AS one of the world's most popular beauty brands, Olaplex has racked up a loyal fan base. First used and loved in salons by hairstylists, Olaplex quickly expanded into the consumer market - leaving many shoppers begging the question, where to buy Olaplex?
From bond-building formulas that replenish frazzled ends to potent lash serums and handy dry shampoos, Olaplex now offers a diverse range of products which span more than just haircare.
Whilst Olaplex is now stocked in a number of online and physical stores, knowing where to buy Olaplex - and where best to buy Olaplex - can be a tricky one.
Over the years, Olaplex has become one of the leading haircare brands, with sales of Olaplex doubling in 2020, despite the salons being shut throughout lockdown - and it shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.
According to Cosmetify, Olaplex is among the world's top ten most popular beauty brands, racking up nearly 15 million Google searches in 2023.
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There's something for everyone in Olaplex's collection, for every hair problem and need.
Olaplex helps to repair, protect and strengthen your hair, while its signature Bond Building technology works on a molecular level to help you achieve luscious locks.
Olaplex works by repairing the disulfide bonds in your hair, which give your hair its structure, strength and stability - when these bonds break is what results in the damage you see to your hair.
Olaplex products protect hair and repair damaged strands, leading to healthy hair that is shiny, soft and strong.
Whether you're looking to try the Bond Maintenance shampoo, the Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum, or their Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, there are several products to choose from, to protect all hair types hair including blonde hair, short hair, and much more.
So if you're looking to get your hands on Olaplex, here's everything you need to know including where to buy Olaplex, the best Olaplx products and more.
What is Olaplex?
According to their website: "Olaplex restores damaged and compromised hair by repairing from the inside out with our patented single ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate."
"Once all the bonds are intact and in alignment, you have healthy, beautiful, shiny, touchable hair."
What Olaplex products do I need?
Olaplex has a whole host of products, with some only available in salons, while some are still available for shoppers to use at home.
Olaplex No 1 Bond Multiplier, and Olaplex No 2, Bond Perfector are only used in salons, but there is a wide range of products available for at-home use too.
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The brand's latest offering is the new Olaplex BrowBond Building Serum (£64), which uses peptides and bond-building technology to promote fuller, thicker brows.
Another recent launch is the Olaplex No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner, designed for blonde and grey hair.
Much more than a purple shampoo, the clever formula not only neutralises blonde and brassy tones but encourages stronger, longer hair thanks to Olaplex’s bond-building technology.
The at-home range includes:
- Olaplex No 0 Bond Builder: Works to rebuild bonds, and strengthen the hair shaft for healthy locks
- Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector: A once a week at home treatment
- Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo: For use as your usual shampoo, repairs and gently cleanses
- Olaplex No 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo: Repairs hair and uses a purple toner to help keep warm toned hues from blonde hair.
- Olaplex No 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo: Works to thoroughly clean and cleanse the scalp and hair shaft for healthy hair growth.
- Olaplex No 5 Maintenance Conditioner: For use as your usual conditioner, restores and repairs
- Olaplex No. 5P Blonde Enhancer Toning Conditioner: Reinvigorates blonde and grey hair by neutralising yellow and brassy tones
- Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother: A leave-in conditioner that is perfect for taming frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours.
- Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil: A styling oil that adds shine, strength and softness
- Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask: A first-of-its-kind, 4-in-1 reparative mask
- Olaplex No 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum: A leave-in hair serum designed to protect from environmental stressors
- Olaplex Volumising Blow Dry Mist: Protects hair from heat damage and adds volume and body to your look
- Olaplex LashBond Building Serum: Uses Bond Building Technology™ to promote thicker, fuller and longer lashes
- Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo Uses rice starch to absorb oil and refresh greasy roots
- Olaplex BrowBond Building Serum Encourages brow growth for fuller, thicker brows
All of Olaplex's products are highly concentrated, and whilst they are often not cheap, you only need to apply a small amount.
The Black Friday sales, and Boxing Day sales are normally a good time to stock up whilst it's on offer.
While you can shop Olaplex's favourites individually, there are also plenty of expertly curated bundles to shop too.
Where can you buy Olaplex?
Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic stocks a number of the Olaplex range, and bundles to make shopping even easier for hair care fans.
Except for No. 1 Bond Multiplier, and Olaplex No. 2 Bond Perfector (which are only used in salons), beauty fans can stock up on the whole collection including the new No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask.
- Shop Olaplex at Lookfantastic - click here
Sallys Beauty
Sally Beauty is a great place to snap up Olaplex products.
Each product is sold separately, and they'll even offer free delivery on orders over £30.
New customers can also take advantage of several offers - making it a great place to stock up.
- Shop Olaplex at Sally Beauty - click here
Space NK
Olaplex is one of Space NK's most-bought products, and the No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is one of their best-selling products.
Space NK shoppers also love the No.5 Maintenance Conditioner and the new No.8 Intense Moisture Mask.
- Shop Olaplex at Space NK - buy here
AllBeauty
AllBeauty is a great place to pick up beauty products for less.
They have the full Olaplex range, but with over 200 positive reviews on Olaplex Shampoo No.4 Bond Maintenance, it's proof that it's a hit with shoppers.
- Shop Olaplex at All Beauty - click here
Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty does what it says on the tin, stocking 'cult favourites' and must-have beauty classics, as well as emerging icons.
Calling Olaplex an 'a Holy Grail for in-the-know salon-goers', they sell the full range as the 'Hair Repair Trial Kit' (£60), which is perfect for new Olaplex users, as is a great way to try out the collection.
- Shop Olaplex at Cult Beauty - buy here
ASOS
Need Olaplex in a rush? ASOS is the place for you thanks to their super speedy next-day delivery.
