For many, OLAPLEX is a must-have for all-around, soft, and well-groomed hair. After all, the trendy brand offers a solution for damaged and stressed hair. But there are also suitable treatments that are just as effective – here I'll tell you the best OLAPLEX alternatives and when digging deeper into your pockets for OLAPLEX is actually worth it.
What Is OLAPLEX And How Does It Work?
OLAPLEX has become known for its innovative approach to hair care. The US brand's flagship product is the No. 3 Hair Perfector, a hair mask that repairs damaged hair from within.
What makes it special is that it repairs broken disulfide bonds in the hair, thus strengthening it at the molecular level. Hair appears healthier, softer, and even prevents new hair damage and split ends.
An absolute game-changer in hair care, but one that also comes at a price. Those who don't want to or can't afford to spend that much on hair care products can quickly find themselves overwhelmed. After all, Olaplex uses its own patented technology, which is unique in its kind.
Here I will show you effective Olaplex alternatives that are comparable to the patented technology.
The Best OLAPLEX Alternatives at A Glance
The absolute bestseller in the OLAPLEX range is the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector , which is applied to the hair as a hair mask approximately 1-2 times a week. It strengthens the disulfide bonds in the hair, making it more resilient and simultaneously preparing it for future chemical treatments.
As a comparable product, Minimalist has launched a similar treatment, the Minimalist Maleic Bond Repair Complex 0.5% Hair Mask . Like the OLAPLEX product, it repairs disulfide bonds and strengthens hair.
Instead of the patented Olaplex ingredient, Minimalist uses wheat protein, maleic acid and transglutaminase to help repair and strengthen hair.
Minimalist – Maleic Bond Repair Complex 05% Hair Mask
15,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 15,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
In addition to the hair mask, the OLAPLEX N°9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is also a very popular must-have for strengthening and protecting hair simultaneously. Applied before styling , it offers high protection against styling heat, adds shine and softness , and its patented active ingredient formula works from within.
Similar to the N°9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum, Living Proof Triple Bond Complex is used as a leave-in conditioner , making it a great alternative to Olaplex. It offers hair high heat protection while simultaneously conditioning and repairing.
Living Proof. – Triple Bond Complex
42,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 42,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
But Minimalist also offers an Olaplex alternative with a nourishing hair serum that repairs damaged hair, nourishes it, and provides a smooth finish.
The only difference between the formula and the Olaplex product is its application – it is applied before washing your hair and not during styling.
Minimalist – Maleic Bond Repair Complex 05% Hair Serum
13,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 13,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
OLAPLEX also offers its own shampoo for washing hair, the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo , which gently cleanses and strengthens hair. Minimalist offers an equally effective cleansing shampoo with additional restorative ingredients.
Of course, different ingredients are used here than with the specially created OLAPLEX technology, which also counteracts hair damage.
Minimalist – Maleic Bond Repair Complex 3.5% Hair Shampoo
13,90 €
with the code
-0%
Latest lowest price: 13,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
OLAPLEX vs. Alternatives: Which Product Is Right for You?
Whether you choose OLAPLEX or an OLAPLEX alternative such as Minimalist or Living Proof depends primarily on your hair needs.
The best-selling Olaplex N°3 Hair Perfector is an intensive hair mask used 1-2 times a week . Its patented formula specifically strengthens the disulfide bonds in the hair. This makes it particularly suitable for severely damaged or chemically treated hair that needs deep repair.
With the Maleic Bond Repair Complex 05% Hair Mask, Minimalist offers a solid Olaplex alternative and comparable care, but relies on ingredients such as wheat protein, maleic acid and transglutaminase , which also strengthen and repair the hair structure - ideal for anyone looking for an innovative and more cost-effective alternative.
When it comes to heat protection and styling preparation, Olaplex N°9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum scores highly, while Living Proof Triple Bond Complex offers a suitable Olaplex alternative that not only protects but also has a caring effect.
Minimalist has also developed an exciting concept with the Maleic Bond Repair Pre-Wash Serum, which is applied before washing your hair and thus works deep into the hair before styling.
You can even choose how you wash your hair: Olaplex N°4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo combines cleansing and bond-building, while the Minimalist Maleic Bond Repair Complex 3.5% Hair Shampoo with a restorative formula also counteracts hair breakage.
In short, Olaplex impresses with its patented technology and deep bond repair, while brands like Minimalist and Living Proof use innovative ingredients to offer an equally effective, but often more affordable, alternative.
When Should You Not Use OLAPLEX?
Although OLAPLEX products are suitable for many hair types, there are situations where they are less useful. For example, those with healthy, untreated hair often don't need deep bond repair because the disulfide bonds aren't damaged—in these cases, light moisturizers may be sufficient.
If you are intolerant to certain ingredients (e.g. fragrances), you should check the INCI list before use and otherwise use an Olaplex alternative.
Furthermore, the OLAPLEX Hair Perfector, for example, is not a replacement for a classic hair care routine: Shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizers remain important, as the Hair Perfector primarily works on the inner hair structure and not only provides softness or shine.
So, if you don't have any chemical treatments like bleaching, coloring, or straightening, you can use OLAPLEX, but you don't have to – in these cases, alternatives with strengthening plant oils, proteins, or moisturizers can be a gentler and more affordable choice.
I hope this overview of Olaplex alternatives has been helpful. Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions!
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