MissLJBeauty

Why is having blonde hair such a mission? I am going to shock no one when I say. I have bleached blonde hair. I have had my hair coloured blonde for longer than I care to admit. I feel like if you are a bleach blonde babe like me, you totally understand me here. All I want is effortless, healthy blonde hair. My hair is fine, but lots of it. Yes, I know that is contradictory, but that's my hair. My hair is long over my shoulders, and straight. It tangles easily, and You know the type where getting a curl to stay is like something only hairdressers can do. 

I’ve been noticing more split ends, and my hair just felt... meh. After a few too many years of bleach, heat styling and winter wind and summer sun, it was time to commit to proper hair rehab. That’s when I decided to finally put it to the test. You might know I have been a lover of the Olaplex No. 3. I have spoken about this to death in my last Olaplex review. But I haven't actually talked about the shampoo and conditioner, have I, so let's chat and do a review of the Olaplex duo. 

If your hair’s feeling dry, damaged or just a bit tired like mine, trust me, I’ve been there, it might be time to give it some serious TLC. I’d heard so much hype about these two that I finally gave in and tried their famous No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner again. These two are everywhere on TikTok, salon shelves, and beauty blogs. But is it just marketing, or are they really worth the splurge? Here's my full experience and thoughts.

Quick Take: Damaged, coloured, or dry hair? Olaplex No.4 and No.5 are absolutely worth it. Within a few washes, my hair felt stronger, shinier, and smoother. They’re pricey, but if you’re serious about hair repair, they deliver.

Overview of the Brand and Its Product Line

Olaplex is best known for its bond-building technology. Originally used in salons to protect hair during bleaching, the brand has now become a staple for anyone with colour-treated or damaged hair. The range includes the much-loved No.3 Hair Perfector, the No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment, Bonding Oil, and even a Leave-In Styling Crème. All the products are cruelty-free, sulphate-free, and designed to repair the hair, not just mask the damage. I know a revolution. 

What is Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner?

Ingredients and Technology Behind the Products

We all know I love a bit of a delve into the ingredients of the products I put on my colour-treated hair. What makes these products special is the patented ingredient Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a bit of a mouthful, I know! But this molecule works on a molecular level to reconnect broken disulfide bonds inside the hair shaft. Basically, it’s not just smoothing over damage, it’s actually helping to fix it from the inside out. Yes it fixed broken bonds without your hair feeling stripped. 

Benefits of Using Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner

Using these regularly, I noticed:

• Less breakage and frizz
• More shine and softness
• My blonde looked less brassy and more vibrant
• Most importantly, my hair just felt stronger.

I’ve bleached and styled my hair for years, and this combo gave it that healthy, swishy feeling again. Yes, that is my technical term. What can I say, you come here for the honesty, and this is an important term in hair care. 

What's in the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo?

The shampoo is gentle but effective. It contains coconut-derived surfactants to cleanse without stripping, panthenol for softness, and of course, the bond-building molecule. It lathers up really nicely and smells clean and luxe like a salon in a bottle but not overpowering. 

What's In the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner?

The conditioner is rich but not heavy, which is ideal for my fine, bleached hair. It’s got grape seed oil, avocado oil, and ingredients that help detangle, smooth, and restore moisture. I leave it on for a few minutes while I shower, and it always rinses out beautifully without weighing things down. This is a thicker conditioner, but I repeat, it's not heavy. 

Let's Talk About The Scent

The scent of Olaplex No.4 and No.5 is honestly one of the most underrated parts of the experience. If you have been here a while, you will know my love of scents and how I have a bit of an overactive nose. 

This duo has that high-end, signature salon smell, soft, slightly floral, with a warm, musky undertone. If I had to describe it properly, I’d say it’s a mix of white jasmine, creamy sandalwood, and a touch of powdery vanilla, but very subtle. It’s not sickly sweet or overpowering, just yummy, clean, comforting, and expensive-smelling. The kind of scent that lingers faintly in your hair and makes people lean in and say, “What are you using?” "Have you just been to the hairdresser's?" It's divine. 

Who Should Use Olaplex Products?

These are perfect if you have:

1. Coloured or chemically-treated hair

2. Heat-damaged or over-styled hair

3. Dry, frizzy, or fragile strands

4. It’s also brilliant if you’re growing your hair out and want to avoid split ends.

It works across all hair types, curly, straight, thick or fine. You will love using the Olaplex system.

