Healthy, shiny, and manageable hair is a common beauty goal for many people in the United States. However, frequent heat styling, hair coloring, bleaching, environmental exposure, and everyday brushing can contribute to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Choosing suitable haircare products can help improve the appearance and manageability of damaged hair.
OLAPLEX is a haircare brand known for its bond-building technology and products designed to support hair strength, smoothness, and shine. Its collection includes pre-shampoo treatments, shampoos, conditioners, leave-in styling products, and hair oils.
Many U.S. shoppers compare customer reviews on platforms such as Ulta Beauty, Sephora, and the official OLAPLEX website before purchasing. Products with ratings between 4.0 and 5.0 out of 5 often receive favorable feedback, although results can vary depending on hair type, styling habits, and product use.
In this guide, we explore popular OLAPLEX products, their customer ratings, benefits, uses, and recommended application times to help you choose a suitable haircare routine.
Editorial note: The ratings below are retailer-specific snapshots and may change. Ratings are not universal across all platforms.
1. OLAPLEX No. 3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment
Best for: Chemically treated, damaged, or breakage-prone hair.
Customer rating: Approximately 4.6/5 on Ulta Beauty, based on its listed product reviews. View product and reviews.
What is it used for?
OLAPLEX No. 3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is a pre-shampoo hair treatment designed to strengthen hair and improve its overall look and feel. It is intended to help address damage associated with chemical treatments, heat styling, and mechanical stress.
The product is suitable for different hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. It is especially worth considering if your hair has been bleached, colored, or frequently styled with heat.
Key benefits
- Helps strengthen hair and reduce breakage.
- Supports improved softness and manageability.
- Helps improve the appearance of damaged hair.
- Can complement a routine for color-treated hair.
- Prepares hair for cleansing and conditioning.
Customer feedback often focuses on hair softness, improved manageability, and the appearance of healthier strands. However, results depend on the extent of existing damage and the rest of your haircare routine.
When should you apply it?
OLAPLEX recommends applying No. 3PLUS to damp hair before shampooing, leaving it on for three minutes, then rinsing and washing with shampoo and conditioner. The brand recommends using it every one to three washes, depending on your hair’s needs.
Ideal for: People with chemically treated, heat-damaged, or breakage-prone hair.
2. OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Best for: Regular cleansing and maintaining manageable hair.
Customer rating: Approximately 4.3/5 on Ulta Beauty. View OLAPLEX products on Ulta.
What is it used for?
No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is designed to cleanse the scalp and hair while supporting moisture and manageability. It can be incorporated into a regular washing routine, particularly for people who want to maintain the appearance of healthier hair after coloring or styling.
Key benefits
- Cleanses the scalp and hair.
- Helps improve hair softness and manageability.
- Complements a bond-focused haircare routine.
- Helps prepare hair for conditioning.
- Can be used on different hair types.
Customers who prefer a salon-style haircare routine may appreciate its cleansing and conditioning-supporting benefits. As with other shampoos, the ideal washing frequency depends on scalp oiliness, styling products, exercise, and personal preference.
When should you apply it?
Use it during your regular shower routine. Wet your hair thoroughly, work a small amount into the scalp, massage gently, and rinse completely.
For a complete routine, follow with No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner.
Ideal for: People looking for a regular shampoo that fits into a hair-strengthening routine.
3. OLAPLEX No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Best for: Hair that needs moisture, softness, and easier detangling.
Customer rating: Approximately 4.2/5 on Ulta Beauty. View OLAPLEX products on Ulta.
What is it used for?
No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner is designed to condition the hair after shampooing. It helps improve softness and manageability, making hair easier to comb and style.
Conditioning is particularly important for people whose hair becomes tangled or feels dry after cleansing.
Key benefits
- Helps soften hair.
- Improves manageability and detangling.
- Supports a smoother-looking finish.
- Complements No. 4 Shampoo.
- Can help hair feel less rough after washing.
