Olaplex, the brand that turned a salon secret into a global haircare phenomenon, has reformulated its flagship No.3 Hair Perfector. Now called the No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, it marks a decade since the original treatment was first launched. According to the brand, the new formula delivers three times stronger, softer and healthier hair.
Like its predecessor, the No.3 Plus targets damage caused by chemicals or heat and works across all hair types. The key change is the reduced treatment time: users need only leave it on for three minutes, rather than the original ten. The product remains a pre-shampoo treatment, applied to damp hair before washing.
A beauty writer tested the reformulation in the care of hair stylist and Olaplex ambassador Samantha Cusick at her Fitzrovia salon. With thin, coloured, frizz-prone hair, the reviewer had the treatment applied for three minutes, followed by Olaplex shampoo and conditioner. She then used it at home to assess application, results and value.
The new formula introduces 'damage defence cationic complex', a technology that targets cuticle repair by sealing the hair’s outer layer. This locks in moisture, boosts shine and reduces frizz, while the original bond-building ingredients remain to work from within. The treatment also includes natural oils, botanical extracts such as avocado and sunflower oil, and thickening agents.
The reviewer found the shorter treatment time made her more likely to use it three times a week as recommended. She noted that the visible benefits – softness and nourishment – were comparable to the original, with the added convenience of a quick routine.
