Is your hair battle a constant fight against frizz? You’re not alone. That frustrating halo of flyaways can make even the best hair day feel like a defeat. When you’re looking for a high-end solution, the world of Olaplex presents a fantastic but confusing choice: should you reach for the famous bonding oil or the newer nourishing serum?
Choosing the wrong product can mean wasting your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t deliver the smoothness and shine you crave. The core challenge is understanding the subtle differences in texture, finish, and primary benefit. Is one heavier than the other? Which one works better for fine hair or provides longer-lasting frizz control? It’s enough to make you just stick with your current routine, even if it isn’t working.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the detailed research for you, breaking down the key features of Olaplex’s top frizz-fighters and comparing them to other popular serums. This clear, side-by-side guide will cut through the confusion and help you identify the perfect product to finally win your war against frizz.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Olaplex No. 7 | Maximum Shine & Frizz Control | Prices |
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Mise En Scene | Budget-Friendly All-Rounder | Prices |
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Olaplex No. 9 | Weightless Daily Nourishment | Prices |
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Olaplex Mini Hair | Trying The Olaplex System | Prices |
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HerStyler | Intensive Damage Repair | Prices |
Olaplex No. 7
If you’re battling frizzy, dry, or damaged hair and need a bonding oil that actually works, Olaplex No. 7 is your perfect match.
This isn’t just a regular oil; it’s a heat protectant that shields your hair up to 450°F. This means you can blow-dry or use hot tools without the guilt, as it actively prevents more damage while it smooths. A tiny drop is all you need to instantly tame flyaways and add a brilliant, glass-like shine without any greasy residue.
Beyond its immediate smoothing power, it contains the patented Olaplex Bond Building technology. This works at a structural level to repair broken disulfide bonds in your hair, making it stronger and more resilient with every use. It’s a true multi-tasker that delivers both instant results and long-term repair.
Pros:
- Instantly tames frizz and adds incredible shine
- Doubles as a heat protectant up to 450°F
- Contains bond-building technology for long-term repair
- Lightweight and non-greasy formula
- Only a tiny amount is needed per use
Cons:
- It is one of the more expensive hair oils on the market
- The bottle is quite small for the price
- The scent might be too strong for some users
My Honest Opinion:
For anyone with seriously compromised hair who wants both immediate frizz control and long-term strengthening, this oil is absolutely worth the investment. It’s a powerhouse in a small bottle.
Mise En Scene
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly serum that delivers salon-quality shine and serious frizz-fighting power, Mise En Scene is your perfect match.
Its star feature is the argan oil-rich formula, which deeply penetrates the hair shaft to provide intense moisture. This means it doesn’t just sit on top of your hair creating a greasy film; it actually works to smooth the cuticle from the inside out. For example, after washing, you can run just a pea-sized amount through damp hair to prevent frizz before it even starts, leaving your hair incredibly soft.
Beyond its performance, the sleek bottle and pleasant floral scent make the daily haircare routine feel like a luxury. It’s a lightweight multitasker that also adds brilliant shine without any stickiness, making it a fantastic all-around performer for its price.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and widely available
- Provides intense shine and smoothness
- Lightweight and non-sticky formula
- Pleasant, long-lasting scent
- Great for taming frizz and flyaways
Cons:
- The scent can be too strong for some
- Can be easy to over-apply, leading to greasiness
- Packaging isn’t as luxurious as high-end competitors
My Honest Opinion:
For anyone wanting salon-level results without the salon price tag, this serum is absolutely worth it. It’s a top-tier choice for daily frizz control and shine.
Olaplex No. 9
If you’re looking for a lightweight serum that tames frizz, adds shine, and protects your hair from heat without any heaviness, Olaplex No. 9 is your perfect match.
Its key feature is the bond-building technology that works to repair your hair from the inside out. This means it doesn’t just temporarily smooth the frizz on the surface. It actively strengthens your hair, making it more resilient against future damage from styling or the environment. A little goes a long way, so one bottle lasts a surprisingly long time.
I also love that it contains a UV protectant. This is a huge bonus for protecting your color from fading in the sun and preventing further dryness. It leaves my hair feeling silky and looking glossy, not greasy, which is a common issue with other serums. It’s a true multi-tasker that delivers on its promises.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and never feels greasy
- Repairs hair bonds while smoothing frizz
- Provides heat protection up to 450°F (232°C)
- Includes UV protection to prevent color fading
- Adds incredible shine and softness
Cons:
- It is on the pricier side for a serum
- The bottle is quite small
- Can be difficult to find in stock
My Honest Opinion:
For anyone with color-treated, damaged, or fine frizzy hair that’s easily weighed down, this serum is absolutely worth the investment. It’s more than a quick fix; it’s a treatment that improves your hair’s health over time.
