This post is a review of the Olaplex Bonding Oil, the final step in the at-home Olaplex bond-building treatment.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link. Please read my full disclosure here.
Olaplex originally made hair treatments only to be used in hair salons, but today they have a number of products that can be used at home including the Olaplex N°7 Bonding Oil, their latest edition to the Olaplex family!
The hair oil is the first of its kind, containing Olaplex’s patented ingredient Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which works to repair the hair and prevent future damage.
Olaplex no.7 also acts as a heat protectant and is designed to be applied to damp or dry hair after washing and before heat styling. It can protect the hair from temperatures of up to 450°F/230°C.
This post is an indepth review of the Olaplex Bonding Oil
Olaplex Bonding Oil Review
- Repairs damaged and compromised hair
- Strengthens and protects hair structure
- Increases shine, softness, and vibrancy
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who is the Olaplex Bonding Oil For?
The Olaplex Bonding Oil is recommended for anyone who regularly uses heat treatments on their hair or has hair that has been damaged from styling or colouring.
Since the product contains good heat protection it can be used instead of a heat protection spray before hair dryers and straighteners. It is especially good for anyone who uses heat tools daily.
Anyone with damaged hair from too much styling would benefit from this oil since it contains an ingredient which repairs disulfide bonds in the hair. Disulfide bonds can be broken from colouring, bleaching, heat styling or brushing.
All hair types can use this product including coloured, natural, fine hair, coarse, or curly hair. This hair treatment will help to repair any broken bonds in the hair as well as increase the hair’s color vibrancy.
The Olaplex Bonding Oil Ingredients
The eight ingredients listed below is not the full list, but the ones I feel are worth mentioning.
What’s in the Oil?
Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate
Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate is Olaplex’s secret sauce and contained in all of their products. It’s this ingredient which helps to fix broken disulfide bonds in the hair.
Since it’s the disulfide bonds which give hair its structure, once they are restored the hair looks healthier and stronger.
Studies have shown that this ingredient doesn’t just make hair healthier but it appears to have a different quality and texture. Blonde and brunette hair looks more radiant and redheads appear more vibrant.
Coco Caprylate
Coco caprylate is derived from Coconut oil and is an excellent conditioning agent. This ingredient gives the hair a silky smooth feel.
Overall it helps to soften the hair and improves shine and manageability. It also helps to increase moisture levels in the hair.
Coco Caprylate is a good alternative to silicone since it does not build up on the hair and is also kinder to the environment since it takes less time to degrade.
Phenyl Trimethicone
The Olaplex Bonding Oil does contain some silicones, and one of them is Phenyl Trimethicone. Phenyl trimethicone has been shown to improve the quality of hair that has been damaged by chemicals, increasing shine.
This ingredient coats the hair leaving it silky and glossy. I am aware silicones have received some criticism from people who find they can build up on the hair over time. This however may depend on your hair type.
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Power
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Power strengthens weakened hair making it look silkier, shinier and healthier.
Green Tea Oil
Green tea oil makes damaged or chemically treated hair appear healthier and smoother. It also adds shine to the hair.
Green tea oil may also encourage hair growth when it is applied to the scalp. In one study EGCG extract derived from green tea was applied to the scalp of alopecia suffers. After only four days they saw significant hair growth. View the full study here.
Whilst the Olaplex Bonding Oil does not claim to boost hair growth, the fermented green tea it contains still improves the texture of the hair and adds hydration to the strands.
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Eclipta Prostrata Extract is another ingredient which promotes hair growth, making the hair thicker and fuller. You can read studies on this here and here.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil helps to seal moisture into the hair keeping it looking fresh and healthy. The fat and antioxidants in helianthus annuus seed oil make it a good at reviving dry and dull hair.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil helps to improve the overall appearance and health of your hair. It’s a popular ingredient in any product for colour treated hair since it helps to keep your colour for longer.
It also protects the hair from the drying and damaging effects of colourants, styling or the sun. This ingredient makes the hair appear more hydrated and nourished.
What’s Not in the Oil?
The Olaplex Bonding Oil is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, phosphate, nuts and gluten. It is also cruelty-free, and vegan.
Where does the Oil Fit into the Product Line?
