I love Olaplex as much as I love breakfast in bed. But, it can be hard on the pocket. And so the search began for alternatives to Olaplex that worked just as well.
So, I have compiled the best Olaplex alternatives on the market that prioritizes nutrients and proteins, including amino acids and vitamin B5. Continue reading to find out more!
This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Top Alternatives to Olaplex at a Glance
- pH plex Protect & Repair Set (Best hair for repair treatment)
- Ion Absolute Perfect Color Sealer (Olaplex 3 dupe for the coloring process)
- OGX Bonding Plex Salon Technology Shampoo (Best shampoo for color-treated hair)
- OGX Restoring Bonding Plex Salon Technology Bonding (Inexpensive hair conditioner)
- OGX Bonding Plex Leave-In Cream (A decent dupe to Olaplex No. 6)
Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
Cheap Alternative to Olaplex: 9 Options
Sometimes I can’t afford to eat out, let alone splurge on a luxury hair care routine. But oh, my hair needs it.
So, repeatedly, I bite the bullet and justify the price of the Olaplex haircare product range. P.S. Here are the best Olaplex for fine hair if you have fine hair.
Tina Deeka, hair stylist at Maxine Salon, says, “Olaplex in-salon service is designed to protect the disulfide bonds. It’s a must with each service.” (1)
However, these products are not cheap. But, worry not, for here are some products similar to Olaplex that have helped get me healthier hair.
1. pH plex Protect & Repair Set (Best hair for repair treatment)
I’ve been using the pH plex Protect & Repair Set for a while now, and I can proudly say I have no more color damage.
It’s that good! This one is a perfect Olaplex substitute for no. 1 and no.2. Your colorist must have already used the no. 1 and 2 on your hair during treatment.
Matt Rez, celebrity colorist, says, “I use Olaplex in the salon all the time. We mix part 1 into our color formulas, and we do part 2 post-color to super secure and keep my clients’ hair strong through different processes.” (2)
You can get the same results with the pH plex. The color treatment comes in a sachet, meaning it’s sterile and can only be used once.
The best accessible alternatives! It helps protect. It has saved my hair after coloring since I do it so often.
The set can be used at home and is made with all-natural and active ingredients.
- THE FULL SERVICE KIT: Designed to last until your next treatment; each kit includes 1 double sachet of steps 1 and 2, and 2 double sachets of step 3 to give you coverage in between treatments
- FOR PROFESSIONAL, SALON QUALITY RESULTS AT HOME: World-wide patented pH Plex is the only product to match the pH-value of your Color or Bleach and does not interfere with them during the process. No adjustments needed for salon quality results at home. Protect and repair your hair during Color and Bleach jobs with no change in your routine. Use pH Plex 1 & 2 with your Color or Bleach and pH Plex 3 once per week to replenish the Actives provided with pH Plex 1 & 2
- CONVENIENT SINGLE DOSE PACKAGING: Clean, no-contamination-possible, single dose packaging. pH Plex is pre-dosed, no complicated mixing required.
- pH Plex IS MADE IN GERMANY
Looking for natural ways to promote hair growth? Don’t miss our article on the benefits of coconut oil for hair growth!
2. Ion Absolute Perfect Color Sealer (Olaplex 3 dupe for the coloring process)
A dupe to the Olaplex No. 2 and no. 3, the Ion Absolute Perfection Color Sealer helps neutralize the damaging effects during hair coloring treatment.
It can be mixed directly with bleach during the coloring process, which will help prevent the bonds in hair from chemical damage.
It also helps in the long run by preventing the color from fading and helps hair strands from breakage.
The sachets are incredibly cheap and power-packed. No wonder many users swear by this fantastic product to help reduce breakage and protect against color fade.
- Helps restore moisture and smoothness while protecting and strengthening hair that has been chemically treated
- For superior results use after ion Color Brilliance Absolute Perfection Booster
- Helps to protect against damage and color fade
- Helps to reduce breakage
3. Redken pH Bonder (Great cost-effective alternative to protect hair from damage)
Redken makes some great Olaplex-like products that work amazingly in providing hair improvements. In addition, it also makes your hair shiny and increases hair strength.
The Redken pH Bonder is a dupe to the Olaplex no.3 hair perfector and should be applied to the hair fiber weekly for best results.
In doing so, you will find that your damaged hair is repaired, and overall hair health is better.
Tina Outen, celebrity hair colorist, says, “Coloring hair with super-lightening blonde like high-lifting tint, pushes the hair to its maximum level of lift. This can damage hair.” (3)
This is where a bonder comes into play. The Redken pH bonder is even used as a salon treatment by hair stylists to help retain moisture and prevent color damage.