How to Use the Shampoo and Conditioner

Here’s how I use them for the best results:

1. Start with wet hair. I mean really wet. 

2. Use a small amount of the No.4 shampoo in your hands and activate the foam by rubbing the shampoo together in your palms before you put it on your hair and scalp. 

3. Massage well into your scalp. You should concentrate on your scalp. The rest will take care of itself. 

4. Rinse for at least 60 seconds.

5. Repeat the washing again (1-4)

6. Apply the No.5 conditioner to mid-lengths and ends. Not your roots, I repeat, not your roots

7. Leave it on for about 3–5 minutes,

8. then rinse thoroughly for at least 60 seconds again. 

I use them two to three times a week, and often pair with No.3 Hair Perfector twice a month for an extra boost. This is your hair care routine, so you need to do this as much or as little as you require. With new hair products, I still reccomend a patch test before you use. 

Do You Need to Use Both Products Together?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and I totally get it. At nearly £30 a bottle, buying both the shampoo and conditioner can feel like a big commitment and spendy. So, do you really need them both?

In short: they work brilliantly together, but you’ll still see benefits even if you only use one.

If I had to pick just one, I’d go for the No.5 Conditioner, especially if your hair is dry or prone to frizz. It gives an instant softness and helps smooth everything down.

But if you are a bit more oily, I would say the shampoo is your option and not the conditioner, as it may be too heavy. 

But for long-term repair, using No.4 and No.5 as a pair gives your hair the full treatment: cleanse, rebuild, hydrate, and protect. It’s like a power couple but for your hair.

Where Does It Fit in Your Hair Routine?

I use Olaplex hair care in No.4 and No.5  twice a week and my No.3 treatment once to twice a month, but they also work brilliantly on their own. You can follow up with a leave-in product like their Bond Smoother or Bonding Oil, but honestly, even when used solo, they leave my hair feeling so smooth I often skip other products. 

Before and After: Real User Experiences

I grabbed my latest pair of the travel version when I was heading off to Canada. When I travel, I know I need a duo I can really rely on. You know what it's like, you never really know what the new destination water will affect your hair, so I wanted to be confident I could keep my hair in good condition. I mountian bike so I have a helmet on all the time, and this leads to greasy, oily roots, and I find this is one of the few hair care products that helps combat this for longer. I can get an extra day out of my hair before I need to wash it again. I love that this shampoo is so cleansing. 

Personally, my hair felt softer from the very first wash. I forgot why I stopped having this bond shampoo in my rotation.  After a few weeks, it looked shinier and had noticeably less breakage. I’ve seen loads of reviews echoing the same, people with bleached, curly, or heat-damaged hair all say it’s made a real difference, leaving their hair moisturised and nourished at the same time.  It’s one of those rare products that actually delivers.

I will say this is not the most foamy shampoo, so bear that in mind the first time you use it. 

Comparing Olaplex to Other Hair Care Brands

I’ve tried so many brands, Redken, Philip Kingsley, you name it. While they’re lovely, none of them gave me the same long-term results. It feels like a treatment and a daily product in one, rather than just a moisturising or smoothing formula. It’s a step up if you need real repair, not just surface shine. I do still love my Pureology, too. But I now can't be without this one, it's just wonderful for my dry, damaged, fine hair. 

Common Myths About Olaplex 04 and 05

Let’s clear up a few things:

• You don’t need the entire Olaplex line to see results. I started with just the shampoo and conditioner and still noticed a big improvement. Before I found no3
• It’s not only for coloured hair. Any hair type that’s been through heat, sun, or daily wear and tear can benefit.
• It doesn’t leave residue or make fine hair greasy. Just use the right amount and rinse well.

Pricing and Where to Buy Olaplex Products

You can expect to pay around £28–£30 per full-size bottle, £13 per travel-sized bottle, depending on where you shop. You’ll find them on Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, Space NK, and most professional salons. I usually wait for a sale or go for a bundle set to save a bit. Also, if you are new to this duo, buy the travel set like me and make sure you like it before committing to the bigger versions. We are all about being frugal up in here. 

How Long Do the Bottles Last?

