I’ve Tried £226 Worth of Products From This Cult Hair Brand—These 8 Items Are in a League of Their Own
Ask any beauty editor or fashion insider what the best shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, or hair oil is, and I guarantee that someone will mention Olaplex. Yep, this haircare brand has reached cult status amongst the beauty community, and for good reason.
Founded in 2014, Olaplex suddenly burst onto the haircare scene thanks to its patented bond technology. It was one of the first brands to focus on bond building, and since launching a range of reparative products, many brands have followed suit.
I’ve tried almost every Olaplex product out there.
If you didn’t know, bleach, heat styling and brushing can break the bonds in your hair, and when this happens, your hair can start to look (and feel) dry and lackluster. Luckily, Olaplex’s special technology helps repair these bonds and strengthen your hair, restoring elasticity and giving your ends a new lease of life.
As a beauty editor who bleaches their hair regularly, I have used Olaplex products for years (I’ve tried over £200 worth of the stuff), and I know a thing or two when it comes to what products to invest in from the brand. So much so that I thought it was only right to round up my top picks for you to shop. So, if you want to know which Olaplex products are worth the cash, keep on scrolling…
I always go lighter in the spring and summer months, so I rely a lot on Olaplex products to help keep my hair healthy.
The Best Olaplex Products, Tried & Confirmed by a Beauty Editor
1. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave In Treatment
Olaplex
No.6 Bond Smoother Leave in Treatment
How to use: Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair before styling, concentrating on the ends.
Why it’s the best: First up is this leave-in treatment from the brand. Infused with Olaplex’s bond-building technology, this nourishing cream hydrates the ends of your hair and reduces the appearance of flyaways. You can apply it to damp or dry hair before styling, but I also like to pop it on at night and let it work its magic while I sleep.
Who What Wear editor review: “This doesn’t get as much hype as the brand’s hair mask or hair oil, but in my opinion, it’s the best Olaplex product that money can buy. The reason that I love it is that I can notice a difference straight away. I either apply to damp hair before styling or apply to dry hair as a nourishing treatment for my ends, and I immediately notice that my hair looks smoother and healthier. Plus, it smells like an expensive salon. One thing to note, a little goes a long way, so don’t feel like you have to apply a lot in order to get results,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Nourishes and smooths hair
- Instant results
- Smells expensive
Against
- Using a lot of this product could weigh down finer hair types
2. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil
Olaplex
No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil
How to use: Apply to damp or dry hair.
Why it’s the best: This is one of the brand’s most popular products, and for good reason. Not only does this oil hydrate the hair, but it also adds salon-worthy shine, reduces the appearance of split ends and protects the hair from heat. I like to think of it as magic in a bottle.
Who What Wear editor review: “I’ve tried a lot of hair oils over the years, and this is still a firm favourite in my collection. Like a lot of Olaplex products, a little bit of this goes a long way, and just a small amount adds the most beautiful shine. I always apply it to my ends, but I also like using this oil when I’m doing a slicked-back bun as it creates a smooth, sleek finish. It’s one of those products that has so many uses and I take it with me wherever I go,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Can be used on damp or dry hair
- Adds shine
- Protects the hair from heat
Against
- A little goes a long way, so be careful not to apply too much
3. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Hair Treatment
Olaplex
No. 3 Hair Perfector Hair Treatment
How to use: Apply to damp hair pre-shampoo, leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes and then rinse.
Why it’s the best: A firm favourite from the brand is the No.3 Hair Perfector. This pre-shampoo hair treatment is designed to hydrate and smooth the hair, while the brand’s bond-building technology works on making the hair stronger from the inside out. The brand recommends using this as a weekly treatment in order to get the best results, and to leave it on for a minimum of ten minutes before following with your shampoo and conditioner.
Who What Wear editor review: “When I first got my hands on this product, I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about, and then I realised I was using it all wrong. Once I realised that it was meant to be used on damp hair as a pre-shampoo treatment, I finally got the hype. I now use this once a week and my hair feels softer, smoother and more resilient,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Leaves hair feeling softer and smoother
- Strengthens hair from the inside out
Against
- Doesn’t last as long as other Olaplex products
- Can add on extra time to your hair wash routine
4. Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Weightless Oil-Absorption Detox Dry Shampoo
Olaplex
No.4D Clean Volume Weightless Oil-Absorption Detox Dry Shampoo
How to use: Spray onto roots and wait 30 seconds before massaging in.
