Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Eve Dawes
What’s the Difference Between Olaplex Nº.3 and the New Nº.3 Plus?
Olaplex has officially upgraded its cult-favorite Nº.3 Hair Perfector with the new Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, but is it actually better? Sold as a 3-minute pre-shampoo treatment to immediately repair hair damage for softer, stronger hair, smoother, shinier hair, I couldn’t wait to put this to the test. As a color-treated blonde, keeping it long and healthy is a mission. In this review, I’m breaking 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 affect the price.
What’s the difference between the original Olaplex Nº.3 and new Nº.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 a lot quicker to use and to target more hair concerns. You leave the original Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector on for 10–30 minutes weekly, whereas the Plus you only leave on for 3 minutes. So it’s much faster and much less time consuming.
Whereas the original Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector worked on making hair stronger by repairing hair bonds, restored strength, targeted damage and helped improve hair health over time, the newly reformulated Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment focuses on repair + moisture + softness. In fact it claims to make hair 3X stronger, 3X softer, and provide 360 cortex to cuticle repair from the first use for immediately softer, stronger hair:
- Is a fast, 3 minute pre-shampoo treatment.
- Leaves hair immediately softer and stronger.
- Repairs all types of damage in all hair types.
- Reduces future breakage for length retention over time.
- Addresses your hair’s full lifecycle: past, present, and future damage.
Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment benefits
This isn’t a hair mask, it’s a hair damage repair treatment that’s clinically proven to create 3X stronger,* softer hair.** So you’ll still need a conditioner to smooth, but Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment will actually repair damage inside the cortex and cuticle to support long-term, foundational hair health.
*After 4 uses. **Vs. bleached hair.
It rebuilds all 3 hair bonds deep in every strand for 360° repair and damage defense—past, present, and future….Fast. Easy. 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 is what rebuilds all 3 hair bonds for cortex-to-cuticle repair for stronger, more resilient hair.
- Natural Humectant Derived From L-Glutamic Acid: to help with manageability and hydration.
- Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Avocado Oil + Sunflower Seed Oil: to reduce frizz, flyaways, and make hair smoother.
Product call-outs: SLS/SLES Free, Silicone Free, Phthalates Free, MIC/MIT Free, Paraben Free, Protein Free, Keratin Free, Vegan, Color Safe, Suitable for chemically treated hair, and hair Extension Safe.
If you have hair that’s dry or brittle, prone to breakage, dull or lacking softness, is over-styled or chemically processed this is worth building into your hair wash day.
Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment review: does it work
I’ve always liked Olaplex haircare products for helping to strengthen my hair and protect against breakage, and what I really like about the new Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment is how fast it is. I like to wash my hair in the morning but rarely have an extra 30 minutes to spare. 3 minutes I can make time for, and no, more time isn’t more and definitely don’t sleep in it.
The only downside if you have long and/or thick hair is how quickly you’ll get through the bottle. I’ll only get 3-4 uses out of the 100ml bottle.
How to use Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment
The new formula is super quick and easy to use and because it’s thick it’s mess free too. To use:
- In the shower, wet hair, squeeze out excess water and apply generously to damp hair from your roots to the ends.
- Leave on for 3 minutes to let the formula get to work.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Follow with OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner.
- Style as usual.
- For best results, use every 1-3 washes.
Where to buy Olaplex No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment
If you’re looking for a haircare product that helps with strength by repairing hair at the bond level, softness, and shine in just three minutes OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is definitely worth adding to your hair care routine. TIP: If you have long hair, I highly recommend getting the bigger size to save keep repurchasing.
If you’re ready to try the new Olaplex Nº.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment, you can shop it here. I’ve also shared the complete routine, my favorite shampoo and conditioner for blonde hair, and value sets to save money.
Follow
For more in-depth beauty device reviews, skincare strategy and haircare that actually delivers results, follow me on Instagram @glamourandgains
