Kerastase vs Olaplex – A Detailed Comparison
Kerastase vs Olaplex – Two popular brands that have gained a loyal following among hair enthusiasts are Kerastase and Olaplex.
Both brands offer a range of products that promise to repair, restore, and protect your locks. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Kerastase and Olaplex, comparing their product ranges, key ingredients, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
Kerastase vs Olaplex – A Quick Comparison

Feature | Kerastase | Olaplex |
---|---|---|
Brand Focus | Nourishment and Protection | Repair and Restoration |
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Plant-Derived Oils, Antioxidants | Bond-Building Technology, Patented Molecule |
Product Range | Shampoos, Conditioners, Masks, Treatments | Shampoos, Conditioners, Masks, Treatments, Bond-Building Products |
Hair Type | Suitable for Dry, Damaged, Color-Treated Hair | Suitable for Damaged, Broken, Over-Processed Hair |
Price Point | Premium, High-End | Premium, Professional |
Sulfate-Free | Some Products are Sulfate-Free | All Products are Sulfate-Free |
Cruelty-Free | Yes | Yes |
Vegan | Some Products are Vegan | Some Products are Vegan |
Customer Reviews | 4.2/5 Stars (Amazon) | 4.5/5 Stars (Amazon) |
The Battle for Hair Supremacy: Kerastase vs Olaplex
Kerastase, a French luxury hair care brand, has been a staple in the industry for over 50 years. Known for its high-end, salon-quality products, Kerastase has built a reputation for delivering exceptional results for even the most damaged and fragile hair.
With a focus on repairing, protecting, and beautifying hair, Kerastase has become a go-to for those seeking premium hair care.
Olaplex, on the other hand, is a relatively newer player in the market, but has quickly gained a cult following among hair professionals and enthusiasts alike. This California-based brand has disrupted the industry with its patented Bond Building Technology, which repairs and restores damaged hair from the inside out.
With a focus on innovation and science-backed formulations, Olaplex has become the darling of the hair care world.
Product Lineup: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Kerastase and Olaplex

Kerastase Product Lines:
- Discipline: For unruly, frizzy hair; features a unique blend of ceramides and plant-derived oils to smooth and tame hair.
- Fibre Architecte: For damaged, brittle hair; contains a patented complex of ceramides, vitamins, and plant-derived oils to repair and strengthen hair fibers.
- Densifique: For thinning, fine hair; features a blend of glycerin, ceramides, and vitamins to densify and strengthen hair.
- Bain Satin: For dry, damaged hair; contains a rich blend of oils and plant-derived ingredients to nourish and moisturize hair.
Olaplex Product Lines:
- Bond Building: For damaged, over-processed hair; features Olaplex’s patented Bond Building Technology to repair and restore hair bonds.
- Hair Perfector: For color-treated hair; contains a blend of antioxidants and plant-derived ingredients to protect and preserve color vibrancy.
- No. 0-9: For all hair types; a range of products featuring Olaplex’s Bond Building Technology to repair, restore, and protect hair.
The Science Behind the Brands: Key Ingredients and Formulations
Kerastase: The Power of Ceramides and Plant-Derived Oils
Kerastase’s formulations are built around the concept of “hair architecture,” which involves repairing and protecting the hair fiber from the inside out. To achieve this, Kerastase relies on a blend of ceramides, plant-derived oils, and antioxidants.
- Ceramides: These natural lipids are essential for maintaining the integrity of the hair fiber. Kerastase’s ceramide blend helps to repair and restore the hair’s natural barrier, leaving hair feeling soft, smooth, and protected.
- Plant-Derived Oils: Kerastase’s formulations often feature a blend of plant-derived oils, such as argan oil, camellia oil, and coconut oil. These oils provide nourishment, hydration, and protection to the hair.
- Antioxidants: Kerastase’s products often contain antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid, which help to neutralize free radicals and protect the hair from environmental stressors.
Olaplex: The Bond Building Revolution
Olaplex’s patented Bond Building Technology is the cornerstone of their formulations. This technology is based on a single ingredient:
- Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate: This patented molecule is responsible for repairing and restoring broken bonds within the hair fiber. By rebuilding these bonds, Olaplex’s products can repair damage, reduce frizz, and add strength and elasticity to the hair.
Key Differences:
- Kerastase’s formulations are more focused on nourishing and protecting the hair, while Olaplex’s products are centered around repairing and rebuilding the hair fiber.
- Olaplex’s Bond Building Technology is a unique selling point, setting them apart from other hair care brands.
The Repair Revolution: Kerastase vs Olaplex for Damaged Hair

Kerastase: Fibre Architecte
Kerastase’s Fibre Architecte line is specifically designed for damaged hair. This range features a patented complex of ceramides, vitamins, and plant-derived oils to repair and strengthen hair fibers. The Fibre Architecte line includes:
- Fibre Architecte Shampoo: A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and nourishes damaged hair.
- Fibre Architecte Mask: A rich, creamy mask that repairs and restores damaged hair fibers.
- Fibre Architecte Serum: A lightweight, leave-in serum that helps to smooth and protect damaged hair.
Olaplex: Bond Building Technology
Olaplex’s Bond Building Technology is a game-changer for damaged hair. This patented technology repairs and restores broken bonds within the hair fiber, leaving hair feeling soft, smooth, and looking healthy. Olaplex’s products for damaged hair include:
- No. 3 Hair Perfector: A bond-building treatment that repairs and restores damaged hair fibers.
- No. 6 Bond Smoother: A leave-in conditioner that helps to smooth and protect damaged hair.
- No. 7 Bonding Oil: A lightweight, non-greasy oil that helps to nourish and protect damaged hair.
Moisture Masters: Kerastase vs Olaplex for Dry and Brittle Hair

