An Honest Review of Olaplex No. 9 Serum Before You Buy | Well+Good (2024)

With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP

The shampoo, the myth, the legend: Olaplex. Known for its proprietary bond-building formula that strengthens and protects hair, Olaplex products are coveted by folks looking to repair color-treated and/or damaged strands, and beloved by stylists who want to give their clients a best-in-class blowout. Most recently, the brand launched Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum ($28), which uses bond-building tech along with red algae, an ingredient normally found in skin care (we'll get to that in a few seconds).

While it launched in late March, I wanted to test out the serum on my own hair for at least a month to see if could really help improve my hair health in the long run—not just after one or two uses. Spoiler alert: If you haven't, you can go ahead and add this bottle to cart, Olaplex makes good on its promises.

Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum — $28.00

Shop Now

What makes the serum stand out is its unique triple-action formula that strengthens, protects, and smooths. Olaplex's bond-building tech repairs and nourishes dry, frail strands while the serum's infusion of red algae extract works overtime by bonding to hair and defending follicles against damage from hot tools, pollutants, and UVA and UVB rays. According to the brand, it keeps your hair protected for up to 48 hours.

Plus, the brand's entire line works with all hair types. "The reason why Olaplex is good for all hair types is because hair bonds are agnostic regardless of gender, age or ethnicity," says celebrity hair colorist and Olaplex ambassador, Bianca Hillier. "Curly and textured hair has more disulfide bonds, and is more susceptible to environmental, mechanical, and chemical damage." The multi-patented formula keeps follicles well-guarded from harsh elements and also reinvigorates strands from the inside out, which is why the end result is shiny, silky, smoother hair.

What my experience with Olaplex No. 9 has looked (and felt) like

I've been testing No. 9 for about a month (I've used it around four or five times in total), and, similarly to all Olaplex products, have noticed a difference right away. What made this experience different (and what made No. 9 "pass the test" for me) is that I just got extensive highlights, so large portions of my naturally dark brown hair have been bleached and toned. So, I was really hoping the serum would make my new hair—which I love, but feels dry and hay-like—healthier, softer, and less prone to breakage.

Related Stories

No. 9 understood the assignment, and we got off to a great start the first time I used it. After applying the serum to wet strands, I blow dried and styled my hair (which was easier to do than usual, since the serum helped unravel any tangles and made strands easy to comb through). I noticed less hair on my brush, and when I was done, my hair looked shinier and soft to the touch. And it stayed this way for three days until my next wash.

I use it after every wash at this point—and especially before an event when I want to give my hairstyle a bit more oomph. Here's me two weeks ago at a beauty launch:

An Honest Review of Olaplex No. 9 Serum Before You Buy | Well+Good (3)

On its own, my hair is naturally wavy and frizzy. It always has been, but the bleach and constant use of heating tools (blow dryer, straightener, and curling iron) has put it in a constant state of "Mia Thermopolis before her Princess transformation." With No. 9, I can achieve a smooth, bouncy, sleek 'do, and I can even brush my hair without messing with the finished product. And! On days when I choose not to do anything with my hair post-wash, I've noticed my strands still retain shine and some smoothness—and my blonde highlights are as vibrant as ever. So, this stuff really does work in the long run when you continue to use it.

The texture of the serum itself is lightweight, and a little bit goes a long, long way. I use about a quarter-sized dollop on my whole head of hair, which is near boob-length and is of average thickness. The serum is slick, not goopy or sticky, and it's easy to work through your strands to make sure every single one is evenly coated.

Before I had a chance to try No. 9, Hillier advised me, "Once you comb through damp hair you can gradually apply a small amount from the ends up to the mids, then the root. Apply more as needed for thick or long hair." She also added, "The serum works well with both thermal styling and air drying. You can use this product wet or damp but I prefer damp hair prior to heated styling tools. "

Conclusion?

It's hard to go wrong with any Olaplex product (the collective hype truly is well-deserved), and the No. 9 is no exception. I know I'll be using every last drop. Good thing auto-subscribe exists!

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.

