15 Products Similar to Olaplex for Damaged Hair (2023 update)

Are you looking for a similar product to Olaplex that’s less expensive? I’ve found a range of amazing products similar to Olaplex but for a better price tag! They all contain a bond builder that repairs broken disulfide bonds in the hair following chemical treatments, and are available at a better price!

As someone who dyes her hair I know the damage that can be caused by regular use of chemicals! Hair dyes and bleaches open up the hair cuticles so that hair dye can get in, but they also break hair bonds and leave hair damaged.

Olaplex have a line of hair repair treatments that reconnect broken hair bonds with an active ingredient called bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. This unique ingredient is able to reconnect broken disulfide bonds in the hair, making each hair strand stronger.

Olaplex is designed to be used on hair that has been damaged from too much colouring or bleaching, and has achieved a cult status for its amazing results. It’s a popular brand with professional hairstylists and celebrities including Kim Kardashian who admits to loving the range!

The only downside to Olaplex is the cost as it’s quite expensive. Fortunately there are some other great products that get the same great results but for a better price!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.

1. OGX Bonding Plex Collection

The OGX Bonding Plex collection restores damaged hair by creating billions of new hair bonds! The range contains a shampoo, conditioner and leave in treatment and is the cheapest Olaplex alternative I found!

The OGX Bonding Plex Shampoo

Available at Amazon, Walmart or Instacart

The OGX Bonding Plex shampoo contains a cross-linking polymer, and vegetable proteins which help to smooth the hair cuticle and prevent future damage. This shampoo gently cleanses the hair, protecting the hair structure and removing any dirt and residue.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The OGX Bonding Plex Conditioner

Available at Amazon, FeelUnique or Walmart

The OGX Bonding Plex Conditioner is the second step in the three-step regime. It contains ingredients designed to create billions of new hair bonds and restore and repair damaged hair. Like the shampoo, it is infused with cystine and vegetable proteins to smooth split ends and strengthen the hair strands.

This conditioner leaves the hair deeply conditioned and reduces frizz. It also moisturises dry hair making it appear glossy and bouncy.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The OGX Bonding Plex Leave-In Cream

Available at Amazon, Walmart or Notino

The OGX Bonding Plex Bonding Cream is the final step in the home treatment. This cream maximises moisture retention to prevent damage and leave you with healthy hair. It also provides a protective barrier which provides heat protection for the hair.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Redken pH Bonder

Available at Amazon or Hair Shop

The Redken pH Bonder helps to maintain your hair’s natural pH, protects your hair’s bonds and reduces strand breakage during colouring. It’s been described as a “miracle treatment and is an Olaplex alternative used in hair salons.

The formula is suitable for all hair types and should be used once a week following bleaching or colouring. It works to visibly strengthen the hair and increase elasticity. In time the hair feels silkier and more glossy.

This is a great cheaper alternative to Olaplex no.3. Like with Olaplex no.3 you should follow with a shampoo and conditioner.

This is the only product I found which works as well as Olaplex 3 for a better price.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range

Redken’s Acidic Bonding range target different chemical bonds to Olaplex. Whereas Olaplex targets disulfide bonds, which are the hair’s strongest bonds, Redken targets hydrogen and salt bonds, which are the weakest bonds.

The products help the hair to return to its optimum pH level after a chemical or dye treatment, and helps to strengthen the hydrogen and salt bonds in the hair.

Olaplex, by comparison, repairs any broken disulfide bonds in the hair after a chemical treatment. Since both brands target different hair bonds, they can be used together. If you are looking for an alternative to Olaplex however, the Redkin Acidic Bonding products are a good choice, and available at a slightly more affordable price.

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo

Available at Amazon, Look Fantastic or Sally Beauty

The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo is an intensely conditioning shampoo that helps to reduce breakage and product colour in damaged, processed hair. This is one of the best alternatives for Olaplex No. 5.

This shampoo leaves you with smoother hair, less breakage and fewer split ends. The formula contains 9% cationic + amino acids which help to repair damaged hair strands. It also has a low pH which seals the hair cuticle and locks in moisture and shine.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner

Available at Amazon, FeelUnique and Ulta

The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner is a great alternative to the No. 6 Olaplex treatment. It leaves you with stronger hair which is in better condition. Apply to wet hair after shampooing and leave for a couple of minutes before rinsing out. The protein-rich bond builder helps to restore the hair’s strength and protect it from environmental factors.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Matrix Bond Ultim8

Available at Amazon, Beauty Bay or Walmart

Matrix Bond Ultim8 have three different products in the range but the first two are designed for salon use only. The third product, the Fiber Protecting System Sealing Treatment is made to be used at home after salon colouring or lightening.

The Matrix Bond Ultim8 Fiber Protecting System Sealing Treatment is a colour preserving treatment that works well as an Olaplex alternative for Olaplex no.3. You should use it after chemical treatments to prevent hair fibres from breaking and protect the hair from damage.

