Oribe vs Olaplex 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Oribe and Olaplex on the shelves at your local beauty store or hair salon before. Both brands are renowned for creating luxury products with powerful ingredients to treat your hair, but which products are worth spending your money on?

Today, we will be comparing their best-selling shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils side-by-side to help you decide which brand is better for you and your hair.

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Oribe vs Olaplex 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 Oribe and Olaplex 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.

Although Olaplex is a large brand, they have only made one shampoo available, which is their No.4 Bond Maintenance shampoo. This product has a huge fanbase as it is renowned for repairing breakage, particularly among those who regularly dye their hair. The shampoo provides a deep clean for the hair and scalp whilst also giving a luxurious, smoothing effect.

This product can be used during every hair wash after the No.3 mask and before their No.5 conditioner. It retails for around ~$30 for a 250ml bottle.

Alongside Olaplex’s bond-building bisaminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, the shampoo also contains Soybean oil and Crambe Seed Oil, which both strengthen and condition the hair.

Contrastingly, Oribe has released a huge variety of shampoos. They have reparative, moisturizing, dandruff, and volumizing formulas. This versatility shows that as a brand they are dedicated to serving a wide range of customer needs.

Their products feature mostly natural, responsibly sourced ingredients. For example, their Serene Scalp Balancing formula contains sugarcane extract and edelweiss flower to moisturize the scalp. Their products are filled with rich oils and antioxidants that will not only treat the hair but also provide a barrier against heat and environmental stresses.

You’ll be pleased to know their shampoos are also free from sulphates, and instead use healthier coconut derivatives in their place. Furthermore, they are paraben free, gluten free, cruelty free, vegetarian, and PETA approved - the whole shebang!

The Oribe shampoos range from around ~$45 to ~$50, but there are also some mini versions of the shampoos available for ~$17.

Oribe vs Olaplex 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 Oribe and Olaplex.

Again, Olaplex has just one signature conditioner, their No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. This salon-standard conditioner retails for ~$28 for a 250ml bottle. It is the final step in Olaplex’s three-step hair repair routine. It’s known for giving shine and strengthening hair. It is particularly with those who have curly hair, which can be challenging to other hair care companies.

The No.5 conditioner should be applied to wet hair after shampooing. It can be left in for 2-3 minutes before being rinsed thoroughly.

Two of its key ingredients are Grape Seed oil and Avocado oil, which will nourish both the interior and exterior of your hair.

Just as with shampoos, Oribe has several different conditioners to choose from. One of their most popular products is their Gold Lust Repair and Restore Conditioner. This is made to moisturize hair, reverse damage, and act as a heat and UV protectant.

It has an ancient-inspired blend of oils, including argan, cypress, and maracuja oil which restores strength to the hair and detangles it. Despite the richness of the formula, it is praised for being lightweight and non-sticky. As a luxury treatment, this product retails for around ~$52 for a 200ml bottle.

Oribe also makes conditioners to give shine, volume, to treat colour-damaged hair, and for scalp dryness. Each conditioner is praised for smelling heavenly, and for using mostly naturally sourced components.

Oribe vs Olaplex Hair Oil

Quoting healthline.com: "Oils play an important role in protecting hair from regular wear and tear. Oiling hair regularly reduces hygral fatigue, or the swelling and drying of hair. Oils protect the follicle from surfactants by filling the gap between cuticle cells."

When it comes to choosing a hair oil for your hair, Oribe and Olaplex have well and truly got you covered.

Olaplex’s No. 7 Bonding Oil is famous for its smoothing effect. It was praised in New York Magazine as a part of their haircare list: “Everything I use to Keep my Very, Very Bleached Hair Healthy”. This is a lightweight styling and nourishing oil that also acts as a heat and UV-ray protectant for the hair. It is suitable for every hair type.

No.7 is packed full of oils; corn seed oil, sunflower oil, and moringa oil, all of which provide intense hydration. It also contains Olaplex’s patented bonding molecule. The product is paraben-free, sulfate-free, and is not tested on animals.

Olaplex recommends that a few drops should be brushed through wet hair before styling as desired. It can also be lightly brushed through dry hair, to make dry brushing easier. The product retails for ~$28 for a 30ml bottle.

Oribe have made one hair oil: the Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil. This treatment was also praised by the New York Magazine as one of the “Best Oils for Curly Hair”. Despite how rich the formula is, it was praised for being lightweight and non-greasy.

This oil is made differently from other competitors because it uses the “power of botanicals” as opposed to chemicals. Its key ingredients are watermelon extract, argan oil, shea butter, and a blend of emollients which all soften and strengthen the hair.

It can be used as a detangler, deep treatment, or heat protectant. To use, spread the oil throughout damp hair and style as usual. After styling, you can also add a few drops to your ends for a smoother look. You can purchase a 100ml bottle for ~$57.

Oribe vs Olaplex Conclusion

Overall, Oribe is our favorite, as they have such a wide range of impressive luxury products with naturally sourced ingredients. The price is high, but Oribe makes up for this with their stunning packaging, high-quality scents, and an indulgent experience that comes along with every product.

If you dye or bleach your hair, Olaplex would be the better option, because its formula is proven to mend broken hair. However, if this is not your concern, Oribe will likely have a lavish option for you.

To round off our review, here are our recommendations for the alternative ranges and products that Oribe and Olaplex offer.

Oribe Best-Sellers

For indulgence:
Try the Signature Range

For dry hair:
Try the Moisture & Control Range

For dandruff:
Try the Serene Scalp Range

Olaplex Best-Sellers

Step 1:
Try the No.3 Treatment

Step 2:
Try the No.4 Shampoo

Step 3:
Try the No.5 Conditioner

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 Oribe vs Olaplex guide!

This article was originally published on February 23rd 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 31st 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.