Wellaplex vs Olaplex 2023 (The Definitive Guide)

We’re sure you’ve heard of Wellaplex and Olaplex - two leading contenders in the world of luxury haircare. But which brand is the best?

Today, we will be comparing each brand's haircare systems, before offering a final verdict on which you should invest in for your hair. Enjoy!

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Olaplex vs Wellaplex

Wellaplex 3-Step Treatment

The main difference between Wellaplex and Olaplex is that Wellaplex is mainly a salon-only experience, whereas Olaplex is a blend of professional and home treatments.

Wellaplex offers a three-part hair care regime and is a more affordable alternative to Olaplex. Wellaplex No.1 is designed to reduce damage caused by color treatments and can only be used by professionals.

No.1 is an additive that should be mixed in with color or lightener to protect the hair and achieve the best color payoff. This additive allows the color molecules to properly set to the hair.

Wellaplex No.2 Bond Stabilizer is a second salon-only treatment. It strengthens broken bonds and protects the hair from heat and color damage. It also balances the pH of your hair which allows color to properly penetrate the hair. No.2 should be applied to damp hair and left for ten minutes before rinsing.

While No.1 and No.2 are only available in the hair salon, No. 3 is available as a take-home treatment. The Wellaplex No.3 Hair Stabilizer is to be used in between salon visits, preferably once a week to keep hair smooth and shiny.

No.3 is designed to be used after professional lightening or dyeing so that your hair stays strong and healthy after color treatments. Hair dye can damage your hair bonds, causing breakage and hair loss, which No.3 protects against.

The formula features Wellaplex’s opti-pH system that balances your hair to the optimum pH for color penetration. To use Wellaplex No.3, apply it to freshly washed hair and leave it for 3-5 minutes, before rinsing.

The Wellaplex No.3 Hair Stabilizer is available in a 3.38 fl oz bottle, retailing for $28.

Olaplex 8-Step Treatment

The famous Olaplex hair care system has eight steps, most of which can be used in the comfort of your own home.

These luxury treatments are renowned for quickly repairing broken hair, and have been praised by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian.

The Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment features Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology which refortifies the hair. No.0 should be applied from root to tip and left for up to 10 minutes. You don’t need to rinse the product, it can be left to add shine throughout the day. This treatment costs $30 for 5.2 fl oz of product.

Olaplex No.1 Bond Multiplier and No.2 Bond Perfector can only be purchased by professional hair stylists. No.1 is used as an additive in color treatments, to protect the hair against damage.

The No.2 Bond Perfector is used alone after treatments, to deep repair and protect any broken hair. This acts as a second line of defense to provide the most long-lasting results.

The key ingredient in No.1 and No.2 is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which repairs and strengthens bonds.

The Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is one of the most popular products in this line. It includes Olaplex’s Bond Multiplying System which reconnects hair bonds. This treatment is renowned for rescuing hair and injecting it with shine and strength.

To use, apply No.3 to damp hair before shampooing. Leave it to work its magic for ten minutes before rinsing and washing with the No.4 shampoo and No.5 conditioner. Olaplex No.3 retails for $30 for a 3.38 fl oz bottle.

Next up is the Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. This is a restorative shampoo that provides a deep cleanse for the scalp and hair, whilst mending broken bonds. This formula is vegan, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, so it is suitable for all hair types.

For optimum results, you should follow up with the Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. This smoothing conditioner should be left on for three minutes to deep condition, detangle, and defrizz.

The formula is infused with Soybean Oil, Avocado Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Oil. This rich blend of natural oils nourishes the hair, treating split ends and breakage. No.5 also includes Olaplex’s patented reparative technology.

You can purchase No.4 and No.5 in two sizes, either an 8.5 fl oz bottle for $30, or a mini 3.3 fl oz bottle for $15.

The Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme. This silky leave-in treatment should be applied to freshly washed hair from mid-lengths to ends. No.6 adds smoothness and shine, making styling easier.

No.6 is enriched with Sunflower Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Grape Seed Oil. These oils will seal broken bonds, defrizz the hair, and make brushing more manageable. You can pick up a 3.3 fl oz bottle of Olaplex No.6 for $30.

The Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is a rich treat for the hair. The oil features a rich blend of natural oils that heal the hair. This leave-in oil can be applied to dry or freshly washed hair and will add smoothness, detangle, and it acts as a heat protectant.

The formula contains Grape Seed Oil which is anti-aging and contains Vitamin C, D, and E. You’ll also find Green Tea Oil and Kern Oil which improve shine and softness. The Olaplex Oil is available as a 1 fl oz bottle which costs $30.

Finally, we have the Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask. It contains a blend of natural oils as well as Olaplex’s famous technology to rescue damaged hair. This refortifying hair mask should be left in for up to 10 minutes before rinsing for best results.

No.8 is formulated with Rosehip Seed Extract to encourage regrowth and Hemp Seed Oil for silkiness. This mask retails for $30 for a 3.3 fl oz bottle.

Conclusion

Ultimately, we much prefer Olaplex. While Wellaplex boasts a more desirable price, Olaplex’s famous reparative technology makes their products more worthwhile (remember that mouthful of an ingredient we couldn't stop raving about? Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate).

Also, you don’t have to visit the salon for most of their treatments which is more convenient. There isn’t a brand on the market with a better reputation for bond repair, and it speaks volumes that Olaplex is beloved by professional hair stylists.