Is Olaplex worth it? We tested their top haircare products to find out how well they tame the frizz

Olaplex products

by Akhila Thomas |
Updated on

If you colour your hair you may have been recommended Olaplex products by a friend or hairdresser. When the brand first launched it was hailed by top salons and stylists for its miracle hair repair treatment. It claims to repair the broken bonds in damaged hair from within giving you stronger and healthy looking locks.
However, these products aren't cheap so before you part with any cash we've put Olaplex to the test to answer the question– Is Olaplex really worth it?

What is Olaplex?

The haircare brand took shape in 2014 as a small California-born label and what catapulted the haircare range to fame was the patented Olaplex bond-building technology and their use of Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - a single molecule, that penetrates hair to repair broken bonds and make your hair stronger and healthier. This works as an active ingredient in every one of their products, which leads to fast visible results like smoother and shinier hair along with gradual improvement of scalp and hair health.

What does Olaplex do?

Olaplex products are known for their quick and effective results by making hair look shinier, glossier and smoother after just one use. Their products also address specific concerns like repairing damaged hairand split ends, nourishing and defining curls, enhancing the appearance of coloured hair and making dull hair shinier and smoother.

What Olaplex product do I need?

These premium haircare products come with a price tag to match, so it is worth knowing what kind of products would work best for your hair type before buying a bunch to test them out. Equipped with technology and ingredients that are sure to work for specific hair concerns, you can choose from products that are listed accordingly on the Olaplex website.

If you do have curly hair, coloured hair or heat-damaged hair, it is worth exploring those sections in detail as those products might be more effective than their regular range. They also offer kits with several products to try, if you are not yet decided on which ones to add to your haircare routine. They also offer jumbo/value sizes of your favorite products to save you the hassle and expense of purchasing them repeatedly. However, if you are looking to improve the overall health of your hair, the range of Olaplex shampoos and conditioners might be a good place to start.

How we tested these Olaplex products

Olaplex products are known for quick results, how effectively they work to make hair smoother, softer and shinier as well as how they help to improve hair and scalp health over time. So these are the factors that were taken into consideration when a set of Olaplex products were tested and reviewed by two of our team – Ella Croft, SEO Content Strategist and Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk. Fragrance, how long it lasted, how effectively they helped in styling different types of hair and value for money are some of the other aspects that were considered while testing them.

Best Olaplex products

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance ShampooElla Croft

The Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is a product targeted at strengthening and repairing damaged hair that has been exposed to colouring, chemical treatments and heat styling. It claims to add moisture and nourish hair while making it more manageable, soft and visibly strong to prevent breakage. It is also vegan. 

The Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo was tested and reviewed by Ella Croft, SEO Content Strategist at Bauer Media and she said, “This shampoo smells lovely and my hair felt clean and lightweight for days afterwards. However, just after washing it out it did feel a bit too squeaky clean for my liking, it was hard to rake my hands through my hair.

“After a few weeks of use my hair did start to feel weighed down from product build up, and the results weren't as good as when I first started to use it. So, I took a break from using it and used a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the build-up - I then resumed with the Olaplex shampoo and I achieved good results once again. This might not happen for all hair types, but for wavy and low-porosity hair like mine, I recommend using a clarifying shampoo every few washes to reduce product build-up.”

Overall, it is recommended for those who wish to achieve a good wash, light, bouncy and soft hair afterwards. But as everyone’s hair is different, you may have to figure out how often to use the product for the best results.

Pros

  • Adds moisture to hair making it light, manageable, soft and visibly strong
  • Cleans the scalp and hair very well
  • Has a pleasant smell

Cons

  • Some may need to take a break in between and figure out how often to use the product for the best results

Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance ConditionerElla Croft

The Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is the perfect accompaniment to go with the shampoo and finish your hair wash by nourishing and hydrating your hair while also helping to reduce visible damage, split ends and flyaways. Ella Croft, SEO Content Strategist at Bauer Media tested and reviewed this conditioner and she said, “With this conditioner, a little goes a long way. I can feel that it really penetrates my hair rather than just sitting on top, which some conditioners do. It makes my hair feel soft but also strong.”

“However, similar to the shampoo, after a few weeks, the results weren't as nice as the first couple of washes because my hair started to feel weighed down by product build-up. So, I would keep this in mind before buying,” she added.

