But as much as I adore the originals, my hair is fine (though there’s plenty of it), and sometimes those rich, creamy textures can feel a little heavy for everyday use. I am always on the hunt for the perfect shampoo for fine hair. Call me Goldilocks if you like. I just want to live my healthy hair dreams.
So when Olaplex launched N°.4FINE and N°.5FINE Bond Maintenance, a new lightweight, volumising take on their famous bond-building range, I couldn’t resist testing it out. It went straight into my basket.
It's time to review after a few weeks of use of this shampoo and conditioner for fine hair. So is it worth the hype? Here’s how this new duo performed on my fine, bleached hair and whether it’s worth swapping from the classics.
Quick Take In Case You're In A Rush
The new Olaplex N°.4FINE and N°.5FINE Bond Maintenance duo delivers the same molecular-level repair and shine as the originals but in a light, airy formula made specifically for fine hair. It leaves my hair feeling clean, soft, and full of volume, with none of the heaviness I sometimes get from the classic range.
Olaplex N°.4FINE Bond Maintenance Shampoo: Is It Better Than the Original?
I’ve used the original No.4 Bond Maintenance for years, and it’s been a staple for repairing my bleached strands. But the new N°.4FINE instantly feels different, the texture is silkier, and the scent is fresher and slightly lighter. It lathers easily and feels incredibly clean without being stripping. It gently removes buildup to leave my hair feeling cleaner.
For me, the biggest difference in the nº.5fine is how weightless my roots feel after blow-drying. My fine blonde hair can easily go limp or oily. If you have fine hair, you know my struggle here, but this keeps it fresh and bouncy for longer between washes. It really removes buildup to leave hair looking healthy. My ends still feel smooth and hydrated, but there’s lift at the crown that wasn’t there before.
If you’ve ever loved Olaplex’s results but found it a bit too rich for daily use, this new version hits that sweet spot perfectly. It's just a lightweight shampoo version of the original, and I am here for it.
Understanding the Original Formula
What Makes Olaplex Unique
Olaplex is built around its patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which works on a molecular level to rebuild broken bonds caused by bleaching, colouring, or heat styling. There are dupes out there but this can not be replicated so they are never the same. This is what makes olaplex products spiecal.
How It Works
The original No.4 is deeply nourishing, it gently cleanses while hydrating and protecting each strand from within. It’s amazing for damage repair, though it can feel too intense on finer textures.
Key Ingredients in the Original Formula
The original Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo features the brand’s patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, the molecule that works on a molecular level to reconnect broken hair bonds and restore internal strength. Alongside this powerhouse ingredient, you’ll find:
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Glycerin – draws in moisture to keep hair hydrated and flexible.
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Sunflower Seed Extract (Helianthus annuus) – rich in antioxidants to protect hair from UV and colour fade.
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Hydrolyzed Quinoa – smooths the cuticle, boosts shine, and helps retain colour vibrancy.
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Coconut-derived cleansers like sodium cocoyl isethionate and cocamidopropyl betaine – gently cleanse without stripping natural oils.
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Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – adds softness and elasticity.
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Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – helps defend hair against oxidative stress from styling or pollution.
Together, these ingredients create that signature ultra-smooth, hydrated finish that made the original No.4 such a cult classic for dry, damaged, or colour-treated hair.
Introducing Olaplex N°.4FINE Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Purpose
The N°.4FINE formula delivers the same bond-building repair as the original but with a lightweight, volumising twist. It’s clinically proven to strengthen fine hair while adding lift and body. Its bacially the no4's volumising shampoo verion. Think ultra-light not heavy like olaplex no.4 fine bond maintenance shampoo.
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How It Differs
The biggest difference with Olaplex N°.4FINE is how much lighter and cleaner it feels in the hair. The formula swaps out the rich, creamy base of the original for a weightless cleansing system built around sodium cocoyl alaninate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, and coconut acid. These gentle, coconut-derived surfactants work together to gently remove buildup and excess oils without stripping your colour or moisture.
It’s designed to leave hair clean and soft with lasting volume, not coated or heavy. The texture is more fluid and airy, creating a soft foam that rinses away easily, perfect for fine, bleached, or oily-prone hair that still needs bond repair but hates residue.
You’ll instantly notice how your hair feels lighter at the roots and fresher for longer between washes, while still maintaining that smooth, healthy finish Olaplex is known for. It's all about trying to help with volume and not weighing the hair down. Think bouncy blow-dry at home vibes.
Key Ingredients in the N°.4FINE Formula
The fine bond maintenance shampoo 250ml still uses the brand’s hero ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which we have already talked about. Which repairs hair at a molecular level by reconnecting broken bonds caused by heat, colouring, and chemical treatments. But the supporting ingredients have been carefully reformulated to suit fine and oily-prone hair types, giving strength without the weight.
