Caring for curly hair can sometimes feel overwhelming, with challenges like frizz, dryness, and loss of curl definition. But in recent years, there’s been a curly haircare renaissance—thanks to the curly girl method and techniques like scrunching, transforming the way curly-haired people manage their hair. Since curly hair is more prone to damage and breakage, investing in specialised products is essential to maintain its health.
OLAPLEX’s patented bond-building technology makes it a perfect choice for transforming and reviving lacklustre curls. Yet, many people are unaware that OLAPLEX is great for curly hair and often wonder which OLAPLEX product is right for them.
Designed to repair damage, restore health, and protect hair, using OLAPLEX for curly hair is a no-brainer. With a wide range of shampoos, conditioners, heat protectors, and OLAPLEX treatments for damaged hair, you’ll find everything you need to bring your curls back to life.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best OLAPLEX products for curly hair to help you overhaul your routine and achieve the biggest, bounciest, and most beautiful curls of your life.
Why Is OLAPLEX Good for Curly Hair?
OLAPLEX and curly hair are a perfect match. Curly hair is one of the most fragile hair types—naturally drier, weaker, and more prone to breakage than straight hair. This fragility makes curly hair bonds more vulnerable to damage. Combined with heat styling (many curly-haired people spend years straightening their curls), it’s no wonder curly hair often becomes damaged and in need of serious TLC.
OLAPLEX is particularly effective for curly hair because of its patented bond-building technology, which works at a molecular level to repair damaged and broken hair bonds. The key ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, helps restore strength to fragile curls while boosting moisture, elasticity, and curl definition. So, instead of asking whether OLAPLEX is good for curly hair, the question should be: which OLAPLEX number is best for curly hair?
What Are the Best OLAPLEX Products for Curly Hair?
When choosing the best OLAPLEX products for curly hair, look for formulas designed to hydrate, repair, and help you manage your curls with ease. Curly hair often battles frizz, dryness, and a lack of definition, so finding products that do it all can feel impossible. But with OLAPLEX, it’s easier than ever. We’ve curated the best OLAPLEX products for curls below—your ultimate guide to curl care.
OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector
OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector is a pre-shampoo treatment infused with patented bond-building technology. It’s been proven to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out, making it perfect for curly hair. No.3 works to reduce breakage and repair deep within each strand, leaving your hair stronger and more resilient. Learn how to apply OLAPLEX No.3 in our detailed guide. But note that for maximum results, apply No.3 to damp hair (using with No.0 if you have it is best) and leave it on for at least 10 minutes before shampooing. With consistent use, No.3 will restore your hair’s health and redefine your curls, giving them beautiful texture and shine.
OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother
No.6 Bond Smoother is a leave-in styling cream that hydrates, defines, and smooths curls for up to 72 hours, protecting them from frizz —making it a must-have for curly hair. Curly hair tends to be dry and brittle, so many products aim to hydrate but often leave curls weighed down or greasy. Not No.6. This lightweight formula boosts hydration without causing product build-up, so your curls get the moisture they need without sacrificing volume.
Apply a small amount of No.6 to damp or dry hair, starting from the mid-lengths to the ends. Comb through your curls, then style as usual. Start with a small amount and increase the volume as needed, depending on your hair type.
OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil
OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil is a firm favourite among both haircare enthusiasts and professionals alike. Packed with curl-loving ingredients like sunflower, moringa, pomegranate, and green tea oils, along with OLAPLEX’s bond-building technology, this lightweight yet highly concentrated oil repairs and strengthens hair, boosts shine, reduces breakage, and controls frizz for 72 hours. Plus, it protects your hair from heat up to 232°C. Offering perfect protection if you’re drying your hair with a diffuser for maximum curl definition.
For maximum softness and shine, learn how to use OLAPLEX bonding oil, in our detailed guide. Our top tip though is to apply it to damp curls before styling, and add a few drops to dry hair for extra shine once you’ve finished. You’ll soon see why it’s one of the most loved hair oils in the industry.
OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Curly hair needs moisture, and OLAPLEX No.8 will deliver. This deeply hydrating mask penetrates the hair to restore moisture, smoothness, and shine—without weighing it down. It’s perfect for curly hair that struggles with moisture retention and curl definition, as it hydrates and boosts body in one go. Use No.8 after shampooing in place of your usual conditioner, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Learn how to use OLAPLEX 8, in our guide to get the most out of this wonderful hair mask.
OLAPLEX No.9 Bond Protector
OLAPLEX No.9 Bond Protector shields your curls from pollution, heat damage (up to 232°C), and environmental aggressors. This weightless styling hair serum adds shine, reduces tangles, and prevents static, leaving your curls looking bouncy and defined all day long. No.9 can be used as the first step in your styling routine—apply a small amount to damp hair from root to tip. You can also use it on non-wash days by simply dampening your hair before applying the product. A great way to add extra definition to your curls.
Does OLAPLEX Restore Curls?
Damaged curls can lose their shape and structure over time due to various factors such as bleach, chemical treatments, pollution, heat styling, or using the wrong hair products. Many people with curly hair struggle to find a solution and end up straightening their curls rather than embracing them. Changing how you think about your curls is the first step to restoring them.
So, does OLAPLEX restore curls? Absolutely. Thanks to its patented bond-building technology, an OLAPLEX haircare routine will repair your hair at a molecular level, improving curl health, definition, and bounce. By incorporating OLAPLEX into your routine, you’ll bring your curls back to life—stronger, bouncier, and healthier than ever before.
How to Use OLAPLEX for Curly Hair
To simplify things, here’s a weekly routine for using OLAPLEX on curly hair:
– Apply No.3 to damp hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before getting in the shower.
– Use your preferred shampoo and conditioner—we recommend OLAPLEX No.4 and No.5 Conditioner for curl restoration.
– If you’re using No.8, apply it once a week in place of conditioner and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
– Apply No.6 to damp hair after showering to define and smooth your curls.
– Use No.7 before and after heat styling to protect and add shine.
– Apply No.9 between washes and scrunch your hair, to redefine curls.
OLAPLEX is a priceless addition to any curly hair routine, from the loosest waves to the tightest coils. Its bond-building technology repairs damaged and broken hair, restoring your hair to its healthiest, bounciest curls. If you’ve ever struggled with managing your curls, look no further than OLAPLEX for your best curls ever.
