Jane here with all the tea on Olaplex dupes.
Now I know y’all are obsessed with Olaplex for repairing damaged hair, but let’s be real – that stuff is expensive!
As a broke blogger on a budget, I’ve tried just about every drugstore brand trying to get those sweet Olaplex results without emptying my bank account.
And you know what? Some of these dupes get pretty dang close!
So grab a cup of coffee and get comfy, cause I’m serving up the top salon-quality brands that won’t break the bank.
Plus I’ll be dishing all the deets on how each one compares to the Olaplex magic.
Let’s go!
Boldify
If you’re looking for serious strengthening powers, Boldify is a top contender.
This 2-step system uses the same active ingredient as Olaplex (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) to repair broken bonds in damaged hair. I was skeptical at first, but after a month of consistent use, my hair is noticeably softer, smoother, and less prone to breakage.
I use the Intense Bond Building Hair Treatment once a week after shampooing – just massage it in damp hair for 5 minutes before rinsing.
It has a thick, luxurious texture almost like a mask. Then I follow up with the Intense Bond Building Hair Crème as a leave-in. My bleach damaged, color-treated strands just soak up the nourishing ingredients.
The main downside is it takes 2-3 uses to start seeing dramatic results, whereas Olaplex repairs my hair in just one use.
But with consistent weekly use, it really does transform the texture of my hair. The ends look and feel so much healthier. It’s cut down my split ends and allowed me to go longer between trims.
I’d recommend this for anyone with compromised hair from bleach damage, heat styling, or chemical processing.
It makes my strands stronger and smoother overtime. And it’s formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates or gluten. The light clean scent is an added bonus!
K18
K18 claims to “rebuild” your hair from damage with peptides instead of bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate like Olaplex.
I’m not gonna pretend I know the science behind it – I just know it works! After one use, my hair was noticeably stronger, smoother, and less prone to frizz. It really does live up to the hype.
I use the Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask once a week after shampooing. You just comb it through damp hair from roots to ends and leave it in.
The formula has a milky texture that absorbs quickly without weighing hair down.
I always notice softer, shinier, more manageable hair for 3-4 days after using this mask. It leaves my hair feeling so healthy!
Thesmoothing effects last a couple washes for me, which is less than Olaplex. But K18 does offer some additional perks like heat protection and priming for styling.
My blowouts have more volume and stay smooth longer when I use K18. It’s definitely more of an intensive salon-quality treatment compared to Olaplex.
The only downside is the price tag – around $75 a bottle. But a little goes a long way, so one bottle lasts me a few months. If you can splurge, it’s 100% worth it for damaged hair!
Curlsmith
Calling all curly girls! Curlsmith’s Multi-Tasking Bond Salve is a protein-packed treatment that mimics Olaplex’s reparative powers.
It penetrates the hair shaft to re-bond broken bonds and reduce frizz. I use it once a week after shampooing for extra definition and springy curls.
It has a thick creamy texture almost like hair butter. I rake it through my curls from roots to ends, then let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing out.
It leaves my ringlets noticeably smoother and more defined. My curls stay springy and hydrated for 2-3 days after using this!
I will say it didn’t completely transform my bleached hair like Olaplex. But it does strengthen and smooth my strands while packing them with moisture. And a little goes a long way – one tub lasts me months. It’s gentle enough for daily use.
If your curly hair is dry or damaged, I can’t recommend this enough. It makes styling so much easier. I get defined, frizz-free curls without having to load up on heavy styling products. My curls just look healthier!
Shea Moisture
Shea Moisture really upped their game with the new Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair line. The star player is the Intensive Hydration Treatment Masque which mimics Olaplex with reparative proteins and oils.
This mask has a delish whipped texture that spreads easily through strands. I apply it after shampooing, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse out. It leaves my bleached, heat-damaged curls bouncy, defined, and free of frizz.
The manuka honey and coconut oil give me major hydration and shine. My curls look smoother and feel softer for days after using this treatment. It’s really brought my dry hair back to life!
The tropical coconut-manuka honey scent seriously transports me to a Caribbean spa every time. And a little mask covers all my hair, so one tub goes a long way. This is my new holy grail for thirsty, damaged curls!
Garnier
You’ve probably spotted the new Garnier 3-in-1 Hair Treats line in the hair aisle. These are basically Garnier’s take on Olaplex, claiming to repair damage and provide hydration with just one use.
I’ve tried the Avocado Treat hair mask and honestly – it impressed me! This lush green cream repaired my bleached strands and left them silky soft just like a salon treatment. And it’s only $8 a tub!
It contains avocado oil, shea butter, and the same active ingredient as Olaplex to re-bond broken hair strands. I applied it to towel-dried hair after shampooing and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing out.
My hair air dried smoother, softer, and more manageable than it has in months! The effects lasted through several washes too. I honestly couldn’t believe the transformation from just one $8 tub. This is going to be my new weekly treatment for sure.
If you have dry, damaged hair and want Olaplex-like smoothing at a drugstore price, run don’t walk to try this mask! Just know it does contain fragrance and silicone, so not clean beauty. But it seriously works!
