I Tested Out Olaplex's No. 7 Bonding Oil, So You Don't Have To
Putting the raved-about brand to the test
If you're a hair care fanatic, there's no doubt you're familiar with Olaplex products. The brand entered the scene in 2014 and took the hair world by storm. Their in-depth, step-by-step process is adored by professional stylists and consumers alike. No matter what your hair needs are, there's no doubt you've come across Olaplex while searching for your holy grail hair products.
What is Olaplex?
Olaplex’s main selling point is that they are a higher-end hair care brand that focuses on repairing damaged hair. Their unique formula includes an ingredient called Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate (BADD). This molecule sounds complicated, but its purpose in Olaplex products is fairly simple. BADD has the role of seeking out sulfur bonds in the hair and crosslinking them back together to form disulfide bonds. If you're scratching your head wondering what this could possibly mean, don't worry; you don't need to understand all the scientific information unless you're a chemist. All you need to comprehend is that this process aims to repair the hair from heat and color damage, all the while making the hair stronger.
What I Was Looking for In a Hair Oil
As someone who has breakage and dryness due to years of bleaching my hair, I sought out an oil that would replenish my dead ends and bring back some life to the hair I had weakened throughout my naive teen years. Though I am now (almost) fully back to my natural chocolatey brown shade, the dry and frizzy texture of my hair won't let me forget the foils I put my hair through year after year. Though I use hair masks, shampoos, and conditioners that claim to be nourishing, I still haven't found a way back to the healthy hair I once had. Desperate for a fix, I knew it was time to add an oil into my hair care routine.
Besides just bleaching contributing to my unhealthy hair, I have been using heat tools on my locks for almost ten years. I have vivid images in my head of sitting in my room frying my hair straight to look picture perfect– or what I deemed as picture perfect– on my first day of middle school. Though I have always used heat protectants, the tear and wear on my strands is still very apparent.
When I came across Olaplex's No. 7 Bonding Hair Oil on Sephora's website during my frantic hair care search, I knew it could be my match made in heaven. The product claims to protect color, fight frizz, and provide heat protection– all promises that sounded right up my alley. My goal was to find an oil that made my hair shinier, softer and gave it a more hydrated appearance. Intrigued by the product's vows, I placed an order. Five days and $28 later, a black and white striped package arrived at my doorstep containing a– possible–answer to all my hair desires.
The Trial Period
I decided to use this product in line with the consistency of how often I wash my hair, which usually turns out to be every other day. On those days, I would run the oil through my damp strands while avoiding my scalp. I used about a quarter size in my palms, rubbed it together, and massaged it through my ends. I usually applied this oil in the morning because that is when I typically wash my hair.
Upon the first week of incorporating this oil into my hair routine, I knew it had already claimed a spot as a new staple. The oil was rich and felt luxuriously moisturizing as I worked it through my hair. It was easy to apply and felt silky smooth as I glided it down my hair shaft. Plus, I even tried using it on my dry hair a few times, and it felt just as smooth while incorporating it into my dry strands.
This product made my hair soft, silky, shiny and made it feel more nourished and healthy. It became easier to run a comb through my hair because the oil detangled the knots that would form because of my dead ends. (BTW, this process has made me realize I'm way overdue for a haircut.)
Another highlight is that when I used heat products, this oil kept my hair looking healthy and strong, and I feel it helped protect my dark brunette color. By the end of the day, my hair was still as soft and shiny as when I initially put on the product.
My Final Verdict
I don't think I could recommend Olaplex's No. 7 Bonding Oil enough. My current hair's glossy and sleek appearance is enough to convince me that Olaplex is worth all of the hype they receive. While higher priced at $28 for 1oz, it is definitely worth the investment. I have used it consistently for over a month and still have more than half of the product left. With that usage rate, it is a great price for the product you are getting.
After this experience, I am definitely hopping onto the Olaplex hype train. Given the success of their entire treatment set, I think I’m intrigued enough to go ahead and test out Olaplex's whole line– which includes the No. 3 Hair Perfector, the No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, the No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, the No. 6 Bond Smoother, and the No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask.
Though my wallet may not like it, nothing beats the lusciousness and velvety smoothness of my hair when I use Olaplex. (That is a good enough reason to justify spending over a hundred dollars on hair products, right?)
