If your hair’s been through the wringer—think heat styling, color treatments, or just daily wear and tear—Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil is your new best friend. I’ve seen it transform my dry, frizzy waves into smooth, shiny strands, and I’m not alone.
This lightweight oil repairs, protects, and adds a glow that makes your hair look like it just left the salon. Trust me, you’ll want this in your bathroom cabinet. It’s a game-changer for anyone chasing healthier, more vibrant hair.
My Journey With Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
Let me set the scene: my hair was a mess.
Years of flat-ironing my wavy, collarbone-length locks had left me with split ends, frizz, and a texture that felt more like straw than silk.
I’m a 29-year-old living in the humid Midwest, and my type 2C hair was screaming for help.
I’d tried countless oils and treatments, but nothing seemed to stick.
Then, I stumbled across Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, and let me tell you, it’s been a revelation.
The first time I used it, I was skeptical. The bottle is tiny—1 fluid ounce—and I wondered if it could really deliver. I washed my hair, towel-dried it, and applied two drops, focusing on my mid-lengths and ends.
The oil felt light, almost weightless, as I worked it through. No sticky residue, no greasy film. I blew out my hair with a round brush, and the results stopped me in my tracks. My waves were smoother, shinier, and had this healthy bounce I hadn’t seen in years.
Even my husband noticed, which is saying something.
Over the next few weeks, I played with different ways to use it. On damp hair, it made detangling a breeze and protected my strands during heat styling. On dry hair, a drop or two tamed flyaways and added a glossy finish.
My curls, when I let them air-dry, looked more defined and less like a frizzy halo. The best part? My hair felt stronger, like the oil was actually fixing the damage, not just masking it.
After a month, my ends looked less ragged, and breakage was noticeably reduced. It’s become my go-to for everything—detangling, heat protection, and styling. This little bottle has earned its spot in my routine, and I’m hooked.
What Makes Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil Special?
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil isn’t your average hair oil.
It’s built on the brand’s patented Bond Building Technology, which uses Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate to repair broken disulfide bonds in your hair.
These bonds get wrecked by heat, chemicals, and environmental stress, leaving your hair weak and brittle.
This oil steps in to reconnect those bonds, making your hair stronger from the inside out. It’s like a protein shake for your strands.
Beyond the science, it’s packed with natural oils—sunflower, moringa, pomegranate, grape seed, and fermented green tea—that hydrate and protect without weighing your hair down.
It offers heat protection up to 450°F, tames frizz for up to 72 hours, and boosts shine and softness. Whether you’ve got fine, wavy hair like mine or thick, coily strands, it’s designed to work for all hair types.
The lightweight formula means you won’t end up with that dreaded greasy look, and a little goes a long way, making the small bottle surprisingly cost-effective.
Pros of Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
- Repairs and Strengthens Damaged Hair
I’ve been amazed at how this oil tackles damage. My hair, fried from years of heat styling, started feeling stronger within a couple of weeks.
The Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate works on a molecular level to mend broken bonds, which means less breakage and fewer split ends. After a month of regular use, my ends looked healthier, and I wasn’t finding as many stray hairs on my brush.
It’s like giving your hair a second chance.
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy
If you’re like me and hate heavy, sticky oils, you’ll love this. The formula is so light it practically disappears into your hair. I apply a couple of drops, and it absorbs quickly, leaving no residue.
My waves never feel weighed down, and I can use it daily without worrying about buildup. Even on fine hair, it adds hydration and shine without making you look like you skipped a wash.
- Tames Frizz and Flyaways
Living in a humid climate, frizz is my nemesis. This oil keeps it in check for days. I apply it before blow-drying, and my hair stays smooth even when I step outside into a muggy afternoon.
It’s also great for touch-ups on dry hair—rub a drop between your palms and smooth it over flyaways for an instant polished look. My curls, when I let them air-dry, stay defined and bouncy, not poofy.
- Heat Protection and Shine
I’m guilty of using my flat iron more than I should, but this oil has my back. It protects against heat up to 450°F, which covers most styling tools.
After styling, my hair looks glossy, like I just got a professional blowout. The shine isn’t fake or overly slick—it’s that healthy, lit-from-within glow you chase. It also enhances color vibrancy, which is a bonus if you dye your hair.
- Versatile Application
You can use this oil in so many ways. On damp hair, it detangles and preps for styling. On dry hair, it adds shine and smooths rough ends. I’ve even mixed a drop with my leave-in conditioner for extra hydration.
