Thin Tresses Rejoice! Olaplex's Cult No.4 & 5 Have Been Revamped For Finer Locks
Francesca is the Beauty Editor at Adore Beauty. With a background in glossy mags and bylines in publications like Marie Claire, ELLE and BODY+SOUL, Francesca has turned her love of beauty into a career. Whether she's decoding buzzy ingredients or road testing lip glosses (so. many. glosses.), her approach to beauty is equal parts glamour and highly-considered.
In Partnership with OLAPLEX.
They've been duped (many a time) and have inspired a plethora of bond-repairing products but make no mistake, Olaplex are the OG's when it comes to bond repair.
Their formulas, beloved by professionals and frizzy-prone gals alike, are a standout for their inside-out approach to hair health (more on that below). And the result? Healthier, smoother, glossier manes, every time.
In fact, some of the most repurchased products at Adore Beauty is their cult No.4 & No.5 (Bond Maintenance Shampoo & Conditioner).
The formulas launched in 2018, as the brands first shampoo and conditioner counterparts, to complement their existing bond-building treatment system.
It harnesses the same revolutionary tech as their original treatment system. You know, the one that cemented themselves as pioneers in the hair health space.
But like all top-of-the-line products, they've now revamped the formula (in a new offering) to speak to thin or finer hair types. It's lighter weight, and boasts volumising benefits.
Intrigued, we set our resident fine-haired girl (who is admittedly fussy when it comes to shampoos) to give it a test. ALSO new from the brand is a to-die-for scalp serum that promises to remedy irritated scalps and boost vitality. Selfishly (and kinda understandably, right?) this was one I put my hand up for. So read on below for formula breakdowns, thoughts and first-impression feelings below.
The OG's in Bond Repair
Olaplex trailblazed with their patented Bond Building Technology™ to repair and fortify strands from the inside-out. The technology works at a molecular level to reconnect broken disulfide bonds that are damaged (due to things like heat, overprocessing and environmental stress).
Unlike traditional surface level treatments, their patented ingredient (Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate) actively seeks out these broken bonds to rebuild them, preventing further damage and improving hair’s texture, strength, and elasticity.
Olaplex remains the gold standard for hair repair and deliver genuinely transformative results.
Best Shampoo and Conditioner for Fine Hair
The brand's cult followed No.4 (Bond Maintenance Shampoo) & No.5 (Bond Maintenance Conditioner) formulas have been thoughtfully reformulated to meet the needs of finer hair types.
Boasting the same powerful bond-repairing benefits, the new iterations are lightweight to hydrate, strengthen, and detangle without weighing strands down.
The duo leaves locks soft and shiny, with clinically proven results that volumise and strengthen hair.
Fast Facts:
- Powered by patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ to repair and strengthen strands from within
- Adds lightweight hydration and softness
- Boosts shine and manageability
- Sulphate-free, silicone-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Olaplex No.4 FINE Shampoo & No.5 FINE Conditioner Review
"As a girlie with fine and very oily hair, I was super keen to try out the Olaplex Fine shampoo and conditioner!
It smells super bougie and delicious, and is lovely to use.
I can’t speak to the reparative factor just yet, but seeing as it has the same bond-building technology as no.3, I have full faith in it’s ability to repair damaged bonds. Olaplex are after all, the bond-building haircare saviours!
In terms of the “fine” angle, my roots looked nice and clean.
Just a word of caution, the conditioner is so good at its job and so powerful, you only need a very small amount of product!
I would definitely rate it for fine, damaged hair, especially if your hair is coloured and dry, but you still don’t want it weighed down." - Madison Siladi
A Balancing Scalp Treatment
It's no secret that scalp care (or rather lack of) has been a talking point for hair in recent years. Often playing root cause to the condition of strands - whether it be dry, oily or greasy locks - scalp health is pivotal to a long and lusturous mane.
Enter, Olaplex's latest No. 0.05 Scalp Longevity Treatment. The lightweight, leave-in harnesses the same Bond Building Technology to hydrate, soothe and strengthen the scalp barrier. Tested by dermatologists & trichologist approved, the serum protects against accelerated scalp aging and leaves hair visibly healthier, softer hair after 4 weeks.
Fast Facts:
- Leave-in scalp treatment
- Strengthens the scalp barrier for healthier growth
- Soothes dryness and irritation
- For all hair and scalp types
- Can be used on damp or dry hair
Olaplex No. 0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment Review
"Like most, I've fallen convert to the recent 'skin-ification of scalp' and have subsequently invested in anything and everything touting scalp health benefits. Think: lot's of growth serums, pre-wash exfoliants and physical in-shower scrubs.
Olaplex's No. 0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment, however, is unlike anything else I've tried.
A little about my scalp: she's dry, flakes in Winter and teeters on the sensitive/ gets-exasperated-easily side.
Given the level (and layers) of scalp-goodness I lather on weekly, I didn't expect too much here but was pleasantly surprised with the real, tangible results I saw.
I've been applying the serum on dry, second-day strands (though it can be applied on either damp or dry hair) and working the product in with a gentle massage (fingers and/or scalp brush). Massaging in the product helps boost blood circulation (great for hair growth) and the effectiveness and absorption of product.
The sheered, milky texture (similar to those viral K-beauty milky toners) instantly calms and soothes. It's something I felt within 5 seconds of application (particularly around my already-irritated areas) and lasted for the next day or two after wear.
Playing into the 'treating scalp like skin' trend, the formula is designed to balance skin, protect against accelerated scalp ageing (no, thanks!) and strengthen the scalps barrier.
It's bolstered with the same signature Bond Building Technology to fortify and nourish strands.
While it's still early days to comment on long term scalp health, I noticed an improvement to the feel (less taut squeakiness, more softness) and an ever-so-slight decrease in flakiness.
I'm eager to keep road-testing this one.
Bonus points for being lightweight and fast-absorbing - the finish is undetectable with no visible residue. If you're a scalp serum connoisseur (or just picky, like me) you know what a godsend this is!" - Francesca Hartley.
A Long-hold Curl Defining Gel
Dosed with a myriad of nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, the No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel promises to enhance and improve curl retention by 3x times.
The high-slip gel uses their bond building tech to restore hairs strength and resilience, which in turn improves curl pattern and definition. The silky gel melts into strands for a finish that is flexible and high-shine without being overly crunchy or heavy. The formula boasts impressive 72-hr frizz control and heat protection for up to 232ºC.
Fast Facts:
- Defines curls with flexible, non-crunchy hold
- Controls frizz and boosts shine
- Suitable for all curl types
- Protects against heat up to 232ºC
- Silicone-free
Discover more of Olaplex's game-changing products below:
