As someone who dyes their hair regularly, I really wanted to love this. It’s marketed to repair damage, reduce breakage, and control frizz for up to 72 hours… which sounds like a dream.
Here’s the reality for me:
✨ It did feel lightweight at first
✨ BUT it ended up leaving my hair looking a little greasy
✨ Frizz control only lasted about half the day (definitely not 72 hours)
✨ And for the price… I expected way more
Overall: 3/5 ⭐️
I wouldn’t personally recommend it—there are better options out there for the same (or lower) price.
... Read moreAfter my experience with Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil, where I found it left my hair a little greasy and the frizz control didn't last the promised 72 hours, I started wondering if I was doing something wrong, or if it just wasn't the right fit for my hair type. As someone who regularly dyes their hair, I'm always on the hunt for products that truly live up to their claims of repairing damaged hair and reducing breakage.
My hair tends to be on the finer side, and sometimes even a small amount of oil can weigh it down. I tried experimenting with the application – starting with just a tiny drop on damp hair, focusing on the ends, and then trying it on dry hair to tame flyaways. While the lightweight feel was there initially, the greasy look would creep in after a few hours, which was really frustrating, especially given the pricey tag. I think for those with coarser or thicker hair, or very dry, damaged hair, the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil might perform differently, absorbing better without the greasy residue I experienced.
If you're also struggling with keeping frizz at bay and finding an oil that doesn't leave your hair looking oily, I've discovered a few tricks and alternatives that might help. Firstly, consider your hair's porosity. High porosity hair (often from coloring or heat damage) absorbs products quickly but also loses moisture fast, so it might benefit more from heavier oils. Low porosity hair, like mine, can be easily weighed down. For frizz control, I've had better luck with silicone-based serums applied sparingly, or even a lightweight leave-in conditioner before styling.
When it comes to alternatives for repairing damaged hair, I've personally found great success with bond-repairing masks used once a week, rather than daily oils. These tend to penetrate deeper and offer more intensive treatment without the risk of daily greasiness. For a daily oil, I've explored options like argan oil or jojoba oil, which are often more affordable and can be just as effective for adding shine and a bit of moisture without the heavy feel. The key is to use them very sparingly – think half a pump, emulsified in your hands, and then lightly pressed onto the mid-lengths and ends.
Another aspect to consider is the environment. Humidity plays a huge role in frizz. Even the best products can struggle in highly humid conditions, so managing expectations about 72-hour frizz control is crucial. While Olaplex No. 7 promises a lot, my personal battle with frizz (which only lasted about half the day) made me realize that sometimes a multi-pronged approach, combining a good shampoo/conditioner, a treatment mask, and a lightweight finishing product, works best. Don't be afraid to try different application methods or even mix a tiny drop of oil with your leave-in conditioner to get the benefits without the drawbacks.