Olaplex vs Moroccanoil: which hair treatment is worth it for you?
Olaplex and Moroccanoil are two of the best-known names in prestige haircare, and they're often compared, but their best-known products do different jobs. Olaplex No.3 is a weekly repair treatment for damaged hair. Moroccanoil Treatment and Olaplex No.7 are styling oils that smooth, soften and add shine.
So the real question isn't which brand is better, but what your hair needs. If it has been bleached, coloured or heat-damaged and feels fragile, start with a treatment. If it's healthy but frizzy or dull, an oil is what you'll notice day to day.
At a glance
| # | Pick | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector 100mlHaircare | For bleached or damaged hair | Check price |
| 2 | Moroccanoil Treatment Original 100mlHaircare | For frizz and shine on medium to thick hair | Check price |
| 3 | Olaplex No.7 Bonding OilHaircare | For heat styling | Check price |
1For bleached or damaged hair
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector 100ml
Olaplex No.3 is a treatment you use before shampooing, built around Olaplex's patented bond-building ingredient, which the brand says relinks bonds broken by colouring, heat and styling. You apply it to damp hair, leave it on, then shampoo and condition as usual, about once a week. It isn't a styling product, but it's the one to choose if your hair feels weak or rough after bleaching.
2For frizz and shine on medium to thick hair
Moroccanoil Treatment Original 100ml
Moroccanoil Treatment is a leave-in oil for damp or dry hair that smooths frizz, helps detangle and adds shine. Despite the name, it's a silicone-based oil with argan oil in it rather than pure argan oil, which is what makes it feel light and glossy. The Original suits medium to thick or curly hair; Moroccanoil makes a Light version for fine hair.
3For heat styling
Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex No.7 is a concentrated styling oil with heat protection up to 232°C, according to Olaplex, so it suits anyone who blow-dries or straightens most days. You use a few drops on damp hair before styling or on dry hair to finish. Like Moroccanoil, it relies on silicones for its smoothing effect, whatever some retailer listings say.
How I chose
I compared each brand's best-known products using Olaplex's and Moroccanoil's own product information and how-to guides, and UK retailers' listings. I haven't tested these products myself; each one has a full research-based review linked from its pick.
You can use a treatment and an oil together: Olaplex No.3 goes on before you shampoo, and either oil goes on after washing. You don't need both oils.
No brand paid to be included.
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