Customer reviews of conditioners often focus on softness, ease of combing, and the feel of the hair after drying. Individual results can differ, especially between fine hair and thick or highly textured hair.
When should you apply it?
After shampooing, apply conditioner to wet hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave it on for one to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly, following the product directions.
Ideal for: People who want softer, more manageable hair as part of their regular washing routine.
4. OLAPLEX No. 6 Bond Smoother
Best for: Frizz control and smoother styling.
Customer rating: Approximately 4.4/5 on Ulta Beauty. View OLAPLEX products on Ulta.
What is it used for?
No. 6 Bond Smoother is a leave-in styling cream intended to help smooth hair, control frizz, and improve manageability. It is particularly useful for people who want a more polished finish after washing their hair.
Unlike a rinse-out conditioner, this product remains in the hair during styling.
Key benefits
- Helps smooth frizzy hair.
- Improves manageability.
- Helps reduce the appearance of flyaways.
- Supports smoother blow-dried styles.
- Can be incorporated into curly or wavy hair routines.
Customers often consider leave-in styling products when they want to control frizz without repeatedly washing or conditioning their hair. Fine hair may need a smaller amount than thick hair to avoid a weighed-down appearance.
When should you apply it?
Apply a small amount to clean, damp hair, concentrating on the lengths and ends. Comb through if necessary, then air-dry or style as desired.
OLAPLEX states that No. 6 can provide frizz control for up to 72 hours under the conditions described by the brand.
Ideal for: People with frizzy, wavy, curly, or difficult-to-manage hair.
5. OLAPLEX No. 7 Bonding Oil
Best for: Shine, smoother-looking hair, and heat styling.
Customer rating: Approximately 4.5/5 on Ulta Beauty, with more than 1,000 reviews in the retrieved listing. Read Ulta customer reviews. Sephora’s U.S. listing also features substantial customer feedback about frizz, a healthy-looking finish, and non-greasy feel, although its displayed review information should be checked directly for the current numeric rating.
What is it used for?
No. 7 Bonding Oil is a concentrated styling oil designed to boost shine, soften hair, and help control frizz and flyaways. It also offers heat protection when used as directed.
It can be used on damp hair before styling or on dry hair to add shine and improve the finished look.
Key benefits
- Adds shine and softness.
- Helps reduce the appearance of frizz.
- Improves the look of dry or dull hair.
- Provides heat protection up to 450°F (232°C), according to OLAPLEX.
- Can help improve the appearance of color vibrancy.
Ulta’s customer feedback includes positive comments about shine, softness, and needing only a small amount. Some users may find that applying too much oil makes their hair look heavy.
When should you apply it?
Dispense two to three drops, adjusting the amount to your hair’s length and thickness. Apply to damp or dry hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
It can be used daily when appropriate for your hair and styling routine. Before using heated styling tools, follow the product directions and use suitable heat settings.
Ideal for: People who want extra shine, smoother-looking hair, and a finishing product for styling.
6. OLAPLEX No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Best for: Lightweight styling support and protection against everyday damage.
Customer rating: Approximately 4.3/5 on Ulta Beauty. View OLAPLEX products on Ulta.
What is it used for?
No. 9 is a lightweight leave-in serum designed to protect and condition hair during styling. It is intended to help reduce tangles and static while supporting a smoother, more manageable finish.
It can be especially useful for people who regularly blow-dry their hair or want a lightweight product that does not feel like a rich styling cream.
Key benefits
- Helps improve hair manageability.
- Reduces tangles and static.
- Supports smoother-looking hair.
- Provides heat protection up to 450°F (232°C), according to OLAPLEX.
- Can be used with other compatible styling products.
Customer feedback often focuses on texture, manageability, and the finish after styling. If your hair is very fine, begin with a small amount and adjust as needed.
When should you apply it?
Apply a small amount to clean, damp hair, working from the ends upward through the lengths. Style as desired.
OLAPLEX recommends using No. 9 as the first step in a styling routine after washing.
Ideal for: People who want a lightweight leave-in product for everyday styling.