I’ve been using No.4 and No.5, two to three times a week, and after a month, I’ve barely made a dent. You only need a small amount because it lathers (and conditions) really well. For me, one travel-size bottle easily lasts 2–3 months, which makes the price tag a bit easier to justify.

FAQs About Olaplex This Duo

Is it safe for coloured hair?
Absolutely! it’s designed for it.

Can I use it daily?
Yes, though 2–3 times a week works well for most.

Will it weigh down fine hair?
Nope! The formulas are lightweight and rinse clean.

Alternatives to Olaplex Products

If you’re after something a bit different (or more budget-friendly), try:

• K18 Leave-In Repair Mask (great for deep repair)
• Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate
• L’Oréal Professional Absolut Repair

They’re not identical but offer similar bond-repairing benefits.

Expert Opinion: Hair Stylists Weigh In

Every stylist I’ve spoken to has had good things to say. It’s a go-to in many salons, especially when lightening hair. It helps protect hair during processing and makes it easier to maintain between appointments. My hairdresser always compliments me on using it before I go in for my bleaching. 

How Often Should You Use Olaplex?

You don’t need to use it daily. I find 2–3 times a week is the sweet spot. If your hair is really damaged, you can use it more often initially, then taper off once it’s healthier. 

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Some people say their hair feels dry at first. That’s usually because it focuses on repair, not moisture. If that happens, just add in a hydrating mask or oil (like their Bonding Oil) once a week to balance it out.

Sustainability and Ethics of Olaplex

The brand ticks a lot of the right boxes: vegan, cruelty-free, no sulphates or parabens, and they’re working on reducing packaging waste and carbon emissions. Definitely a more conscious choice in the haircare aisle.

The Science Behind Olaplex Technology

This is where it gets cool. The patented ingredient re-links broken disulfide bonds, which are the internal connections that give your hair strength and structure. When they’re damaged (from bleach, heat, etc.), your hair becomes weak and brittle. This literally helps stitch those bonds back together. It’s proper science, not just fluff.

Pros About the Olaplex System

• Hair feels stronger and more resilient
• Adds shine and softness
• Reduces frizz and split ends
• Safe for colour-treated hair
• A little goes a long way

My Review and Rating

I have been using this on and off for years, and I find it really makes a big difference to the feel and manageability of my blonde hair. I get oily roots because I work out alot and with the amount of colour on my hair, it is always in need of extra tlc and I really find this due helps my hair come back, especially if I have overdone it in the sun or had a hair disaster. I can get an extra day out of my hair between washes, which for me is worth its weight in gold. Am I the only one who has wet hair? I dont really use heat on my hair, so I let it air dry, and wet hair is so annoying, so the extra day is very welcome. I love the scent and the way it cleanses without stripping, and my hair feels fresh and clean, but also nourished after using this pair. Plus, I always get compliments when I use this. I really do love this duo for my color-treated hair. 

Me: 9.5/10 — it’s become a staple in my routine, and I rarely say that.

Is the Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner Worth It?

In a word, yes. The price is definitely premium, but the results are too. If your hair is crying out for help, this duo is honestly one of the best you can buy. But if you hair is in good condition, then you won't need it. This is aimed at damaged coloured hair. 

Conclusion: Is Olaplex Right for You?

If your hair’s feeling tired, weak, or just needs some love, I really think it is worth a try. It’s not just hype, it’s effective, long-lasting, and delivers visible results. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, curly, or straight, it’s a great way to bring your hair back to life. But if I were to recommend just one product, I would go with the No 3 hair perfector as my holy grail from this line. It's game-changing from the first use. It's deep instant nourishment, whereas this duo is a longer game product. But both leave the hair feeling and looking great. 

I have found that once you become a fan of this brand, it becomes a bit of a family. I was recently flying out of Vancouver back to the UK, and the liquid laws are different there. I had this duo in my hand luggage, and we had to squeeze it all into a tiny bag. The lovely woman next to me looked over and said Oh gosh, please tell me your Olaplex will fit in that bag. I would cry if that were mine and it didn't fit in that bag. Just two gals bonding over shampoo and conditioner at an airport. 

Have you tried Olaplex or another bond-repair system? Let me know your thoughts, results or even your hair horror stories in the comments. I love hearing what’s worked for you!

Want glowing skin to go with your revived hair? Here’s my full take on L’Oréal’s new Bright Reveal SPF.