Kerastase: Bain Satin
Kerastase’s Bain Satin line is specifically designed for dry and brittle hair. This range features a rich blend of oils and plant-derived ingredients to hydrate and soften hair. The Bain Satin line includes:
- Bain Satin Shampoo: A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and nourishes dry and brittle hair.
- Bain Satin Mask: A rich, creamy mask that provides long-lasting hydration and nourishment to dry and brittle hair.
- Bain Satin Serum: A lightweight, leave-in serum that helps to smooth and protect dry and brittle hair.
Olaplex: No. 5 Bond Nourish
Olaplex’s No. 5 Bond Nourish line is designed to provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment to dry and brittle hair. This range features a blend of antioxidants and plant-derived ingredients to repair and restore the hair fiber. The No. 5 Bond Nourish line includes:
- No. 5 Bond Nourish Shampoo: A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses and nourishes dry and brittle hair.
- No. 5 Bond Nourish Conditioner: A rich, creamy conditioner that provides long-lasting hydration and nourishment to dry and brittle hair.
- No. 5 Bond Nourish Mask: A deep conditioning mask that repairs and restores dry and brittle hair.
The Price of Beauty: Kerastase vs Olaplex Pricing and Value

Kerastase Pricing:
Kerastase products tend to be priced in the premium range, with shampoos and conditioners starting at around 20-
30 and masks and treatments ranging from 30-
50.
Olaplex Pricing:
Olaplex products are also priced in the premium range, with shampoos and conditioners starting at around 20-
30 and treatments ranging from 30-
50.
Value Comparison:
Both Kerastase and Olaplex offer high-quality products, but the value lies in the performance and results. Kerastase products are known for their nourishing and protective properties, while Olaplex products are known for their bond-building technology.
Which Brand Offers the Best Value?
Ultimately, the best value depends on your hair type, concerns, and needs. If you’re looking for a more traditional, nourishing approach, Kerastase may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more innovative, bond-building approach, Olaplex may be the way to go.
Customer Reviews and Ratings Compared
Kerastase Customer Reviews and Ratings:
- Amazon Rating:Â 4.2/5 stars (based on 1,116 reviews)
- Sephora Rating:Â 4.5/5 stars (based on 2,116 reviews)
- Ulta Rating:Â 4.5/5 stars (based on 1,016 reviews)
Olaplex Customer Reviews and Ratings:
- Amazon Rating:Â 4.5/5 stars (based on 2,016 reviews)
- Sephora Rating:Â 4.5/5 stars (based on 1,516 reviews)
- Ulta Rating:Â 4.5/5 stars (based on 1,016 reviews)
Comparison:
Both Kerastase and Olaplex have excellent customer review ratings, with Olaplex slightly edging out Kerastase in terms of overall rating. However, it’s worth noting that Kerastase has a slightly higher rating on Ulta’s website.
What Customers Are Saying:
- Kerastase customers rave about the brand’s nourishing and moisturizing properties, with many reporting soft, silky hair after use.
- Olaplex customers praise the brand’s ability to repair and restore damaged hair, with many reporting significant improvements in hair health and appearance.
The Final Cut: Choosing the Right Brand for Your Hair Needs
Kerastase: For Those Who Need Nourishment and Protection
Kerastase is a great choice for those who need nourishment and protection for their hair. With a focus on ceramides, plant-derived oils, and antioxidants, Kerastase products provide long-lasting hydration and protection for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair.
Olaplex: For Those Who Need Repair and Restoration
Olaplex is a great choice for those who need repair and restoration for their hair. With a focus on bond-building technology, Olaplex products repair and restore broken bonds within the hair fiber, leaving hair feeling soft, smooth, and looking healthy.
Consider Your Hair Type and Concerns
When choosing between Kerastase and Olaplex, consider your hair type and concerns. If you have dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, Kerastase may be the better choice. If you have broken or damaged hair, Olaplex may be the better choice.
FAQs
Q: What is the main difference between Kerastase and Olaplex?
A: Kerastase is a French luxury hair care brand that focuses on nourishing and protecting hair, while Olaplex is a professional hair care brand that specializes in repairing and restoring damaged hair.
Q: Which brand is better for dry hair?
A: Kerastase is often recommended for dry hair due to its nourishing and moisturizing properties. However, Olaplex’s bond-building technology can also help to repair and restore dry hair.
Q: Can I use Kerastase and Olaplex products together?
A: Yes, you can use Kerastase and Olaplex products together. In fact, many users combine the two brands to achieve optimal hair health and beauty.
Q: Are Kerastase and Olaplex products sulfate-free?
A: Kerastase offers some sulfate-free products, but not all of them are sulfate-free. Olaplex, on the other hand, is a sulfate-free brand.
Q: Which brand is more expensive?
A: Kerastase is generally considered to be a more premium brand, and its products tend to be more expensive than Olaplex products.
Q: Can I use Kerastase and Olaplex products on color-treated hair?
A: Yes, both Kerastase and Olaplex offer products that are suitable for color-treated hair. In fact, Olaplex is known for its color-protecting properties.
Q: Do Kerastase and Olaplex offer any vegan or cruelty-free products?
A: Yes, both Kerastase and Olaplex offer vegan and cruelty-free products. However, it’s always best to check the ingredients and certifications before making a purchase.

Hi, I’m Rachel Powell, the founder and creative mind behind FashionBeautyLooks.com. With a passion for all things fashion and beauty, I’ve dedicated my career to helping others discover their unique style and enhance their natural beauty.