Is Olaplex Worth It? A Stylist’s Honest Review

The Truth About This Viral Bond Builder, And What We Actually Recommend at Holistic Hair Studio

Olaplex has taken the hair world by storm, promising to repair broken bonds and transform damaged hair. But does it live up to the hype? As Alexandria’s organic hair experts, we’re breaking down the science, the pros and cons, and why we prefer OWAY’s holistic approach to hair repair.

What Olaplex Actually Does And Doesn’t Do

The bond-building science, decoded.

What it claims:

• Repairs disulfide bonds in hair the strongest structural bonds

• Helps prevent damage from coloring/heat

• Comes in at-home and professional treatments

The reality:

• Works best as a preventative treatment, not a miracle fix for severely damaged hair

• Can cause buildup if overused (especially No. 3)

• Contains some synthetic ingredients we avoid at our organic-focused salon

Stylist Verdict: It’s helpful, but not the only solution for healthy hair.

The OWAY Difference: Why We Prefer It Over Olaplex

Nature-powered repair without the harsh chemicals.

While Olaplex focuses solely on repairing disulfide bonds with synthetic ingredients, OWAY takes a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to hair health.

For breakage, instead of relying on a single bond builder like bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, OWAY's Rebuilding Mask uses plant keratin and quinoa to strengthen hair naturally.

Where Olaplex offers a basic moisturizing mask, we prefer OWAY's Honey & Beeswax Glossing Treatment for deep, organic hydration. To combat color fade,

OWAY's Color Protecting Hair Bath with organic lemon acids outperforms standard pH-neutral shampoos by gently removing mineral buildup while preserving vibrancy.

Most importantly, while Olaplex ignores scalp health entirely, OWAY's Stimulating Serum, infused with biodynamic rosemary and ginger, nourishes roots for truly comprehensive care.

This whole-hair philosophy, combined with 100% biodegradable formulas and certified organic ingredients, is why we trust OWAY to deliver lasting results without compromise, something no single-bond-fix product can match.

Why we choose OWAY

100% biodegradable formulas
Certified organic ingredients
Multi-functional benefits = repair + shine + scalp health

When Would You Use Olaplex And When You Don’t

Good For:

✔ Pre-color treatment (salon-grade Olaplex No. 1)
✔ Occasional bond maintenance (No. 3, 1x/week max)

Skip If:

❌ You want clean, non-toxic products
❌ Your hair needs deep moisture (OWAY’s masks penetrate better)
❌ You’re sensitive to synthetic preservatives

The Holistic Hair Studio Approach

Our OWAY repair ritual, better than bond builders alone.

For clients with damaged hair, we use a 3-step system:

Detox with OWAY Purifying Hair Bath as it removes the buildup Olaplex can leave behind

Rebuild with Reconstructing a Mask such as plant keratin not lab-made bonds

Protect with Glossing Drops as they seal shine without silicones

Real client results:

• 89% saw less breakage in 4 weeks

• 72% reported brighter color longevity

• 100% loved the herbal fragrance vs. Olaplex’s chemical scent

The Verdict: Is Olaplex Worth It?

It has its place, but isn’t the holy grail.

Consider Olaplex if:

• Your stylist uses No. 1 during coloring

• You occasionally use No. 3 as a supplement

Choose OWAY instead if you want:

• Truly organic hair care

• Multi-layer repair not just bonds

• Scalp-to-ends wellness

Ready for Healthier Hair the Natural Way?

At Holistic Hair Studio, we believe in powerful results without compromise. Our OWAY treatments deliver:

Stronger strands in 3 weeks
Vibrant color that lasts 2x longer
No itchy scalp or buildup

Book your appointment today and experience the transformative power of natural organic hair wellness at Holistic Hair Studio!

1433 Powhatan Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Book your appointment: 703-473-6864