Does Olaplex Cause Hair Loss?

100+ people have filed a case against Olaplex, claiming $75,000 per person as compensation for the damages caused. This top-tier brand, trusted by millions, is under fire for claiming its product is safe for people with dry or damaged hair.

Despite Olaplex’s status as a luxury hair care brand, growing reports of hair loss, bald spots and dry strands have sparked concern, causing many to ask: Does Olaplex really make your hair fall out?

In this article, we will investigate the controversy surrounding Olaplex and how it has become a nightmare for women who sought to groom their hair. 

Sit tight because it will surely be a war between facts and reviews helping you conclude with an opinion of whether Olaplex is a bad shot or not. 

What Is Olaplex?

Olaplex is a luxury hair care brand promoted by famous celebrities like Athena Layna and Kim Kardashian, which made it even more promising. 

Its professional-grade and at-home products have made it a go-to for those who want healthier, stronger, and shinier hair. BUT… yes there still have been rumours that olaplex has been causing hair loss.

Olaplex is a three-step treatment designed to repair and protect hair from damage. It works on a molecular level by rebuilding broken disulfide bonds, which are often damaged by chemical treatments like bleaching and coloring.

The first two steps are applied in the salon, while the third and subsequent steps are used at home to maintain and enhance hair health. 

Martine Robertson, director of education at Olaplex explains, 

“Olaplex is for everyone, literally. All hair goes through stress that can lead to breakage. Imagine that Olaplex is like a gym routine for your hair, the more you use it, the stronger, healthier, and shinier it will be.” 

What Are The Benefits Of Using Olaplex?

Although Olaplex has faced criticism for damaging results, we cannot completely ignore its pros. So here are some key benefits that make Olaplex essential for anyone looking to restore and protect their hair:

1. Repairing Chemically Damaged Hair: Olaplex helps repair broken disulfide bonds caused by chemical treatments such as coloring, bleaching, and perming, restoring hair strength and health.
2. Strengthening Hair Structure: By reconnecting the internal bonds within the hair shaft, Olaplex improves overall hair integrity.
3. Enhancing Curl Definition: Olaplex treatments help restore elasticity and reduce damage, which can improve natural curl pattern and bounce.
4. Reducing Frizz & Breakage: Olaplex reduces frizz and breakage, resulting in smoother, healthier hair.
5. Color Protection Benefits: Helps maintain hair color shine by protecting strands from damage during chemical processes like bleaching. 

How Does Olaplex Work?

Olaplex has a unique formula of a special ingredient Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate. Imagine your hair is like a broken zipper, Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate is like a special tool that goes in and carefully realigns the broken teeth of the zipper, helping it zip back up smoothly.

Your hair is made of keratin proteins held together by disulfide bonds, think of them as staples holding together the pages of a book. When you perm, straighten, or damage your hair, some of these staples get ripped out, causing the pages to lose and the book to fall apart.

Olaplex acts like a glue that finds the places where staples are missing and reconnects them. While the glue isn’t the exact same as the original staples, it holds the pages tightly enough to keep the book intact and strong again.

Olaplex Product Range Explained (No.1 to No.9)

Olaplex offers a range of products designed to repair, strengthen, and protect hair at every stage. Here we are going to discuss them in detail:

Product	Usage	Key Benefits & Features	Availability
Bond Multiplier	Professional salon system (first step)	Combined with professional hair color to minimize damage to disulfide bonds during chemical treatments.	Professional use only, available via licensed stylists.
Bond Perfector	Professional salon system (follow up treatment)	Deep conditioning treatment that seals the hair cuticle after chemical services.	Professional use only, sold to salon professionals. Requires training for use.
Hair Perfector	At home treatment	A bond builder that repairs and strengthens hair bonds.	For customer use (at home).
Bond Maintenance Shampoo	Shampoo	Minimizes breakage, nourishes hair, making it smoother, shinier, and easier to manage. Highly moisturizing, no buildup.	For all hair types; suitable for daily use or any wash day.
Bond Maintenance Conditioner	Conditioner	Concentrated and color-safe. Restores, and nourishes all hair types, leaving hair soft.	For all hair types; can be used daily after No.4.
Bond Smoother	Leave-in styler	Shields hair from daily wear and chemical treatments.	Apply out-of-shower to dry hair.
7 Bonding Oil	Lightweight, reparative styling oil	Strengthens hair, adds shine, and protects against heat up to 450°F.	Use on wet or dry hair; ideal for heat styling.
Bond Intense Moisture Mask	Intense hydrating & repairing mask	Intensely hydrates, smooths, and restores damaged hair for improved softness.	Apply to clean, damp hair; use once a week for best results.