This hair treatment prevents further damage to the hair, and forms new bonds to repair any previous hair damage. It is one of the best hair products I have found as an Olaplex No.3 alternative. For me the Redken product worked slightly better but this was a close second.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Aphogee Protein Treatment

Available at Amazon, Sally Beauty or Walmart

The Aphogee Protein Treatment works differently to Olaplex in that it contains magnesium and modified proteins that fuse into the hair with heat. This makes the hair strands stronger and less likely to break. If your hair is too weak or fine to be permed or bleached you should use this treatment a week before.

This product strengthens the hair against heat and chemical damage. It works well on curly hair to repair broken bonds and strengthen the hair shaft. It is specifically designed for hair that has been tinted, relaxed, coloured or bleached. It can also help to repair damage caused by chlorine and hard water.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Knight and Wilson Pureplex Reconstructing System

The PurePlex Hair Repair System has four steps: shampoo, bond protecting treatment, bond reconstructing treatment and a conditioner. The shampoo and conditioner can be used as an alternative to Olaplex No.4 and No5.

PurePlex Shampoo

Available at Amazon, Superdrug or Boots

The Pureplex shampoo is a gentle sulphate-free shampoo that helps to repair damage by rebuilding the hair’s natural structure. It is designed for chemically treated hair in desperate need of moisture and care. It is a similar product to Olaplex no. 4.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

PurePlex Conditioner

Available at Amazon, Superdrug or Boots

The PurePlex Conditioner is silicone free and formulated with AMINOFIX Bond Reconstructor to repair damaged hair bonds. Hair is left smooth, supple and strengthened.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. SCHWARZKOPF’S BOND ENFORCING SYSTEM

Schwarzkopf’s three step bond enforcing system consists of a bond booster to protect the hair during the colouring process, a bond sealer to seal the outer surface of the hair for strength and shine, and a bond maintainer to improve hair quality and protect against damage.

For the best results you should use all three products however you can use the N°3 Bond Maintainer as a stand alone product to repair damaged hair.

The Schwarzkopf Fibreplex bond enforcing system is specifically designed to prevent hair from breaking during and after the colouring process. Schwarzkopf produces some of the best Olaplex alternatives in the UK.

Schwarzkopf Fibreplex Shampoo

Available at Amazon, Gorgeous Shop or Escentual

The Schwarzkopf Fibreplex Shampoo creates bonds within the hair fibre and balances the hair’s pH levels to lock in colour pigments. If you have had a coloring treatment this is a great product to keep your hair color fresh as well as repair any damage from the dying process.

No products found.

Schwarzkopf Fibreplex Bond Maintainer

Available at Amazon, Parfumdreams or Escentual

The Schwarzkopf Fibreplex Bond Maintainer is a hair mask that reinforces hair that has been damaged from chemical processes. It is a great final step in your hair care routine to repair color damage and strengthen the hair’s disulphide bonds.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. BOND ANGEL PLEX EFFECT

Available at Amazon, Mumzworld or AliExpress

The Bond Angel Plex Effect is not cheaper than Olaplex however it’s similar and may be a good Olaplex alternative if you want to try something different. The product contains a protein compound that acts to repair the broken sulfide bridges in coloured hair. It also creates a protective film over the outer surface of the hair leaving it noticeably stronger.

No products found.

9. pH Plex

pH Plex 1 Protect & 2 Repair & 3 Stabilize

Available at Amazon or Parfumdreams

The pH Plex 1 and 2 are similar to Olaplex 1 and 2. Like Olaplex 1, pH Plex 1 is designed to be mixed in with bleach or your hair coloring agent. Like Olaplex 2, pH Plex 2 is applied to the hair as a mask after a chemical treatment to help repair any hair bonds that were damaged during the colouring process. The pH Plex 3 is then used once a week to keep the hair in good condition.

Like Olaplex, pH Plex is used to protect and repair the hair during and after dyeing. These haircare products help to repair each damaged strand of hair, and increase hair strength. If you are looking for an alternative to Olaplex 1 and 2 this is a good option, or the Bond Angel 1 and 2.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

ph Plex 3

Available at Amazon or Parfumdreams

If you have already dyed your hair and are looking for an Olaplex alternative to help maintain the strength of your hair, you can buy the ph Plex 3 separately. ph Plex 3 is used like a hair mask which is left on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out. Apply it to damp hair after washing at least once a week to get healthy, strong and smooth hair.

This mask helps to reduce hair breakage and hair loss caused by chemical treatments. With regular use you will be left with beautiful, shiny hair. This product is a great olaplex alternative to Olaplex’s No.5 conditioner.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Revolution Haircare Plex 3 Bond Restore Treatment

Available at Amazon, Revolution Beauty or Superdrug

The Revolution Haircare Plex 3 Bond Restore Treatment helps to restore and strengthen damaged hair fibres. The product contains a triple weight molecular protein system. These proteins are made from three different plant proteins that target different parts of the hair fibre.