All you have to do is apply it on damaged hair for 10-15 minutes before shampoo and then rinse it out with Redken Bonding Shampoo.
Say hello to healthy hair and prevent future damage.
4. OGX Bonding Plex Salon Technology Shampoo (Best shampoo for color-treated hair)
OGX bonding plex salon technology shampoo is the perfect dupe to the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo at a fraction of the price.
These shampoo dupes are made with an innovative formula featuring Cystine and vegetable proteins.
Say goodbye to frizziness and damage and begin the hair restoration with these shampoos similar to Olaplex.
They aid in hair repair, help strengthen broken hair bonds and help you achieve stronger hair. Isn’t that the dream?
- SALON STRENGTH PROTECTION: Our innovative formula is blended to provide superior protection & deep conditioning for overly processed & damaged hair. Improve the appearance of hair texture & shine.
- MAXIMIZE MOISTURE: Gently cleanse, improve moisture retention, & soothe damage caused by coloring, chemical treatments, & over-processing for healthier looking hair. Helps hair look smoother & shinier.
- BEAUTY PURE & SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier & smell irresistible.
- WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
- REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair & skin care product collections are here to help you look your best! We’re beauty, pure & simple.
5. OGX Restoring Bonding Plex Salon Technology Bonding (Inexpensive hair conditioner)
Another OGX product on the list because I love OGX products, and they live up to the hype.
The conditioning plex treatment is my favorite dupe for the Olaplex No. 5 Bond maintenance conditioner.
These conditioners are blended with crucial ingredients. Cystine and vegetable proteins help soothe damage on chemically treated hair.
This product works as well as the Olaplex bond maintenance conditioner helping in hair resiliency and overall shine.
- SALON STRENGTH CONDITIONING: Our innovative formula is blended to provide superior protection & deep conditioning for overly processed & damaged hair. Improve the appearance of hair texture & shine.
- MAXIMIZE MOISTURE: Deep condition, improve moisture retention, & soothe damage caused by coloring, chemical treatments, & over-processing for healthier looking hair. Helps hair look smoother & shinier.
- BEAUTY PURE & SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier & smell irresistible.
- WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
- REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair & skin care product collections are here to help you look your best! We’re beauty, pure & simple.
6. OGX Bonding Plex Leave-In Cream (A decent dupe to Olaplex No. 6)
Okay, okay. I love OGX products! Yes, it is that obvious and for an excellent reason. Guys, these products by OGX are top-notch and are built to perfection.
The Olaplex No. 6 has a cult following of its own. Thanks to its part in showing hair improvements that are not possible with other sub-standard hair products.
But the OGX bonding plex leave-in cream does a decent job of it. The product is meant to be applied to wet hair after showering.
It not only cuts down on blow-dry time but gives you shiny hair like those gotten in hair salons.
It promotes hair elasticity and deepens the hair shaft to repair broken bonds.
- SALON-STRENGTH TREATMENT: Our innovative leave-in formula is blended to provide superior protection & deep conditioning for overly processed & damaged hair. Improve the appearance of hair texture & shine.
- MAXIMIZE MOISTURE: Deep condition, improve moisture retention, & soothe damage caused by coloring, chemical treatments, & over-processing for healthier looking hair. Helps hair look smoother & shinier.
- BEAUTY PURE & SIMPLE: OGX products are inspired by nature. We don’t try to make hair look “perfect” because we’d rather make hair look fuller, smoother, curlier, or bouncier & smell irresistible.
- WHAT HAIR WANTS: Whether you need quenching moisture for curly hair, protection for color treated hair, blowout cream or matte pomade, OGX hair care products are designed to bring out your best.
- REAL QUALITY, REAL BEAUTY: Unattainable looks don't inspire us but originality does. OGX hair & skin care product collections are here to help you look your best! We’re beauty, pure & simple.
7. L’oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair (Best hair protein treatment)
I love this protein-rich intense moisture mask, which helps strengthen your hair and aids in deep conditioning.
A dupe to the Olaplex no. 8, it has been curated with the utmost attention to detail. Several caring ingredients, including almond oil, work on the molecular level of hair cuticles.
This is the absolute bomb if you have colored hair or have undergone hair bleaching. It helps reverse heat damage and gives you incredibly smoother hair.
Leave this affordable alternative on the hair after shampooing for 5-10 minutes and rinse it off. Say hello to beautiful hair!
