Olaplex No.0 to No.9: Full Comparison & Best Picks

Olaplex No.0 to No.9: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Hair Repair Treatment

When it comes to hair repair, few names are as iconic as Olaplex. Over the years, this brand has become the go-to solution for anyone dealing with damaged hair, whether from bleach, heat styling, or just general wear and tear. But with Olaplex No.0 to No.9, figuring out which product is actually right for you can feel a bit overwhelming. Does every step in the lineup serve a unique purpose, or are some just marketing hype?

Let’s break it all down, one product at a time, so you can decide which Olaplex treatment fits your hair needs best.

What is Olaplex? Understanding the Science Behind Bond-Building Haircare

Olaplex isn’t just another deep conditioner or protein mask—it’s a bond-building treatment that works on a molecular level to repair broken disulfide bonds in the hair. These bonds are what keep strands strong, smooth, and healthy, but they break down over time due to heat damage, coloring, chemical treatments, and even daily styling.

What makes Olaplex unique? Unlike traditional hair strengthening treatments, which coat the strands with proteins or silicones to create the illusion of healthier hair, Olaplex actually rebuilds the structure from within. That’s why people swear by it—not just for an instant fix, but for long-term hair health.

But here’s the tricky part: not all Olaplex products do the same thing. Some are meant for professional salon use, while others are designed for at-home maintenance. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether you need Olaplex No.0, No.3, or No.8, you’re in the right place to get that answer.

Olaplex No.0 to No.9 – What’s the Difference?

To make things simple, the Olaplex range can be divided into three main categories:

• Professional-Only Treatments (No.1 & No.2) – Used in salons during coloring and chemical processes.
• At-Home Repair & Maintenance (No.0, No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7, No.8, No.9) – Products you can use regularly to maintain healthy hair.

Let’s go step by step and compare each one.

Olaplex No.0: Intensive Bond Building Treatment

If you’ve ever used Olaplex No.3, you’ve probably seen No.0 recommended as a “booster.” But what exactly does it do?

Olaplex No.0 is a highly concentrated priming treatment that prepares the hair for No.3, helping it penetrate deeper and work more effectively (it makes the next step much more powerful).

How to use it?

• Apply No.0 to dry hair, saturating it from root to tip.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes (don’t rinse).
• Apply Olaplex No.3 directly on top of No.0 and leave for another 10–30 minutes before rinsing.

Personal Take

Honestly, No.0 can feel a bit unnecessary if you’re already using No.3. While it does enhance the results, the difference isn’t always dramatic—especially if your hair isn’t severely damaged. But if you’ve got bleached, over-processed hair, this extra step might be worth the effort.

Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

30$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No.1 & No.2: Professional-Only Bond Repair (Salon Use)

These two are not for at-home use, but they’re the foundation of what makes Olaplex such a game-changer.

• Olaplex No.1 (Bond Multiplier) is mixed directly into bleach, hair dye, or chemical treatments to prevent damage before it happens.
• Olaplex No.2 (Bond Perfector) is applied after the chemical process to continue repairing and strengthening the hair.

You won’t find these in a regular store, but if you’ve had your hair colored in a salon using Olaplex treatment, you’ve already benefited from them.

Olaplex No.3: The Most Popular for At-Home Hair Repair

Ask any haircare expert, and they’ll tell you: Olaplex No.3 is the top product. It’s the one product from this range that nearly everyone can benefit from, regardless of hair type.

What does it do?

• Repairs broken bonds, improving hair strength and elasticity.
• Works for all hair types—fine, thick, curly, straight, you name it.
• Helps reverse damage from heat, coloring, and everyday stress.

How to use it?

• Apply to damp, towel-dried hair.
• Leave on for at least 10 minutes (but let’s be honest, the longer, the better).
• Rinse, shampoo, and condition as usual.

Personal Take

No.3 is one of those must-have products, especially if you regularly bleach or heat-style your hair. The only downside? The bottle is tiny, so if you have long hair, you’ll probably go through it fast.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Repairing Hair Treatment

30$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No.4 & No.5: Bond Maintenance Shampoo & Conditioner

These are the daily maintenance products of the Olaplex lineup. Unlike standard shampoos and conditioners, No.4 and No.5 contain the same bond-repairing technology as the treatments, but in a milder, everyday-friendly formula.

Why are they different?

• No.4 (Shampoo) is sulfate-free, but still gives a rich, foamy lather (which is rare for a non-sulfate formula).
• No.5 (Conditioner) is super hydrating without making the hair feel greasy or weighed down.
• Both help reduce frizz, improve elasticity, and prevent future damage.

How to use?

• Shampoo as usual with No.4, focusing on the scalp.
• Follow with No.5, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Personal Take

While they’re great for damaged, colored, or chemically treated hair, they might be too heavy for super fine hair. But if your hair is feeling dry, brittle, or overprocessed, this duo is a solid investment.

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

32$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

32$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No.6: Leave-In Smoother for Frizz Control

If you struggle with frizz, dryness, or unruly hair, Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother might be great investment for your hair. Unlike traditional leave-in conditioners, this highly concentrated cream not only moisturizes but also strengthens and protects the hair.