The Olaplex Bonding Oil is the final step in the Olaplex line. It can however be used on it’s own and doesn’t need to be used in conjunction with the other Olaplex products.
The table below shows the full line up of Olaplex products that can be used at home, in the order you would use them.
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to use the Olaplex Bonding Oil
Using the Product Before Styling
The product is designed to be used on either damp or dry hair before styling. Although it is recommended to be used before styling, you can also use the oil after styling to tame any flyaways or frizz.
To use the product before styling:
- Remove the cap and turn the oil bottle upside down.
- To dispense a drop, simply tap your index finger on the bottle’s bottom
- Apply this small amount on dry or damp hair
- You can also use it before or after styling the hair
Using the Product Before Colouring
The Olaplex Bonding Oil can be used on the hair before colouring to tame any flyaway strands and protect the hair during the treatment. This is a tip often given by hairdressers!
To use the product before colouring:
- Remove cap and turn the bottle upside down
- Either tap a few drops directly into the dye or onto your palms
- Apply the oil to the hair either with the dye or before dying
Mixing Olaplex No.6 & No.7 Together
The Olaplex Bonding Oil can also be mixed in with Olaplex No 6 – the bond smoother! The two products make a great combination and leave the hair super silky and strong!
To mix the products together:
- Squeeze a dime sized amount of No.6 into your palm
- Add a few drops of the No.7 Bonding Oil
- Mix the products together with your hands
- Smooth throughout the hair
What I like about the Olaplex Bonding Oil
There are so many benefits to using this oil:
- Firstly you don’t need to use a heat protection spray when you are using this oil! It works to protect your hair from heat tools as well as the environment.
- The oil doesn’t leave an greasy sheen on the hair or weight the hair down at all. If anything it makes the hair appear thicker and fuller.
- The hair looks instantly smoother, healthier and nourished with less frizz and flywaways.
- The oil is an excellent detangler and helps to straighten out any knots. This means you won’t be pulling or tugging on the hair during brushing.
- It’s excellent for dry hair as it has amazing hydrating effects and leaves the hair silky and moisturised
- A little goes a long way! You only need the tiniest drop to see results so the bottle will last a long time.
- It has that heavenly Olaplex scent!
What’s Not Great about the Olaplex Bonding Oil
Like any other product, the oil has its own set of drawbacks:
- One major drawback of Olaplex is it’s more expensive than other oils. In my opinion it’s worth the extra cost but it can be a bit off putting. Despite being a more expensive product however it does last a long time
- If you already have healthy hair you may not notice such a dramatic effect. The best results are seen in people who have very damaged hair.
- Some people prefer not to use silicones on their hair as they can build up on certain hair types over time.
Overall the positives outweigh the negatives and in my opinion this is a miracle product that’s worth the extra expense. Particularly if you regularly style or colour your hair this oil is certainly worth trying.
Similar Products to The Olaplex Bonding Oil
If you’re unable to find the Olaplex Bonding Oil and want to try a similar product. The closest I could find was the REDKEN Diamond Oil.
Like the Olaplex Bonding Oil, the REDKEN Diamond Oil enhances shine and strengthens the hair. It contains heat activated silicones which transform from solid to liquid in heat. This gives the hair an amazing glossy shine.
The REDKEN Diamond Oil also protects hair from heat and helps to detangle the hair.
Conclusion
If you regularly colour your hair, use heat styling tools or your hair is damaged or dry, the Olaplex Bonding Oil is a must try for you! This reparative styling oil helps to tame frizz, increase shine, repair damage, strengthen the hair structure, repair any broken bonds. and cause less breakage.
It produces dramatic results in people who have visibly damaged hair. Hair is magically transformed after just one use to look glossy, healthy and strong, and is left with an incredible shine!
Although the product is slightly more expensive than other oils it helps your hair color to stay in your hair, meaning less trips to the hairdresser for re-colouring. It also helps to repair damaged hair, meaning you need to pay less for salon conditioning treatments.
For such a tiny bottle it also goes a long way! I’ve been using it several times a week for the past two months and I still have over half a bottle left! If you have brittle hair, like me, it will be strengthened and left with a healthy appearance.
Overall I’d say this is a must have hair oil and truly worth every penny!