It’s like a Swiss Army knife for hair care, replacing multiple products in my routine. Whether you’re air-drying or heat-styling, it fits seamlessly into your day.
Cons of Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
- Pricey for the Size
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the cost. At around $30 for a 1-ounce bottle, it’s not cheap.
When I first bought it, I balked at the price, wondering if it was worth it for such a small amount.
While a little goes a long way—two drops is enough for my shoulder-length hair—it’s still a splurge compared to drugstore oils.
If you’re on a tight budget, this might feel like a luxury you can’t justify.
- Bottle Design Could Improve
The packaging is sleek and minimalist, but it’s not perfect. The clear bottle looks chic, but I worry about UV light degrading the formula over time. An opaque bottle would be better for longevity. Also, the dropper can be finicky.
You have to tap the bottom to dispense the oil, and sometimes it’s hard to control how much comes out. I’ve accidentally overdone it a couple of times, which isn’t ideal when every drop counts.
- Not a Miracle for Severe Damage
While this oil does wonders for moderately damaged hair like mine, it’s not a cure-all. If your hair is severely fried—think multiple bleach sessions or chemical straightening—it might not be enough on its own.
I noticed great results, but friends with more extreme damage said they needed to pair it with Olaplex No. 3 or other treatments for full repair. It’s fantastic for maintenance and prevention, but don’t expect it to single-handedly resurrect destroyed strands.
Tips For Using Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil
- Apply Sparingly for Best Results
You don’t need much of this oil to see results, so start small. I use two to three drops for my medium-length hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where damage is most noticeable.
Rub the oil between your palms to warm it up, then work it through your hair. If you apply too much, your hair can look greasy, especially if it’s fine. Less is more, and you can always add another drop if needed.
- Use on Damp Hair for Heat Styling
For the best heat protection, apply the oil to damp, towel-dried hair before blow-drying or flat-ironing. I spread a couple of drops from mid-lengths to ends, then comb through to distribute evenly.
This not only protects your hair from high temperatures but also makes styling easier. My blowouts come out smoother, and my curls hold better when I use a curling wand. It’s like a primer for your hair.
- Incorporate into Your Air-Dry Routine
If you’re skipping heat, this oil is still a star. I apply a drop to damp hair before air-drying, focusing on my ends to prevent frizz. It helps my waves form without looking crunchy or undefined.
For coily or curly hair, try smoothing it over your strands to enhance curl definition. You’ll get that soft, hydrated look without the heaviness of thicker products.
- Touch Up on Dry Hair
Keep this oil handy for quick fixes. On second- or third-day hair, I rub a single drop between my palms and smooth it over flyaways or dry ends. It instantly refreshes my style and adds a healthy sheen.
It’s perfect for slicking back ponytails or taming frizz before a meeting. Just be careful not to overdo it—start with a tiny amount to avoid greasiness.
- Pair with Other Olaplex Products
For maximum repair, use this oil alongside other Olaplex products. I’ve started incorporating No. 3 Hair Perfector once a week, and the combo has taken my hair to the next level.
Apply No. 3 as a pre-shampoo treatment, then follow with your regular shampoo, conditioner, and No. 7 on damp hair. It’s like a full reset for damaged strands, and you’ll notice a difference in strength and softness.
- Store Properly to Maintain Potency
To keep the oil effective, store it in a cool, dark place. The clear bottle looks pretty on your counter, but sunlight can degrade the formula. I keep mine in a drawer to protect it from UV rays.
Also, make sure the cap is tight to prevent leaks—trust me, you don’t want to lose a drop of this stuff.
Comparison of Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil With Other Brands
Let’s put Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil head-to-head with some heavy hitters in the hair care world: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream, and Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve.
I’ve tested these products on my wavy, heat-damaged hair, and I’m breaking down how they stack up against Olaplex in terms of repair, styling, and overall performance. Each has its strengths, but does anything outshine Olaplex’s lightweight, bond-repairing magic? Let’s find out.
- Olaplex No. 7 Vs. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum has been a staple in my routine when I want sleek, polished hair.
This silicone-based serum is designed to smooth frizz, add shine, and speed up drying time, which is a lifesaver when I’m rushing to style my waves.
I apply a pump or two to damp hair, and it glides through, making my blowouts look glossy and frizz-free, even in humid weather.
The lightweight formula doesn’t weigh down my fine hair, and the subtle, clean scent is a nice touch.
However, Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil takes the lead when it comes to repair. While Super Skinny Serum excels at surface-level smoothing and shine, it doesn’t address internal hair damage the way Olaplex’s Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate does.
