How to Use Olaplex No. 3 (With Video + Photos): A Hairstylist’s Fix for Damaged Hair That Actually Works
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I can’t count how many times a client has sat in my chair and said,
“I bought Olaplex No. 3 because TikTok swears by it… but I don’t think it worked for me.”
And every time, my first question is:
“Okay, but do you know how to use Olaplex No. 3 the right way?”
Because this little bottle can transform your hair but only if you’re using it properly. It’s not your average hair treatment, and it’s not a one-time miracle fix. There’s a method to it, and once you learn it? That’s when the real repair begins.
In this guide, I’m walking you through everything you need to know, from how it works to how to apply it step-by-step at home, how often to use it, and how to layer it for even deeper repair. Whether your hair is bleached, heat-damaged, or just feeling worn out, this post will help you get salon-level results without leaving your bathroom.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Olaplex No. 3?
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a bond-building treatment designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair from the inside out. Unlike conditioners or protein masks, it works at a molecular level to rebuild broken disulphide bonds in the hair. These internal links keep your hair strong, smooth, and resilient.
Now, let me say this loud and clear again! Olaplex No. 3 is not a deep conditioner. It’s not a protein treatment. And it’s definitely not something you just throw on in the shower and rinse off like a regular hair mask. It's an internal structural work. It’s rebuilding from the inside, not coating the outside like oils or conditioners. It might not leave your hair feeling buttery-soft right away and that’s okay because bond repair isn’t the same as hydration.
What makes it different is the patented ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. (I know, a mouthful, right?) In simple terms, this molecule goes deep inside your hair shaft and reconnects broken bonds caused by chemical treatments, heat damage, or even everyday brushing.
It’s essential for anyone with bleached, color-treated, relaxed, or heat-styled hair, but honestly, all hair types can benefit from it. If you use hot tools or color your hair at all, No. 3 should be in your rotation.
How to Prepare Hair Before Applying Olaplex No. 3
Let’s clear up one of the most common questions right away:
Do you use Olaplex No. 3 before or after shampooing?
Answer: Before shampooing, always!
For the best results, apply it to damp, towel-dried hair. You want your hair slightly wet, but not dripping. If your hair is soaking, the product will get diluted and won’t penetrate as effectively. And if too dry, you might struggle with even application unless your hair is extremely damaged and porous (more on that in a sec).
If your hair is full of buildup: think dry shampoo, heavy oils, or days of styling products—do a gentle clarifying shampoo first. That way, you’re giving Olaplex No. 3 a clean slate to do its job.
That said, slightly dirty hair is okay. It doesn’t need to be freshly washed, but it shouldn’t be coated in layers of product either. The goal is to let the formula sink into your strands.
If your hair is seriously fried: like bleach-compromised, gummy, or snapping when wet—you can apply Olaplex No. 3 to dry hair. Extremely damaged hair tends to be more porous, which means it’ll drink up the treatment even without water.
How to Apply Olaplex No. 3 Like a Pro (Step-by-Step)
Just slapping Olaplex on your hair and hoping for the best isn’t going to cut it. To get salon-quality results at home, how you apply Olaplex matters just as much as how long you leave it on.
Start by sectioning your hair. You’ll get way more even coverage and waste less product. I usually suggest splitting the hair into four sections, especially if it’s long, thick, or curly.
Work with one section at a time and focus on the mid-lengths and ends first. These areas tend to be the most damaged and need the deepest repair.
Use about a quarter-size amount per section, more if you have a ton of hair. You want your strands coated, but not soaked to the point where the product is dripping.
Once it’s applied, comb it through with a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the treatment from root to tip. If your scalp has been chemically processed (like bleach on the roots), go ahead and bring the product up. Otherwise, it’s fine to skip the roots.
How Long to Leave Olaplex No. 3 for Real Results
The label says 10 minutes and yes, technically, that’s enough time for the bond-building magic to start working. But if you want to actually see and feel a difference? Keep it on longer.
I recommend leaving Olaplex No. 3 on for 30 to 45 minutes for best results if your hair is damaged, bleached, or prone to breakage. That extra time allows the treatment to penetrate and get to work.
You can also leave it on for a few hours if you’re doing a repair day at home. Just clip your hair up and go about your errands or binge your favorite show. It won’t harm your hair, and in many cases, it’ll help more.
How to Rinse and Wash Properly After Olaplex No. 3
Once your Olaplex No. 3 has done its job, don’t just rinse and go. You need to shampoo it out. This is not a leave-in treatment, and if you skip the rinse-and-wash step, your hair can end up feeling coated or heavy.
Always follow with a sulfate-free, moisture-rich shampoo. Because harsh cleansers can undo some of the repair work by stripping those newly rebuilt bonds. Look for something gentle, hydrating, and bond-friendly.
After shampooing, go in with a nourishing conditioner or hair mask. If you’re sticking within the Olaplex family, No. 5 is a great follow-up. Otherwise, any deeply moisturizing conditioner that plays well with bond builders will do.
Now, what about skipping shampoo altogether?
You can skip shampoo if you already cleansed your hair before applying No. 3 and you’re doing a double-treatment day with Olaplex No. 0 and No. 3 together. In that case, you’ve prepped the hair before starting, and you’re rinsing out both treatments after they’ve had time to work.
But in general?
Shampoo after. Always. It seals the process and sets your hair up for the next step in your routine.
Maximize Repair by Layering with Olaplex No. 0 or No. 8
If you want to get the most out of your Olaplex No. 3, pairing it with the right supporting products can seriously level up your results. Enter: Olaplex No. 0 and Olaplex No. 8.
