Olaplex Unveils Reformulated No.3 Plus Hair Treatment with Faster Results
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Olaplex, the cult haircare brand that transitioned from a hair stylist's secret to a global household name, has reformulated its iconic No.3 hair perfector. Now rebranded as the No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, it claims to deliver three times stronger, softer, and healthier hair in just three minutes, a significant reduction from the original 10-minute wait time. This pre-shampoo treatment targets damage from chemicals or heat and works across all hair types, aiming for instant visible results.
Testing the Reformulated Hair Mask in a Salon Setting
To evaluate the new formula, we previewed it at the Samantha Cusick Fitzrovia salon under the guidance of Olaplex ambassador Samantha Cusick. The test involved washing hair, applying the No.3 Plus as a pre-shampoo treatment, followed by Olaplex No.3 shampoo and No.5 conditioner, and finishing with a blow-dry into beachy waves. The reviewer has thin, frizz-prone, coloured hair and admits to being low-maintenance with haircare routines.
The reformulation introduces new technology called 'damage defence cationic complex,' which focuses on cuticle repair by sealing the hair's outer layer to lock in moisture, boost shine, and reduce frizz. While the original formula emphasized bond-building within the hair shaft, the new version retains those ingredients while adding natural oils, botanical extracts like avocado and sunflower oil, and thickening agents such as hydroxypropyl starch phosphate for enhanced conditioning.
At-Home Application and Visible Results
Application remains similar to the original: coat damp hair generously, focusing on the ends, and wait three minutes before rinsing and proceeding with a regular hair routine. The quick treatment time encourages more frequent use, aligning with the brand's recommendation of three times per week.
In testing, the No.3 Plus yielded noticeable improvements. Hair appeared shinier, smoother, and frizz-free after salon use, and at-home trials confirmed easier detangling, reduced flyaways, and a silkier finish. Although results were not drastically different from the original formula, the enhanced shine and reduced treatment time make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially for existing fans.
Value and Availability of the Olaplex No.3 Plus
Priced at £32 for a 100ml bottle, the No.3 Plus maintains the same cost as its predecessor, though it is often available on sale. It launches exclusively at Space NK from 3 March 2026. While no one demanded a reformulation, the No.3 Plus proves effective for dull, brittle, and coloured hair, offering both immediate visible benefits and long-term bond repair. For those who love the original, switching to the Plus version is a logical next step when current supplies run out.
