Photo credit: www.whowhatwear.com
It’s no surprise that beauty editors and industry professionals frequently mention Olaplex when discussing top haircare products. Since its inception in 2014, the brand has built a dedicated following in the beauty world, largely due to its innovative bond-building technology.
This groundbreaking approach focuses on repairing the hair’s internal structure, a method that has set a new standard in the industry. With a diverse range of reparative products, Olaplex has influenced other brands to explore similar formulations.
As someone who has extensively tested nearly every Olaplex product, I can share firsthand insights into which ones stand out.
Common hair care practices, such as bleaching, styling with heat, and excessive brushing, can severely damage the hair’s bonds, leading to dryness and lackluster appearance. Fortunately, Olaplex’s unique technology effectively helps to restore these bonds, improving hair elasticity and overall health.
As a beauty editor who regularly uses bleach on my hair and has invested over £200 in Olaplex products, I’ve narrowed down the top selections that are truly worth it. For those curious about which Olaplex items deliver the best results, here’s my curated list.
Top Olaplex Products, Tested and Approved by a Beauty Editor
1. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave In Treatment
How to use: Apply a small amount to damp or dry hair before styling, focusing on the ends.
Why it stands out: This leave-in treatment utilizes Olaplex’s bond-building technology to deeply hydrate hair ends, minimizing flyaways. It’s effective whether applied to damp or dry hair, and many users, including myself, find it beneficial to apply it at night for maximum absorption.
Editor review: “While it often takes a back seat to the brand’s more famous treatments, I find this product to be Olaplex’s best kept secret. I see immediate improvements in hair smoothness and health upon using it, especially when I apply it to dry hair as a nourishing treatment,” comments junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Nourishes and smooths hair
- Immediate results
- Luxurious scent
Cons
- May weigh down finer hair types if too much is used
2. Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil
How to use: Apply to damp or dry hair as desired.
Why it stands out: This popular oil not only hydrates but also imparts a beautiful shine, reduces split ends, and protects against heat damage. It acts almost like magic in a bottle, transforming hair instantly.
Editor review: “Having tried numerous hair oils, this one remains a staple in my routine. Just a drop adds significant shine and helps achieve a sleek finish, especially when styling my hair in a bun,” shares junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Usable on both damp and dry hair
- Boosts shine
- Heat protection
Cons
- Care should be taken not to over-apply, as it can lead to greasiness
3. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Hair Treatment
How to use: Apply to damp hair before shampooing, leave for at least ten minutes, and then rinse out.
Why it stands out: This treatment is a household name for good reason; it hydrates, smooths, and strengthens hair from the root to tip when used weekly as part of your routine.
Editor review: “Initially, I didn’t understand the buzz around this treatment until I began using it correctly. Now I use it weekly, and it has significantly improved my hair’s health, leaving it soft and resilient,” remarks junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Enhances softness and smoothness
- Strengthens hair from within
Cons
- Can add time to your hair-washing routine
- Requires regular use for best results
4. Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Weightless Oil-Absorption Detox Dry Shampoo
How to use: Spray onto roots and let it sit for 30 seconds before massaging into the scalp.
Why it stands out: This new addition to Olaplex’s lineup effectively refreshes roots while enhancing volume and texture without the usual residue associated with dry shampoos.
Editor review: “I rely on dry shampoo as I wash my hair only weekly, and this product does not disappoint. It’s lightweight yet effective at imparting volume and freshness,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Lightweight with no powdery residue
- Boosts volume
Cons
- May not suffice for overly greasy hair
5. Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Hair Conditioner
How to use: Apply after shampooing and leave in for three minutes.
Why it stands out: This conditioner is specifically designed to nurture and protect damaged hair, minimizing split ends and promoting shine, even for color-treated locks.
Editor review: “While I appreciate the entire Olaplex range, the conditioner truly shines. It delivers deep hydration while remaining lightweight enough for fine hair,” explains beauty director, Shannon Lawlor.
Pros
- Nourishes and adds shine
- Minimizes split ends
Cons
- Can feel bulky in the shower
6. Olaplex No.5 Leave In Moisturize & Mend Leave In Conditioner
How to use: Apply to clean, damp hair before styling.
Why it stands out: This leave-in conditioner offers a quick solution for hydrating and softening hair, especially convenient for those pressed for time.
Editor review: “This product makes my routine seamless and effective; it rejuvenates my ends with minimal effort and provides heat protection,” shares junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Convenient and easy to use
- Softens and smooths hair
Cons
- May weigh down finer hair types
7. Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask
How to use: After shampooing, apply to damp hair and leave on for ten minutes before rinsing.
Why it stands out: Although many rave about the No.3 treatment, this moisture mask is equally impressive, addressing damage from styling and daily wear effectively within a short period.
Editor review: “While no hair mask can entirely reverse damage, this product does remarkably reduce the appearance of split ends and enhances overall manageability,” says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay.
Pros
- Enhances softness and manageability
- Streamlined application process
Cons
- May not retain effectiveness as long for thicker hair types
Explore More Olaplex Options
Complete your Olaplex regimen with their Bond Maintenance Shampoo designed to fortify and repair.
This purple shampoo is particularly advantageous for those with blonde hair, helping to eliminate brassy tones.
This intensive primer is the most concentrated product of its kind, designed to enhance the efficacy of the No.3 Hair Perfector.
This serum serves as a fantastic addition to any hair regimen, infusing the hair with bond-building technology, while shielding it from environmental stressors and heat.
Source
www.whowhatwear.com