Tags: , Hair Style Tips, Well+Good SHOP

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.

An Honest Review of Olaplex No. 9 Serum Before You Buy | Well+Good (2024)

FAQs

What is Olaplex 9 good for? ›

The Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum is a leave-in styling product that the brand claims will protect your tresses from heat and pollution to give you shiny hair without static or tangles.

Can you use Olaplex No 9 serum on dry hair? ›

Apply sparingly to dry hair for frizz and static control and added shine.

Which is better, Olaplex No 6 or 9? ›

6 is more geared towards smoothing, styling, and managing the hair. On the other hand, No. 9 focuses on providing deep nourishment and revitalisation to the hair, contributing to its overall health and appearance. Similarly, both products will offer heat protection.

Is there a better product than Olaplex? ›

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment

Valcin frequently uses this pre-shampoo rinse-out treatment before clients' chemical services to preserve the integrity of their hair — and a number of reviewers insist that they actually had better results with this than Olaplex.

Does Olaplex 9 repair hair? ›

Olaplex's technology enters these broken bonds to repair them from the inside, out, resulting in shinier, softer, healthier hair. Consider my interest piqued.

Is Olaplex 9 good for fine hair? ›

But the reason I think the OLAPLEX hair serum is the brand's best product yet is because it gives me everything my fine hair needs. Lightweight hydration. Protection from the elements. More days out of my blow dry.

How do you use OLAPLEX serum 9? ›

Apply 1/2 pump* from mid-shaft to ends on damp, towel-dried hair, working upward from ends to roots. Follow with your favorite OLAPLEX styling products, or, style as you normally would.

Does Olaplex 9 help with frizz? ›

OLAPLEX Nº. 6 Bond Smoother, Nº. 7 Bonding Oil, and Nº. 9 Bond Protector come together to give the hair a protective styling routine that repairs and keeps frizz at bay for up to 72 hours.

How long does Olaplex 9 last? ›

9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum neutralizes free radicals and protects against pollution for up to 48 hours.

Is Olaplex number 9 a good heat protectant? ›

Olaplex No.

9 Bond Protector is an all-star heat protectant that trimmed down my blowdry time and left me with my smoothest silk press ever. We put the Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Which number of Olaplex is the best? ›

  • Best Hair Protector. Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum. ...
  • Best Maintenance Product. Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. ...
  • Best To Smooth Frizz. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother. ...
  • Best For Shine. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil. ...
  • Best For Dry Hair. ...
  • Best Conditioner. ...
  • Best For Blonde And Grey Hair.
Jul 13, 2023

What are people using instead of Olaplex? ›

Here are the products similar to Olaplex: This Drugstore Shampoo: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Shampoo. A Prestige Shampoo: Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo. This Hair Repair System: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Kit.

What are the cons of Olaplex? ›

Olaplex Pros & Cons
PROSCONS
Reverses hair damageTakes longer to see results
Reduces frizzRequires more than one product to see effective results
Adds shine and smoothness to hairCan cause irritation to scalp
Restores and strengthens hairTakes more time to use in a single use
1 more row
Feb 1, 2022

What works just as well as Olaplex? ›

Curly Girl Approved Bond Repair Treatments here!
  • Glycolic Acid – my cheapest Olaplex alternative of all. ...
  • K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask – fastest acting Olaplex alternative for me. ...
  • Mane Method Mask. ...
  • Curlsmith Bond Salve – Olaplex Alternative with protein. ...
  • Hair Therapie Mask – Olaplex Alternative with protein.

Is Olaplex 9 good for curly hair? ›

9 Bond Protecting Serum, a serum that works for all hair types (and Olaplex's first-ever serum at that). Since my curly hair can be fickle, using the right products to protect it from damage has become even more of a priority to me.

Is Olaplex 9 safe for colored hair? ›

OLAPLEX is beneficial for all hair types. Whether your hair is Color Treated, Texture Treated, Virgin or anything in between, it is damaged on a daily basis. OLAPLEX assists in both preventing that damage and repairing it, returning the hair to a virgin like state.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 5828

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.