YUNI Beauty
Ok guys, hear me out on this Japanese salon brand. The YUNI Focalpoint Damage Care Treatment isn’t technically an Olaplex dupe, but it DOES mimic the reparative abilities using hydrolyzed keratin instead of bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate.
This treatment masks packs a serious nourishing punch. It contains hydrolyzed keratin, rice bran oil, argan oil, shea butter, and thermal water from Japan. After years of bleaching, my strands seriously drink this mask up!
I apply it to towel-dried hair after shampooing. The texture reminds me of a super lux, rich hair cream. I let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out. Then I follow up with the Damage Care Conditioner.
My hair air dries noticeably smoother, softer, and less prone to knots and breakage. The effects last a good 3-4 shampoos for me. And the light citrus scent is an added bonus!
At $35 a tub, it’s not cheap but not crazy expensive either. If you have bleached or damaged hair in need of some TLC, I’d highly recommend giving this mask a try!
Wella
Wella’s INVIGO line has a multi-step repair system similar to Olaplex, using hydrolyzed keratin and wheat protein to rebuild damaged hair strands.
There are 3 products that work together: the Nutri-Enrich Pre-Wash Primer, Repair & Protect Shampoo, and Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask. It’s basically like getting a salon-quality treatment at home!
I start with the Pre-Wash Primer – it has a thick serum texture that absorbs quickly. Next I use the Repair & Protect shampoo, then apply the Deep Nourishing Mask for 5 minutes before rinsing out.
My hair looks smoother, feels stronger, and is easier to detangle after using the system. I’d say it repairs damage about 70% as well as Olaplex for a fraction of the price. Make sure to use all 3 steps together for best results.
Wella products are salon-quality so not as cheap as drugstore, but much more affordable than Olaplex. I use the INVIGO system whenever my strands need some extra TLC and hydration. It really brings my hair back to life!
Schwarzkopf
The Fibreplex system from Schwarzkopf’s Bonacure line is often compared to Olaplex. It contains bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate just like Olaplex to repair broken bonds in bleached, damaged hair.
There are 3 steps: Fibre Bond Pre-Shampoo, Fibre Bond Shampoo, and Fibre Bond Post-Treatment. The pre-shampoo primer strengthens strands before washing. The shampoo cleanses while reinforcing inner bonds. Then the intensive post-treatment deeply repairs damage.
I will say it didn’t completely transform my hair like Olaplex. BUT – it does noticeably smooth and strengthen my strands after each use. I especially love the Fibre Bond Post-Treatment – I leave that on for 10-15 minutes once a week for an intensive conditioning boost.
My hair looks shinier and feels less prone to breakage after using the system. Plus the scent is amazing – like a tropical cocktail! Overall my bleached hair is definitely stronger and smoother thanks to Fibreplex.
Color Wow
Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is like Olaplex’s little sister. It uses hydrolyzed wheat protein and amino acids to smooth and soften hair, reducing frizz and flyaways.
I love spraying this on my damp hair before heat styling or air drying. It protects strands from heat up to 450°F. And the effects seriously last – I get 2-3 days of smoother, more manageable hair!
It helps define my waves and enhances shine. Plus it makes it so much easier to detangle and style my hair. I use WAY less styling product when I prep with Dream Coat first.
This won’t completely transform damaged hair like Olaplex treatments, but it’s amazing for frizzy, unruly hair. A little spray goes a long way – one bottle lasts me months. It’s perfect for smoothing hair between salon visits!
Aussie
I know, I was surprised too! But Aussie’s new Miracle Moist 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Treatment gave me silky, conditioned strands just like Olaplex.
This hair mask contains Australian macadamia nut oil, jojoba oil, sea kelp, and guava extract. It’s formulated to rehydrate dry, damaged hair in just 3 minutes. The texture is like a lush conditioning cream.
I’ve been using it weekly after shampooing – just smoothing it on damp hair and letting it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing out. It makes my hair so soft and manageable!
The effects last a few washes too. My waves have been more defined with less frizz since using this mask. It gives me silky hair just like a salon deep conditioning treatment.
I love that this indulgent mask is under $10 at the drugstore. If your hair is dry or damaged, it’s definitely worth trying for intense hydration and softness!
Briogeo
If you’re devoted to clean beauty like me, Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair mask is the best Olaplex alternative. This nourishing weekly treatment uses rosehip, coconut and argan oils to hydrate and enhance shine.
It has a luxe whipped texture that spreads easily through strands. I apply it to towel-dried hair after shampooing. The yummy rose scent instantly relaxes me while I let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
My hair always air dries noticeably softer, smoother and more defined with less frizz. It leaves my strands super hydrated and manageable. I love using this mask in winter when my hair is extra thirsty and dry.
A little bit goes a long way, so one tub lasts me months. It’s on the pricier side for drugstore, but nourishes my hair so well without silicones or sulfates. This is a must-have for any curly or damaged hair!
Nexxus
Nexxus is an underrated brand but their Keraphix Damage Healing line is amazing. The restructuring system is like an at-home version of Olaplex!
