by science; their ingredients changed the hair game. So let’s jump into more about this fascinating brand and everything you need to know when buying their products or opting for the Olaplex salon treatment.

What Is Olaplex & How Does It Work?

So Olaplex has taken the world by storm, but what is Olaplex exactly, and how does it work?

Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds to make up the structure, strength, and stability of our hair; when these bonds are broken, it results in damage, split ends, and breakage. Olaplex works to repair all types of hair damage, from thermal to chemical.

Olaplex restores damaged and compromised hair by repairing individual hair strands from the inside out using their legendary ingredient “Bis-Aminopropy Diglycol Dimaleate”– that’s a mouthful and a half!

Olaplex works to repair these bonds and keep them intact and aligned, so you’re left with healthy, stronger, and soft hair. It works to repair all kinds of hair damage, so let’s talk about what exactly damages our hair in the first place– there are four main causes:

Thermal Damage: High levels of heat from curling irons, blow dryers, flat irons can break down the bonds in your hair which results in damage. Constantly exposing your hair to heat without any form of protection can cause it to become brittle and split.

Chemical Damage: When we take a trip to the salon, hairstylists may be using professional products, but these chemicals can still cause damage to your hair. Even more so if you use a cheap box color or bleach from the store on your hair.

Chemical factors like color treatments like coloring and bleaching and chemical treatments like perms and relaxers can cause prolonged damage to your hair strands.

Mechanical Damage: Brushing, pulling, and tugging your hair can cause mechanical damage, especially when your hair is wet. You shouldn’t tug or pull on strands when your hair is wet, as this can cause unnecessary breakage as your hair is weakest when wet.

While you can prevent mechanical damage by investing in a wet brush or detangling brush and only brushing your hair when dry (unless you have curly hair), but Olaplex works to reform the bonds broken by mechanical factors.

Environmental Damage: The last top common cause of damage is from environmental factors like UV damage from the sun, humidity, and extreme changes in hot/cold weather conditions. UV damage is the top culprit as it can cause as much damage as a styling tool.

Humidity tends to damage the bonds in your hair because it causes a change in the way that the protein bundles in your hair bind together. It breaks the hydrogen bonds causing the hair follicle to swell, which explains why your hair goes frizzy when the weather is humid.

Winter and extreme weather changes can be very harsh on hair; it can make it very dehydrated, making it more prone to breakage than the warmer months. It is important to keep your hair hydrated during these months.

Olaplex not only repairs the bonds in your hair but deeply nourishes the ends of your hair to offer protection from all types of damage.

So How Does Olaplex Work?

Olaplex’s Patented Bond Building Technology works on a molecular level. Their main ingredient, “Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate,” is a single molecule that dramatically improves hair strength, protecting and repairing from the inside out.

You will notice immediate results from using Olaplex.

All hair types (natural, curly, fine, straight, etc.) all benefit from using Olaplex. We derive most of our integrity from healthy, properly paired disulfide bonds. When hair is damaged, these bonds are broken apart, which results in breakage.

But what happens when disulfide bonds break?

Well, there are two reactions that take place, the first being that the single sulfur hydrogen component pairs with a single oxygen molecule. This makes the perfect pair and reduces any further damage from taking place.

While the second reaction is when damage occurs, this is when the single sulfur hydrogen molecules pair with three oxygen molecules, which creates Cysteic Acid, which eats the protein out of the hair, which inevitably results in damage to the hair follicle.

Olaplex works by helping the hair pair the single sulfur hydrogen faster so the three oxygen cannot pair with this molecule to prevent damage.

How To Use Olaplex:

There are technically ten different Olaplex products you can buy. However, that doesn’t mean you need all ten. Olaplex No. 1 & 2 are for salon use only as they can be applied to chemical treatments. Plus, you only really need N0. 0 if you have extremely damaged hair.

But that being said, let’s talk about what each Olaplex products do and how to use them on your hair!

How To Use Olaplex 0:

Olaplex No. 0 is a deep bonding treatment; it primes the hair for maximum repair. Just like when we do our makeup, most products work best after using a primer. So No.0 is used as a primer for the No. 3 treatment.

