By Elena L. Peters - Beauty & Hair Editor
13 july 25
4 minutes reading time

OLAPLEX bond-building technology: the science, the products and how to use them

Brand guideBond buildingOLAPLEX

Healthy, strong, shiny hair is what every client wants, and daily damage from heat styling, chemical services and the environment weakens it from the inside. This is where OLAPLEX comes in: a haircare brand that restores and protects hair at the bond level. With patented innovations and science-backed technology, OLAPLEX has earned its place as a global haircare leader.

This guide explains what makes the system different, walks through the whole product universe, salon-only and at-home, and ends with a routine you can hand to a client.

Short answer: OLAPLEX works on the disulfide bonds inside the hair with its patented Complete Bond Technology and the active BADGDM. Salon-only: No. 1, No. 2, Broad Spectrum Chelating, 4-in-1 Moisture Mask. At home: No. 0 + No. 3 once a week, No. 4 and No. 5 at every wash, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 and No. 10 as focused care. No. 7 and No. 10 protect up to 232 °C.
Active
BADGDM
Technology
Complete Bond Technology
Heat protection
Up to 232 °C (No. 7, No. 10)
Cruelty-free
Leaping Bunny

What makes OLAPLEX unique?

OLAPLEX sets itself apart with its Complete Bond Technology, a patented system that works at the molecular level to help repair disulfide bonds in hair. Disulfide bonds are critical for hair's strength, elasticity and shine. When they are broken by colouring, heat styling or environmental stress, hair becomes weak, prone to breakage and dull.

Illustration of disulfide bonds in the hair fibre and how OLAPLEX helps repair them
How disulfide bonds relate to strength and elasticity.

OLAPLEX targets this root cause to help restore both look and feel, even in compromised hair. The key is its patented active ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate (BADGDM).

Diagram of Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, the patented OLAPLEX active
The patented molecule used across the OLAPLEX system.

This molecule supports the reconnection of broken disulfide bonds for science-driven repair inside the hair fibre.

Schematic of OLAPLEX Complete Bond Technology

Backed by multiple patents, OLAPLEX's bond-building approach has helped redefine modern hair repair.

The OLAPLEX product universe

OLAPLEX offers a complete line-up for every step of a haircare journey, from deep repair to daily maintenance and styling. Whether you are a salon professional or a home user, there is a tailored solution for your routine.

Overview of the OLAPLEX product universe and its collections

Professional, salon-only

  • No. 1 Bond Multiplier and No. 2 Bond Perfector: used during chemical services such as colouring or lightening, they help reduce damage and rebuild bonds for stronger, more resilient hair.
  • Broad Spectrum Chelating Treatment: removes hard-water minerals, metals and stubborn build-up while preserving bond care, ideal for prepping hair ahead of colour or texture services.
  • 4-in-1 Moisture Mask: a professional-only conditioning mask for instant, intensive hydration and repair in minutes.

Note: No. 1 and No. 2, the Broad Spectrum Chelating Treatment and the 4-in-1 Moisture Mask are pro-exclusive, available only to certified salons for efficacy and safety. Pro tip: our technical team has prepared a full technical playbook built on OLAPLEX's official publications and guidelines; ask our team and we send it to you.

At home: treatments

  • No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment: a primer that boosts the efficacy of follow-up treatments by prepping the hair for deeper repair.
  • No. 3 Hair Perfector: a pre-shampoo bond-repair treatment for at-home use that improves strength, texture and resilience.
  • No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask: the moisture boost for hair that needs more than a conditioner.
  • No. 5 Leave-In Moisturize and Mend: a daily leave-in that hydrates and helps repair for frizz control and manageability.

Shampoos and conditioners

  • No. 4 and No. 5 Bond Maintenance: gently cleanse and condition while maintaining bond-care benefits for softer, healthier-feeling hair.
  • No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo: removes build-up and restores clarity while supporting the hair's natural bonds.
  • No. 4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo: refreshes scalp and roots between washes without dulling or weighing hair down.
  • No. 4P and No. 5P Blonde Enhancer: neutralise brassiness and brighten blonde tones while caring for bonds.
  • No. 4FINE and No. 5FINE: lightweight cleanse and condition for fine hair, strength and volume without weight.

