OLAPLEX has become one of the most iconic haircare brands on the planet—and if you’ve read their endless five-star reviews, you’ll know why. Backed by science, OLAPLEX’s success can be credited to the development of Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, the wonder ingredient behind countless hair transformations. OLAPLEX’s exclusive right to use this ingredient has made it a favourite haircare brand for those looking to treat damage and hydrate dry hair.
Despite OLAPLEX’s popularity, many still wonder what OLAPLEX is, whether OLAPLEX products are worth it, how the numbering system works, and how to find the right OLAPLEX for their needs. We’ve put together this guide to explain why OLAPLEX is so effective, how it works, and which OLAPLEX products are best suited to your hair type.
If you’re eager to start your haircare journey but aren’t sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover which OLAPLEX products can help you achieve your most gorgeous hair.
What Does Each OLAPLEX Number Do?
Each OLAPLEX product is designed with a specific purpose, making it easier to find the right treatment for your hair type. If you’re wondering ‘what OLAPLEX do I need?’, understanding what each OLAPLEX number does is key to choosing the perfect products for your routine. The common thread connecting all OLAPLEX products is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, an ingredient that repairs broken bonds at a molecular level. These bonds give your hair strength, structure, and stability, but when they break due to heat, environmental factors, or chemicals, your hair can become limp and damaged. OLAPLEX’s magic ingredient works to restore these bonds, leaving your hair looking healthy and full of life.
OLAPLEX No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment
If you’re looking for which OLAPLEX to use to treat severely damaged hair, start with OLAPLEX No.0. It contains the highest dose of OLAPLEX technology in any at-home product. As the first step in a two-step system, No.0 primes your hair to absorb nourishment, rebuild bonds, and strengthen and protect against damage. It’s a miracle worker in the haircare world. Simply apply it to dry hair and let it sit for 10 minutes before following up with No.3. Learn all about the best ways to use OLAPLEX 0, in our detailed guide.
OLAPLEX No.1 & No.2
OLAPLEX No.1 Bond Multiplier and OLAPLEX No.2 Bond Perfector are professional treatments for in-salon use only, which is why you won’t find them on BEAUTY BAY. But don’t worry—you can still get your hands on every OLAPLEX product you need for at-home care.
OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector
OLAPLEX No.3 is an at-home treatment that strengthens and smooths hair. It’s designed to prolong salon colour, repair hair follicles, and rebuild dry, brittle strands. No.3 also reverses the damage caused by bleach and chemicals, leaving your hair looking and feeling stronger. Use it weekly as part of the two-step treatment with No.0, and you’ll transform your hair without needing a trip to the salon. Find out more about how to use OLAPLEX No.3 in our detailed guide.
OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
OLAPLEX No.4 is the brand’s most beloved shampoo—a one-size-fits-all solution that perfects every hair type. It repairs and protects hair from daily stresses, targeting damage, split ends, and frizz by relinking broken bonds. After each use, your hair will be easier to manage, shinier, and healthier. No wonder it’s so adored.
OLAPLEX No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
OLAPLEX No.4C offers the same repair benefits as No.4 but with added power to remove impurities. It tackles build-up, excess oil, and pollutants without causing dryness. While you don’t need to use No.4C for every wash, it’s perfect for those times when your hair and scalp need a deeper clarifying clean. After one use, your hair will feel refreshed and nourished.
OLAPLEX No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo
On days when washing isn’t an option but your hair needs a refresh, OLAPLEX No.4D comes to the rescue. This volumising dry shampoo keeps your hair feeling fresh and full of life. Formulated with skincare-inspired ingredients like rice starch, it absorbs oil without irritating your scalp or leaving your hair dull or powdery. It’s the haircare hero you’ve been waiting for.
OLAPLEX No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Blondes may have more fun, but they also need more care. OLAPLEX No.4P repairs and tones blonde hair by combining OLAPLEX’s nourishing technology with the toning power of a purple shampoo. It’s proven to make blondes three times brighter than other purple shampoos, all while strengthening, softening, and neutralising unwanted yellow tones. Your best blonde yet is just a wash away!
OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
A good conditioner is key to healthy, manageable hair. OLAPLEX No.5 is a repairing conditioner that gives your hair a new lease of life. It tackles split ends and frizz while intensely moisturising, leaving your locks visibly healthier and stronger with every use.