- EXPERT REPAIRING FORMULA: L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm rinse-out mask for smooth, nourished, stronger hair
- CARING INGREDIENTS: Formulated with caring ingredients, featuring Almond Oil and 17 percent Repair Concentrate with Protein for intense nourishment of damaged hair
- INDULGENT EXPERIENCE: Rich, indulgent mask deeply conditions to nourish and repair up to 1 year of damage to hair smoothness in 1 use
- IRRESISTIBLE FRAGRANCE: L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5’s offers a sophisticated floral, creamy blend with juicy green notes
- COMPLETE REPAIRING SYSTEM: Maximize results by using with the L'Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Repairing Shampoo and Repairing Conditioner system
8. Mark Hill Bond Repair Bond Building Treatment (Affordable protein-rich bond builder)
The hair cuticle is built with hydrogen and disulfide bonds, which, when broken, can have a rather disastrous impact on the hair.
The Mark Hill Bond Repair Bond Building Treatment is built with Kera-Creathanol Complex that helps reform broken bonds. It is a hair mask meant to be applied to the hair after shampoo.
Leaving it on for 10 minutes twice a week can do wonders to reverse hair damage and promote healthier hair.
I have used it on my hair with great results and heard the same from others – even those with different hair types. Almost all the frizz was gone, and my locks were super smooth.
9. Moroccanoil Treatment Oil (Best scalp treatment for continuous styling)
I could write a whole article on why Moroccanoil Treatment Oil is the best hair product out there because it is the bomb!
I have used it for a while on my colored hair, and it has just excited my moisture levels and made my hair look that much better.
This is an Olaplex alternative to the No. 7 Bonding hair repair Oil. It can be used on all hair types regardless of how frizzy or thick it is.
The lightweight serum helps get rid of flyaways and frizz.
The oil dupe can be applied to dry hair, but I usually apply it to freshly showered hair. That way, I can even air-dry my hair, which will still look incredible.
There are several other hair oils on the market, and this one is a little costlier than most.
But, when you use it, you’ll see for yourself why everybody goes gaga for the Moroccanoil treatment oil.
We know that Olaplex’s claim to fame is its patented ingredient: Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which is unique to the brand – this ingredient helps balance repair bond damages in the hair.
- A multitasking hair treatment infused with argan oil to promote a healthier look and feel. Use as a styling routine foundation or to refresh second-day strands
- Conditions, smooths frizz and flyaways, detangles, and boosts shine by up to 118%.*
- English (Publication Language)
These are some of the most FAQs about Olaplex. But, several other brands use pretty much similar ingredients in their products. This can help you achieve a gold standard in hair treatment.
READ MORE: Best Anti Humidity Hair Products for Black Hair
FAQs
Which brand is better Olaplex or Kerastase?
Olaplex helps repair hair breakage, but that is pretty much all it does. Kerastase handles many other hair concerns. Your choice depends on hair type and needs.
Does Olaplex have harsh chemicals?
Olaplex hair product is non-toxic and cruelty-free. But, Olaplex No. 3 hair perfector was recently called back because it contains Lilial. Lilial is a harmful fragrance ingredient that is banned in the European Union.
Can Olaplex make your hair worse?
No. You can use Olaplex hair care products on many types of hair without worrying about it being damaged, as over time, your hair bonds get stronger, and damage is repaired.
Conclusion
That’s it – all of the above are excellent alternatives to Olaplex that helps keep your hair soft.
I know this article is helpful, and I loved writing it for you. We’ll meet again in the following article. Happy hair day, beauties!
- THE FULL SERVICE KIT: Designed to last until your next treatment; each kit includes 1 double sachet of steps 1 and 2, and 2 double sachets of step 3 to give you coverage in between treatments
- FOR PROFESSIONAL, SALON QUALITY RESULTS AT HOME: World-wide patented pH Plex is the only product to match the pH-value of your Color or Bleach and does not interfere with them during the process. No adjustments needed for salon quality results at home. Protect and repair your hair during Color and Bleach jobs with no change in your routine. Use pH Plex 1 & 2 with your Color or Bleach and pH Plex 3 once per week to replenish the Actives provided with pH Plex 1 & 2
- CONVENIENT SINGLE DOSE PACKAGING: Clean, no-contamination-possible, single dose packaging. pH Plex is pre-dosed, no complicated mixing required.
- pH Plex IS MADE IN GERMANY
What’s your favorite Olaplex alternative? Please share below!
Resources
- 1. Segal L. Everything to Know About Olaplex Hair Treatments (Plus Why They’re Worth It) [Internet]. Harper’s BAZAAR. 2022 [cited 2022 Jul 19]. Available from: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a39140967/olaplex-hair-treatment/
- 2. The Truth About Olaplex: Colorists Get Real About the Industry’s Top Treatment [Internet]. Byrdie. Available from: https://www.byrdie.com/how-does-olaplex-work
- 3. Nast C. Here’s the Tea on the Olaplex Hair Treatment [Internet]. Allure. 2018. Available from: https://www.allure.com/story/olaplex-hair-treatment
