Olaplex No.3 Plus review: the iconic bond repair treatment gets a faster upgrade (aff)
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From the new three-minute No.3 Plus treatment to cult shampoos and masks, Olaplex proves why it remains a leader in bond-repair haircare
Olaplex is serious hair care. And seriously impressive. As a newcomer to the brand, I approached it with healthy scepticism; now, I consider myself a fan and wish I'd discovered it sooner. This is an industry-defining name that has never struggled to produce hero products.
The original Olaplex No.3 Complete Repair Treatment has long been considered the gold standard for at-home bond repair. And now the latest evolution of this iconic product - No.3 Plus, £64 (250ml) and £32 (100ml), - has been unveiled. It's a breakthrough pre-shampoo treatment clinically proven to make hair three times stronger, three times softer, and healthier-looking - all in one three-minute application.
This reimagined version is designed to save valuable time in the shower; its predecessor needed at least 10 minutes to work its magic.
Having used a range of Olaplex’s products for a while now, it’s clear that the remarkable No.3 Plus is just one element in a carefully considered system designed to support hair at every stage - from scalp to styling, working on a molecular level from cortex to cuticle. Here are the products I tried - and the ones I’ll be buying again and again.
Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, currently £22.40 down from £28 at Look Fantastic, and No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, £28, form the backbone of the range, quietly improving hair health with every wash. Suitable for all hair types, the nourishing, colour-safe formulas cleanse gently without stripping, leaving hair feeling clean, strong, and healthy.
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They’re ultra-concentrated, so a small amount produces a rich, creamy lather, and the conditioner delivers silky softness and effortless detangling. These are staples I know I’ll be keeping in my routine - the sort of products that make everyday haircare feel like a treat.
The Weightless Nourishing Mask, £39, is now my go-to for weekly deep conditioning, adding hydration and softness without weighing hair down. It’s perfect for maintaining the balance between nourishment and lightness, and it’s another product I’ll be buying again - a reliable way to keep my fine hair looking healthy and manageable.
The Rich Hydration Mask, by contrast, is more suited to dry, chemically treated, or highly processed hair. It delivers a heavier moisture boost when extra repair is needed, helping to restore softness, shine, and resilience to hair that’s feeling fragile or overworked. One online customer said: "It's really revived my dry, tired hair."
Because the scalp ages faster than other skin on the body, it can directly affect hair health. Olaplex’s Scalp Longevity Treatment No. 5 immediately hydrates and soothes the scalp while protecting against accelerated scalp ageing.
Suitable for all hair types, it's applied to wet hair before styling - or even overnight for maximum effect - strengthening roots and improving scalp health, a perfect example of Olaplex’s preventative innovation. I can’t say how impressed I am with it.
The No.6 Bond Smoother, on sale at £26 at Look Fantastic, is a leave-in styling treatment that hydrates and reduces frizz for up to 72 hours, while the Bonding Oil is the ultimate finishing touch - nourishing, smoothing, and leaving hair gleaming with glossy, head-turning shine. If you have fine hair, the secret is to use just a little.
After testing the full Olaplex system thoroughly it’s easy to see why the brand has such loyal fans. From the quick-impact No.3 Plus to the nourishing masks, shampoo and conditioner, and styling finishes, every product feels purposeful and effective.
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An increasing number of people are turning to at-home IPL devices to cut down on shaving and salon visits, and the Keskine handset is one drawing interest. It claims up to 98% hair reduction in four weeks, with cooling tech designed for comfort and treatments from just 24 minutes. Priced at around £199 (was £299) 💸, it offers a lower-cost alternative to clinic sessions.