When it comes to repairing and treating damaged hair, Olaplex is a brand that is often recommended by hair professionals. Two popular products from Olaplex are No. 3 and No. 8. In this article, we will compare Olaplex 3 vs 8 to help you decide which one is better suited for your hair needs.
Key Similarities
Before we dive into the differences between Olaplex 3 and 8, let’s explore some key similarities:
Cruelty-Free and Vegan
Both Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8 are cruelty-free and vegan products. This means that they have not been tested on animals and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. If you prioritize ethical and sustainable beauty products, both Olaplex options align with your values.
Free From Harmful Ingredients
Another similarity between Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8 is that they are free from harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. These products are designed to be gentle on your hair while still delivering effective results.
Key Differences
| Product | Main Ingredient | How it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate | Rebuilds the hair from the inside out by repairing broken disulfide bonds |
| Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask | Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate | Contains additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and rosehip oil for added hydration and smoothness |
Choosing the Right Olaplex for You
Now that you understand the differences between Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8, how do you choose the right one for your hair?
Hair Type Considerations
If your hair is damaged and in need of repair, Olaplex No. 3 is the ideal choice. It will help strengthen and restore your hair from within. If your hair is already in a healthy state and you are looking for a product to maintain its hydration and shine, Olaplex No. 8 is a great option.
Specific Hair Goals
Consider your specific hair goals when choosing between Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8. If you are looking to repair and strengthen damaged hair, Olaplex No. 3 should be your go-to. If you are more concerned about maintaining hydration and adding shine, Olaplex No. 8 is the better choice.
How to Use Olaplex No.3
- Prepare Your Hair
- Apply Olaplex No 3
- Leave the Treatment to Process
- Use as a Conditioning Treatment
- Use Weekly
- Best for: All hair types and textures.
- Applying Olaplex No. 4
If your hair is oversaturated with oils, silicones, or products, give your hair a light shampoo and towel dry before applying Olaplex No 3. However, you can skip this step if not necessary.
Next, apply Olaplex 3 to damp or towel-dried hair and comb through. You can apply No 3 to dry hair if you prefer. However, please note that it will take more product to saturate your locks and provide results.
The amount of product you need to use varies on how much hair you have. It’s important to use enough product to fully saturate your hair, but not too much that you are wasting product. We recommend applying a small amount and gradually increasing it until your hair is fully saturated.
You can wrap your hair in cling film for a more intensive treatment. This will increase product absorption, trap heat and lock moisture in, allowing Olaplex 3 to penetrate hair strands more effectively.
If you’re curious about trying it on your own before heading in for the complete treatment, you can skip right to step 3. “Think of Olaplex No.3 as the ultimate mini treatment,” she says. “Many people ask if No.3 will repair hair if you haven’t used the first two, and the answer is yes! It doesn’t replace the in-salon system, but it’s a great way to test the waters if you’re curious.”
Start by applying a generous amount of the product on damp hair, from roots to ends. Comb through and leave on for around 10-minutes, just like a hair mask. Lastly, rinse and shampoo and condition as normal.
No.8: Apply to wet hair after rinsing out your shampoo. Work through with fingers. Use weekly for best results.
No.9: As the first step in your styling routine, apply a small amount to damp hair working upward from ends to roots. Use more as needed for longer, thicker hair. Use on days you wash your hair and any days in between for added protection.
You can expect Olaplex’s powerful formula to impress you up to this point. So, this is when many people choose to begin using Olaplex No. 4, which is a shampoo.
How to Use Olaplex No.8
- Determine the amount of product needed
- Apply Olaplex No 8 to damp hair
- Work the product through with your fingers
- Leave the mask on for 10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
- Style as usual
Start with 2 pumps of Olaplex No 8 for shoulder-length hair. Adjust the amount accordingly based on the length of your hair.
After shampooing, apply the Olaplex No 8 mask to your freshly-shampooed, damp hair. Focus on applying it from the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair.
Using your fingers, distribute the Olaplex No 8 mask evenly throughout your hair. Make sure to cover all the strands, from the mid-lengths to the ends.
Allow the Olaplex No 8 mask to penetrate your hair for a minimum of 10 minutes. This duration ensures maximum effectiveness.
Thoroughly rinse your hair to remove the Olaplex No 8 mask. Make sure there is no residual product left in your hair.
After rinsing, proceed with your regular hair styling routine. The Olaplex No 8 mask will provide residual benefits that last multiple shampoos.
Pros and Cons of Olaplex No.3
Pros
- Effectively repairs and strengthens damaged hair.
- Improves shine, hydration, and smoothness.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Easy to use at home.
Cons
- May be expensive for some.
- Requires regular use for long-term results.
Pros and Cons of Olaplex No.8
Pros
- Hydrates and moisturizes the hair.
- Leaves hair smooth and shiny.
- Lightweight formula that doesn’t weigh hair down.
- Enhances the effects of Olaplex No. 3.
Cons
- May not provide as intensive repair as Olaplex No. 3.
- Some may find the price point high.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8 are effective products for repairing and maintaining healthy hair. Olaplex No. 3 is particularly beneficial for damaged hair, while Olaplex No. 8 focuses more on hydration and shine. Consider your specific hair needs and goals when choosing between the two. Remember, you can always incorporate both products into your hair care routine for optimal results. For more information on other hair care products, check out our articles on Curlsmith vs Olaplex, Olaplex 4 vs 4c, and Formula 18 vs Olaplex.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Olaplex No.3 and No.8 together?
Yes, you can use Olaplex No.3 and No.8 together for maximum hair repair and hydration.
2. Is Olaplex No.3 suitable for all hair types?
Yes, Olaplex No.3 is suitable for all hair types and works to repair and strengthen damaged hair.
3. Can I use Olaplex No.8 on color-treated hair?
Yes, Olaplex No.8 is safe to use on color-treated hair and can help maintain and enhance color vibrancy.
4. How often should I use Olaplex No.3?
It is recommended to use Olaplex No.3 once a week for optimal results.
5. How often should I use Olaplex No.8?
Olaplex No.8 can be used as often as needed, depending on your hair’s hydration needs. It is recommended to use it once or twice a week.
6. Can I use Olaplex No.3 and No.8 on chemically treated hair?
Yes, both Olaplex No.3 and No.8 are safe to use on chemically treated hair and can help repair and restore its health.
7. Can Olaplex No.8 be used as a leave-in conditioner?
No, Olaplex No.8 is not designed to be used as a leave-in conditioner. It should be rinsed out after leaving it on for the recommended time.
8. Can I use Olaplex No.3 and No.8 on dry hair?
It is recommended to use Olaplex No.3 and No.8 on damp, towel-dried hair for best results.
9. Can I use Olaplex No.8 without using Olaplex No.3?
Yes, you can use Olaplex No.8 without using Olaplex No.3. However, using them together can provide enhanced repair and hydration benefits.
10. Can I use Olaplex No.3 and No.8 on natural hair?
Yes, Olaplex No.3 and No.8 can be used on natural hair to repair damage and provide hydration.
