Is Olaplex's new Leave-in Conditioner their best product yet?

Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review
Olaplex is one of our most in-demand hair brands and rightly so. Founded by Dean Christal in 2014, the label is celebrated for its innovative Bond Building Technology that works at a molecular level to repair bonds broken down by chemical treatments such as bleaching or heat styling – restoring strength, structure and vibrancy to the hair.

Since then, Olaplex has expanded its portfolio of products to include the best-selling No.7 Bonding Oil, a triple-action styling oil that restores, protects and improves the softness of the hair and the iconic No.4 Bond Maintenance shampoo, which gently cleanses hair and tames frizz. Now, the label aims to continue its winning streak with the New No.5 Leave-In™ Moisturize & Mend Conditioner.

Supercharged by Olaplex's Bond Building Technology™ and a high-adhesion sealing complex, this leave-in conditioner promises to immediately repair split ends, shield against future damage and mend hair from cortex to cuticle. For those new to the brand, it is driven by two things: science and results.

We asked two Space NK team members with differing hair types to answer the question: is this Olaplex’s best product yet? After a couple of weeks trialling the formula, here are their honest thoughts …

The Topline on Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner

• Repairs and hydrates hair from cortex to cuticle

• Reduces breakage and seals split ends after just one use

• Provides heat protection up to 232C

• Powered by Olaplex’s Bond Building Technology™ to give hair strength and structure

Sophia’s Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review

• Hair type: Fine, with regular bleaching

• Hair concern: Frizz, split ends and dry mid-lengths

Sophia’s Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review | Space NK

Having had my hair professionally bleached from dark brown to light blonde for over three years, I've become quite familiar with the damage that comes with it – dryness, brittleness and worst of all, split ends. As a dedicated fan of Olaplex’s award-winning formulas, I had high hopes the No.5 Leave-In Conditioner would restore moisture and manageability to my hair.

This leave-in conditioner has a creamy, lightweight texture that spreads seamlessly through the hair and coats each strand in just one pump of product. As instructed, I applied this formula onto damp hair after washing and was impressed by how quickly it absorbed in, and effectively detangled any wet knots. 

Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review | Sophia before & after

After using this conditioner for a few weeks, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the health of my hair. My split ends have been smoothed – meaning I can grow my hair out past my shoulders without needing my monthly trim – and my usual frizz has reduced considerably.

I wouldn’t say this is a miracle cure that will heal colour-treated hair and repair split ends overnight. But it is much more effective than other leave-in treatments I’ve tried and delivers on its promises, providing much-needed hydration, protection and resilience to damaged hair.

Stephanie's Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review

• Hair type: Thick with loose curls

• Hair concern: Keeping curls hydrated and frizz free

Stephanie's Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review | Space NK

My curly hair can be quite tricky to tame, especially when it comes to maintaining moisture, definition and frizz control. So, finding a product that actually wraps each curl in hydration without weighing them down is a serious game-changer.

The No.5 Leave-In Conditioner from Olaplex has a rich, but lightweight texture that distributes evenly through my hair without leaving any sticky or greasy residue behind, which is often my main concern with leave-in formulas.

Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review | Stephanie before & after

From the first use, I noticed my curls were enhanced with more bounce, shine and remained frizz-free against the humidity of city heat and stuffy commutes. The scent is another win: it’s fresh and subtle with a slightly minty note that lingers long after I’ve dried my hair.

Olaplex markets this product as suitable for all hair types and I would have to agree. My dry, split ends were replenished with hydration and strength, which supported the shape and elasticity of my curls. This leave-in conditioner is definitely an investment, but if you struggle with split ends and frizzy strands like me, it’s worth the splurge.

The Verdict on Olaplex No.5 Leave-In Moisturize & Mend Conditioner review

If you’re looking to revive hair, add strength and seal split ends, then both Stephanie and Sophia would recommend the No.5 Leave-In™ Moisturize & Mend Conditioner. Proving it performs well on curly and colour-treated hair types, this product impressed with its ability to sculpt curls, provide long-lasting hydration and repair dry, damaged ends over just a few weeks. The creamy formula is cost-effective too, one pump is just enough to coat each strand without making hair heavy – which is a major plus for finer hair textures. While you can use Olaplex No.5 Leave-In conditioner on its own, the brand recommends pairing it with its maintenance-focused formulas to maximise the bond-building benefits of its magic ingredient.

MORE FROM OLAPLEX

Olaplex has quickly amassed a loyal legion of followers with hero products like the No.3 Hair Protector which transforms dry, brittle strands into soft, shiny and more resilient hair. Hairstylists and colourists across the country frequently combine Olaplex with professional dye to protect hair during the colouring process and treat damage post-bleaching. More recently, the haircare brand has expanded into styling products and perhaps even more excitingly, into lash growth serums. Olaplex Lashbond™ Building Serum, £64.00 launched last year and received glowing reviews here at Space NK. For more of a brand overview, check out our roundup of the best Olaplex products here.

Read More

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Posted: Saturday, 24 August 2024

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