5 Hair Products That Are Just As Good As Olaplex At Half The Cost

If you frequently bleach or color-treat your hair, you’re probably familiar with the damage that ensues, regardless of whether you get your hair done by a professional. Changing the color of your hair requires strong chemicals that open the cuticle of the hair and strip its natural pigments so the new color can be deposited. This leaves the hair devoid of moisture and its protective outer layer, resulting in frizzy, coarse hair prone to split ends and breakage. Olaplex is one of the only treatments that repairs the actual structure of the hair itself instead of just covering up the damage. But the products can be expensive, especially if you need to use them continuously. The best Olaplex dupes on the market can provide almost equivalent results at an affordable price.

Hair repair products can be expensive, especially the infamous Olaplex. With some options being as little as a third of the price, it can’t hurt to try some of the best Olaplex dupes to see if they can repair the broken bonds in your hair without wreaking havoc on your wallet. That’s why StudyFinds compiled this list of the most highly recommended bond repair products based on the consensus of 10 expert reviews. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments!

1. K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Heard the buzz about the K18 hair mask? It’s all over TikTok and getting rave reviews from beauty editors too, according to Women’s Health Magazine. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed haircare addict or simply want stronger, silkier strands, this K18 peptide treatment might be your new best friend.

Here’s the science behind the magic: K18 uses a special, pH-balanced formula to keep your hair cuticle happy and hair proteins in tip-top shape. Business Insider dives deeper, explaining that K18’s secret weapon is a patented peptide that works on a microscopic level to reconnect the broken keratin chains that give your hair its strength and elasticity They even threw in some science-y terms like “humectants” and “hydrolyzed wheat protein” – basically, more good stuff for your locks!

Think of K18 as the hot new celeb in the haircare world, stealing the spotlight from even Olaplex according to Cosmetify. Packed with their superhero ingredient, the K18Peptide, this mask promises to repair damage from heat styling, the environment, and even chemical treatments – all in just four minutes! Imagine: smoother, bouncier, and more hydrated hair in the time it takes to make your coffee? Sign us up! So, is K18 worth the hype? You might just have to try it and see for yourself.

2. Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo

If you don’t want to add an extra step to your hair care routine, try switching to this bond repair shampoo for results just from washing your hair. The formula is said to combat a year of damage in just one use.

Split ends got you down? This new shampoo from Redken might be your mane saver, according to The Krazy Koupon Lady. It’s formulated with vegan, clean ingredients and packs a secret weapon: AHA (think of it as an exfoliant for your scalp!), which helps balance the pH levels of your hair after chemical treatments like coloring or perming. Just a heads up: since this shampoo can make your hair more sensitive to the sun, be sure to use sunscreen on your strands after showering.

But wait, there’s more! Cosmetify says this Redken shampoo is even better when paired with its conditioner and intensive treatment. They call it a “dupe” for the popular Olaplex No. 3 treatment specifically.

Women’s Health gets real about the packaging, calling it “sexy silver” that will look sleek on any shower shelf. They also love how easy it is to incorporate this shampoo into your routine. Simply swap out your regular shampoo for this one if your hair is feeling stressed and in need of some TLC. So ditch the seven-step haircare routine (we feel you!) and give this citric acid and hair-building complex combo a whirl. Your hair will thank you!

3. Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment

This Korean hair mask is a cult favorite, and is one of the cheapest on the list for a bottle. Though it doesn’t work the same way as Olaplex in repairing the hair directly, it coats and nourishes each strand for a similar effect. Whimsy Soul raves about this cult-favorite hair repair mask that won’t break the bank. For so much cheaper, you can get your hands on a protein treatment packed with collagen, ceramides, keratin, and botanical extracts – all the good stuff your hair craves. Think of it as a super-affordable dupe for pricier options like Olaplex’s No.0 or No.8 masks.

Well + Good dives into the science behind this mask’s magic. The formula also includes soy protein extract, allantoin, and ceramide 3, all working together to create a protective coating on your hair strands. Just five minutes (and a shower cap for deeper conditioning) is all it takes to experience the benefits – smooth, glossy locks that will have you wondering why you ever spent more. However, vegans beware: this mask does contain pig collagen, so if you have dietary restrictions, you might want to look for a different option. But for everyone else, this Elizavecca mask is a haircare game-changer at a price you can’t beat.

4. Revolution Hair Care Plex Step 3 Bond Restore Treatment

For those who prefer vegan hair products, Revolution is a great option that utilizes three different types of plant protein to strengthen and restore hair. Damage got your hair feeling like straw? Don’t despair! Beauty Heaven introduces you to the Bond Restore Treatment, a multi-step hero designed to bring your hair back to life. This plant-powered potion works its magic by targeting different layers of your hair strands, repairing damage from the inside out. Imagine coating your hair with this treatment before shampooing – the results? Soft, shiny, and strong locks that will have you swishing your mane with confidence.

But wait, there’s more! Whimsy Soul points out that a bottle of this magic elixir is so affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for anyone looking to give their hair some TLC. It’s like Olaplex, but with a twist: Revolution Plex has a lighter, waterier consistency that sinks into hair without leaving a heavy, crunchy residue. The best part? You can even leave it on overnight for an ultra-conditioning treatment – hello, hair rehab!

Closer adds to the chorus of praise, saying this protein-powered system uses a three-pronged approach, with different plant proteins targeting specific areas of your hair fiber. The result? A drugstore dupe for Olaplex that delivers noticeable results instantly. So ditch the split ends and embrace your healthiest hair yet with Revolution Plex!

5. The Inkey List PCA Bond Repair Hair Treatment

This mighty mist boasts an ingredient called Granrepair Powerbond®, which works like a tiny army to repair, protect, and strengthen your hair bonds. The result? Hair with instant shine, bounce, and the kind of strength that will have you wanting to flip your hair with newfound confidence. And the best part? All it takes is a quick spritz after washing your hair – easier than perfecting that winged eyeliner, we promise!

Women’s Health put this mist to the test with a panel of beauty enthusiasts, and the results were glowing. Testers loved the lightweight texture that left their hair feeling manageable, not weighed down. But the magic goes beyond just ease of use. Long-term use yielded impressive results, with some panelists reporting less breakage and hair loss, stronger strands overall, and even more defined and softer curls.

Sources used to come to these consensus picks

• Women’s Health
• Business Insider
• Cosmetify
• The Krazy Koupon Lady
• Whimsy Soul
• What the Fab
• Well + Good
• Beauty Heaven
• Style Caster
• Closer

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.