The whole wash line is under OLAPLEX Shampoos and Conditioners.

Stylers and oils

  • No. 6 Bond Smoother: a leave-in styling treatment for frizz control and enhanced smoothness.
  • No. 7 Bonding Oil: adds glass-like shine and provides heat protection up to 450 °F / 232 °C.
  • No. 10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel: defines curls, improves texture and supports bonds for resilient, well-shaped curls; heat protection up to 450 °F / 232 °C.

Find them under OLAPLEX Styling and Refresh; for bundles and gifting, the curated OLAPLEX value sets save on repair, wash and styling routines.

Science spotlight: Bond Shaping Technology

Launched in 2024 for professional use, Bond Shaping Technology is a proprietary peptide-based complex designed for curl repair and reshaping. It lets stylists deliver advanced curl support and long-lasting shape definition, helping restore strength and bounce to textured hair.

Certified for trust: cruelty-free and safety

Cruelty-free
OLAPLEX is certified by Leaping Bunny and does not test on animals.
Regulatory and safety
OLAPLEX formulations undergo safety assessment and comply with applicable cosmetic regulations. BADGDM is the patented active used across the range.
Vegan and free from lilial
The brand follows evolving ingredient standards, including the removal of lilial in line with EU requirements.

How to get the most from OLAPLEX in a routine

  1. 1
    Start with No. 0 and No. 3

    Use this duo once a week as an intensive bond-building treatment, especially after colour or whenever hair feels weak. Both are in Treatments and Serums.

  2. 2
    Make OLAPLEX part of each wash

    Cleanse with No. 4 or No. 4C, then condition with No. 5 for regular upkeep, from Shampoos and Conditioners.

  3. 3
    Add focused care

    Choose No. 8 when hair needs a moisture boost, and No. 6 and No. 7 for smooth, shiny, protected styles, from Styling and Refresh.

  4. 4
    Blondes and curl patterns

    Reach for No. 4P and No. 5P to keep blondes bright, or No. 10 Bond Shaper for defined, healthy-looking curls.

  5. 5
    Bundles

    The latest value sets combine the routine at a saving.

Want tailored advice? Ask our team for a personalised routine.

Why choose OLAPLEX
Backed by science
Patented bond-building technology and a clear focus on disulfide bond care.
Visible results
Stronger-feeling, shinier, more resilient hair with consistent use.
Trusted worldwide
A go-to choice for professionals and home users seeking advanced haircare innovation.
OLAPLEX No. 3 before and after example on damaged hair
Results vary with the starting condition and the routine.

Frequently asked questions

What is Complete Bond Technology?
OLAPLEX's patented system that works at the molecular level to help repair the disulfide bonds inside the hair, the bonds that give hair its strength, elasticity and shine and that break during colouring, heat styling and environmental stress.
What is BADGDM?
Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, the patented active ingredient used across the OLAPLEX range. It supports the reconnection of broken disulfide bonds inside the hair fibre.
Which OLAPLEX products are salon-only?
No. 1 Bond Multiplier and No. 2 Bond Perfector, the Broad Spectrum Chelating Treatment and the 4-in-1 Moisture Mask are professional-only, available to certified salons. Find them under OLAPLEX Professional.
How do I use No. 0 and No. 3 together?
Use the duo once a week as an intensive bond-building treatment: No. 0 primes the hair, No. 3 follows as the pre-shampoo repair treatment. Especially after colour, or whenever hair feels weak.
Which OLAPLEX products protect against heat?
No. 7 Bonding Oil and No. 10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel both provide heat protection up to 450 °F / 232 °C.
Is OLAPLEX cruelty-free and vegan?
OLAPLEX is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and does not test on animals; the brand follows evolving ingredient standards, including the removal of lilial in line with EU requirements.

The complete range, salon and home, is on the OLAPLEX brand page.