Our Honest Review of the Olaplex No. 8 Intense Moisture Mask
Ex Hairdresser/Makeup Artist & all around Beauty nut
Low on time? Check out our key takeaways below
Key Takeaways
- Olaplex No.8 is an intensely hydrating hair mask suitable for all hair types, designed to repair damage while adding moisture.
- Hydration and Repair are the key benefits of Olaplex No.8, as it contains both bond repair proteins and hydrating ingredients.
- Usage Difference between Olaplex No.8 and No.3 lies in application; No.8 is a post-shampoo mask, while No.3 is a pre-shampoo treatment.
- Easy Integration into existing haircare routines makes Olaplex No.8 a convenient choice without needing to use multiple Olaplex products together.
- Less is More with Olaplex No.8; starting with a small amount ensures better distribution and savings on product use.
- Visible Results after using Olaplex No.8 include smoother, healthier-looking hair, often receiving compliments after application.
- Worth the Investment if budget allows, Olaplex No.8 combines effective repair and hydration, making it a valuable addition to hair care routines.
I'm going to keep this intro really brief because the (and much-hyped) Olaplex hair mask is finally here.
It's called the Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask and yes, there are now NINE DIFFERENT OLAPLEX PRODUCTS GAH.
So what is Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Damage Repair Hair Mask Treatment and how is it different to the original Olaplex product that started it all, Olaplex No. 3?
And how do you use Olaplex? And do you need to use every single Olaplex product together to get results?
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know, including my honest Olaplex No. 8 review as an ex-hairdresser.
What Is Olaplex and How Does Olaplex Work?
If you’ve been into hair care for the last couple of years, then you’d be well aware of Olaplex!
But if you've never heard of Olaplex before or aren't sure how to use Olaplex, here's the quick version for you.
(Because the long version gets pretty technical and is heavily science-based, but you can watch my Olaplex video below if that's your jam.)
Short version: Olaplex started as an in-salon hair treatment. The products are made with a patented ingredient that works to restore the 'disulfide bonds' that hold your hair together (pretty cool huh?!).
When these bonds are damaged by things like bleaching, colouring or dyeing your hair, heat styling damage - or all of the above - hair can become fragile, coarse and/or frizzy.
Using Olaplex not only repairs these broken bonds, but increases strength, restores elasticity and protects your hair follicles from further damage.
The result? Stronger, softer, healthier hair that looks swishy and glossy. Think TV commercial hair.
What Is Olaplex No.8?
Here's the main things you need to know about Olaplex No.8:
- Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Damage Repair Hair Mask Treatment is an intensely hydrating and repairing wash-out hair mask for all hair types.
- Contains both the Olaplex bond repair protein ingredient, plus hydrating ingredients for intense moisture.
- Instantly smooths hair, and adds body and shine without weighing hair down.
- Use one to two times a week in place of your conditioner.
- Olaplex No.8 is vegan and cruelty-free, suitable for all hair types and textures, and safe to use on coloured hair.
Olaplex No.8 vs Olaplex No.3.
So you just learnt how to use Olaplex No.3, the brand's original salon quality at-home bond repair treatment.
I bet your next question is, how is Olaplex No.8 different to Olaplex No.3? The main difference is in how you use these Olaplex products and what for.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Strengthening and Reparative Hair Treatment is not a conditioner or a hair mask, but a weekly pre-shampoo reparative treatment. You apply on dry hair and leave in for 20-30 minutes before shampooing to repair weak, damaged hair.
Who is Olaplex No.3 best for? Those with lightened, dyed or severely damaged hair.
Olaplex No.8 does not replace Olaplex No.3. Rather, it takes the place of your conditioner or weekly hair mask to repair bonds and add intense moisture. You apply it after shampooing, and leave on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing out.
Who is Olaplex No.8 best for? Anyone and everyone, it's a great multi-tasking all-rounder hair mask. Even those who have virgin hair that's never been coloured can use Olaplex No.8.
How to Use Olaplex No.8.
Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Damage Repair Hair Mask Treatment is the easiest of the Olaplex family to slot into your existing haircare routine.
- Currently using Olaplex No.3? Pop that on damp hair first and leave for 20-30 minutes.
- Use your usual shampoo (and remember to always shampoo twice!!).
- Swap your usual conditioner for the Olaplex No.8 mask.
- Apply one pump for finer/shorter hair, two pumps for medium/mid-length hair or three pumps for longer or thicker hair.
- Work into the hair from the ears down and leave on for five to 10 minutes, then rinse out.
- No need to use conditioner afterwards!
Do You Need to Use Olaplex No.8 With Other Olaplex Products?
No, you absolutely don't need to use all of the Olaplex products to get results.
Of course, Olaplex products are designed to work together in an Olaplex routine, but you can pick and choose depending on your hair needs and budget.
If you have the means and want to use a full Olaplex routine, here's how:
Step 1: Saturate each strand with Olaplex No.0 Intense Bond Building Treatment 155ml - this product is a primer and can be used to get the best results from the original Olaplex treatment, you can read our full Olaplex No.0 review here.
Step 2: Apply Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Strengthening and Reparative Hair Treatment and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Hot tip: You only need a tiny amount of this product.
Step 3: Shampoo using Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening and Reparative Hair Shampoo - if you don't want to shampoo twice with your Olaplex shampoo, use a different one first and this one second.
Step 4: Replace the Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Strengthening and Reparative Hair Conditioner once a week with the Olaplex No.8 mask.
Step 5: For the smoothest blow dry ever, finish with the leave-in styling cream Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Frizz Control Styling Hair Cream and/or the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Frizz Reduction & Heat Protection Hair Oil
My Olaplex No.8 Review.
I've used every single Olaplex product before and I can confidently say, Olaplex No.8 is the least confusing product from the range.
It has the signature Olaplex scent, which is super light, fresh, floral and overall, very pleasant. One pump doesn’t look like much, but it spreads through damp hair SO easily and you could really feel it sinking into the hair.
A little tip I learnt after the first use: Definitely, less is more.
I know I’m a bit of a broken record with this, but I would 100 per cent start with a smaller amount and work it into the hair before adding more. This means you'll get more out of the $50 100ml tub, too.
Olaplex No.8 Before and After.
When I rinsed the product out, I was a little apprehensive because I didn't get that super silky smooth cosmetic feel...
But after I dried my hair, I really noticed the difference in how my hair looked and felt.
My hair felt smoother and looked SO much healthier. And maybe this is a coincidence, but every time I use Olaplex No.8, I get SO many compliments on my hair the next day.
Is Olaplex Worth It?
Don't get me wrong, I love and recommend affordable professional haircare products. But if you have the cash to spend, Olaplex is worth the money.
As for Olaplex No.8... maybe I'm biased having worked as a professional hair stylist, but I can't fault this product.
It's really hard to find great hair masks that repair AND hydrate hair, and this one helps tackle all levels of hair damage.
If you've always wondered about Olaplex but haven't tried any of the products before, you can't go wrong with this mask. And if you're already a fan of Olaplex No.3 or any of the other Olaplex products, this product won't disappoint.
It's definitely earnt a spot in my regular haircare routine... and considering I've tried and tested almost every single hair product we stock at Adore, that's really saying something!
P.S. You can listen to me go into way more detail on the Olaplex hair mask in our Olaplex No.8 review YouTube video below!
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