How to Use OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 + Nᴼ.5 – OLAPLEX Inc.

Key Takeaways:

• Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner are the foundation of a healthy hair routine, delivering daily cleansing, conditioning, hydration, and strength for all hair types.
• For best results, layer Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment as a pre-shampoo treatment to repair and strengthen hair from the inside out, then maintain those results with Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.
• Customize your routine with a hair mask like the Rich Hydration or Weightless Nourishing based on your hair type to support moisture, manageability, and long-term hair health.

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OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner are daily essentials designed to repair damage, strengthen hair, and restore hydration without weighing the hair down. Formulated with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, they support strong, healthy hair with every wash.

Both products are color-safe, SLS/SLES free, paraben-free, and vegan, making them suitable for all hair types and textures.

Step-by-Step: How to Use

Whether you’re new to OLAPLEX or simply updating your routine, Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner are designed to work together for hydration. Here’s how to use them for the best results:

Step 1 (optional): Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Strengthening and repairing the hair from the inside out allows for the rest of the routine to work to its fullest potential. For deeper repair in just 3 minutes, use OLAPLEX Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment 1-3 times per week before shampooing on damp hair.

Step 2: Cleanse

For medium to thick hair, apply OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo to wet hair and massage into the scalp, working through to the ends before rinsing. The richly lathering formula gently yet thoroughly cleanses without stripping or drying to maintain hydrated hair and scalp.

If you have a finer hair texture, theN°.4Fine Bond Maintenance® Shampoo is recommended. Much like OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo, it gently cleanses without stripping or drying the hair but is formulated with an ultra-light volumizing shampoo for fine hair is clinically proven to strengthen, repair, and prevent future damage from everyday elements, styling, or salon services.

Step 3: Condition

After rinsing out the shampoo, apply Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends. Leave on for 1-3 minutes, depending on how dehydrated your hair feels, and rinse well. This concentrated and color-safe conditioner has been proven to reduce breakage and nourish hair, leaving it smoother, shinier, and more manageable with every wash.

Or, for fine hair, use the N°.5Fine Bond Maintenance® Conditioner, which detangles and smooths the hair without weighing it down, and instead building lasting body, volume, and bounce.

With these three steps combined, you’ve created an unstoppable haircare routine.

The Importance of a Pre-Treatment

The OLAPLEX Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is the next level formula replacement for the iconic Nᴼ.3 Hair Perfector®.

Using OLAPLEX Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment 1-3 times per week as a pre-shampoo treatment helps to repair damage from the past, present, and future. It works internally and externally to strengthen hair, smooth cuticles, and improve overall hair health, making it an important step to a regular weekly routine.

Can You Use OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner Without Nᴼ.3PLUS?

Yes, you can absolutely use OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner on their own for cleansing, conditioning, and daily hair maintenance. However, the best results come from layering. It’s best to repair and fortify the hair in addition to daily maintenance, protection, and extended repair.

Think of OLAPLEX Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment as the occasional step, with Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner as your daily support system.

How to Add a Hair Mask into the Rotation

To further customize your routine, incorporate either the Rich Hydration Mask or Weightless Nourishing Mask, depending on your hair type and moisture needs. Hair masks can be used in place of conditioner to deliver targeted hydration and nourishment without disrupting your routine.

Rich Hydration Mask

The Rich Hydration Mask is best for drier or coarser hair types. Leave on for 5-10 minutes after shampooing with OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® to deeply moisturize and soften the hair.

Weightless Nourishing Mask

The Weightless Nourishing Mask is ideal for fine hair or those seeking lightweight hydration. Apply the mask after shampooing to hydrate and detangle without weighing the hair down, leaving on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.

How Often Should You Use It?

Using a hair mask 1-2 times per week is the perfect way to keep your hair healthy and moisturized. On mask days, replace Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, opting for the mask instead. On non-mask days, use Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nᴼ.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to maintain daily repair and hydration.

Healthy Hair Starts With Every Wash

When proper haircare is used consistently, it can help maintain, repair, and protect your hair between treatments, and support healthier-looking hair for all hair types.

When used in tandem with OLAPLEX Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment and a good hair mask, the hair is preserved and repair is extended, keeping it healthy, manageable, and resilient over time.

Learn more about how to set your own hair goals and figure out your full haircare routine.