5 of the Best Products That Work Like Olaplex to Repair Dry and Damaged Hair

You may be familiar with the viral hair care brand, Olaplex, that started appearing all over social media just a few years ago — and has continued to do so since. The brand gained popularity for its ability to repair even the most damaged of hair, using special bonding technology to do so. While some of their products are available for professional use only, there are quite a few that are available to the everyday consumer, from shampoos to leave-ins to hair oils. However, although it does have its very devoted and loyal fanbase, it doesn't work for everyone. Just like any brand, there's no one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to hair care. If Olaplex isn't for you but you still want a product that works similarly to Olaplex (has bonding superpowers), we've got you covered. Keep reading for hairstylists' favorite products like Olaplex (or Olaplex dupes, if you will!).

At-Home Hair Bonding Products Reverse Damage for Healthy, Youthful Strands Without Spending $100s at the Salon

What does Olaplex do?

As mentioned, the whole premise of Olaplex is the ability to bond hair strands. Each strand of hair is made up of keratin, a type of protein, and bonds, which help to protect the hair and makeup of the strand. Bonds are essential for maintaining healthy hair. When bonds are broken, many different concerns can arise, such as frizziness, dry, lackluster hair, brittleness and split ends, all things we want to avoid to for a healthy, full head of hair.

Celebrity Hairstylists and Trichologists Explain Why Your Hair Is So Frizzy and How to Prevent It

Olaplex essentially repairs these broken bonds with the star ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate , which does wonders for repairing damaged hair. It's a single molecule that works quickly to restore hair back to a healthy state, and the ingredient is patented by Olaplex, so therefore, it can only be found in Olaplex.

"Olaplex is renowned for its ability to rebuild and restore broken hair bonds, which is crucial for preventing hair breakage. I primarily recommend it to clients who frequently undergo high-maintenance coloring, highlighting or chemical treatments," explains Priscilla Choi , colorist at NYC THE TEAM Hair Salon .

People who color their hair regularly, use hot tools often, live in cold climates and others who experience damage to their hair can typically benefit from using Olaplex. However, Olaplex isn't the only bond repair brand out there, and like we said, there's no one-size-fits-all for hair care. It all depends on your specific needs, hair type and texture, cost, etc.

"Hair care can be complex due to various factors such as hair texture, pH balance, hair care routines, health, diet, coloring, environmental conditions and climate changes," affirms Choi.

Below is a YouTube video by @LabMuffinBeautyScience explaining more in depth how Olaplex works.

Is Olaplex bad for hair?

The answer to this is not so black and white, especially in the hair care world. Olaplex is not inherently "good" or "bad" — it just depends on if its right for your specific hair needs. Some have found that it completely transformed their hair for the better, helping to repair split ends and damage, and others have found it didn't really a whole lot of a difference to their hair.

"My opinion is mixed. No single product is suitable for everyone; Different brands may work better for different individuals," explains Choi. "Hair has unique needs and limitations, requiring a balanced approach to care. We should treat our hair like living plants, considering factors like potential allergies and individual reactions. The science behind hair care can be intricate due to the constant changes in our bodies and environment."

The 5 best products that work like Olaplex

Keep reading for other brands besides Olaplex that repair bonds and restore hair health.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Another brand that focuses on bond repair and restoration, K18 is having a major moment on social media currently for how well it works. It's intended for those who bleach or color their hair, as well as those who often do heat styling. "K18 repairs both the keratin chains and sulphur bonds in the hair, renewing the hair from inside and out," says Choi. Their patented ingredient, K18Peptide, repairs both polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds in the hair, and according to the website, " uniquely matches and clicks into hair’s keratin structure. "

L’Oréal Metal Detox Shampoo

Our hair faces many environmental stressors, and one of them is actually metals that can be found in our water, for example if you live in area that has hard water. These metals can damage hair, leading to breakage and just overall unhealthy locks. The technology found in this shampoo helps to remove these metal particles, leaving hair healthier, shinier and repaired. Choi says it "helps stop breakage, color fade and improve hair condition."

Why Using a Clarifying Shampoo Is Key for Thick, Healthy Hair, Plus the Best Ones To Use

Shu Eumura Ultimate Reset Hair Mask for Very Damaged Hair

Treat yourself and your hair to some TLC with a repairing hair mask. Choi recommends this one because it "repairs and restores while preventing breakage with intense hydration and nourishment for dry and damaged hair." It strengthens hair by using Japanese-sourced rice extract, which contains minerals, vitamins and antioxidants beneficial to our hair.

Milbon Restorative Treatment

Suffering from extra dryness and damage? This treatment is made with cationized keratin, which helps smooth our hair fibers and reduce frizz. This made Choi's list as it "repairs and reconstructs (to) increase manageability and smoothness."

Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Hair Mask for Damaged Hair from Heat Styling

Another great mask option for damaged hair is this one, as recommended by Choi. This mask "rebuilds damaged hair fiber, easily detangles hair and prevents hair breakage and split ends," recommends Chio. Its main ingredients are ceramides to strengthen and moisturize hair, pro-keratine complex consisting of a blend of proteins and amino acids to repair the hair strand and resurrection plant sap to smooth and hydrate.

For more hair care tips, click through these stories:

7 Best Scalp Serums That Target Dryness, Oily Roots, Hair Loss and More

Scalp Serum Benefits: How Using One Can Make Your Hair Stronger, Shinier and Thicker Fast

Trichologist Reveals the Top Hair Myths and What to Do Instead for a Thick, Healthy Head of Hair