Let’s start with No. 0: This one acts as a primer, designed to prep your hair so No. 3 can absorb more deeply. Apply it to dry hair, making sure your strands are fully saturated. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then (without rinsing) apply Olaplex No. 3 directly on top.
That combo is your go-to if your hair is chemically treated, bleached, or feeling brittle. It’s the most intensive bond-repair duo in the line.
Bring in Olaplex No. 8: Only if your hair feels dry, dull, or lacking softness after using No. 3. It’s a moisture mask, not a bond builder but that’s exactly why it works so well alongside No. 3.
Use it after rinsing out No. 3, and you’ll get that softness and shine boost that No. 3 doesn’t always deliver on its own.
Stylist Tip
Use No. 0 + No. 3 once a week if your hair is damaged or breaking easily.
Use No. 3 + No. 8 if your hair needs more hydration and you want that silky, healthy-looking finish.
Use it this way:
- No. 0 = deeper repair
- No. 8 = smoother finish
- No. 3 = the hero
(but these two are the perfect support act depending on your hair’s needs.)
Use Olaplex No. 3 As Often As Your Hair Needs (Not Just Weekly)
So, how often should you use Olaplex No. 3? The answer depends entirely on your hair’s condition but let’s start with the general rule:
Once a week: Great for most people who are maintaining already healthy or mildly damaged hair. It keeps your bonds strong and your strands resilient without overloading your routine.
Twice a week: If your hair is bleached, chemically treated, or heat-styled often. Bump that up especially in the weeks after a color or lightening session when your bonds are most fragile.
2–3 times a week for a few weeks: It's for severely damaged hair. Once you see improvement, taper down to weekly treatments to maintain the strength you’ve built up.
Now let’s address the question I get asked all the time:
“Can I use Olaplex No. 3 every day?”
Short answer: No.
While Olaplex is amazing for rebuilding bonds, it’s not meant to replace moisture or protein care. Using it too frequently can crowd out the rest of your routine and leave your hair feeling dry or unbalanced.
It's like a gym workout, rest and recovery are just as important as the work itself. Your hair still needs hydration, nourishment, and protective styling in between treatments.
Track the Results: Here’s What to Expect and When to Reassess
Olaplex No. 3 isn’t a quick fix, it’s a cumulative treatment. The real magic happens when you stay consistent. One use won’t undo years of damage, but over time, you’ll start to notice major shifts in how your hair behaves.
So what should you look for?
Around 3 to 6 uses, you might see:
Less breakage when brushing or styling
Reduced shedding in the shower or on your pillow
Stronger, more elastic strands that don’t snap as easily
One thing that surprises a lot of people: your hair may not feel instantly soft after the first few treatments. That’s normal. Olaplex rebuilds internal bonds, not the outer surface. You’re fixing what’s beneath the cuticle layer so don’t judge results based on immediate softness alone.
Want to track your progress?
Use a hair journal or snap weekly photos from the same angle. That’s what I recommend to my clients when we’re on a long-term repair plan. It’s hard to notice a change when you see your hair every day but photos don’t lie.
And if you’re not noticing any difference after 6 consistent uses, it might be time to reassess.
Is your hair too coated with buildup to let the treatment absorb?
Are you using the product correctly?
Could the product be expired or fake?
Whatever the case, the earlier you adjust, the faster you’ll see results.
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What People Say About Olaplex No. 3
If you’ve spent any time reading reviews or scrolling TikTok, you’ve probably seen the hype around Olaplex No. 3. And honestly? A lot of it is well-deserved but it helps to know what results are actually realistic, and what comes with time and consistency.
Here’s what I hear most often from my own clients (and what I’ve seen firsthand behind the chair):
“My hair used to snap when I brushed it. Now it feels strong again.”
“My curls are bouncing back after years of straightening.”
“I’m not shedding as much in the shower anymore.”
Those kinds of results usually start showing up after 3–4 uses, especially when someone has been consistent with their routine.
Common pros I’ve seen and heard across the board:
Less breakage and fewer split ends
Stronger, more resilient hair
Improved curl definition in wavy and curly textures
Better color retention post-bleach or dye
But let’s keep it honest, there are some downsides too.
Some people find the product pricey, especially for the size of the bottle.
Others feel underwhelmed after one use because it doesn’t make the hair feel soft or hydrated right away.
And if you’re not using it consistently (or applying it correctly), the results can be underwhelming.
Pro Tip
From a pro’s perspective: I can always tell when a client has been using No. 3 regularly. Their hair feels more elastic, styles more easily, and doesn’t shed as much when I’m shampooing or detangling. It’s not a quick fix, but it is one of the most reliable bond repair treatments I’ve seen work across all hair types.
Shop Smart: Where to Buy Authentic Olaplex No. 3
If you’re ready to try Olaplex No. 3 or restock your bottle, make sure you’re getting the real deal. Unfortunately, fake versions of this product do exist, especially on third-party websites that don’t vet their sellers.
Here’s where I recommend buying from:
If you're working with a hairstylist you trust, they may also carry it in-salon. That’s always a safe bet since they’re getting it straight from the source or authorized distributors.
Please avoid random discount websites or unfamiliar sellers on marketplace apps. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit formulas can irritate your scalp, damage your hair, or just plain not work.
Also, since we talked about layering treatments earlier, here are the other two products worth grabbing if you want the full bond repair and hydration routine:
Final Word from Haiirology
Knowing how to use Olaplex No. 3 properly makes all the difference. It rebuilds damaged bonds from within, unlike masks that just hydrate the surface. Apply it to damp hair before shampooing, leave for 30+ minutes, and use it weekly for best results. It’s not a quick fix, but a science-backed repair treatment that works when used consistently.
Track your progress, trust the process, and share your before-and-after with me on Instagram.
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