If you’ve spent even five minutes on #HairTok or walked through the hair isle of beauty halls, you’ve heard of Olaplex. It’s been called a miracle product by influencers, hairstylists, and hair junkies alike. But does it really live up to the hype? Or is it just another overpriced bottle with a cult following?

Let’s break it down — what Olaplex really does, who it’s for, and why overusing it might actually be doing more harm than good.

What Is Olaplex, Exactly?

Olaplex isn’t your average deep conditioner. It’s a bond-building treatment, which means it works on a molecular level to repair broken disulphide bonds in your hair. These are the internal structures that keep your hair strong and healthy, and they get damaged by heat styling, colouring, bleaching, brushing, and even daily wear and tear.

So, instead of just masking damage with oils and silicones, Olaplex helps rebuild your hair from the inside out. That’s the science behind the magic.

Why It Blew Up

Olaplex first made waves in salons when stylists used it to safely bleach hair without the usual breakage. Suddenly, going platinum blonde wasn’t a hair death sentence. From there, the brand expanded into at-home treatments like Olaplex No. 3 (the cult favourite), and a full line of shampoos, conditioners, and serums.

People started raving about stronger, shinier, healthier-looking hair — and for many, it truly delivered.

But Here’s the Catch…

Overusing Olaplex can cause more harm than good.

Yup, you read that right. The very product meant to repair damage can cause it if used incorrectly or too often.

Why?

Because bond builders like Olaplex work best when your hair is actually damaged — specifically by chemical processes or heat. If your hair is already healthy or not significantly compromised, using Olaplex excessively can throw off your hair’s moisture-protein balance, leading to stiffness, brittleness, or even breakage.

Think of it like this: repairing something that isn’t broken can still cause strain — even at the molecular level.

So, Is It Worth the Hype?

Yes — for the right hair and the right purpose.

Olaplex can be worth it if:

• You bleach, dye, or chemically treat your hair

• You frequently use heat tools

• Your hair is visibly weak, breaking, or overprocessed

• You’re in a repair-and-recover phase

But it might be overkill if:

• Your hair is healthy, low-maintenance, and rarely exposed to damage

• You’re using it weekly out of habit, not necessity

• You expect it to magically fix split ends or dryness (spoiler: it won’t)

The Bottom Line

Like any good thing, it’s all about balance…