Olaplex No.3 Plus: A Decade-Later Reformulation of the Iconic Hair Perfector
Olaplex, the cult haircare brand that transformed from a salon secret to a global household name, has revisited its flagship product, the No.3 hair perfector, a decade after its launch. Now rebranded as the No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, this reformulated version claims to deliver three times stronger, softer, and healthier hair, with a reduced treatment time of just three minutes compared to the original's ten.
What's New in the Olaplex No.3 Plus Formula?
The No.3 Plus retains its core purpose of targeting damage from chemicals or heat across all hair types, but introduces new technology called the 'damage defence cationic complex'. This innovation focuses on cuticle repair by sealing the hair's outer layer, locking in moisture, boosting shine, and reducing frizz. Additionally, the formula includes natural oils like avocado and sunflower oil, along with thickening agents such as hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, to enhance conditioning benefits.
Application remains straightforward: apply generously to damp hair, wait three minutes, then rinse and follow with your usual shampoo and conditioner. This quick treatment time makes it ideal for low-maintenance users or those with busy schedules, encouraging more frequent use as recommended by the brand.
Testing the Olaplex No.3 Plus: Salon and Home Verdict
We tested the No.3 Plus in a professional setting at Samantha Cusick's Fitzrovia salon and at home to evaluate its performance. In the salon, hair was washed, treated with the new formula, and styled into beachy waves, resulting in visibly shinier, smoother, and frizz-free hair. At home, the treatment proved equally effective, making hair easier to detangle when wet, reducing flyaways during blow-drying, and enhancing colour brightness through increased shine.
While the results are not drastically different from the original No.3, the improvements in silkiness and the significantly shorter treatment time make this reformulation a worthwhile upgrade, especially for fans of the original. The product is priced at £32 for a 100ml bottle, consistent with its predecessor, and is often available on sale.
Is the Olaplex No.3 Plus Worth the Investment?
Although no one was clamouring for a reformulation, the No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment demonstrates that Olaplex's update was a smart move. It combines the brand's patented bond-building technology with enhanced visible benefits, working from the inside out to repair broken bonds and improve hair texture. Perfect for dull, brittle, or coloured hair, it offers instant softness and long-term repair. Available exclusively at Space NK from 3 March 2026, this treatment is a solid choice for those seeking efficient, effective haircare solutions.