Olaplex for Different Hair Types

Olaplex is known for its innovative bond-building technology, offering targeted repair for a wide range of hair concerns.

Olaplex products are designed to strengthen and restore internal hair structure at the molecular level. This applies whether you have straight, wavy, curly, coily, fine, or color-treated hair.

Olaplex No.3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are suitable for all hair types. No.3 specifically is for damaged hair as it is responsible for deep hair repair. Olaplex No.8 is for thick hair and small amounts of it for thin hair.  

It is necessary to determine your hair type and texture to find the best Olaplex product for yourself. 

How to Use Olaplex for Maximum Results

Olaplex offers powerful repair but only when used correctly. Whether you’re using the salon-grade steps or the at-home range, understanding how to layer, apply, and time each product is how you get its full potential. 

In this section, we’ll explain the optimal way to use each Olaplex product:

Olaplex No.0 and No.5

1. Start With Dry Hair: Apply Olaplex No.0 evenly from roots to ends.
2. Distribute Thoroughly: Comb through for full saturation across your entire head.
3. Let It Absorb: Leave No.0 on for 10 minutes  and do not rinse.
4. Apply No.3 Directly Over No.0: Without washing out No.0, apply a small amount of Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector from roots to ends.
5. Wait Again: Leave the No.0 and No.3 mixture on your hair for another 10 minutes.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Wash out the treatment completely.

Olaplex No.3

1. Dampen Your Hair: Lightly wet your hair so it’s slightly wet, not soaking.
2. Apply No.3: Distribute Olaplex No.3 evenly from roots to ends, with full coverage.
3. Let It Work: Leave the treatment on for at least 10 minutes. For deeper repair, you can leave it on longer.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Wash your hair with water.
5. Shampoo & Conditioner: Follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.

Olaplex No.4

1. Wet Your Hair: Start with thoroughly wet hair.
2. Apply Shampoo: Take a small amount of Olaplex No.4 in your palm.
3. Massage Gently: Apply it into your scalp and hair, creating a lather.
4. Rinse Completely: Wash off with water.
5. Follow Up: Apply Olaplex No.5 conditioner to hydrate and strengthen your hair.

Olaplex No.5

1. Shampoo First: Begin by washing your hair with Olaplex No.4 bond maintenance shampoo.
2. Apply Conditioner: Use a small amount of No.5 and apply it to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.
3. Distribute Evenly: Apply the product through your hair using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
4. Let It Sit: Leave the conditioner on for 3 minutes to allow it to deeply nourish and repair.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Wash out completely with water.

Olaplex No.6

1. Start With Wet Or Dry Hair: This product works on both freshly washed or already dry hair.
2. Dispense A Small Amount: Take a pea-sized amount of Olaplex No.6 onto your fingertips.
3. Apply To Lengths And Ends: Gently smooth the product through the mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots.
4. Style As Usual: Proceed with your regular styling routine—whether air-drying or heat styling.

Olaplex No.7

1. Prep Your Hair: Begin with wet or dry hair, depending on your styling routine.
2. Dispense The Oil: Use just a few drops of Olaplex No.7.
3. Apply Evenly: Apply the oil through the mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the scalp.
4. Style As Desired: Use your preferred heated tools like a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron. The oil will protect your hair from heat up to 450°F while adding shine and softness.

Olaplex No.8

1. Start With Clean & Damp Hair – After washing, gently towel-dry your hair.
2. Apply The Mask: Take a few drops of Olaplex No.8 and apply it evenly through your hair.
3. Let It Sit: Leave the mask on for 10 minutes to deeply hydrate and repair.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Remove all the product with water.
5. Use Regularly: For best results, apply once a week as a nourishing treatment.

Olaplex No.9

1. Apply On Clean Or Damp Hair: Use Olaplex No.9 on days you wash your hair and in between for extra protection.
2. Dispense A Small Amount: Start with a small amount of serum in your hands.
3. Work Through Hair: Apply from the ends upward toward the roots, ensuring even coverage.
4. Adjust Amount As Needed: Use more product for longer or thicker hair to ensure full protection.

What Are The Bad Side Effects Of Olaplex?

