By LP Skin Team 
In this article, we cover the key features, technology, and product guide for Olaplex, along with user reviews on its effectiveness. Our experts have analyzed Olaplex products and customer feedback to help you decide – is Olaplex worth buying or not?
Olaplex – General Information
Olaplex is a well-known haircare brand with a strong focus on repairing damaged hair using its bond-building technology. Each product is designed to restore broken disulfide bonds within the hair structure. These bonds are essential for hair strength and elasticity but can be damaged by external factors such as chemical treatments, heat styling, and environmental stressors.
Key Features of Olaplex
Bond-Building Technology – Olaplex products contain a patented active ingredient that targets and repairs broken disulfide bonds in the hair.
- Damage Repair – Designed to restore hair health and integrity, reducing breakage and improving the overall condition of the hair.
- Wide Product Range – Offers a variety of products tailored for different hair types and concerns, including shampoos, conditioners, masks, and styling treatments.
- Professional & At-Home Use – Available for both salon treatments and at-home haircare routines.
So, is Olaplex worth the hype? Keep reading to find out!
Key Technology
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate: This is the patented active ingredient in Olaplex products. It works by identifying and repairing broken disulfide bonds in the hair.
Bond-Building Technology: This technology focuses on rebuilding hair structure from within, improving its overall condition and appearance.
How Olaplex Works
A licensed cosmetologist explains the purpose of Olaplex, highlighting common misconceptions about the product and its potential side effects.
Hair strands consist of keratin chains, which are built from different types of bonds:
- Disulfide Bonds: Broken by excessive bleaching or perming.
- Salt Bonds: Weakened by pH imbalances, such as excessive chlorine exposure from swimming.
- Hydrogen Bonds: Damaged by too much moisture, like sleeping with wet hair.
Olaplex is specifically designed for damaged hair, particularly for repairing broken disulfide bonds after chemical bleaching or other treatments.
⚠️ It’s a powerful product but may not be suitable for everyone.
Olaplex Product Guide
| Product | Description | Benefits | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLAPLEX No.1 Bond Multiplier | Initiates bond repair during chemical treatments in salons. | Rebuilds disulfide bonds, essential for color and bleach mixtures, improves hair structure and strength. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.2 Bond Perfector | Complements No.1 by further repairing bonds. | Enhances hair structure & strength, improves color longevity, hydrates, smooths, adds shine & volume. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Vitamin C & E, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Emollients, Humectants |
| OLAPLEX 4-IN-1 Moisture Mask | Deeply hydrating salon treatment mask. | Moisturizes, nourishes, smooths, adds shine & volume, enhances salon repair treatments. | Blend of oils, 11 amino acids, ceramides, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment | First step in at-home hair repair, strengthens and protects hair structure. | Repairs 68% more damage when used with No.3. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector | Second step in at-home care, applied on damp hair before shampooing. | Strengthens and repairs damaged hair, improves elasticity & texture. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo | Gentle cleanser with patented bond-repair technology. | Hydrates, smooths, strengthens all hair types. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo | Purple shampoo for blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair. | Neutralizes yellow & brassy tones while repairing hair. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner | Deeply hydrates & strengthens hair. | Repairs hair’s internal structure, nourishes with natural oils & extracts. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Natural Oils & Extracts |
| OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother | Leave-in smoothing cream to reduce frizz. | Strengthens, hydrates, smooths, controls frizz for up to 72 hours. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil | Lightweight repair & shine oil. | Adds shine, smoothness, and heat protection. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
| OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask | 4-in-1 reparative mask with patented bond-building technology. | Deeply hydrates, strengthens, and repairs hair. | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate |
Whether you’re repairing damaged hair from bleaching, heat styling, or environmental stressors, Olaplex offers both salon-grade and at-home treatments to keep your hair strong, smooth, and healthy.