OLAPLEX No.5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner
OLAPLEX No.5P is a nourishing purple conditioner that brightens blondes by neutralising yellow tones. It provides even toning results, hydrates from root to tip, and detangles fragile blonde hair without weighing it down. As it’s the only purple conditioner to include patented OLAPLEX technology, you won’t find another product able to strengthen, tone and reduce brassiness in one go. Achieve a healthy-looking blonde (and grey) immediately, with No.5P.
OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother
OLAPLEX No.6 is a leave-in treatment that strengthens, hydrates, and moisturises while speeding up blow-dry time. It also smooths and eliminates frizz for up to 72 hours. Its highly concentrated formula is ideal for all hair types, especially coloured and chemically treated hair. No.6 nourishes and repairs without weighing your hair down.
OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil
OLAPLEX No.7 is one of the best hair oils around. It’s a weightless styling oil that nourishes from root to tip. It boosts shine, strengthens, and hydrates while minimising frizz and flyaways. Plus, with UV and heat protection up to 232°C, you can style your hair confidently. Whether you’re looking to add shine or protect against heat damage, No.7 has you covered. Discover more tips about how to use OLAPLEX bonding oil in our guide.
OLAPLEX No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask
When your hair needs extra TLC, OLAPLEX No.8 is the answer. This intensive repair mask deeply moisturises, smooths, and adds body and shine. Suitable for all hair types, No.8 recreates that fresh-from-the-salon look in just 10 minutes. Once you incorporate it into your routine, you’ll never look back. Learn all about how to use this much-loved hair mask without how to use OLAPLEX No.8 guide.
OLAPLEX No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
OLAPLEX No.9 is a reparative, nourishing hair serum enriched with antioxidant-rich Red Algae Extract and OLAPLEX bond-building technology. This weightless, leave-in serum protects hair from heat and pollution damage, lasting up to 48 hours and offering protection from heat up to 232°C. Expect shiny, soft hair that’s free from tangles and static.
What Other OLAPLEX Products Are There?
The well-known numbered products aren’t the only ones in the range…
The Volumising Blow Dry Mist is a powerful styling mist that delivers the same high performance you expect from OLAPLEX products. It speeds up drying time, reducing the amount of heat your hair is exposed to—making it essential for anyone who regularly blow dries their hair. But that’s not all—this mist also protects against pollution and humidity while adding volume and hold for a flawless blow dry.
And let’s not forget the incredible OLAPLEX LashBond Serum. This advanced eyelash serum uses exclusive peptide complex technology and hyaluronic acid to lift, lengthen, and strengthen your lashes. With consistent use, you’ll be left with beautifully enhanced natural lashes.
Which OLAPLEX Product is the Strongest?
If you’re wondering which OLAPLEX product is the strongest, look no further. OLAPLEX No.0 and No.3 are considered the most powerful, especially when used together as part of a two-step treatment. Both contain high levels of Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, enhancing their hair-repairing capabilities. No.0, in particular, contains the highest concentration of this ingredient in the entire at-home range. They are some of the best OLAPLEX products for damaged hair, because of their strength. Incorporating No.0 and No.3 into your weekly routine will work wonders.
Which OLAPLEX is Best for Everyday Use?
When deciding which OLAPLEX products are best for everyday use, we recommend:
1. No.4 and No.5 for shampooing and conditioning.
2. No.7 for smoothing and styling.
3. No.4D to keep your hair fresh between washes.
4. No.9 if you regularly use heat on your hair, to protect it from damage
This routine is simple, effective, and free from harsh chemicals. Plus, all these OLAPLEX products are gentle enough for frequent use while still treating your hair at a molecular level. Once you’ve nailed your basic routine, you can add more targeted treatments as needed. Remember, consistency is key—OLAPLEX products will restore your hair’s health with regular, proper use. So, get started today!
What’s the Best OLAPLEX You Can Use?
Our top recommendation for general hair health is the tried-and-true duo of No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. Our absolute must-have OLAPLEX product is the No.3 Hair Perfector—a weekly at-home treatment that delivers salon-quality results.
These products work for all hair types, but if you’re dealing with severe damage or have curly hair, other options might be better suited for you, explore our guides on OLAPLEX for damaged hair and the best OLAPLEX for curly hair, for more recommendations.
No matter which OLAPLEX product you choose, you can’t go wrong. Every formula is designed to improve hair health, repair broken bonds, and restore your hair to its full glory. Explore the full range, experiment with different combinations, and find the perfect routine for you. Your hair will thank you!