It is part of the two-part process for an intensive at-home reparative treatment.

It works best on damp hair, No. 0 is a watery liquid that dries quickly, but when No.3 is applied over it, it helps keep the hair damp so both products can work together to offer maximum repair and bond restoring. It is scientifically proven to offer 68% more repair.

The No.0 contains less of the active ingredient than the Stand-Alone treatment as it was created during COVID-19 lockdown so clients could perform the treatment at home, so they didn’t need to spend as much time in the salon.

N0.0 is a salon-worthy treatment that works on all hair types and textures (just like their entire line). It is best for those with intensely damaged hair and who want to see results fast!

The best way to use Olaplex No.0 is to apply it to clean, dry hair and comb it through to ensure even coverage. You should use it with the No. 3 treatment as despite the No. 0 treatment working alone, it works better and offers better results when paired with No.3.

Leave the No. 0 treatment on for 10 minutes and then apply Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector directly on top of the No.0. Comb it through again and leave it to sit for a minimum of 10 minutes, but if you want better results, then you should leave it on for longer!

Then once you’ve left it for a while, you can shampoo and condition using the Olaplex No. 4 and 5 for the ultimate results.

But don’t worry I’ve made a full guide on how to use Olaplex No. 0 and 3 for the ultimate hair repair and hair goals results. 

How To Use Olaplex No. 1 and 2:

Now for Olaplex No.1 and 2, you don’t need to worry too much unless you’re a professional looking to use it in their salon. But if you want to know what your salon will be using if they offer an Olaplex treatment for your highlighting/bleaching treatment.

The Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier and No.2 Bond Protector is exclusive to professionals. The No.1 Bond Multiplier is a concentrated additive to less damage during chemical processing. It is used as the first step in the In-Salon Olaplex System.

You should mix Olaplex No.1 with your client’s chosen hair color, lightener, or toner to help prevent hair damage and keep the hair in the best condition possible when doing this treatment. You should add 1/4 oz of the multiplier to 1.5 oz of bleach.

The second step of the In-Salon Olaplex System is the Stand Alone Treatment– also known as Olaplex No.2 Bond Protector. It works to rebuild and restore broken bonds, ensuring the strongest, shiniest, and healthiest hair possible.

The best way to use Olaplex No.2 is to apply to the hair after washing the hair; after all processing has been completed and leave for at least 20 minutes, and then rinse. The Olaplex No.0 is a weaker version of this that can be used by clients.

How To Use Olaplex 3:

The Olaplex No.3 is not a conditioner; it is a weekly at-home treatment that reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving the look and feels. You can use it as the two-part system with the No. 0 to strengthen and repair extremely damaged hair.

This treatment is what put Olaplex on the map! But how do you use Olaplex No. 3?

It is known to visibly reduce breakage and strengthen the hair while improving the look and feel of all hair types. It is recommended to be used once or twice a week (depending on the condition of the hair) on damp hair from roots to ends.

The best way I like to use the No.3 treatment is to hop in the shower after a long day at work to wash my body and then dampen down my hair; I will then comb through the ends of my hair and apply a pea-sized amount to the mid-lengths and ends.

I will then twist the ends of my hair and tie it up in a loose bun on top of my head using a silk or satin scrunchie; I will then go about my evening, and then by the time its time to go to bed, it should be dry enough to sleep in.

The next day I then rinse out the treatment and follow up using the Olaplex 4 and 5 as part of the three-part system.

How To Use Olaplex 4:

Olaplex No 4 is a bonding shampoo that is highly nourishing and reparative; it protects hairs from everyday stresses such as repairing split ends, frizzy and damaged hair by relinking broken bonds. It is both color-safe and sulfate-free and ideal for everyday use.

It works with Olaplex No.5 Conditioner to add moisture without excess weight, making it ideal for all hair types and textures.

Here’s a pro tip to make Olaplex No.4 last longer: you don’t need as much as you think you do!! Start with a dime-sized amount and emulsify it in your hands to activate and kick start the lather before applying it to your wet hair.

