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Olaplex : quel numéro choisir ? Le guide du N°0 au N°10

Olaplex: which number should you choose? The guide from No.0 to No.10

by Tamara Perdrisat in Reviews & Tests

Olaplex No.0, No.3, No.4P, No.7… If you have ever shopped for an Olaplex treatment, you have probably wondered what all these numbers mean. Don't worry: there is a very simple logic behind the numbering. In the salon, it is one of the questions we are asked most often. Here is our guide to understanding every Olaplex number, knowing which order to use them in, and choosing the right routine for your hair.

In short: Olaplex numbers follow the order of use. No.0 and No.3 are treatments applied before shampooing, No.4 is the shampoo, No.5 the conditioner, No.8 the mask, and No.6, No.7 and No.9 are leave-in treatments used as a finish. No.1 and No.2 are used during a colour or bleaching service, usually in the salon.

How does Olaplex work?

Colouring, bleaching, straightening and heat styling weaken the disulphide bonds, the links that keep the hair fibre strong. The result: brittle, porous, rough hair that loses its shine.

Olaplex's patented technology works inside the hair to rebuild these broken bonds, whereas most treatments only coat the surface. That explains its success with hairdressers, and why the brand has become the go-to reference for bleached, highlighted or heavily damaged hair.

Olaplex numbers at a glance

Number Product type When to use it
No.0 Intensive pre-shampoo treatment Before No.3, on dry hair
No.0.5 Scalp treatment On the scalp, as needed
No.1 and No.2 Treatments used during colouring Mixed into the colour or bleach
No.3 Repairing pre-shampoo treatment Before shampooing, 1 to 3 times a week
No.4 (4C, 4P, 4D, 4 Fine) Shampoos Every wash
No.5 (5P, 5 Fine, 5L) Conditioners After shampooing
No.6 Leave-in styling cream On damp hair, before drying
No.7 Finishing oil On damp or dry hair
No.8 Intense moisture mask After shampooing, once a week
No.9 Protective leave-in serum On damp hair, before drying
No.10 Curl defining gel After conditioner, on curly hair

Pre-shampoo treatments: No.0 and No.3

Olaplex No.0: the intensive treatment

No.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment is a primer. It is sprayed onto dry hair and prepares the fibre for No.3, for an even deeper repairing action. Don't rinse it out: apply No.3 directly on top.

Our verdict: essential for heavily bleached hair or hair that breaks. The No.0 + No.3 duo is the most complete treatment you can do at home.

Olaplex No.3: the cult treatment

No.3 Hair Perfector is the product that made the brand famous. It is applied before shampooing, on dry or towel-dried hair, and left on for at least 10 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more it works. Then follow with shampoo and conditioner.

To find out everything about this treatment (frequency, application time, results), read our dedicated article: Olaplex No.3: review, how to use it and results.

Olaplex No.0.5: the scalp treatment

A newer addition to the range, No.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment is dedicated to the scalp. Because healthy hair starts with well-cared-for roots. Also discover our scalp care products.

No.1 and No.2: treatments used during colouring

No.1 and No.2 are not everyday treatments. They are mixed into the colour or bleach and applied straight afterwards, to protect the hair when it is most exposed. It is a technical step, usually carried out by your hairdresser. They are available in our No.1 + No.2 Travel Kit.

In our salons in Neuchâtel and Lausanne, we can add an Olaplex treatment to your colour service. Just mention it when you book your appointment.

Shampoos: No.4, 4C, 4P, 4D and 4 Fine

Conditioners: No.5, 5P, 5 Fine and 5L

Masks: No.8 and the unnumbered masks

Finishing treatments: No.6, No.7, No.9 and No.10

  • No.6 Bond Smoother: a leave-in cream that tames frizz, makes styling easier and adds softness. Apply to damp hair before drying.
  • No.7 Bonding Oil: a light, concentrated oil that adds shine and heat protection. A few drops are enough, on damp or dry hair.
  • No.9 Bond Protector: a nourishing leave-in serum that protects hair from heat and environmental damage, without weighing it down.
  • No.10 Bond Shaper: a gel that defines curls and reduces frizz. Apply straight after conditioner.
  • Volumizing Blow Dry Mist: a mist to spray before blow-drying to add volume to fine hair.

In what order should you use Olaplex products?

The rule is simple: follow the order of the numbers, skipping No.1 and No.2, which are reserved for colour services.

  1. No.0 on dry hair (optional, for intensive repair).
  2. No.3 on top, leave on for at least 10 minutes.
  3. No.4: shampoo, repeat if needed.
  4. No.5: conditioner, or No.8 as a mask once a week.
  5. No.6, No.7, No.9 or No.10 to finish, depending on your needs.

You don't have to use every product: a No.3 + No.4 + No.5 routine is already an excellent base.

Which Olaplex should you choose for your hair?

Bleached, highlighted or heavily damaged hair

Go for the No.0 + No.3 duo once or twice a week, then No.4 and No.5 for everyday use. If your hair breaks a lot, our Olaplex Intense Repair routine (No.0, No.3, No.4 and No.8) is made for you.

Blonde or grey hair

Swap No.4 and No.5 for their No.4P and No.5P versions once or twice a week to neutralise yellow tones. To try this routine, the Olaplex Unbreakable Blondes mini kit is ideal. Also a fan of Kevin Murphy? The Blonde Angel range is a great alternative for blondes.

Coloured hair

No.3 once a week and the No.4 + No.5 duo every day help preserve the vibrancy of your colour. Add No.7 as a finish for shine.

Fine hair

Choose the No.4 Fine and No.5 Fine versions, which cleanse and detangle without weighing hair down. The Weightless Nourishing Mask and the Volumizing Blow Dry Mist complete the routine.

Dry, rough hair

Replace your conditioner with the No.8 mask or the Rich Hydration Mask once a week, and finish with No.9 or No.5L to nourish the lengths.

Curly or frizzy hair

No.6 is your best ally against frizz. On curly hair, pair it with No.10 for well-defined curls.

Our Olaplex routines and gift sets

FAQ: your Olaplex questions answered

Which Olaplex number is the most effective?

No.3 Hair Perfector remains the brand's star treatment for repairing damaged hair. For an even more intense effect, pair it with No.0.

Can you use No.3 without No.0?

Yes. No.3 works very well on its own. No.0 boosts its action and is mainly recommended for heavily damaged hair.

How often should you use Olaplex No.3?

Generally one to three times a week, depending on the condition of your hair. On very damaged hair, start with two or three applications a week, then space them out as the hair recovers.

What are No.1 and No.2 for?

They protect the hair during colouring or bleaching: No.1 is mixed into the technical product and No.2 is applied afterwards. This step is usually carried out in the salon, as in our salons in Neuchâtel and Lausanne.

Is Olaplex suitable for all hair types?

Yes. Olaplex suits all hair types, especially coloured, bleached, straightened or heat-damaged hair. Simply choose the products that match your needs: blonde, fine hair, hydration, curls or repair.

How long does it take to see results?

Hair usually feels softer and shinier from the very first uses. For a real difference in breakage and strength, allow a few weeks of regular use.

Our verdict

Once you understand the logic, the Olaplex range is very simple: a pre-shampoo treatment (No.0 and No.3), a shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair (No.4 and No.5), and a finish according to your needs (No.6, No.7, No.9 or No.10). For most damaged hair, the No.3 + No.4 + No.5 trio is the best place to start.

Discover the full Olaplex range in our shop, with fast delivery across Switzerland and international shipping. And if you are unsure, our hairdressers will be happy to advise you in our salons in Neuchâtel and Lausanne.

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