Your Guide to the Olaplex Number System
Olaplex revolutionized haircare when it invented bond-building technology. The patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate molecule reconnects broken disulfide bonds in the hair cortex, restoring strength and elasticity that chemical treatments, heat, and environmental damage destroy.
The numbered system can seem confusing at first, but it follows a logical order from intensive salon treatment to daily at-home care. This guide explains every Olaplex product so you can build the right routine.
The Science: How Olaplex Works
Hair is made of keratin protein chains held together by disulfide bonds. Bleaching, colouring, heat styling, and environmental exposure break these bonds, causing weakness, breakage, and frizz. Olaplex's molecule physically reconnects these broken bonds, restoring the hair's internal structure rather than just coating the surface.
No.0 — Intensive Bond Building Treatment
A lightweight primer that delivers the highest concentration of Olaplex technology in the at-home range. Applied to damp hair for 10 minutes before No.3 to amplify bond repair.
Best for: Maximizing No.3 results, severely damaged hair, weekly intensive treatment
No.1 — Bond Multiplier (Professional)
Mixed directly into bleach, colour, or chemical treatments by your stylist. Prevents bond damage during the most aggressive chemical processes.
Best for: In-salon use during bleaching and colour services
No.2 — Bond Perfector (Professional)
Applied after No.1 to continue rebuilding bonds after chemical services. Left on for 10-20 minutes before rinsing.
Best for: Post-chemical service repair in the salon
No.3 — Hair Perfector
The hero at-home treatment. Apply to damp hair, leave 10+ minutes (or overnight), then shampoo. Rebuilds bonds with every use — results are cumulative.
Best for: Weekly at-home bond repair, all damage types
No.4 — Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Daily shampoo that cleanses while rebuilding bonds. Gentle enough for everyday use. Also available as No.4C (clarifying) and No.4D (dry shampoo).
Best for: Daily bond maintenance, all hair types
No.4P — Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
Purple toning shampoo with full Olaplex bond repair. Neutralizes yellow and brassy tones in blonde, grey, and highlighted hair.
Best for: Blonde, grey, highlighted hair with brassiness
No.5 — Bond Maintenance Conditioner
Daily conditioner that detangles, hydrates, and repairs bonds. Pairs with No.4 for a complete daily routine.
Best for: Daily conditioning with bond benefits
No.6 — Bond Smoother
Leave-in styling cream that smooths frizz, speeds blow-drying, and repairs bonds. Provides heat protection and up to 72 hours of frizz control.
Best for: Frizzy hair, blow-dry prep, leave-in repair
No.7 — Bonding Oil
Lightweight finishing oil that adds shine, tames flyaways, and provides heat protection with bond-building benefits.
Best for: Shine, finishing, heat protection
No.8 — Bond Intense Moisture Mask
Weekly deep conditioning mask that combines intense moisture with Olaplex bond repair. Transforms dry, damaged hair in 10 minutes.
Best for: Dry hair needing deep moisture + repair
Building Your Olaplex Routine
Weekly treatment: No.0 (10 min) → No.3 over top (10+ min) → Rinse
Daily wash: No.4 Shampoo → No.5 Conditioner (or No.8 Mask 1x/week)
Styling: No.6 on damp hair → No.7 as finishing oil
For blondes: Swap No.4 for No.4P 1-2x per week
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use No.3?
Once a week for damaged hair, every 2 weeks for maintenance. Results are cumulative and additive.
What's the difference between Olaplex and K18?
Olaplex reconnects disulfide bonds (side chains). K18 reconnects polypeptide chains (keratin backbone). Many professionals use both.
Is Olaplex worth it for healthy hair?
Yes. Olaplex strengthens bonds preventively, improving resilience against future damage from heat, colour, and environment.
Shop Olaplex at ProHair.ca
Browse the full Olaplex range at ProHair.ca/collections/olaplex. Free shipping on orders over $99.99, shipped from Canada.