Through statements issued in the lawsuit and digital discussions we have gathered a few claimed side effects of Olaplex hair treatment:

1. Scalp Irritation: There have been complaints of scalp discomfort including itching, redness and rashes.
2. Dryness & Brittleness: In some cases, Olaplex has been linked to dryness and brittleness, potentially a result of its acidic formulation.
3. Breakage & Thinning: Reports of hair breakage and thinning have emerged among Olaplex users; the company maintains that such issues are likely the result of prior hair damage.
4. Allergic Reactions: Some ingredients have caused adverse reactions for users like Lilial, which is now banned in the EU, and has been associated with skin sensitization.

In order to prove their words the company released all test results which were associated with Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT).

Wong, the CEO of Olaplex, reinforced these by saying, 

“It was not shown to cause sensitivity or inflammation to the skin, including the hair follicle, which is the primary cause of hair loss.” 

Apart from the statements released by the victims there is no other evidence suggesting that any harmful substance was used to compose any Olaplex product.

Olaplex Hair Loss Reviews

The reviews are highly divided: some swear by it as a miracle product, while others claim it caused serious damage to their hair and scalp, in some cases beyond recovery.

Positive Reviews

I would buy the whole set if I could. I currently have and use Olaplex No 3, & 5 which are pre-wash, shampoo and conditioner respectively. I cannot tell you the difference in how healthy and salon-treated my hair looks…all the time! It’s a miracle and I cannot wash it with anything else. I have struggled with growing out my hair and split ends made it look so bad but Olaplex saved it. It is worth every penny I have spent on the big bottle.

– Deedee, UK: May 2023 via TrustPilot

Many users, especially those with chemically treated or damaged hair, report that Olaplex has improved their hair’s health, strength, and manageability.

Some say it has helped them grow their hair longer by minimizing breakage.
It’s also frequently praised for enhancing hair texture, leaving it noticeably softer and smoother.

Negative Reviews

A growing number of users report distressing experiences with Olaplex products, especially No. 3. 

One user cried,

“Olaplex products are 100 percent causing major hair fallout and drying out what’s still on our heads so fast…” 

Another adds, 

“I lost SO much hair using this… my hair still looks damaged as if it’s been electrocuted,” though they note hair eventually regained strength after continued—but careful—use. 

On the No. 3 treatment specifically, one reviewer admits, 

“After just one treatment of Olaplex No. 3 … I’ve had dramatic hair loss. Every time I wash my hair I collect a ton”.

Julie H, UK: June 2023 via TrustPilot has a take on this: 

“I was excited to try this product as I’d heard great things. I paid £25 for travel sized shampoo and conditioner. I’ve only used them twice, but my scalp has been unbearably itchy and lumpy. I won’t ever use the products again and I’ve contacted the retailer asking for a refund.”

What Are Common Mistakes When Using Olaplex?

Using Olaplex correctly can really help your hair, but there are some mistakes people often make.

1. Overuse: Even reliable products can be damaging if overused, apply Olaplex only as needed, not with every wash. Too much application can make your hair look greasy.
2. Skipping Steps Or Mixing Non-Compatible Products: You cannot use moisturizing shampoo alone and expect best results. Most of Olaplex’s hair products are meant to be used together with other items, especially No.0 + No.3, or No.4–5 + No.6–9.

Assuming It’s A One-Time Fix: Hair does not get damaged overnight, it’s an ongoing process hence commitment to a proper hair care routine is required. You cannot expect permanent results without regular usage.

Is Olaplex worth the price?

This all depends on how educated you are about its use and purpose. If you are right about that, Olaplex would be worth every penny you are spending. 

Does Olaplex cause hair growth?

Olaplex was made with a strong intention to reduce hair breakage including any other form of hair damage. Hence, it is not formulated to assist your hair in growth.

Which Olaplex products cause hair loss?

Olaplex has strongly denied the allegations, insisting its range does not cause hair loss.

Can Olaplex cause seborrheic dermatitis?

Non-water-soluble ingredients and previously used lilial (now banned in EU) in Olaplex may clog hair follicles, potentially triggering scalp irritation or conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Which Olaplex was discontinued?

According to the suit, none of Olaplex’s products were recalled. 

What are some top alternatives to Olaplex for hair repair?

Olaplex is popular for hair repair, but there are top alternatives worth considering:

• K-18: Renews strength and softness for hair making them fresh like never before.
• L’Oreal Paris: Helps in moisturizing, adding shine, reducing frizz and hydrating your hair.