Last updated on February 24, 2026 by Eve Dawes
What is the difference between Olaplex N°.3 and the new N°.3 Plus?
Olaplex has officially upgraded its beloved Nº.3 Hair Perfector with the new Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment. But is it actually better? I couldn’t wait to try this product, which is marketed as a 3-minute pre-shampoo treatment that instantly repairs hair damage, leaving you with softer, stronger hair, and softer, shinier hair. As a colored blonde, my mission is to keep it long and healthy. In this review, we’ll break down how the new Olaplex Nº.3 Plus compares to the original, what’s changed in the formula, how to use it, and whether it’s worth upgrading if you already own the classic version.
This Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment review contains affiliate links which do not influence the price.
What is the difference between the existing Olaplex N°3 and the new N°3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment?
The new Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment feels and smells similar to the original Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, but is designed to be used much faster and to address more hair concerns. Original Olaplex No. 3 Leave the Hair Perfector on for 10 to 30 minutes each week, while the Plus is only on for 3 minutes. So it’s much faster and less time consuming.
While the original Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector helped make hair stronger and improve hair health over time by repairing hair bonds, restoring strength, and targeting damage, the newly reformulated Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment focuses on hair repair + moisture + softness. In fact, it claims to make hair 3x stronger, 3x softer and provides a 360-degree cortex for cuticle repair from the first use, giving you instantly softer and stronger hair.
- It is a quick treatment that is completed in just 3 minutes before shampooing.
- Your hair will instantly become softer and stronger.
- Repairs all types of damage to all hair types.
- Reduces future breakage to maintain length over time.
- Addresses the entire hair life cycle, including past, present and future damage.
Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment Benefits
This is not a hair mask, it is a hair damage repair treatment clinically proven to leave hair 3x stronger* and softer.** So while you still need conditioner to achieve smoothness, Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment actually repairs damage within the cortex and cuticle, supporting long-term underlying hair health.
*After 4 uses. **big. Bleached hair.
Rebuilds all three hair bonds in every strand for 360° repair and damage defense – past, present and future… .It’s fast. easy. It is protein-free and color safe. Powered by patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™. Olaplex
The active ingredients are:
- Patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ + Damage Defense Cationic Complex: This rebuilds all three hair bonds to repair between the cortex and cuticle, creating stronger, more resilient hair.
- Natural moisturizer derived from L-glutamic acid: Helps with manageability and moisture supply.
- Crambe Abyssinica seed oil, avocado oil + sunflower seed oil: Reduces frizz and frizz and makes hair smoother.
Product Description: SLS/SLES Free, Silicone Free, Phthalate Free, MIC/MIT Free, Paraben Free, Protein Free, Keratin Free, Vegan, Color Safe, Suitable for Chemically Treated Hair, Hair Extension Safe.
If you have dry or brittle hair, brittle hair, dull or lacking softness, over-styled or chemically treated hair, you may want to consider using this method on the day you wash your hair.
Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment Review: Does it Work?
I’ve always loved Olaplex hair care products to help strengthen hair and prevent breakage, and what I really like about the new Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment is that it’s super fast. I love washing my hair in the morning, but I rarely have an extra half hour to spare. You can take 3 minutes and no, more time is not more time and never sleep in it.
If you have long or thick hair, the only downside is the speed at which it goes through the bottle. I will only use 3-4 times per 100ml bottle.
How to use Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment
The new formula is super fast, easy to use, and because it’s thick, it’s mess-free. To use:
- While showering, squeeze out moisture from wet hair and apply generously to wet hair from root to tip.
- Let sit for 3 minutes to allow the formula to work.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Use OLAPLEX N°.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and N°.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.
- Same style as usual.
- For best results, use every 1 to 3 washes.
Where to buy Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment
If you’re looking for a hair care product that strengthens your hair by restoring its cohesion, softness, and shine in just 3 minutes, add OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment to your hair care routine. tip: If you have long hair, I recommend buying a larger size so you can keep repurchasing.
If you’re ready to try the new Olaplex Nº.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, you can purchase it here. I’ve also shared my full routine, my favorite shampoos and conditioners for blonde hair, and a value set that will save you money.
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