Pros

  • Hydrates and nourishes your hair
  • Reduces visible damage, split ends and flyaways
  • Really penetrates the hair rather than just sitting on top

Cons

  • Some may have to take a break in between to prevent product build-up

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave In TreatmentAkhila Thomas

The Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave In Treatment is a product that can be used on towel dried hair after your shower to minimize frizz, protect your hair against styling damage and nourishe it. This was tested and reviewed by Ella Croft, SEO Content Strategist at Bauer Media and she said, “I used this bond smoother by mixing a pea size amount with a drop or two of the bonding oil and it really helped clump my curls together and made them easier to style.”

“It smooths my hair down, and you only need a small amount. Using too much, however, weighed down my fine hair. I did unfortunately experience product build up with this product too, so a clarifying shampoo may be needed every so often to combat this.”

This product was also tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “I used this product on long, curly hair that is fine and tends to run dry. I used 2 pumps and worked my way from the roots, through the length of my hair. Although it did not hold my curls as well as a curling cream would, it helped to reduce the frizz and make my curls look smoother and shinier.”

“This product alone gave my curls some definition when it dried, although it did not last more than one day. But if you follow it up with other styling products, you will be able to achieve long lasting styling while also making sure your hair is hydrated and smooth.”

Pros

  •  A small amount is enough to style 
  • Helped to reduce frizz and make curls look more defined, smoother and shinier

Cons

  • Some may experience build up with the product
  • Does not holds curls as well or long as a curling cream would

OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding OilElla Croft
Price: £30.00
Alternative retailers
Walmart$20.00View offer
FragranceNet.com$25.19View offer
REVOLVE$30.00View offer
Newegg$38.00View offer

The Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil promises to repair, strengthen and protect damaged hair while also restoring healthy appearance and texture. The oil was tested and reviewed by Ella Croft, SEO Content Strategist at Bauer Media and she said, “I used this oil by adding a drop or two to the bond smoother, and smoothed over my towel dry hair. It really helped smooth down my frizz and gave my hair some much-needed moisture, along with a lovely, healthy shine.”

“You only need a very small amount, using too much made my hair look weighed down and greasy. Like with No.4, No.5, and No.6, I did experience product build-up, which weighed down my hair. Those with similar hair types – low porosity, fine hair - may need to clarify their hair semi-regularly to combat this.”

The oil was also tested by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “With longer, curly hair that reaches a little past the middle of my back which also has higher porosity and is prone to frizz, this oil works brilliantly as a product that can be used in between washes to smooth down flyaways, reduce frizz make hair look smoother, softer and shinier. Don’t let the small bottle fool you into thinking that you will have to restock often as a couple of drops are enough to make the entire length of your hair smell divine and look much smoother.”

Pros

  • Helps to add moisture, smooth frizz and make hair look shinier
  • Only a few drops are enough to get the desired effect

Cons

  • May cause product build-up on low porosity, fine hair
  • Using too much can make hair look weighed down and greasy

OLAPLEX No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture MaskAkhila Thomas
Price: £30.00
Alternative retailers
Sephora$30.00View offer
ASOS$30.00View offer
PrettyLittleThing US$13.25View offer
Walmart$21.99View offer

The Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask can be added to your hair wash routine as a step that will get your hair shining, smooth and frizz-free in 10 minutes. Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk tested and reviewed this product and she said, “I use the Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask after shampooing on clean hair by applying it through the length of my hair, much like a conditioner. I leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it out and results are much like that of a very good conditioner. It makes my usually dry and frizzy hair feel smooth and shiny and the effects last even once the hair dries without any other styling or products.”

“Just a few washes in, I can see that it is improving the texture of my hair, making it less prone to frizz and it feels much softer. As an additional product, it comes for the same price as the conditioner, making it a bit expensive. But it definitely works better than a regular conditioner as the results last longer. Only a small amount of product is required, I use just 2-3 pumps for my hair that reaches the middle of my back,” she added.

Pros

  • Need to leave in only for 10 minutes for shining, smooth and frizz-free hair
  • Long lasting effects compared to that of a regular conditioner

Cons

  • Bit expensive given that it is marked at the same price as the conditioner

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Hair SerumAkhila Thomas
Price: £30.00
Alternative retailers
Sephora$30.00View offer
ASOS$30.00View offer
PrettyLittleThing US$13.25View offer
JCPenney$30.00View offer

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Hair Serum functions as a good after-wash treatment prior to any styling. It is free of silicone, paraben and formaldehyde making it a safe choice as a leave-in treatment. The serum protects your hair against pollution, styling products and devices. With its antioxidant-rich formula that also contains Red Algae Extract, it helps to detangle hair without damage, leaving it with a velvety shine. It also offers heat protection up to 450°F / 230°C. 

The Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Hair Serum was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “I mainly use it as the first product I apply on damp hair after a wash. It helps to smooth frizz, improve shine and detangle without breakage which is very crucial for curly or long hair. Sometimes I follow it up with a curling cream or the Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave In Treatment to style my hair and I find that it helps the styling product to hold on stronger and for longer.

“While it does seem to improve the overall texture of my hair and make it smoother, I am not sure it delivers fully on the style memory and bounceback effect that is advertised. The curling and styling usually depends more on the curling cream I use and I did not find that it particularly improves curl structure or bounce,” she added.

Pros

  • Works as a good after-wash treatment prior to any styling
  • Free of silicone, paraben and formaldehyde
  • Antioxidant-rich formula that also contains Red Algae Extract
  • Helps to smooth frizz, improve shine and detangle without breakage

Cons

  • Reviewer found that it does not fully deliver on style memory and bounceback effect as advertised

Olaplex products that we're currently testing

Olaplex No. 3 Hair PerfectorAkhila Thomas

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a pre-shampoo treatment that helps to visibly restore dry and damaged hair. It is recommended to comb product through damp hair, allow it sit for 10 minutes, and then follow with your usual wash routine. The formula helps to hydrate, smooth and strengthen hair.

While it is normally enough to use it once a week, you can use it up to 2-3 times per week for very damaged hair. Several reviewers have shared that this has become an all-important part of their hair care routine to protect, heal and strengthen their damaged hair. “I feel like it’s made a massive difference to the texture of my hair as it’s less frizzy and dry now,” one reviewer added.

Pros

  • It helps to visibly restore dry and damaged hair
  • Formula helps to hydrate, smooth and strengthen hair

Cons

  • Some reviewers shared that the product is quite strong, so it might be better to start off slow with small quantities and occasional use

Olaplex No. 4 P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Price: £30.00
Alternative retailers
Sephora$30.00View offer
ASOS$30.00View offer
Ulta$30.00View offer
Kohl's$30.00View offer

The Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo is a must-have product if you are looking to improve the texture of coloured or greying hair. The formula is designed to enhance the appearance, brighten and strengthen colour treated and greying hair which tends to look drier and brassier over time. The shampoo specialises in cleaning without stripping hair of moisture and it is sulphate free and PH balanced making it a gentle and safe option. So, this toning shampoo coupled with the same conditioner can make the perfect pair if you wish to give those greying strands a silver sheen.

Pros

  • Suitable for improving the texture and brightness of coloured or greying hair
  • Helps to enhance the appearance, brighten and strengthen hair
  • Sulphate free and PH balanced formula

Cons

  • Some reviewers mentioned that it could stain your palms and recommended to use gloves if possible 

FAQs

Is Olaplex good for your hair?

As a brand Olaplex offers products for a range of hair concerns. If you are struggling with dry, lifeless and frizzy hair, then Olaplex products such as the serum, oil and leave-in conditioner are sure to transform the appearance and texture of your hair. However for more targetted concerns like repairing damaged or maintaining coloured hair, there are specialised products too.

Is Olaplex good for curly hair?

As someone with long, curly hair, I can share that Olaplex products are definitely good for reducing frizz, flyaways and dryness that curls are so prone to. Having tried and tested all their products in the Curl Support range, the No.6 Bond Smoother Leave In Treatment is probably my favourite as it helps to lock in moisture and smooth out frizz while also acting as a styling cream that can hold your curls to an extent on those days when you want to give your hair a break from heavy curling creams. The No. 9 Bond Protector Hair Serum serves to hydrate, improve the texture and add a shine to your curls after showering while the No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask does the same, but as a more intense treatment to keep your curls nourished and healthy.

Is Olaplex sulphate free?

Most of their products are vegan, cruelty-free and sulphate-free which makes them safe and ethical for long term use.

Does Olaplex work?

Since everyone’s hair is different, products work differently on each person’s hair. This is why it is important to choose products depending on your hair type. But judging from the range of products we have tried, we found that most of these products work well on fine hair that is prone to becoming dry and frizzy. From our experience, the Olaplex range is also great for restoring shine and smoothness to a wide range of hair types.

Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.

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