Meta description: An honest Olaplex review for natural and Black hair. Learn how I use the Olaplex Bond Maintenance system to retain length, reduce breakage, and support my stretched natural hair journey.
If you’ve spent any time in natural hair, textured hair, or Black hair care spaces, you’ve heard of Olaplex. It’s often described as the bond-repair brand—and after consistently using several of their products, I can confidently say it lives up to the hype when used correctly and intentionally.
As someone focused on hair health, moisture retention, and length retention, especially as I adopt a stretched natural hair journey, Olaplex has become a supportive part of my routine—not a miracle fix, but a powerful tool. My goal is to retain as much length as possible while minimizing breakage, excessive manipulation, and unnecessary heat damage.
Below is my honest review of the Olaplex products I’ve been using, how I layer them, and how they support length retention for natural and Black hair.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo (Natural Hair–Friendly Cleanse)
This shampoo is gentle but effective, which is critical for natural hair that thrives on moisture. It cleanses thoroughly without stripping my hair, which is huge for maintaining moisture—especially if your hair is prone to dryness.
What I love:
- Sulfate-free but still lathers well
- Leaves hair feeling clean, not squeaky or brittle
- Prepares the hair perfectly for treatments and masks
This is not a clarifying shampoo, so I still clarify periodically, but for regular wash days, it’s a solid staple.
I use the Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo consistently as part of my length-retention routine. You can shop it through my affiliate link here: Shop the Olaplex Bond Maintenance system.
Best for:
- Color-treated hair
- Damaged or fragile strands
- Anyone prioritizing moisture + strength
Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner (Slip Without Weighing Natural Hair Down)
The conditioner provides slip, softness, and strength without weighing the hair down. My hair feels noticeably smoother after rinsing, and detangling is much easier.
Standout qualities:
- Lightweight yet moisturizing
- Enhances softness over time
- Works well whether you air-dry or heat style
It pairs beautifully with the shampoo, but honestly performs well even when used alone.
I use this conditioner alongside the rest of the Olaplex line to help maintain strength while keeping my hair flexible. It’s linked here with the rest of the system: Shop Olaplex for natural hair.
Olaplex No. 8 Rich Hydrating Hair Mask (Deep Moisture for Stretched Natural Hair)
This is one of my favorite Olaplex products—and I love using it right after shampooing for optimal moisture infusion.
The mask adds deep hydration, shine, and softness without that heavy, greasy feel some masks leave behind.
Why I use it immediately after shampoo:
- Clean hair absorbs moisture better
- Helps restore hydration while reinforcing bonds
- Leaves my hair plump, soft, and more manageable
I don’t use it every wash day—about once a week or as needed—but when I do, the difference is noticeable.
This mask is not included in my affiliate links, but it’s an essential step for keeping my hair moisturized while stretching and minimizing shrinkage-related breakage.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector (Pre-Shampoo Bond Repair for Natural Hair)
This is arguably Olaplex’s most famous product—and for good reason. No. 3 is a pre-shampoo bond treatment, not a conditioner.
Important note: This product works best on damp hair, before shampooing.
What it does well:
- Strengthens compromised hair
- Reduces breakage over time
- Improves overall hair resilience
I use it when my hair feels stressed—after heat styling, protective styles, or environmental wear and tear.
This treatment plays a big role in helping me retain length by reinforcing weakened strands before they snap. You can find it linked here: Shop Olaplex bond repair.
Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum (Heat & Pollution Protection)
No. 9 is a lightweight serum that protects against pollution, heat, and daily styling stress—all things that can quietly contribute to breakage, especially for natural and Black hair.
Why it stands out:
- Adds shine without greasiness
- Provides heat protection
- Helps reduce frizz and static
I love this for blow-drying, stretching my hair, or smoothing styles. It layers well with creams and leave-ins.
I use Olaplex No. 9 specifically to protect my hair during my stretched natural styles. You can shop the serum and bonding oil together here: Shop the Olaplex oil & serum.
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil (Sealing Moisture & Protecting Length)
The Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is a staple in my stretched natural routine. Oils are essential for sealing in moisture, especially at the ends, which is where length retention is often won or lost.
Why it works for natural & Black hair:
- Lightweight but effective at sealing moisture
- Adds shine without weighing hair down
- Helps smooth the cuticle and reduce breakage
- Provides heat protection for stretched styles
I use this oil primarily on my ends and mid-lengths, especially after blow-drying or stretching my hair. It helps keep my hair soft, flexible, and protected—key factors in retaining length.
You can shop the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil alongside the No. 9 serum here: Shop the Olaplex bonding oil & serum.
Olaplex No. 5 Moisturize & Mend Leave-In Conditioner (Length Retention Support)
This leave-in is a newer favorite for me. It offers lasting moisture, softness, and light repair without buildup.
What I notice most:
- Hair stays hydrated longer
- Ends feel softer and less brittle
- Great for wash-and-go styles or stretched looks
It’s especially helpful if you struggle with dry ends or mid-week moisture loss.
This leave-in is part of my intentional routine to protect my ends, which is key for retaining length on natural hair. It’s included in this affiliate link: Shop Olaplex leave-in & treatments.
Olaplex No. 0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment (Healthy Scalp, Healthy Length)
Healthy hair starts at the scalp, and this treatment focuses exactly on that.
What it does:
- Supports scalp balance
- Helps create a healthier environment for growth
- Feels soothing and lightweight
This is a great addition if you’re intentional about long-term hair health and not just styling results.
A healthy scalp supports consistent growth, which aligns perfectly with my long-term length retention goals. It’s linked here with the rest of the system: Shop Olaplex scalp care.
Final Thoughts: Is Olaplex Worth It for Natural & Black Hair?
Olaplex is not a one-size-fits-all miracle, but when used correctly, it’s an excellent system for:
- Strengthening damaged hair
- Supporting moisture retention
- Reducing breakage
- Maintaining healthy hair over time
For me, the key has been balance—pairing bond repair with hydration, not replacing moisture with protein-heavy routines. This balance is especially important for natural and Black hair, which can become dry or brittle if bond builders are overused without moisture.
If your goal is healthier, stronger natural hair that retains length, minimizes breakage, and supports a stretched natural hair routine, Olaplex can absolutely be part of that journey.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely use and enjoy.
Pro tip: Always listen to your hair. Bond builders are powerful, but hydration and consistency are what truly lead to long-term results.
If you’re on a hair health journey, Olaplex is worth exploring—intentionally and thoughtfully.
Sandy Esprit 
Leave a comment