Why it’s the best: This is a newer launch from the brand, and it does not disappoint. Like any dry shampoo, this product works to refresh your roots in between hair wash days, but Olaplex’s clever formula also works to boost volume and add a tousled effect.
Who What Wear editor review: “I only wash my hair once a week, so I rely on dry shampoo quite a lot to help refresh my roots. This is definitely one of the most lightweight options I’ve tried, and it leaves my roots feeling fresh and voluminous. Although it may seem powdery at first, when you massage it into the scalp, it completely disappears. One thing I will say is that this is probably best for second or third day hair, but when your hair really needs a wash, you may need a slightly stronger formula,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Leaves hair feeling fresh
- Adds subtle volume
- No powdery residue
Against
- Not as powerful as other dry shampoos I have tried
5. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Hair Conditioner
Olaplex
No. 5 Bond Maintenance Hair Conditioner
How to use: Apply after shampoo and leave on for three minutes.
Why it’s the best: Although the Olaplex shampoo is good, the conditioner is a cut above the rest. Designed with damaged hair in mind, this formula works to nourish hair and minimise the appearance of split ends and flyaways. Plus, it’s safe for colour-treated hair and will add a healthy-looking shine.
Who What Wear editor review: “I absolutely Olaplex products and think they’re all fantastic, but I prefer both the purple shampoo and the clarifying shampoo to the original Bond Maintenance. The conditioner, however, is really, really great. It offers lightweight hydration that is intensive enough to nourish and strengthen hair, but weightless enough so that it doesn’t weigh my very long, fine hair down,” says beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
For
- Nourishes hair
- Ads subtle shine
- Minimises the appearance of split ends
Against
- Doesn’t last as long as other Olaplex products
- Bottle can be a little bulky
6. Olaplex No.5 Leave In Moisturize & Mend Leave In Conditioner
Olaplex
No.5 Leave In Moisturize and Mend Leave In Conditioner
How to use: Apply to clean, damp hair before styling.
Why it’s the best: If conditioner isn’t enough, why not try a leave-in conditioner? What’s great about this Olaplex product is that it’s a super quick and easy option if you want to hydrate your ends but don’t have time for a hair mask or pre-shampoo treatment. Simply apply to clean, damp hair and watch your dry, brittle ends transform over time.
Who What Wear editor review: “I love how easy this Olaplex product is to slot into my routine. It leaves my ends feeling soft and shiny, and the fact that it protects against heat is a huge bonus. I’d been waiting for Olaplex to add a leave-in conditioner to its product lineup, and I’m so happy that I can now add this to my collection,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Easy to use
- Makes hair feel soft and smooth
Against
- Could weigh finer hair types down
7. Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask
Olaplex
No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask
How to use: Apply to damp hair after shampoo, leave for ten minutes and then rinse.
Why it’s the best: People love the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Hair Treatment, but in my opinion, this product is just as good. The deep conditioning treatment has been designed for all hair types and works to repair damage caused by things such as styling and brushing. Simply leave it in for ten minutes after shampooing your hair and say hello to smooth, nourished ends that feel healthy and manageable.
Who What Wear editor review: “Let’s face it, a hair mask can’t work miracles when it comes to hair damage, but what it can do is reduce the appearance of split ends and leave your hair feeling softer and smoother. This Olaplex mask does just that. I use this once a week when my hair is in need of a little TLC, and I always notice a difference in both the look and feel of my ends,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
For
- Easy to use
- Makes hair feel softer and smoother
Against
- If you have thicker hair, this product may not last as long
Shop More Olaplex Products
Olaplex
No. 4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening and Reparative Hair Shampoo
Complete your Olaplex hair care routine with the strengthening shampoo.
Olaplex
No.4p Blonde Hair Hydrating and Brightening Purple Toning Shampoo
If you have blonde hair, a purple shampoo is great for banishing brassy tones.
Olaplex
No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment for Deep Repair and Strengthening
This clever hair primer has the highest concentration of the brand’s bond-building technology and has been designed to boost the efficacy of the No.3 Hair Perfector.
Olaplex
No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
We included this in our roundup of best hair serums for a reason. It’s infused with the brand’s bond-building technology and protects against both pollution and heat.
Opening image: @michellerosedrumm
