The Answer to Stronger, Softer Hair?

As the owner of some pretty fluffy hair that can only be described as ‘triangular’, I am forever on the hunt for products to tame it.

And on that hunt I thought I’d check out cult product, Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector, in an effort to improve my unruly mane.

So how did I get on?

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

This at-home version of the brand’s famous in-salon hair strengthening treatment has been hailed as something of a hair-saviour for those who don’t have the time (or budget… it’s really quite pricey) for the full professional experience.

And although recommended in conjunction with the salon treatment, No. 3 can be used at home as a pre-shampoo treatment.

So in the hopes of bringing my bleached hair back to health I’ve been massaging this through damp, towel-dried hair around twice a week, before leaving it on anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight, and washing and conditioning as normal.

What’s in it

This (surprisingly small) bottle’s main ingredient is bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, an active ingredient which protect one of the bonds which hold hair together (disulphide bonds if you’re interested).

These are the ones which protect the shape of hair formed as it leaves the follicle, as well as it giving it its elasticity and strength.

 

The Full List of Ingredients

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, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Phytantriol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate

 

On the Hair

Olaplex No.3 promises to strengthen and protect bonds in damaged hair strands, and for me it does deliver. Immediately after washing, even my ends feel stronger, and my hair overall is less fluffy and kinked.

Although this is suitable for all hair types, this is definitely a strengthening treatment, not a hydrating one, so those with damaged hair are likely to see the most benefit.

For those lucky enough to have both damaged and dry hair (like me), I’ve found using a moisturising shampoo and conditioner alongside this works well- making my hair look healthier and shinier overall.

I would also point out just how tiny this bottle is, particularly if you have a lot of hair (again, like me).  For travel purposes the 100 ml here may be handy, but I find that I’m reordering this a lot.

I do think that for me this absolutely delivers on its claims, though, and it’s also paraben, sulfate, phthalate and cruelty-free, as well as vegan.

The Takeaway

This definitely does noticeably make my hair feel stronger.

As I mentioned though, it really isn’t a moisturising treatment- so if you’re hair isn’t particularly damaged and you just want a shot of hydration you might not find it makes much of a difference to hair.

Having said that, pretty much anyone who has ever coloured, heat styled or in any other way damaged their hair (snaggy hair ties! chlorine!) might enjoy the occasional hit of repairing goodness.

Great for: Damaged hair types, particularly bleach fiends like me.

Not-so-great for: Moisturising, so this needs to be used before using a conditioner.

Olaplex’s No.3 Hair Perfector is £26 for 100 ml, Cult Beauty UK and $28 for 3.3 oz/ 100 ml, Sephora US

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