Olaplex Mini Hair
The Olaplex Mini Hair is perfect for anyone with frizzy, damaged hair who wants to restore smoothness and shine on the go.
Its core technology works by repairing broken bonds inside the hair shaft. Think of it like fixing the foundation of a house. This means your hair gets stronger and resists frizz from humidity much better than products that just coat the surface. You’ll notice less breakage and a smoother feel after just a few uses.
I love the mini size because it’s TSA-friendly and fits perfectly in my purse for quick touch-ups throughout the day. The formula is also lightweight, so it tames flyaways without ever making my hair look or feel greasy. It’s a powerful treatment in a tiny, convenient package.
Pros:
- Effectively reduces frizz and flyaways
- Repairs hair damage from the inside out
- Lightweight and non-greasy formula
- Perfect travel-friendly size
- Adds incredible shine and softness
Cons:
- The mini size runs out fairly quickly with daily use
- It is a premium-priced product
- The nozzle can get clogged if not wiped clean
My Honest Opinion:
If you’re battling serious frizz and want a portable, bond-building solution, this mini is absolutely worth the investment for the visible results it delivers.
HerStyler
HerStyler is the perfect solution for anyone with frizzy, unmanageable hair who wants salon-smooth results from home.
Its ceramic tourmaline technology is a game-changer, generating far-infrared heat that dries hair from the inside out. This means you get less frizz and more shine, without the heat damage you’d expect from other brushes. For example, you can dry and style your hair in one quick step, turning a chaotic morning into a calm, put-together start to your day.
I’m also a huge fan of the multiple heat and speed settings, which give you complete control for any hair type. The bristles are gentle on the scalp and effectively detangle as you style. It’s this combination of smart technology and user-friendly design that makes it such a reliable and powerful tool for daily use.
Pros:
- Dries and styles hair simultaneously for huge time savings
- Far-infrared heat minimizes frizz and boosts shine
- Multiple heat and speed settings suit all hair types
- Gentle bristles detangle without pulling or breaking hair
- Leaves hair looking incredibly smooth and salon-fresh
Cons:
- Can be heavy to hold during a full styling session
- Higher price point than basic hair dryers
- Has a learning curve to achieve the perfect blowout
My Honest Opinion:
If you struggle with frizz and crave a professional blowout at home, the HerStyler is absolutely worth the investment for the time and hassle it saves you every single day.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Your Primary Hair Goal
Are you trying to tame daily frizz or repair long-term damage? Oils are typically best for adding shine and sealing the hair cuticle to combat frizz. Serums are often better for targeted repair, as they can contain higher concentrations of active bonding ingredients to fix damage from the inside out.
Your Hair’s Porosity
This is crucial! Low-porosity hair has a hard time absorbing product, so a lightweight serum or oil is essential to avoid greasy buildup. High-porosity hair soaks up moisture quickly but loses it just as fast; it often benefits from a richer, more nourishing oil to seal in hydration effectively.
Your Desired Finish
Think about the look you want. Oils generally provide a dewy, high-shine finish and can feel lighter on the hair. Serums often offer a sleeker, more polished finish with strong control, sometimes creating a “silkier” feel. If you dislike a glossy look, a matte-finish serum would be a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use an oil and a serum together?
A1: Yes, you can! For the best results, apply the serum to damp hair to target repair and then use a small amount of oil on dry hair to seal in the benefits and add a final shield against frizz. Just remember, a little of both goes a long way.
Q2: Which one is heavier or more likely to weigh my fine hair down?
A2: Oils can sometimes be too heavy for very fine hair. A lightweight serum is often the safer bet, as it’s formulated to smooth without adding excess weight or greasiness. Always start with a pea-sized amount.
Q3: Are these products only for chemically treated hair?
A3: Not at all! While they are famous for repairing bleach damage, anyone with frizz caused by heat styling, environmental factors, or general dryness can benefit from these products. They work to strengthen and smooth any compromised hair.
Q4: How often should I use a bonding oil or serum?
A4: For maintenance, 2-3 times a week is usually sufficient. If your hair is severely damaged, you can use them daily. Always follow the instructions on your specific product, as overuse can lead to buildup.
Q5: Where in my routine should I apply this product?
A5: Serums are best applied to towel-dried hair before styling. Oils are most effective as a final step on dry hair to lock in style and add shine, or as a pre-shampoo treatment for deep conditioning.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For those seeking intensive repair and frizz control from the inside out, the OLAPLEX No. 9 Bonding Oil is our top pick for its transformative bonding technology. However, if your primary goal is to achieve a sleek, polished finish with immediate frizz-smoothing on the surface, the OLAPLEX No. 7 Bonding Oil provides a brilliant shine and is exceptionally lightweight for daily use.