The first shampoo might not lather up as much as the second, but it doesn’t mean you need anymore. The first shampoo works to break down the oils on your scalp, while the second one cleanses and removes them, which is why it lathers up more.

Olaplex No. 4P: Recently, Olaplex has also introduced a purple shampoo to their range known as the No 4P. It offers the same benefits as the Olaplex but works to neutralize brassiness and boost brightness on blonde tones.

So for my blondes out there, you can use Olaplex too!

Just apply a small amount in your hands and lather up in your hands like you would the regular shampoo, and then massage into your scalp, focusing on the roots. Then rinse and condition like you would with the regular shampoo.

How To Use Olaplex 5:

Olaplex No.5 is a deeply nourishing, reparative, moisturizing conditioner for all hair types. It works to relink broken bonds while deeply hydrating the ends of your hair. The patented system repairs extreme damage to turn dry, brittle hair into soft and resilient hair.

Before applying Olaplex No 5, squeeze out any excess moisture before applying as this will help the conditioner penetrate more deeply. Use a small amount and massage into the ends, and work your way up to the mid-lengths, trying to avoid roots.

Grab a wide-tooth comb and comb through the ends to ensure even coverage, and then leave it for at least three minutes and then rinse. I tend to wash my hair first and then apply the conditioner and then do things like shave, exfoliate and wash, so you don’t lose time in the morning waiting around to wash out the conditioner.

How To Use Olaplex 6:

The Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is a highly concentrated leave-in smoothing creme that strengthens, moisturizes, and speeds up blow-drying times. It works to eliminate frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours; the No. 6 is a serious smooth talker.

This leave-in reparative styling treatment is infused with patented Olaplex Bond Building Technology. It speeds up blow-drying time by smoothing the cuticle.

Start with a small amount for shoulder-length hair, I have quite thick hair, and I don’t need any more than a pea-sized amount of this stuff. But if you do have very long, thick hair, you might need more, but always start with a little bit and add more.

Apply to damp or dry hair on the mid-lengths and ends. I usually apply it after getting out of the shower after shampooing and conditioning my hair before styling. I apply it after roughly combing through my ends and then comb through again for even coverage.

How To Use Olaplex 7:

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil acts as a heat protectant from both styling heat and UV rays. It is a weightless styling oil that works with No.6 to smooth flyaways and frizz while protecting hair when heat styling. It also offers color vibrancy, smoothness, and shine.

You only need a small amount of this oil; a little goes a long way. Remove the cap and turn the bottle upside and gently tap to dispense a metered drop. Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair and style as desired.

How To Use Olaplex 8:

The last Olaplex product is the Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. This highly concentrated reparative mask adds shine, smoothness while providing intense moisture to treat damaged hair. It is infused with their Bond Building Technology.

It can help those with thermal damage, chemical damage, frizz, and it can even be used on curly hair for curl definition. Use 1-3 pumps and massage into freshly shampooed, towel-dried hair. The highly concentrated formula will fully absorb into the hair.

Work through the mid-lengths all the way to the ends of your hair and then leave it on for at least 10 minutes and rinse. This will give your hair a serious hydration kick and repair it from the inside out. Plus, if you have naturally curly hair, it will promote your natural curl.

Which Olaplex Products Do You Really Need?

You may be reading the reviews and think to yourself, “oh my god, I need them all!” and trust me, despite it being tempting, you don’t actually need them all. It really depends on the condition of your hair and how damaged it is.

If your hair is a little bit damaged but all in all not too bad, then getting no. 3, 4, and 5 are recommended. No.3 is the product that Olaplex is best known for; it can deeply nourish and repair dry and ends so your hair feels more resilient and stronger.

Pairing this with their shampoo and conditioner will leave your hair feeling healthy, stronger, shinier, and more manageable.

If you want to splurge on the styling products, then I would also suggest investing either in the No.6 or 7; if you go for the No.6, then pair it with your chosen heat protectant. What I love about olaplex is that you only need a dime-size amount or less, so it ages for a long time.

The best Olaplex products for curly hair are most of them, as they are all sulfate-free and only include water-soluble silicones which don’t buildup on hair. But their No.8 Moisture Mask works wonders for nourishing, repairing, and promoting the natural curl shape.

