Since its debut in 2014 with two salon-only products, Olaplex has revolutionised hair care by focusing on repairing hair from within during colouring processes. Its patented bond-building technology rebuilds disulphide bonds compromised by bleaching and dyeing, strengthening strands structurally rather than just coating them. As a beauty expert who first encountered Olaplex mid-appointment when a colourist suggested adding it to lightener, I have since tested nearly every launch. Here are the 11 Olaplex products that truly deliver on shine, strength, and long-term repair.
Top Olaplex Products for 2026
1. Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment
Best overall | 100ml | All hair types | Key technology: Bond-building (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) | Key ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, sodium PCA | Use: Pre-wash treatment (3 minutes)
This upgraded version of the cult No.3 treatment repairs damage both inside and on the hair surface while preventing future breakage. It combines the bond-building molecule with conditioning ingredients like shea butter and oils for softness and shine. In testing, its biggest strength is how easily it fits into a routine—working in just three minutes. On fine, colour-treated hair, it delivers immediate smoothness and shine, often eliminating the need for leave-in products. After a few weeks, breakage reduced noticeably, leaving hair stronger and healthier. At £32, it is expensive for a rinse-out treatment but highly effective.
2. Olaplex No.4 Fine Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Best for fine hair | 250ml | Fine hair | Key technology: Bond-building
A lighter version of the original No.4 shampoo, this formula offers bond-building benefits without heaviness. It lathers lightly and leaves hair feeling clean but never dry or stripped. On fine hair, it brightens colour and softens lengths without causing dullness. Ideal for daily or frequent use, it is a favourite for maintaining movement and shine.
3. Olaplex No.5 Fine Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Best conditioner for fine hair | 250ml | Fine hair | Key technology: Bond-building, hyaluronic acid
This conditioner strikes a balance between hydration and weightlessness. Hyaluronic acid draws in moisture, while the bond-building molecule strengthens. It makes detangling easier and leaves hair soft with natural volume. Applied sparingly to mid-lengths and ends, it avoids flattening fine hair. At £30, it is a worthwhile investment for fine, colour-treated strands.
4. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Leave-In Treatment
Best for smoothing frizz | 100ml | All hair types | Key technology: Bond-building
This leave-in treatment is exceptional for dry or frizz-prone hair. A small amount smooths lengths, tames flyaways, and cuts blow-dry time while delivering a salon-like finish. It also boosts definition for curly hair. Consistent use leaves ends healthier and less brittle. At £30, it is a standout product.
5. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Best lightweight oil | 30ml | All hair types | Provides heat protection up to 232°C
Fine hair often struggles with oils, but this bonding oil is lightweight yet nourishing. A few drops through damp hair add subtle shine and smoothness without greasiness. It strengthens and protects from heat, though a separate heat protectant may be needed for roots. At £28, it transforms dry ends effectively.
6. Olaplex No.4P Blonde Hair Hydrating and Brightening Purple Toning Shampoo
Best for cool blondes | 250ml | Blonde, lightened, or grey hair | Violet pigments
This purple shampoo neutralises brassiness with high-concentration violet pigments. It leaves colour looking fresher and brighter, with intensity adjustable by leave-in time. While ideal for ashier blondes, it can be messy due to the deep violet pigment. At £30, it is effective for maintaining cool tones.
7. Olaplex No.5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner
Best conditioner for cool blondes | 250ml | Blonde, lightened, or grey hair | Violet pigments, shea butter
The conditioning counterpart to the purple shampoo, this formula combines violet pigments with shea butter for hydration and shine. It softens and strengthens strands while brightening colour. Like the shampoo, it is best for cooler blonde tones and can be messy. At £30, it delivers on its promises.
8. Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
Best for strengthening | 155ml | All hair types | Use: First step with No.3
This pre-treatment primes hair for deeper restoration with the highest concentration of bond-building technology. Used with No.3, it reduces breakage and improves resilience. On its own, results are subtler. The nozzle design can make application uneven, but consistent use strengthens strands over time. At £28, it is a valuable addition for those seeking maximum repair.
9. Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Heat Protection and Frizz Reduction Nourishing Hair Serum
Best for heat protection | 90ml | All hair types | Heat protection up to 232°C
This serum protects against heat and environmental stressors like pollution, thanks to antioxidant-rich red algae extract. Its lightweight, jelly-like texture disappears without stickiness, leaving hair silky soft and shiny. It also smooths tangles and reduces static. At £30, it is a versatile product for urban lifestyles.
10. Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo
Best for deep cleanse | 250ml | All hair types | Sulphate-free, pH-balanced
This clarifying shampoo lifts product buildup, pollution, and hard water minerals without stripping hair. It lathers richly and leaves hair clean yet soft and bouncy. Used weekly, it enhances colour vibrancy. Overuse can cause dryness, but as directed, it is effective. At £30, it is a gentle deep-cleansing option.
11. Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask
Best hair mask for fine hair | 200ml | Fine to medium hair | Biomimetic Cuticle Technology, Volume Boost Complex
This weekly mask is lightweight yet hydrating, formulated for fine textures. It smooths cuticles with glycerine and adds body with shea butter and panthenol. While volume improvement is subtle, it leaves lengths silky soft and well-conditioned. At £39, it is a premium choice for fine hair needing nourishment without heaviness.
What is the best Olaplex product?
While Olaplex's range has expanded, not every product is essential. The No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment stands out as the best overall for its quick, effective results. For fine hair, the No.4 and No.5 Fine Bond Maintenance shampoo and conditioner are excellent daily staples, and the Bonding Oil adds shine without weight. Together, these products deliver stronger, healthier hair with a glossy finish.
How I tested Olaplex products
As a longtime fan, I tested Olaplex products over several years, including the new No.3 Plus for three weeks. My hair is fine, colour-treated, and prone to breakage. Each product was evaluated for repair, finish, ease of use, suitability for fine hair, buildup, and value. I focused on immediate and long-term improvements in softness, shine, strength, and condition.
Emma-Jade Stoddart is a beauty expert and former senior beauty writer at Grazia, with years of experience testing products. She scrutinised Olaplex's performance against cost to determine if they are worth the investment.