OLAPLEX Products Compared
| Product | Best use | Application timing | Ulta rating snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 3PLUS | Pre-shampoo repair treatment | Before shampooing | 4.6/5 |
| No. 4 | Cleansing | During shower | 4.3/5 |
| No. 5 | Conditioning | After shampoo | 4.2/5 |
| No. 6 | Smoothing and frizz control | After washing, before styling | 4.4/5 |
| No. 7 | Shine and heat protection | On damp or dry hair | 4.5/5 |
| No. 9 | Lightweight leave-in protection | On clean, damp hair | 4.3/5 |
Ratings are approximate retailer snapshots, not a combined average or a guarantee of results. Check the current listing for updated scores, review counts, and product availability.
How to Choose the Best OLAPLEX Product for Your Hair Type
For damaged or bleached hair
Consider No. 3PLUS as a pre-shampoo treatment, followed by shampoo and conditioner. Avoid excessive heat and harsh handling while your hair recovers from chemical treatments.
For dry hair
No. 5 Conditioner and No. 7 Bonding Oil may help improve softness and the appearance of dry strands. Choose the amount according to your hair’s thickness and texture.
For frizzy or curly hair
No. 6 Bond Smoother may help with styling and frizz control. No. 7 can add shine when used sparingly.
For fine hair
Lightweight products such as No. 9 may be preferable if heavier creams and oils make your hair look flat. Begin with small amounts.
For color-treated hair
A routine that includes appropriate cleansing, conditioning, and reduced heat exposure can help maintain hair’s appearance. Follow the instructions for your color service and individual products.
The Best Time to Use OLAPLEX Products
Before shampooing: Use No. 3PLUS as directed when your routine calls for a pre-shampoo treatment.
During your shower: Cleanse with No. 4 and condition with No. 5.
After washing: Apply No. 9 to damp hair as the first styling step. Use No. 6 if you want additional smoothing.
Before heat styling: Use appropriate heat protection according to each product’s instructions. No. 7 and No. 9 are designed to provide heat protection.
After styling: Apply a small amount of No. 7 to dry hair if you want extra shine or help controlling flyaways.
You do not need to purchase every product at once. Begin with the product that addresses your most important hair concern and build your routine gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which OLAPLEX product has the highest rating?
In the retrieved Ulta Beauty listings, No. 3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment had an approximate rating of 4.6/5, while No. 7 Bonding Oil had approximately 4.5/5. Ratings can change over time.
2. Can I use OLAPLEX products every day?
Some products, including shampoo, conditioner, and styling products, can be used regularly according to their instructions. No. 3PLUS is a treatment used periodically rather than necessarily every day. Follow the directions for each product.
3. Which OLAPLEX product is best for frizzy hair?
No. 6 Bond Smoother is designed for smoothing and frizz control. No. 7 Bonding Oil can complement it by adding shine and helping manage flyaways.
4. Does OLAPLEX repair split ends permanently?
No product can permanently rejoin a split hair end. OLAPLEX products may improve the appearance and manageability of damaged hair, but trimming split ends is often the most reliable way to remove them.
5. Where can U.S. customers buy OLAPLEX?
Customers can explore products through the official OLAPLEX website, Ulta Beauty, and Sephora. Compare the exact product, size, price, and current reviews before purchasing.
Final Verdict
OLAPLEX offers several options for people looking to improve the appearance, softness, and manageability of their hair. No. 3PLUS is worth considering for a pre-shampoo treatment, No. 4 and No. 5 provide cleansing and conditioning, and No. 6, No. 7, and No. 9 support different styling needs.
For many shoppers, the best approach is to start with one product that addresses their main concern rather than buying the entire range immediately. Compare retailer ratings, read reviews from people with similar hair types, and follow product instructions to get the most appropriate results.
Disclosure: This article is for general beauty information and is not a substitute for professional hair or scalp advice. Ratings, prices, formulations, and availability can change. Any affiliate relationship should be disclosed clearly in accordance with applicable advertising requirements.
