Review: Olaplex Treatment on Virgin Hair. Does it Help with Frizz?

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I was curious if Olaplex helped with frizz for virgin hair. I found conversations in forums of people asking the same question, and the usual response is a resounding no. What I didn't find though; is why it was a "no" and most importantly, where were the before and after shots? I had to find out.

OLAPLEX
Treatment on Virgin Hair. Does it Help with Frizz?

Olaplex Treatment on Virgin Hair

INFO SHEET

Brand: Olaplex
Product List and Pricing:

Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment - $30.00
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector - $30.00
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother - $30.00
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil - $30.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, Olaplex, ULTA

I have never dyed my hair before, save for a little bit of oVertone strategically placed on few strands in my bangs. Always looking for the next best thing in hair care, I was curious to see if Olaplex did anything for virgin hair. I was between keratin treatments at the time so I figured now would be ideal to give Olaplex a whirl. You know... for science.

INGREDIENTS

I know I'm going to hate writing this review by just looking at the ingredients list for FOUR products, but I do this to understand what the product I'm reviewing is made up of and why it does (or doesn't do) what it claims to do. There are some Notable Ingredients that are redundant across products. I will repeat the whole description for the ingredient instead of writing "See above" so you don't have to scroll back up to read about it. Here we go...

OLAPLEX NO. 0 INTENSIVE BOND BUILDING HAIR TREATMENT

Water (Aqua/Eau), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate

Notable Ingredients:

Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up). Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration. Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds. The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process. By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.

OLAPLEX NO. 3 HAIR PERFECTOR

Water (Aqua), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyquaternium-37, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Benzoate, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phytantriol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate

Notable Ingredients:

Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up). Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration. Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds. The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process. By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate - Derived from rapeseed oil, this ingredient conditions and softens the hair.
Quaternium-91 - Conditioning and softening agent.
Ascorbic Acid - aka Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant helps reduce free radical damage to the scalp.
Phytantriol - Helps increase the efficacy of Panthenol by increasing penetration into the hair shaft. This results in increased moisture and reduces breakage. It is also said to help protect against heat damage.
Tocopheryl Acetate - A type of Vitamin E that helps protect the hair from sun damage.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - Containing Vitamin A, C, and E, this ingredient promotes overall scalp health, blood circulation, and the growth of healthier hair.
Panthenol - A precursor to Vitamin B5, this ingredient moisturizes the hair and scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, and increased hair shine.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - aka Jojoba Oil, helps prevent hair protein loss, reduces breakage, and protects the hair shaft.

OLAPLEX NO. 6 BOND SMOOTHER

Water (Aqua/Eau), Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Coco-Caprylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propanediol, Fragrance (Parfum), Cetrimonium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Citronellol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Gigartina Stellata Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Etidronic Acid, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Potassium Sorbate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Phytantriol, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate

Notable Ingredients:

Coco-Caprylate - Derived from coconuts, this ingredient increases moisture in the hair.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol - Helps promote hair moisture and strength by coating the follicle and preventing water loss.
Gigartina Stellata Extract - Derived from Starry Algae gel, this ingredient absorbs excess oil, protects hair from environmental damage, while also promoting softness and moisture.
Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract - aka Irish Moss Seaweed Extract. Moisturizes, protects, and promotes hair growth.
Tocopherol - aka Vitamin E. Increases circulation of the scalp thus promoting hair growth and strength.
Ascorbic Acid - aka Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant helps reduce free radical damage to the scalp.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil - Prevents hair protein loss, combing damage, while also promoting increased moisture retention.
Phytantriol - Helps increase the efficacy of Panthenol by increasing penetration into the hair shaft. This results in increased moisture and reduces breakage. It is also said to help protect against heat damage.
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate - Pseudozyma Epicola bacteria creates enzymes to help ferment Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil resulting in a fermented product with a higher nutritional advantage that increases hair softness, shine, and moisture retention.
Tocopheryl Acetate - A type of Vitamin E that helps protect the hair from sun damage.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil - Strengthens and promotes hair growth.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice - Containing Vitamin A, C, and E, this ingredient promotes overall scalp health, blood circulation, and the growth of healthier hair.
Panthenol - A precursor to Vitamin B5, this ingredient moisturizes the hair and scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, and increased hair shine.
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up). Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration. Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds. The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process. By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.

