Olaplex hardly needs an introduction anymore. What once started as a quiet salon secret used mainly by professional stylists has grown into a globally recognised haircare brand. Today, products like the No.7 Hair Oil, No.4D Dry Shampoo, and No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo are loved by beauty enthusiasts everywhere. However, the product that truly placed Olaplex on the global stage was the iconic No.3 Hair Perfector.
Now, ten years after its original launch, the brand has revisited the treatment that built its reputation. The updated formula is called the No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment. According to Olaplex, this new version is designed to deliver hair that feels three times stronger, softer, and healthier than before.
The Updated Formula and What’s New
Just like the original version, the No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment is created to repair hair damage caused by heat styling, colouring, or chemical treatments. It’s also suitable for every hair type, making it a versatile treatment for many people.
One of the most exciting changes is the dramatically reduced treatment time. The original formula required about ten minutes to work effectively, but the new No.3 Plus claims to deliver visible results in just three minutes. For anyone who prefers a low-maintenance beauty routine or doesn’t want to spend long in the shower, this is a welcome update.
Fans of the original No.3 will already know how effective the treatment is, but the haircare market has become extremely competitive. Many products promise to repair, strengthen, nourish, and rebuild damaged hair bonds, so brands need something new to stand out. That’s why Olaplex decided to upgrade its most famous treatment.
How the Olaplex No.3 Plus Was Tested
To see whether the updated treatment lives up to the claims, I tried the new No.3 Plus at the Samantha Cusick salon in Fitzrovia. The test took place during a quick lunchtime visit, with celebrity hairstylist and long-time Olaplex ambassador Samantha Cusick guiding the process.
My hair was first washed, then the No.3 Plus treatment was applied as a pre-shampoo step. After the three-minute wait, it was rinsed out and followed with Olaplex No.4 Shampoo and No.5 Conditioner. Samantha then styled my hair into soft beachy waves using a blow dryer.
For context, my hair is quite thin but very dense, colour-treated, and prone to frizz. I also admit that I’m not the most consistent when it comes to using deep conditioning masks at home. Because of that, the short three-minute treatment time of the new No.3 Plus immediately appealed to me.
Formula Ingredients and Technology
While the application method remains the same as the original treatment, the formula now includes a few important upgrades. You simply apply a generous amount to damp hair, focusing mainly on the ends and spreading any leftover product through the roots. After waiting three minutes, rinse it out and continue with your usual shampoo and conditioner.
The biggest innovation is Olaplex’s new “Damage Defence Cationic Complex.” This technology focuses on repairing the outer cuticle layer of the hair. The original formula concentrated mainly on rebuilding broken bonds inside the hair shaft, but this new version also works on sealing the outer layer of the hair.
By repairing the cuticle, the treatment helps lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and increase shine. The original bond-building ingredients are still included, meaning the product continues to repair hair from within while also improving the visible finish on the outside.
The updated formula also includes nourishing ingredients such as natural oils and botanical extracts, including avocado oil and sunflower oil. Thickening agents like hydroxypropyl starch phosphate help improve texture and add a smoother feel to the hair.
Results After Testing the Treatment
Before the treatment, my hair felt quite dry, brittle, and slightly frizzy. After the salon session, it looked noticeably smoother, shinier, and more manageable. Of course, a professional blow-dry always helps, so I wanted to see whether the results would be just as impressive at home.
When I tested the treatment myself, the results were still noticeable. My hair felt easier to detangle after washing, and it dried with fewer flyaways and less frizz. The added shine also made my hair colour appear brighter and fresher.
The difference compared with the original No.3 treatment wasn’t dramatic, but there were two clear improvements: the silkier finish and the shorter treatment time. These changes alone make the updated version worthwhile, especially for those who already love the original formula.
Is the Olaplex No.3 Plus Worth Buying?
Although many fans were already satisfied with the original No.3 Hair Perfector, the new No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment proves that the upgrade was worthwhile. The shorter treatment time makes it much easier to include in a regular haircare routine, while the improved formula delivers visible shine and smoothness.
The treatment works both inside and outside the hair strand, repairing broken bonds while also sealing the cuticle to improve texture and reduce frizz. It’s particularly useful for coloured, dry, or heat-damaged hair that needs regular care.
At around £32 for a 100ml bottle, it’s certainly not the cheapest hair treatment available. However, longtime Olaplex users will already be familiar with the pricing and know that discounts appear fairly often. If you’ve enjoyed using the original No.3 treatment, upgrading to the No.3 Plus when your current bottle runs out is an easy decision.
