Fibreplex vs Olaplex (The Definitive Guide)

If you're a haircare enthusiast, you've probably heard of the amazing hair repair ranges, Fibreplex (by Schwarzkopf) and Olaplex.

But which one is better? Let's uncover the truth by looking behind the labels!

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Schwarzkopf Fibreplex vs Olaplex

Both Fibreplex and Olaplex offer a range of products, including their professional salon-only treatments.

The Fibreplex No.1 Bond Booster and Olaplex No.1 & No.2 are designed to be used by professional hair stylists during the coloring process to protect the hair from damage. These products work by creating and reinforcing bonds within the hair fiber, helping to prevent breakage and damage caused by harsh chemicals and heat.

On the other hand, the Fibreplex No.2 Bond Sealer and Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector we're discussing today are the at-home steps of the system. They're designed to be used by you at home, following the salon treatments, to continue to strengthen your hair, maintain its health, and extend the life of your colour.

These at-home treatments are formulated to work in conjunction with the professional salon treatments, providing an ongoing hair care routine that helps maintain the health and integrity of your hair in between salon visits. Now, let's delve deeper into what's actually inside these miracle-working bottles.

Ingredients Comparison

Let's get one thing straight – both of these products are well-loved for a reason. They use groundbreaking technology to improve hair health, but they have quite different ingredient lists and approaches.

Fibreplex No.2 Bond Sealer's primary magic lies in its two proprietary technologies: Fibre Bond Technology and Fibre Bond 4.5 Technology. The former creates a protective shield around hair fibres during colouring, reducing up to 94% of hair breakage. This is a game-changer if you're someone who loves experimenting with hair colours. The latter works post-colouring, forming strong structural bonds and balancing the pH level to lock in colour brilliance and shine. This innovative technology ensures your colour not only looks great post-salon but also lasts longer with a beautiful shine.

The specific formulation of Fibreplex's proprietary Fibre Bond Technology isn't explicitly disclosed. However, based on the product description and ingredient list, we can deduce that it involves a blend of key ingredients designed to protect and strengthen the hair's structural bonds. These could include:

1. Dimethicone: A silicone-based polymer that forms a protective coating on the hair, reducing moisture loss and providing a sleek, shiny finish. It's commonly used in haircare products for its smoothing and detangling properties.
2. Hydrolyzed Keratin: Keratin is a protein that makes up the structure of the hair. When hydrolyzed, it can penetrate the hair shaft and repair the internal structure of the hair. It can also add a protective layer on the hair surface, making it a key player in bond enforcement and protection.
3. Behenoyl PG-Trimonium Chloride: This compound serves as an excellent hair conditioning agent. It helps improve and maintain the hair's elasticity, thus potentially playing a role in preserving the hair's structural integrity.
4. Isopropyl Myristate: A synthetic oil that can be used as a binding agent, helping other ingredients adhere to the hair shaft. It also enhances the overall texture and feel of the product.

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector takes a slightly different, but equally (or maybe more?) impressive approach. Its standout ingredient is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which repairs damaged disulfide bonds. It's a breath of fresh air to see them disclose the exact ingredient directly, rather than hiding it behind a fancy marketing name (*cough* Fibreplex *cough*).

If you're wondering what disulfide bonds are, they're the building blocks that give your hair strength and structure. Damage from heat, styling, and chemical treatments can break these bonds, leading to dull, brittle hair. This Olaplex superstar ingredient revives these broken bonds, repairing damage and restoring the hair's natural strength and resilience.

Olaplex also includes Aloe Vera and Jojoba Seed Oil in its formula. Aloe Vera is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are known to promote healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Jojoba Seed Oil closely resembles the natural oils in our hair, helping to moisturize and condition without weighing it down. What's more, Olaplex is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, making it a champion for the ethically-conscious amongst us.

Ah, the ultimate question: Is Fibreplex a dupe for Olaplex?

While both products aim to protect and restore the health of your hair, their ingredients and the way they work are quite different. Thus, it would be misleading to label Fibreplex as a direct dupe for Olaplex.

Fibreplex shines in its protective capabilities, particularly for colour-treated hair. It focuses on creating a protective shield during the colouring process and locking in the colour afterwards. If you regularly colour your hair and want to keep it healthy, shiny, and vibrant, Fibreplex is a stellar choice.

Olaplex, on the other hand, is designed to repair existing damage by mending broken disulfide bonds in the hair. It works at the molecular level to restore your hair's health and resilience, making it a fantastic pick if your hair is damaged and in need of serious repair. Moreover, it's vegan and free from several potential irritants, which gives it a leg up for those with sensitive scalps or who prefer more natural products.

In summary, Fibreplex and Olaplex aren't interchangeable – each has its own strengths and caters to different hair care needs. So, choose the one that aligns best with your hair's needs and your personal preferences. Happy hair care, ladies!