Olaplex Reviews
No. 3 Hair Perfector – Reviews
- Effectiveness: Significantly improves hair strength and texture. Hair becomes less prone to breakage, shinier, and holds curls better.
- Controversy: Previously contained lilial, a fragrance ingredient recently banned in the EU, but Olaplex has since removed it from the formula.
No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo & No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner – Reviews
- Effectiveness: Leaves hair smooth and soft without making it greasy. A small amount goes a long way. Works best when paired with No. 3, making hair soft, sleek, and easy to style.
- Controversy: Contains silicones, which may cause buildup and hair breakage over time. It’s recommended to rotate with a sulfate-based shampoo occasionally to prevent buildup.
No. 6 Bond Smoother & No. 7 Bonding Oil – Reviews
- Effectiveness: Excellent for smoothing and heat protection. Lightweight, doesn’t make hair greasy, eliminates frizz, and shields hair from heat styling. Works best when used sparingly.
- Controversy: Contains dimethicone. New pump packaging is more convenient.
No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask – Reviews
- Effectiveness: One of the best deep conditioners available. Leaves hair feeling like a salon treatment.
No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo – Reviews
- Effectiveness: The best purple shampoo for neutralizing brassiness without drying out the hair.
Olaplex Negative Reviews & Doctors’ Comments
There have been numerous reports of hair damage associated with Olaplex, including dryness, brittleness, and even hair loss. Many users have experienced these issues after prolonged use of Olaplex products. Here’s why it happens and what can be done:
Issues with Overuse
Overusing Olaplex can have negative effects. While the product helps strengthen keratin and rebuild hair bonds, leaving it on for too long can lead to dryness and brittleness.
Expert Comment: “If you use it too often, it can have the opposite effect. Leaving it on overnight or for extended periods can actually weaken the hair instead of strengthening it.”
Irritation from Fragrances
Some users experience a dry, itchy scalp due to fragrances in the product.
Expert Comment: “There are certain fragrances in the product that may cause a very dry, itchy scalp in some individuals.”
Recommendations:
- Follow Instructions – Always use Olaplex as directed and leave it on for only the recommended time. “Always follow the instructions and keep it on for the suggested duration.”
- Avoid Fragrances – If you experience irritation, switch to fragrance-free products. “If you have irritation, stop using fragranced products.”
Proper usage is key to preventing hair damage while using Olaplex.
Olaplex: How to Use It Properly
To avoid common mistakes when using Olaplex, especially No. 3 Hair Perfector, it’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully.
- Olaplex No. 3 should be applied 2-3 times per week before shampooing—it is not a leave-in product for long durations.
- Apply a generous amount to damp, towel-dried hair, distributing it evenly and combing through.
- Leave the product on for at least 10-20 minutes. If your hair is severely damaged, you can extend the treatment time.
- Rinse it out thoroughly, wash your hair with shampoo, and follow up with your favorite conditioner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Olaplex
- Incorrect use of Olaplex can lead to hair breakage.
- Olaplex No. 3 should be used 2-3 times a week before shampooing, not as a leave-in treatment.
Why Improper Use Can Cause Problems
- Leaving Olaplex No. 3 on the hair for too long can cause product buildup, leading to increased brittleness.
- Olaplex has not tested the safety of leaving the product on for several hours or overnight.
- Many users have reported hair breakage due to improper use.
Important Reminder: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is NOT a conditioner.
Olaplex Before & After Results
With proper use, Olaplex can transform damaged hair, restoring strength, elasticity, and shine.
Conclusion
User reviews are mostly positive, confirming Olaplex’s effectiveness in improving the health and appearance of hair. For those with hair damaged by chemical treatments or heat styling, Olaplex can be a valuable addition to a haircare routine.
However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and monitor your hair’s response to the products. For the best results, consulting a trichologist can help determine the right Olaplex products for your specific hair type and needs. This way, you can maximize the benefits of Olaplex and enjoy healthier, more beautiful hair.