Olaplex strengthens my strands from within, reducing breakage over time, whereas Paul Mitchell feels more like a cosmetic fix. Olaplex also offers heat protection up to 450°F, which Super Skinny Serum lacks.
If your goal is styling with a side of shine, Paul Mitchell is great, but for repairing and protecting damaged hair, Olaplex is the clear winner.
- Olaplex No. 7 Vs. Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream
Bed Head’s After Party Smoothing Cream is my go-to when I want to revive second-day hair or tame a post-party frizz fest.
This creamy formula is marketed as a styling cream that smooths, softens, and adds shine, especially for dry or damaged hair.
I apply a pea-sized amount to dry hair, focusing on my ends, and it instantly makes my waves look more polished.
The fruity scent is bold and fun, though it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s also budget-friendly, costing less than half the price of Olaplex’s $30 bottle.
But here’s where Olaplex No. 7 pulls ahead: versatility and repair. Bed Head’s cream is heavier, which can weigh down my finer hair if I’m not careful, and it’s better suited for touch-ups than as a pre-styling product.
Olaplex, with its lightweight oil texture, works on both damp and dry hair, doubling as a heat protectant and detangler. The bond-repairing technology in Olaplex noticeably strengthens my hair over time, while After Party focuses more on temporary smoothness.
If you’re after a quick fix for flyaways on a budget, Bed Head delivers, but Olaplex’s long-term benefits and multifunctionality make it the stronger choice for damaged hair.
- Olaplex No. 7 Vs. Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve
Curlsmith Bond Curl Rehab Salve is a favorite among my curly-haired friends, so I borrowed some to test on my type 2C waves.
This thick, creamy treatment is designed to strengthen and define curls, using amino acids and chia seed extract to repair damage and enhance curl patterns.
I applied it to damp hair, and it gave my waves a hydrated, bouncy look with great definition.
It’s a dream for coily or curly hair, as it locks in moisture and reduces frizz without crunchiness. The herbal scent is subtle and pleasant.
Olaplex No. 7, however, is more versatile across hair types. Curlsmith’s salve is intensive and best for textured hair, but it feels too heavy for my finer strands, especially for daily use.
Olaplex’s oil is light enough for all hair types, from fine to coily, and doubles as a styling product with heat protection up to 450°F—something Curlsmith doesn’t offer.
While both products aim to repair damage, Olaplex’s patented bond-building technology feels more targeted, reducing breakage in my heat-stressed hair more effectively.
If you have curly or coily hair and prioritize curl definition, Curlsmith is fantastic, but for a lightweight, all-purpose repair oil, Olaplex No. 7 is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil repairs damaged hair by reconnecting broken disulfide bonds using the brand’s patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. It strengthens strands, reduces breakage, and tames frizz for up to 72 hours. The lightweight formula hydrates with natural oils like sunflower and moringa, adds shine, and protects against heat up to 450°F. You can use it on wet or dry hair for detangling, styling, or finishing, making it a versatile addition to any hair care routine.
Absolutely, if you’re dealing with damaged or frizzy hair. It’s pricey at around $30 for 1 ounce, but a little goes a long way—two drops is enough for most applications. It delivers on shine, softness, and repair, especially for heat-styled or color-treated hair. While it’s not a miracle for severely damaged strands, it’s a game-changer for maintenance and prevention. If your budget allows, it’s a worthy investment for healthier-looking hair.
You can use it daily or as needed, depending on your hair’s condition and styling habits. I apply it two to three times a week on damp hair before heat styling or air-drying. For touch-ups, I use a drop on dry hair to tame frizz. If your hair is very fine, start with every other day to avoid buildup. For coarser or curlier hair, daily use might work well to keep strands hydrated and defined.
Both work, but it depends on your goal. On damp hair, it’s great for detangling, heat protection, and prepping for styling. I apply it after washing to smooth my waves and protect them during blow-drying. On dry hair, it’s perfect for taming flyaways or adding shine to finished styles. I find damp hair absorbs it better for repair, while dry hair benefits more for styling touch-ups. Experiment to see what suits your routine.
Wrapping It Up: Why Olaplex No. 7 Is a Must-Have
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil has transformed my hair, and I’m betting it can do the same for you. From repairing damage to taming frizz and adding salon-worthy shine, this little bottle packs a punch.
It’s not perfect—the price stings, and the bottle could be better—but the results are worth it. If you want stronger, smoother, healthier hair, grab this oil.
You won’t regret it.