The formula also contains phytantriol and provitamin B5 to keep the hair hydrated and healthy. The brand is approved by PETA, vegan and cruelty free. If you are looking for a cheaper Olaplex alternative this is the real thing! The product has received five star reviews from users who claim it’s just as good as Olaplex products!

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

11. Bumble and Bumble Bond-Building Range

The Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Range helps to strengthen the hair by building new bonds. It strengthens the hair whilst adding shine and increasing elasticity.

Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Shampoo

Available at Amazon, SpaceNK or Bumble and Bumble

The Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Shampoo helps to strengthen the hair and repair any damage. It was made specifically for hair that has been coloured or damaged from heat styling. It smooths the hair cuticle and fortifies any weak strands. It also helps to build new bonds in the hair and prevent future damage.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Conditioner

Available at Amazon, SpaceNK or Boots

The Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Shampoo repairs damaged hair and reduces frizz. It smooths over the hair cuticle and helps to strengthen hair that’s been damaged from chemical treatments and over styling.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Hair Treatment

Available at Amazon, Bumble and Bumble or Boots

The Bumble and Bumble Bond Building Repair Hair Treatment is a once a week treatment mask to build new bonds in the hair. It fortifies the hair fibre and protects the hair from future damage.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

12. ION COLOR BRILLIANCE ABSOLUTE PERFECTION COLOR SEALER 

Available at Amazon or Sally Beauty

The Absolute Perfection Color Sealer comes in two steps. It repairs the hair and helps to generate new bonds making the hair stronger. It also prevents hair colour from fading as well as reduces breakage.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

13. ALL HD PLEX BOND TREATMENT

Available at Amazon, DesertCart or Walmart

The All hd Plex Bond Treatment protects hair during the colouring process and comes in two steps. The first is a bond maker and protector and the second is a bond re-enforcer. It prevents damage and breakage and smooths any frizzy bits of hair.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

14. BRAZILIAN BOND BUILDER

Available at Amazon or Walmart

The Brazilian Bond Builder has been proven to penetrate the cortex of the hair, and reattach the bonds that are broken during colouring. It also improves colour retention and strengthens the hair. The hair becomes noticeably healthier and the hair colour is more vibrant and longer-lasting.

No products found.

15. L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SMARTBOND – No longer available

The L’Oreal Professionnel Smartbond range had three steps: a pre-shampoo, a shampoo and a conditioner.

In June 2020 it was ruled in the UK Courts that L’Oreal had infringed the GB patent owned by Olaplex, and the L’Oreal’s Smartbond Step 1 Product can no longer be sold.

L’Oréal Smartbond Pre-Shampoo

Available at Amazon, Parfumdreams or Keshop

The pre-shampoo is applied to the hair after colouring or bleaching to strengthens the hair fibre. It makes the hair shiny and smooth.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SMARTBOND CONDITIONER

Available at Amazon, HairShop or Parfumdreams

The conditioner strengthens the hair fibre and locks in moisture making the hair shiny and supple.

Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

Is there an alternative to Olaplex?

There are many Olaplex alternatives that claim to work just as well at repairing broken hair bonds following a colouring treatment. Some great options include Bond Angel or ph Plex.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Olaplex 6?

Although it works in a different way, the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Conditioner is a great alternative to Olaplex 6 that will help to strengthen and repair chemically treated hair.

What exactly does Olaplex do?

Olaplex is a 3 step process that repairs and prevents hair damage. If you have used chemical treatments on your hair it will restore your hair’s broken bonds.

IS OLAPLEX GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?

Yes. Olaplex protect your hair when you colour it and also prevents further damage. It makes your hair strong, healthy and shiny and also repairs any previous damage.

CAN OLAPLEX 3 DAMAGE YOUR HAIR?

Some people have reported that when they use Olaplex No 3 for long periods, the amount of time it takes to have an effect takes longer and longer. According to Olaplex though it does not damage your hair.

CAN I USE OLAPLEX AT HOME?

Yes! Olaplex was originally made for use in hair salons but you can use it at home. I use the Olaplex No. 5 bond maintenance conditioner a couple of times a week. You can also use the Olaplex No 3. Hair Perfector 1-3 times a week and the Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner every time you wash your hair.

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This Post was All About the Best Olaplex Alternatives in 2023

Thanks for reading my post about the best Olaplex alternatives! If you have tried any of the products I have recommended or know about any other good Olaplex alternatives then please leave me a comment below. If you regularly use chemical treatments on your hair it’s important to use hair care products that help to repair and rebuild damaged hair. Although Olaplex products are the gold standard for protective coloured hair, other less expensive alternatives do exist!