The whole collection is available to shop from ASOS, with some favourites as low as £19.
- Shop Olaplex at ASOS - buy here
Feel Unique
Feel Unique is a great place to find your beauty, skincare and haircare favourites - so of course, they stock Olaplex.
They frequently run sales and promotions, so it's always worth checking out if Olaplex is on offer, or if you could score some extra goodies too.
- Shop Olaplex at Feel Unique - click here
Sephora
Sephora returned to the UK after almost 20 years in 2022, and we couldn't be happier.
The beauty retailer stocks a whole host of brands, including Olaplex; from individuals to duos and larger haircare kits.
- Shop Olaplex at Sephora - click here
John Lewis
John Lewis stocks almost every brand you could ever desire, across home, garden, fashion, and beauty.
From John Lewis' own brands, Kin and Anyday, to Joules, Barbour, Whistles, and even Olaplex - yes, you read that right.
Shoppers are already stocking up on the bestselling No. 3, 4, and 5 hair products.
- Shop Olaplex at John Lewis - click here
Beauty Bay
Beauty Bay regaurly slashes its prices on some of beauty's buzziest products - including Olaplex.
So, it's well worth keeping an eye out for deals, as the retailer stocks most of Olaplex's offerings.
Additionally, Beauty Bay sells a number of fantastic bundles, including Olaplex Restoration Duo, whcih includes Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector and Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment.
- Shop Olaplex at Beauty Bay - click here
How to use Olaplex?
Different Olaplex products are used in different ways.
One of the most popular products is Olaplex Number 3, which is used before shampooing and conditioning (whereas most masks would be used afterwards).
You simply apply a generous amount to towel-dried hair, and then comb through.
Leave it on for a minimum of ten minutes (the longer you leave it on, the better), then rinse, shampoo and condition as normal.
Different products such as the Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner, and the Masks are used in different parts of your haircare routine, so make sure to check the instructions for each product.
Is Olaplex worth it?
Olaplex has legions of fans, with many referring to them as their holy grail products.
However, they can be expensive, and with several dupes now available it's not always the right solution for everyone.
In our full Olaplex review, we said: "My hair is always in need of TLC because it's bright blonde. But after using Olaplex products for a month, my hairdresser immediately complimented the condition of my hair when I went to get more highlights."
However, it's worth noting we also thought that the effects weren't immediate, and were put off by the cost.
If you're looking for something a bit more purse-friendly, it's worth trying one of the many Olaplex dupes.
How to use Olaplex Bonding Oil?
Olaplex's No.7 Bonding Oil is one of Olaplex's most popular products and can be used as either a treatment or a styler.
It can be applied to wet or dry hair and can be used before or after styling, but we have seen great results before air drying.
A little goes a long way, so you don't need a lot - and fans of the oil say you should use it at least three times a week to achieve great results.
You either apply a couple of drops to your damp hair before blow drying or as a finishing touch (and a refresher on non-wash days).
What does Olaplex do?
Olaplex repairs, rebuilds and restores broken hair bonds so if your hair needs some real TLC then it's a great place to start.
Many of us find that our hair is smoother, easier to style and feels softer after using it, and that continued use will help improve your hair health.
Is Olaplex good or your hair?
Continued Olaplex use will make your hair stronger, and more resilient (according to the brand).
Some treatments are designed to be used on their own, whilst others perform better when combined with another (e.g. Olaplex O and 3).
How often should you use Olaplex?
Each Olaplex product will have different recommended uses.
For instance, Olaplex 3 is recommended to be used on a weekly basis, with severe damage up to two or three times a week.
Other products such as the Bonding Oil, Mask, Shampoo and Conditioner will have different recommendations, from everyday to bi-weekly.
Which is the strongest Opalex?
Olaplex No 0 Bond Builder has the highest concentration of Olaplex's patented molecule, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate making it the strongest of the Olaplex range.
It's designed to be used with the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector.
Which Opalex is best for damaged hair?
Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector and Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask are both leave-in treatments, so provide the most intense repair for damaged hair.
Olaplex No 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is applied after shampooing and can be left for up to 20 minutes before rinsing, whereas No 3 is applied to towel-dried hair for up to 20 minutes before Shampoo and Conditioner.
Olaplex No 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum will also help to protect your hair from damage so it is well worth building into your routine.
However, different hair will have different needs so this may not be the case for all, and other Olaplex treatments may be better for your hair.
Can you leave Olaplex on too long?
According to Olaplex's FAQ's for Olaplex 3, "the longer it's on, the more effective it is, especially for hair that is compromised. We've seen great results from people who leave it on 30 to 90 minutes!"
Adding that "Remember, this is NOT a conditioning treatment OR a leave-in treatment."
Can you leave Olaplex 3 on overnight?
We (and Olaplex) don't recommend sleeping in Olaplex treatments as they can get in your eyes.
Can Olaplex repair damaged hair?
Olaplex helps repair damaged hair by repairing broken bonds, however, it does not repair broken disulphide bonds permanently so is not a substitute for a trim if your hair is badly damaged, as new damage can still occur.
Is Olaplex sulfate free?
According to Olaplex's FAQ's, "each OLAPLEX product is free of sulfates, phthalates, DEA, aldehydes, formaldehyde, gluten, parabens".
Which Olaplex to use?
Which Olaplex to use will all depend on your intended results.
For instance, in the salon, Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier and Olaplex No. 2 Bonding Perfector will give your hair an intense treatment; with Olaplex 0 and 3 designed to keep this up at home.
Olaplex 4 and 5 are shampoo and conditioner, and Olaplex 6 and 7 are for styling your hair, and adding the finishing touches.
Olaplex 8 is a mask to helps add moisture and helps it feel healthy, whilst Olaplex 9 helps to protect hair.
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