What makes it special?

• Instant frizz control for up to 72 hours (yes, really).
• Helps smooth and define curls, but won’t weigh down straight or fine hair.
• Works as a heat protectant, preventing further damage.

How to use it?

• Apply a pea-sized amount (a little goes a long way) to damp or dry hair.
• Focus on mid-lengths and ends—avoid the roots if your hair tends to get greasy.
• Style as usual (blow-dry, air-dry, or straighten).

Personal Take

This one is a life-saver for frizzy hair. If you ever feel like humidity completely ruins your blowout, No.6 locks everything in place without making hair stiff or crunchy. But, if your hair is very fine, it’s easy to overdo it—so start with the tiniest amount possible.

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother

30$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No.7: Bonding Oil for Shine & Protection

Heat styling, UV rays, and pollution can all slowly weaken the hair—and that’s where Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil comes in. It’s a weightless, silicone-based oil that not only adds shine but also strengthens hair bonds while protecting against damage.

What’s so good about it?

• Protects up to 450°F (232°C)—perfect for flat irons, curling wands, and blow-dryers.
• Adds insane shine without feeling greasy or heavy.
• Helps tame flyaways and make hair look smoother.

How to use it?

• Add 1–3 drops (again, less is more) to damp or dry hair.
• Focus on the ends first, then distribute through mid-lengths.
• Use before heat styling for extra protection.

Personal Take

Out of the entire Olaplex range, this one might be the most underrated product. The bottle is tiny, but you only need a couple of drops at a time—so it lasts for long. If you want a glossy, salon-finish look, No.7 is a must-have.

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

30$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No.8: Moisture Mask for Deep Hydration

Sometimes, hair needs more than just protein repair—it also craves moisture. That’s exactly what Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask delivers.

What does it do?

• Deeply hydrates without weighing hair down.
• Adds body and shine while repairing damage.
• Works on all hair types, but especially great for dry, curly, or chemically processed hair.

How to use it?

• Apply to clean, damp hair after shampooing.
• Leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Use once a week (or more if your hair is very dry).

Personal Take

Compared to No.3, which is all about bond repair, No.8 is focused on moisture—so if your hair is brittle and snapping, No.3 is better. But if it’s dry and lifeless, No.8 brings it back to life.

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Hair Mask

30$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Olaplex No.9: Nourishing Serum for Daily Protection

If No.7 is the ultimate shine-booster, No.9 is all about shielding hair from environmental damage. This weightless, antioxidant-rich serum protects against pollution, heat, and UV rays—all of which can weaken hair over time.

Why is it worth using?

• Acts like a “shield” for the hair, preventing everyday damage.
• Enhances shine, softness, and smoothness.
• Won’t make hair greasy—perfect for daily use.

How to use it?

• Apply 1–2 pumps to damp, towel-dried hair before styling.
• Comb through to distribute evenly.
• No need to rinse—just air-dry or style as usual.

Personal Take

Not everyone needs a daily serum, but if you live in a big city or expose your hair to heat regularly, No.9 acts like a protective barrier against damage. It’s basically skincare for your hair.

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

30$

Check on goodquality.ioCheck on Amazon

Which Olaplex Product Should You Use? Choosing the Right Formula for Your Hair Type

Still unsure which Olaplex product is best for you? Here’s a quick guide:

• For extreme damage & breakage → No.0 + No.3
• For colored/bleached hair → No.1 + No.2 (salon only), plus No.3
• For daily repair & maintenance → No.4 + No.5
• For frizz control → No.6
• For heat protection & shine → No.7
• For deep hydration → No.8
• For daily pollution & UV protection → No.9

How to Use Olaplex – Step-by-Step Routine for Maximum Results

1. Start with No.0 + No.3 (if repairing damage).
2. Shampoo with No.4, then condition with No.5.
3. Apply No.6 or No.9 (leave-in treatments for frizz control or daily protection).
4. Add No.7 bonding oil (for shine & heat protection before styling).
5. Use No.8 once a week (for extra moisture boost).

Does Olaplex Really Work? Before & After Results + Expert Opinions

Most people who use Olaplex notice a difference within a few weeks—especially with No.3. The biggest changes?

• Less breakage & split ends
• Stronger, healthier-looking hair
• More shine and smoothness

That said, results depend on how damaged your hair is—and whether you’re using the right product for your needs.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Olaplex

Q: Can you use Olaplex every day?
A: Shampoo (No.4) and conditioner (No.5) are safe for daily use, but No.3 should be used 1–2 times per week.

Q: Can Olaplex fix split ends?
A: It helps prevent split ends but won’t "glue" them back together—only a trim can fully remove them.

Q: Does Olaplex work for curly hair?
A: Yes! It helps strengthen curls and prevent frizz without weighing hair down.

Final Thoughts

Olaplex isn’t just another trendy brand—it’s a science-backed haircare system that actually delivers results. Whether you need repair, hydration, or protection, there’s an Olaplex product that can help. The trick is figuring out which one fits your hair’s needs—and now, you’ve got all the info you need to make the best choice.