You’ll find:
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Pisum sativum (pea sprout) extract – rich in amino acids that boost hair’s elasticity and resilience while supporting healthy growth.
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Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf) extract – promotes scalp circulation and helps maintain a clean, balanced scalp environment.
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Helianthus annuus (sunflower seed) extract – adds lightweight shine and provides antioxidant protection to prevent dullness.
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Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – lock in hydration without heaviness, helping fine hair stay soft and flexible.
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Polyquaternium-80 and glycerin – smooth and condition strands without the waxy buildup sometimes left by heavier silicones.
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Tocopherol (Vitamin E) – defends hair against environmental stress and dryness.
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Naturally tinted with Yellow 5 (CI 19140) and Yellow 6 (CI 15985), giving the formula its soft golden hue.
The result is a lightweight, volumising shampoo that delivers the same bond maintenance® strength as the original, removes excess buildup to leave hair clean but also with a fresher, airier feel that’s clinically proven to strengthen fine hair and soft with lasting volume.
My Experience Using N°.4FINE
When I wash my hair, I like to wet it thoroughly for at least a minute first, that really helps this shampoo lather evenly. I do two cleanses: the first to remove oil and product buildup, the second to let the bond-building ingredients do their job.
It rinses cleanly, leaving that squeaky-fresh feel without dryness. My hair feels light at the roots, soft through the lengths, and far less frizzy. I’ve even noticed my blonde looks brighter and stays cleaner between toning sessions.
I love using this before styling my hair, it gives my fine strands just enough grip and body for the curls to hold all day.
Olaplex N°.5FINE Bond Maintenance Conditioner: Lightweight Hydration for Fine Hair
The Olaplex N°.5FINE Bond Maintenance Conditioner is the perfect partner to the N°.4FINE Shampoo; it delivers deep repair and hydration, but without the heaviness that can flatten fine hair.
The first thing I noticed is the texture; it’s creamy and rich when you squeeze it out, but it melts instantly into the hair rather than coating it. It spreads easily, detangles straight away, and you don’t need a lot, even with my long, fine (but plentiful!) hair.
After leaving it on for 2–3 minutes, it rinses away completely clean, leaving my hair silky, smooth, and feather-light. There’s no residue or film, just that “fresh salon softness” Olaplex is known for, but with more movement and natural body.
Like the shampoo, the N°.5FINE formula features bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate to strengthen at a molecular level, alongside lightweight conditioning agents that smooth without weighing down:
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Pisum sativum (pea sprout) extract – reinforces hair structure and helps prevent breakage.
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Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf) extract – stimulates the scalp and keeps it balanced.
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Helianthus annuus (sunflower seed) extract – adds natural shine and softness.
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Sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and hydrolyzed quinoa – deliver moisture that doesn’t make roots flat.
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Glycerin and polyquaternium-7 – provide light slip and protection during styling.
Compared to the original No.5 Conditioner, this Fine version is noticeably more fluid and weightless. Where the classic feels almost mask-like, the N°.5FINE gives hydration that moves with your hair. My ends stay smooth, but my roots and mid-lengths feel lifted and fresh.
When I blow-dry, my hair brushes out effortlessly and stays soft for days. I’ve even noticed that I can keep my natural wave as it holds better because my hair isn’t being pulled down by product. Bond Maintenance® conditioner is a winner if it helps me keep any type of curl in for more than 5 minutes.
If you’ve ever avoided conditioner near your roots for fear of flatness, this one changes the game. It nourishes from root to tip without sacrificing volume or bounce.
How It Smells & Feels
I am a big scent person; the scent is that familiar, clean, salon-fresh Olaplex fragrance, soft, slightly floral, and comforting without being overpowering.
The shampoo lathers into a light, creamy foam that feels refreshing on the scalp, while the conditioner glides through wet hair effortlessly and rinses out clean. Together, they leave hair feeling silky and bouncy, like you’ve just stepped out of a professional blow-dry.
How to Use
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Wet hair thoroughly for 60 seconds.
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Apply a small amount of N°.4FINE Bond Maintenance Shampoo, massage into scalp and lengths.
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Rinse and repeat for a deeper cleanse.
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Follow with N°.5FINE Conditioner, applying mid-length to ends.
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Leave on for 2–3 minutes, then rinse well.
How Often
The N°.4FINE and N°.5FINE duo is gentle enough for daily use. I tend to wash every 2–3 days, depending on how much product I’ve used or how flat my hair feels.
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Original vs. Fine: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Original No.4/5 | Fine N°.4FINE/5FINE |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Thick, creamy | Lightweight, fluid |
| Finish | Sleek, rich | Clean, airy volume |
| Best For | Thick, coarse, or very dry hair | Fine, flat, or oily hair |
| Frequency | 1–2× weekly | Everyday washing |
| Result | Deep nourishment | Clean, soft hair with lasting volume |
Before & After Results
Before: My hair looked shiny but often fell flat a day after washing.