OLAPLEX NO. 7 BONDING OIL

Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Coco-Caprylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propanediol, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beta-Carotene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Water (Aqua/Eau), Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Powder, Fragrance (Parfum), Hexyl Cinnamal, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Limonene, Tocopherol, Citral, Linalool, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Citronellol, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate

Notable Ingredients:

Coco-Caprylate - Derived from coconuts, this ingredient increases moisture in the hair.
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate - This ingredient is patented by Olaplex, Inc. (Patent No. US 9326926 B2 if you want to look it up). Essentially, hair dye contains ingredients to break disulfide bonds (the building blocks of the protein in the hair) to allow for deeper penetration. Hair dye also contains hydrogen peroxide which is used to help rebuild those bonds. The resulting bonds are flimsy at best and can break easily after the dyeing process. By treating the hair with Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate "most preferably immediately after application" but not greater than one week after application, ionic and covalent bonds are built within the hair thus reducing breakage, leaving hair looking healthier, and feeling softer to the touch.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil - Lightweight oil that increases softness and shine.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil - Increases hair strength, moisture, and reduces breakage. Promotes a healthy scalp and prevents dandruff.
Punica Granatum Seed Oil - aka Pomegranate Seed Oil. This powerful antioxidant helps protect the hair from environmental damage while increasing softness and shine.
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Powder - aka Noni Fruit Powder. This ingredient has antibacterial properties that help prevent dandruff.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract - Stimulates growth / reduces hair loss by promoting and sustaining the hair follicle during the growth phase.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract - Stimulates hair growth.
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate - Pseudozyma Epicola bacteria creates enzymes to help ferment Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil resulting in a fermented product with a higher nutritional advantage that increases hair softness, shine, and moisture retention.

The main difference that I see between Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is that No. 3 contains more conditioning and thickening agents. That explains why Olaplex No. 0 is watery in consistency when compared to No. 3. I think if I had to choose between buying one or the other, I would choose Olaplex No. 3 because the treatment will stay in the hair better.

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is essentially made up of conditioning and smoothing agents, oils, and other nutrients. Overall it seems like a really nice leave in conditioner (on paper).

I found that Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is a lightweight oil with a pleasant smell. It does contain the "star ingredient" Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, but I don't think it's necessary for an Olaplex treatment since this ingredient is abundant in the other products listed. I do believe the product has a lot of nice ingredients regardless, and I typically use a small amount after styling as it does seem to increase shine without weighting the hair down.

BEFORE & AFTER

It does not help with frizz, but my hair was VERY soft.

When I write my reviews for hair products, I take my before and after shots without styling. I feel that by introducing styling with other products takes away from the true result. The above shot shows my hair before and after the Olaplex treatment unstyled and without a keratin treatment.

Now let's face it. The only thing that has successfully taken the frizz out of my hair has been keratin treatments (which I now DIY at home). When I tried Olaplex, I was disappointed because it did not help with frizz for my virgin hair, but there was something certainly different about it. It was soft... very soft; so much so that I could not stop touching it. It just felt healthier, and so I decided to straighten it.

Olaplex resulted in softer and shinier hair.

After straightening, I found that my hair was still soft but also had more movement and was shinier than usual. I think the reason why it helps with frizz more dramatically to those with chemically treated / dyed hair is because the type of frizz encountered from those treatments is due to damage. My frizz however.. is due to humidity, curl pattern, and overall lack of styling. This is why keratin treatments work best for me, because I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to hair.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I don't think Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment was worth it for me. My hair is so long that I definitely felt that the watery consistency of this product meant that I had to use a lot of it. I used up nearly 60% of a 5.2 oz bottle on just one treatment! At $30 a pop? No thanks. Plus the main ingredient of it is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate which is also present in Olaplex No. 3. So to me No. 0 is not worth it.

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is great though. It contains a lot of goodies as well as the all important Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate bond building ingredient needed to repair and promote healthy hair; on top of a wide array of other goodies that makes it an all around great product.

Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is also pretty nice. It's basically a fancy leave in conditioner, but the ingredients are good quality so for me it was worth it.

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is okay, but that is because it's in a weird spot for me. If I don't have a keratin treatment in my hair, then it simply is not enough to tame it. For that I prefer OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Hair Oil Treatment. On the other hand, if I do have a keratin treatment in my hair then just I don't need it. I do like it though... I just don't think I have the right hair type for it.

STORE	PRICE	OFFERS
Amazon	$30.00 each	Free Shipping
Olaplex	$30.00 each	Free Shipping Orders $50+
ULTA	$30.00 each	Free Shipping Orders $35+

When it comes to repurchasing I think Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector and Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother is a yes for me. Despite it not helping with my general frizz, I do believe that continued use (perhaps once a month) will increase overall hair health and manageability.

Before purchasing individually, I would look to see if they can be bought in a set. For example, ULTA sometimes has the OLAPLEX Smooth & Healthy Hair Set that includes 3.3oz bottles of No. 3 and No. 6 or $42; which they normally retail for $30 each.

OLAPLEX NO. 0 INTENSIVE BOND BUILDING HAIR TREATMENT

Rating

OLAPLEX NO. 3 HAIR PERFECTOR

Rating

OLAPLEX NO. 6 BOND SMOOTHER

Rating

OLAPLEX NO. 7 BONDING OIL

Rating

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About the Author

Misakino

This blog was started to help other fellow NC37s on their quest to finding the perfect BB cushion. Being a big fan of K-Beauty, it is very difficult to find cushions darker than shade 23. It can be quite the gamble ordering makeup from overseas without an inkling of what that may look like, or even if it is beneficial for certain skin types. I am willing to buy these products, swatch, and test them in order to help others make an informed decision.