There are 3 steps – the Damage Healing Primer, Damage Healing Shampoo, and Damage Healing Masque. I use them together once a week to strengthen my bleached strands.
First I apply the Primer to towel-dried hair and let it sit while I shower. Then I use the Damage Healing shampoo, and apply the masque for 5 minutes before rinsing out.
My hair is noticeably smoother, softer and easier to detangle after using this system. It really does help “rebuild” bonds and reinforce my overprocessed strands. And the results last!
I’d say it repairs damage about 80% as well as Olaplex for a fraction of the price. This is definitely my new go-to for reviving my bleached, heat-styled strands.
Redken
Redken’s pH Bonder additive is like a DIY version of Olaplex. It mimics Olaplex’s bond-building abilities at a lower price point. Just add 4-5 drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner for on-the-fly strengthening!
I’ve been adding it to my shampoo and letting it sit for 5 extra minutes before rinsing out. It doesn’t repair damage as dramatically as a stand-alone Olaplex treatment. But it does help smooth and temporarily “mend” my bleached strands.
My hair feels a little stronger and extra soft when I use this. It’s nice for use between salon visits. And the concentrated formula lasts – one bottle easily lasts me 6 months.
This is an easy, affordable way to maintain stronger strands and enhance your normal routine. I just wish it came in a bigger bottle!
L’Oreal
L’Oreal’s new intensive treatment masques impressed me big time. The Wonder Water Moisture Masque gave me silky, nourished hair on par with Olaplex – for less than $10!
This mask contains lamellar water, glycolic acid, and amino acids that penetrate instantly to smooth and soften. I use it once a week after shampooing. The gel-cream texture feels refreshing on my scalp.
I leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse. My hair air dries significantly smoother, softer, and easier to comb through. It leaves my strands so hydrated and manageable!
The effects last a good 3-4 washes before I need to use it again. I seriously can’t believe the transformation from a $9 hair mask. It’s basically like giving myself a salon-quality conditioning treatment at home.
If you have dry, damaged strands in need of major moisture, run don’t walk to try this masque. It’s my new weekly treat for soft, shiny hair!
Verb
Verb’s Ghost Repair Mask is a great protein-rich treatment for damaged hair. The texture is luxe and creamy – it spreads nicely and a little goes a long way.
I’ve been using it weekly after shampooing, combing it through damp hair and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out. It leaves my hair noticeably smoother and softer. I can really tell a difference in the overall health of my bleached strands.
It didn’t repair damage as dramatically as Olaplex for me. But it does strengthen and smooth my hair from the inside out. My stylist even noticed my ends look healthier!
The yummy citrus-vanilla scent is an added bonus. I’ve been alternating this mask with Olaplex treatments for maintenance between salon visits. It helps prolong the smoothing effects.
The price is on the higher end for drugstore, but this is salon-quality. I’d recommend it for anyone looking to strengthen compromised hair and boost moisture.
Bold Uniq
Bold Uniq’s Extreme Repair Shot is an easy way to DIY an Olaplex-like treatment at home. Just add a few drops to your favorite conditioner.
It contains the same active ingredient as Olaplex (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) to target damaged areas and help repair broken bonds.
I’ve been adding 4-5 drops to my conditioner once a week, letting it sit for 5 extra minutes before rinsing out. It doesn’t repair damage as dramatically as standalone Olaplex.
But it does noticeably smooth and strengthen my strands temporarily. My hair feels a little softer and more manageable after using this.
This is a nice option for boosting your conditioner and maintaining stronger strands between salon visits. I just wish the product lasted longer – one bottle goes quickly.
Biotera
Biotera’s Ultra Repair Mask is a great nourishing treatment for dry, damaged hair. The texture is like a rich, hydrating cream. I apply it to towel-dried hair after shampooing.
It contains repairing orchid extract, plant collagen, and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and softness. I let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out. It makes my hair feel super soft and smooth!
This mask didn’t repair bleached strands as dramatically as Olaplex. But it does leave my hair strong and shiny after each use. The smoothing effects last a couple washes.
I use this once a week when my strands need extra hydration. It’s gentle enough for daily use and color-safe. If your hair is feeling dry and lifeless, this mask is a must-try!
Eva NYC
Eva NYC’s Bond Repair Mask is an affordable option for damaged hair. At just $12 a bottle, it smooths and hydrates strands to minimize breakage.
This mask contains hydrolyzed wheat protein to reinforce weak areas prone to damage. I apply it to towel-dried hair after shampooing and let it sit while I shower.
It didn’t repair bleached hair as dramatically as Olaplex, but DOES leave my strands smoother and softer. I get 2-3 days of more manageable, hydrated hair after using this mask. It helps minimize frizz and flyaways too.
This is my new go-to for a quick moisture boost between washes. My color-treated hair drinks it up. The light floral scent is an added bonus!
Well folks, that covers my top Olaplex dupes for every budget. Let me know if you test any out! I love hearing your hair stories. But for now, this is Jane signing off. Stay fabulous!
