Which Olaplex product is right for me?

Since there are 9 different products in the Olaplex line, you’re probably wondering which ones make the most sense for your hair. I am going to break down what each product does and what hair issues each is meant to remedy!

Something to note: A lot of these were meant to use in tandem with the other products in the line, which is why they sell them in bundles as well.

Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment

Olaplex No. 0 is meant to “prime” your hair to absorb the benefits from the nourishing hair products in the Olaplex line to give it the best chance at repair. It is most often used in tandem with Olaplex No. 3 and clearly is not really meant to be a stand alone product since it’s more of a primer! I’m sure Olaplex No. 3 works without it, but likely it works better and faster along with it.

It is meant to be used 1x per week but the website says you can up that to 2-3x per week for really damaged hair. You are supposed to apply it to dry hair and fully saturate it with the product.

Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier

Olaplex No. 1 is basically Olaplex No. 0 on steroids but it’s meant for, and only sold to, hair salons! They use it when coloring or chemically treating their clients hair to lessen the damage. So it’s not really a product the average consumer is going to buy!

Olaplex No. 2 Bond Perfector

Olaplex No. 2 is meant to be used as a system with Olaplex No. 1 in the salon setting. Your stylist would apply it after shampooing and it’s meant to pick up the slack for any bonds that did not get repaired prior to shampooing. So again, not something we as a regular consumer would be purchasing.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

If you’re going to buy one product from this line, then this would probably be it! It does work best when paired with Olaplex No. 0 but you could just use it on it’s own to help repair the bonds in your hair and reverse the damage! It just may not work quite as well, but it’s better than nothing! This product is the one that I will be sharing the most dupes for!

It is meant to be used 1x per week but the website says you can up that to 2-3x per week for really damaged hair. You are supposed to apply it to damp hair from roots to end. (You can use water or if you buy Olaplex No. 0 you can use that to dampen your hair as the first step.)

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Well of course there is a shampoo! And it’s probably (ok definitely) way better than your drugstore shampoo. It is safe (and recommended!) to use on color treated hair too. But it’s just another added layer of protection and repair for your hair, especially if you wash your hair often! It’s often sold in tandem with Olaplex No. 5

This is for all hair types but especially for oily hair. You can use it daily (or as often as you wash your hair).

Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

I am the type of girl that would continue to abuse my super damaging purple shampoo (only blondes understand this one LOL!) and then rationalize it by following up with this bond restoring conditioner! But for real if you’re pinching pennies and trying to choose between the shampoo or the conditioner I would go for the conditioner! I’m sure the results from using both are amazing though!

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Creme

This is basically a leave-in conditioner that’s meant to last about 72 hours for taming frizz and giving your hair an overall smoother appearance while working to strengthen it as well. You just apply it about midway down your hair to the ends and you can use it as needed or even as often as after every hair wash!

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil

This lightweight hair oil strengthens your hair, while making it more shiny and vibrant, AND serves as a heat protectant as well! It seems to really do it all, and may be a smart choice if you use a blow dryer or other hot styling tools on your hair regularly.

You can apply it to wet or dry hair and all you need are a few drops. Can be used daily!

Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

A hair mask that is going to make your hair look shiny and healthy while also helping to repair it. According to the Olaplex website this product works really well in tandem with Olaplex No.0 and No.3.

You apply it to damp hair from mid way down to the ends, then leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse it out. They recommend applying it about once per week.