After: It now stays fresh, light, and full of volume for longer, and even my ends feel smoother and more hydrated. The bond repair keeps my blonde strong, and my curls or waves hold better without dropping.
My Review
If you have been following me for a while, you will know my hair journey has been a long one. I put my poor hair through a lot. I get it bleached. I know it's a shock that I am not a natural blonde. Ok, maybe not, but not only that, but part of my job is mountian biking in all weather, wearing a helmet and add in a good dollop of Scottish weather and you have a recipe for hair damage. So you know if something is working for me, it's been put to the test in an extreme case. We all know fine hair is clinically proven to tangle and break more. It's a struggle.
But after using the Olaplex N°.4FINE and N°.5FINE Bond Maintenance duo for several weeks, I can honestly say my fine, bleached hair has never felt this balanced. My roots feel light and lifted, but my ends are still hydrated and glossy, no frizz, no heaviness, just healthy-looking volume and bounce.
I’ve always loved what Olaplex does for my hair’s strength, but this Fine range takes it to another level for everyday use. It’s easy to work into my routine, it smells fresh and clean, and it gives that soft just out of the just-out-of-the-salon look you get after a professional has washed it. You just need to practise your blow-drying skills to get the full look.
I especially notice the difference on days I curl my hair; it holds the shape longer, feels weightless, and looks smoother without dropping flat. For me, this is now my go-to Olaplex combo for regular washes, and I save the original for my deeper repair days. There really is a massive difference in the two products. I am not saying you need both, but if I were to choose just one set it would now be this one.
So if you are like me and you have fine, blonde, or colour-treated hair that needs both repair and volume, this is the Olaplex duo worth investing in.
Who It’s Best For
The Olaplex N°.4FINE and N°.5FINE Bond Maintenance duo is perfect for anyone with fine, flat, bleached, or oily-prone hair who still wants that signature Olaplex strength and shine.
If your roots tend to fall flat or you avoid conditioner near your scalp, this range will be a game-changer. It adds volume and body while keeping your lengths soft and hydrated, ideal for daily washing without heaviness.
Pros & Cons of the Olaplex N°.4FINE & N°.5FINE Duo
Pros
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Lightweight formula perfect for fine, flat, or oily-prone hair.
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Clinically proven to strengthen hair at a molecular level.
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Adds volume and movement without sacrificing smoothness.
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Leaves hair clean, soft, and fresh for longer between washes.
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Keeps blonde tones bright and glossy without dulling colour.
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Detangles instantly and rinses clean with no residue.
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Noticeably improves shine, texture, and manageability over time.
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Ideal for daily use or alternating with the original Olaplex range.
Cons
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Premium price point around £28–£30 per bottle (though a little goes a long way).
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It may feel too lightweight for those with very thick or coarse hair.
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Bottles can be tricky to squeeze as they near the end (classic Olaplex issue).
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Doesn’t replace the need for a deep mask like Olaplex No.8 if your ends are very dry.
Price & Where to Buy
Both Olaplex N°.4FINE Bond Maintenance Shampoo (250ml) and N°.5FINE Conditioner (250ml) retail around £28–£30 each. I always reccomend getting the travel versions to see if you like it first, and these are around £28 for both. Also remember to check for sales and discount codes.
Available at:
You’ll often find 10–20% discounts during LookFantastic or Amazon events, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.
You Might Also Like
If you’re curious about how this compares to the original range, check out my full review of the Olaplex No.4 and No.5 Bond Maintenance Shampoo & Conditioner, where I break down the original formula that started it all.
Final Verdict: My Honest Thoughts
After weeks of use, I can confidently say Olaplex N°.4FINE and N°.5FINE have replaced my daily haircare routine. My fine, bleached hair feels clean, light, and strong, and I love that I can get volume and bond repair at the same time. Every fine-haired person's dream!
I’ve been pairing this duo with my weekly Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, and together they’ve completely transformed my fine, bleached hair. The No.3 does the deep bond repair, and the Fine range keeps that strength and volume going between treatments.
I still keep the original No.4 and No.5 on hand for a richer, weekly treatment, but for everyday washing, this new Fine duo wins hands-down. It’s gentle, clinically proven to strengthen, and truly leaves my hair clean and soft with lasting volume.
FAQs
Can you use Olaplex N°.4FINE every day?
Yes, it’s designed for fine hair and gentle enough for daily washing.
Is N°.4FINE suitable for bleached or coloured hair?
Absolutely. It protects, strengthens, and helps maintain colour vibrancy.
What’s the difference between N°.4FINE and the original No.4?
N°.4FINE is lighter and volumising, while the original is richer and more hydrating.
Should I still use the Olaplex No.8 Mask?
Yes, use it once a week for an extra moisture boost, especially on dry ends.
Written by Laura Martin, qualified makeup artist and skincare therapist at MissLJBeauty.com
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