HAIR olaplex 4 and 5 is it worth it.

[QueenMegan]

I used it yesterday and massively underwhelmed. Normally with posh shampoo and conditioner my hair feels immediately better. This stuff is just meh? What am I missing

I think olaplex is something that works over time. Most of their products can also be quite drying so when I used to use it, my hair didn't feel amazing but it did feel stronger with continued use.

I thought this at first! I have kept using it (3,4 and 5) for about two months and the condition of my hair has definitely improved over time. It even looks thicker and I can get away with not blowdrying it without it looking ‘fluffy’. I also have the bonding oil which is really effective. I think a lot of other brands have silicone type ingredients which coat the hair and make it look like it is in better condition than it really is- therefore the initial underwhelm until the hair condition truly starts to improve.

I stopped using it after learning of the hair loss allegations/law suits against Olaplex in the US. I'm not willing to risk it. Have a google and decide.

I didn't like them. I found my usual shampoo and conditioner (OSMO deep moisture) much better and cheaper and I am normally a massive fan of Olaplex. I use 1 & 2 religiously when I colour or lighten anyone's hair. I adore their moisturising mask, leave-in conditioner, and Olaplex 0 treatment but I was highly disappointed by the shampoo and conditioner. My hair felt really dry when I was using them.

My current hairdresser doesn’t think Olaplex is great and neither did my previous hairdresser but they did use a similar L’Oréal professionel one if you asked.

For me if its damaged hair it needs to be cut and also grow out (you can keep length though), use as few heated appliances as possible, condition and use a mask regularly, dry naturally. I’ve had highlights though whilst growing out but have regularly got these plus trims.

Olaplex won a lawsuit against L'Oreal for L'Oreal stealing Olaplex's formula. Up until 2020 they were literally the same product. They had to stop selling it and admit publicly that they had been using Olaplex's formula. They have since re-released it, I assume with a new formula based on what they learned from Olaplex.

I've never used Smartbond but I have watched/read other stylists reviews and comparisons. Olaplex 1 & 2 perform marginally better when used with a lightener. I've not tried SmartBond shampoo and conditioner though. I might give those a go.

I was underwhelmed by the shampoo and conditioner. 3, 6 and 7 work well for my hair which is dry and prone to frizz.

I bought an Olaplex set for teen DD and I a few years ago - genuinely I have never hated a hair product more. It completely ruined both our hair. Completely dried mine out and gave me awful frizz. DD’s looked like straw after a few weeks of use and only recovered after using bog standard Elvive again!

I bought a small bottle each of 4 & 5 to test but haven't repurchased. I found it made my hair too fluffy / fly away to use every day, so I've been using once a week, but honestly prefer my normal inexpensive shampoo & conditioner, I like the bonding oil though - lovely smell and feels very moisturizing without being greasy