For extremely damaged hair, I would recommend the At-Home Repair treatment, which is using the No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment with the No.3 Hair Perfector. The No.0 primes the hair while the No.3 restores damage and keeps the hair damp so they can both work their magic.

Then investing in the 4 and 5 is recommended for damaged hair to help further repair broken bonds and promote healthy hair. But remember while the price may seem quite steep, a little goes a long way, and for most products, you need no more than a dime size. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here are some of the top frequently asked questions around Olaplex, in case I missed anything in the sections above before buying.

What happens if you leave Olaplex on too long?

Olaplex works best for up to 30-45 minutes and reaches its max efficiency at this time. This is because the hair will begin to dry, and it will become less effective, so it is best to rinse after this amount of time.

That being said, you can leave Olaplex on your head overnight; it won’t damage the hair. It just will have the same benefits as if you would have left it on for 30-45 minutes. Just don’t leave olaplex, no. 0 for too long as it said to damage your hair slightly.

Why is Olaplex so good?

Olaplex used a lot of scientific research in the creation of its products. They have completed multiple tests with ingredients to create the perfect formulation of ingredients that work to repair bonds in the hair follicles.

They use a main active ingredient, “Bis-Aminopropy Diglycol Dimaleate,” which works to repair the broken bonds in your hair and keep them intact and aligned, so you’re left with healthy, stronger, and soft hair.

How long does it take for Olaplex to work?

On average, you will start to notice a difference immediately after using Olaplex, but for extremely damaged hair, you might not notice too much of a difference until around three to four months after.

Many clients of mine come back a few months later after their appointment asking what I used on their hair as it makes noticeable differences even weeks after. It is why Olaplex has flooded the market because their products offer results that last!

Which Olaplex is best for curly hair?

You can use all Olaplex products on curly hair as they are sulfate-free and free of silicones. They do contain water-soluble silicones, which help lock in moisture, making all of the Olaplex products ideals for those with curly hair. They are also free of harsh chemicals.

But a personal favorite of mine is the Olaplex No. 8, which is the deeply hydrating, restorative mask. It works to repair, deeply nourish and hydrate strands. It is ideal for those with curly hair as it also helps promote the natural curl.

How much Olaplex should you add to bleach?

Olaplex no.1 can be added for color and lightener treatments to help repair the hair and protect the bonds from breaking after using bleach. However, it can increase developing time so use a higher volume to prevent this.

When mixing 1/2 ounce of bleach (1 scoop) with the developer, you should add 1/8 ounce (3.75ml) of Olaplex No.1.

How much do salons charge for olaplex treatment?

Olaplex treatment costs can vary depending on the amount of hair being treated and the salon you are going to. But on average Olaplex treatments tend to cost $55 and up if you are going to a professional salon, especially when having a chemical treatment.

Olaplex No.1 and 2 are only offered to Salons and not to the general public, so when you have an Olaplex treatment at the salon, then most likely they will use both of these products on your hair, especially for lightening services like foils and balayage.

 Are there any Olaplex dupes?

 Olaplex does not have any direct dupes but there are many brands that have created very similar products of Olaplex at a cheaper price point. These products will work to repair hair and contain similar ingredients to the original Olaplex. 

Not sure whether you want to make the splurge just yet and want to try out a few dupes before investing in the real thing? Well I have created a full guide of the best Olaplex dupes on the market for you to try! Some offer some serious benefits!

Summary

So there you have it, everything you need to know about Olaplex. Buying Olaplex products is very much an investment, but a little goes a long way, so it makes it worth it in the end! Plus, if you have fairly healthy hair, then choose no. 3, 4, and 5, they’re amazing!

Olaplex has revolutionized the hair industry and taken the world by storm. They are brilliant at repairing bonds and deeply strengthening the hair from the inside out. You will notice the difference after one use, but after a few months of using, that is when the permanent benefits will kick in! Want to know more about Olaplex? Check out my full Olaplex Review

Which one will you choose today?

jess rowley

Jess Rowley

Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert

ABOUT

Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.