Is Olaplex Really Worth Your Money?

Olaplex was founded in 2014, and over the last ten years, they have taken the world by storm. The company specializes in haircare products, including (but not limited to) shampoos, conditioners, hair oils and leave-in treatments.

There are many positives about Olaplex, such as their products being cruelty-free and suitable for all hair types. Despite this being accompanied by rave reviews and high popularity towards their range, there’s just one thing putting many people off from investing in their products – the price. With their shampoo and conditioner costing $30 each, it is obvious that achieving perfect hair is not cheap.

This article will break down their most popular products to help you decide if they are worth your money.

No. 4 Bond Maintenance™ Strengthening Hair Repair Shampoo & No. 5 Bond Maintenance™ Strengthening Hair Repair Conditioner

These two products are great for damaged hair, but not so great for any other hair type. While they both have properties which reduce dryness, damage and split ends, these products can be too intense for somebody without damaged hair.

As the formulas (especially the conditioner) are quite heavy, they can cause greasiness in finer hair types. The intense formulas have also been reported to cause scalp irritation and even hair loss by some consumers. So, for $30 each, steer clear unless your hair has severe damage. 

No. 6 Bond Smoother Frizz Control Styling Hair Cream

This is one of Olaplex’s best products. The product is a leave-in treatment that reduces frizz and minimizes the appearance of dead ends. It is best applied to damp, freshly washed hair from the mid-length to your ends. While it is going to cost you $30, only a very small amount of this product is needed to achieve its desired effect.

This means that the treatment should last you numerous months if you use it an average of 2-3 times a week. You can also use a small amount of cream to achieve a slicked-back style as it effectively glues down any flyaways.

No. 7 Bonding Frizz Reduction & Heat Protectant Hair Oil

This hair oil from Olaplex is also great at tackling frizzy hair. It can be applied on damp or dry hair, working well as a finishing touch after styling to ensure smoothness and shine.

This hair oil also works well when mixed with the No. 6 Bond Smoother to fight back any hair damage. The bottle also lasts long enough to justify its $30, as once again only a few drops are needed to achieve the look you want. Additionally, it also works as a good heat protector.

No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Hair Repair Treatment

This product aims to reduce hair breakage caused by broken disulfide bonds, which are often caused by color or bleach. It is designed to be applied on damp hair and left for 3-10 minutes before rinsing off in the shower. If you’re looking to repair your hair, this may be a good option for you.

However, results are not instant as the product repairs disulfide bonds in your hair over time. Therefore, you need to be patient to notice any improvement. Much like the shampoo and conditioner, this product is great, but only if you’re the right person for it. Only invest in this product if you are experiencing hair breakage.

No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

This is meant to be used alongside the No. 3 Hair Perfector. Users are advised to spray onto damp hair and leave it for 10 minutes, then this should be followed by the No. 3 Hair Perfector.

The spray allows the No. 3 Hair Perfector to penetrate deeper into your hair which will create better results. However as previously mentioned, unless you have broken hair, it is unlikely to be a necessary purchase. 

No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

If you want instant results, this product may be more your style. This hair mask should be used on clean damp hair for at least 10 minutes and only applied from your mid-lengths to ends.

While including bond-repairing properties found in the No.3 Hair Perfector, the No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is also highly moisturizing to help restore dry hair. People with colored or bleached hair are most likely to benefit from this product, as it will repair any dryness caused by the coloring or bleach.

This is a great product, but it is only necessary if you have dry hair. 

No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

This hair serum acts as a heat protectant to up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It also claims to give your hair style memory, which means your hair won’t fall flat after it has been styled.

This product should be applied to towel-dried hair. Overall, while it is an effective heat protector, for $30, you can find something that works just as well for a better price point.

Also, the No.7 Bonding Frizz Reduction & Heat Protectant Hair Oil provides heat protection while giving your hair other benefits. This heat protector is not a must.