Olaplex vs Monat 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

It can be challenging to find hair products that truly make a difference. There are so many brands constantly being advertised to us that it can be difficult to know where to start. Two of the most popular hair brands are Olaplex and Monat. Both are recommended by hairdressers worldwide and have received glowing reviews.

We’ve picked three products from each brand that have similar claims, and we’ll be comparing them in detail, to lead you to the best luxury hair products for you and your hair.

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Olaplex vs Monat Treatment

There's an argument to be made that all Monat and Olaplex products are "treatments", but sticking to the strict definition, hair treatments are the best way to accelerate your hair transformation thanks to their concentration of potent, nourishing ingredients. Olaplex and Monat each boast incredible collections of treatments that assist you in unveiling your natural, silky, luscious hair.

Countless influencers and celebrities have praised Olaplex No.3 and it is commonly referred to as the “hair perfector”. It is a salon standard hair mask created to strengthen damaged hair. This product is the first step in Olaplex’s three-step hair care routine. They advise using this mask once a week.

Hair bonds can be damaged by heat, dye, and even brushing. One of Olaplex No.3’s key ingredients is bisaminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which helps to repair these bonds. Many reviews note that it has reduced frizz and given their hair a shinier appearance.

To use No.3, you must start with wet hair, then brush a small amount of the mask through your hair, leave it to work for 10 minutes, then rinse it out.

Also, this product is free of parabens and sulphates, which can dry out your hair. This hair mask retails for around the ~$35 (~£25) mark for a 100ml bottle.

The Monat Intense Repair Treatment is a product many people have used to assist with hair regrowth. Users have commented that their hair began regrowing within the first 90 days of use, so salons often recommend it to those suffering from hair loss. The product’s trademark thickening ingredient is Capixyl, which works to strengthen the hair.

To use the treatment, towel dry your hair before spraying it all over the scalp, whilst massaging to evenly distribute the product. Do not rinse out, just blow dry and style as usual. Monat recommends that you use the product before you go to sleep, and again in the morning for best results. This luxurious treatment retails for around the ~$75 (~£55) mark for a 74ml bottle.

Olaplex vs Monat Shampoo

A great shampoo is one that effectively cleanses your hair fibres whilst delivering special care for any specific hair concerns you might have (e.g. volume, shine, moisture, etc.). I don't think there's a single person out there that would dispute the fact that Olaplex and Monat shampoos are some of the best in this regard, and there are dozens to choose from. Fundamentally, though, there are a few key differences to note.

2024 update: It seems like Monat has quietly discontinued their Intense Repair line, and along with it, their shampoo. Even the Damage Repair line seems to be disappearing (unless you buy the full system via their corporate site). We're going to leave the comparison here intact just on the off chance they miraculously re-appear in stock, but otherwise I suppose the comparison verdict is simple: Olaplex is the way to go!

As with all their products, the Olaplex No.4 is a popular reparative shampoo for damaged hair. It can be used every time you wash your hair to repair split ends and reduce frizz.

Olaplex recommends using it after the No.3 weekly treatment and before No.5, as the products work in harmony with each other. This shampoo retails for ~$35 (~£25) for a 250ml bottle.

The product contains Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, which conditions your hair, as well as Soybean oil which is an antioxidant. It uses no sulphates, parabens, or gluten.

Next, we have the Monat Intense Repair Treatment Shampoo. This product is designed to ease frizz and strengthen your hair, whilst giving it a deep clean. Users have also praised it for helping them to regrow their hair after experiencing hair loss or bald spots.

Its key patented ingredients are Rejuveniqe, which is rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, and Procataline, which protects your hair from UV and environmental pollution. This is especially handy for those that live in busy cities. The product also contains rosemary and mint, which users have found to be a calming smell.

To use it, you should apply a generous amount to wet hair, making sure to massage it from your scalp to the ends of your hair. After leaving it in your hair for 2-3 minutes, you can rinse and condition it as usual. You can purchase this shampoo for ~$40 (~£30) for a 237ml bottle.

Olaplex vs Monat Conditioner

Akin to cleansing your skin, washing your hair is a critical step, but in doing so you are stripping it of moisture, and you need to replace that moisture by using a conditioner—just like you would for your skin with a moisturizer! As far as conditioners go, there's not too many as good as those by Olaplex and Monat.

2024 update: Like we mentioned under the shampoo comparison, it seems that Monat has quietly discontinued their Intense Repair range, including the conditioner. Olaplex No.5 seems to be the only option now (at least in this particular comparison)!

The final product from Olaplex is the last ingredient of their three-step hair routine, Olaplex No.5. This is a salon-quality conditioner that retails for around ~$35 (~£25) for a 250ml bottle. It’s very popular in the Tik Tok community, as many have said it strengthened their hair and made it appear thicker and shinier.

It should be used in the shower, after the No. 4 Bond Maintenance shampoo. The conditioner should be left for 2-3 minutes before being rinsed thoroughly.

Some of its key ingredients are Avocado Oil and Grape Seed Oil, which are moisturizing antioxidants. This conditioner is also sulphate, paraben, nut, and gluten-free. It’s also worth noting that all Olaplex products are cruelty-free.

The last product we will be discussing is the Monat Intense Repair Conditioner. This has been formulated to create stronger, healthier hair through Crodasorb and Capixyl, which protect and strengthen the hair. It is also rich in hydrating oils such as tomato, carrot, lemon, bergamot, coconut, and sunflower oils.

It is recommended that you use this after the Intense Repair shampoo, and you should massage it into wet hair and leave it for five minutes before washing it out. This is definitely a high-end hair treatment; you can purchase a 178ml bottle for around ~$55 (~£40).

Work in progress

You have been reading a post that we are constantly updating. Be sure to bookmark this page, subscribe, and come back later to see additions to the definitive Olaplex vs Monat guide!

This article was originally published on February 15th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 26th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.