Olaplex vs Briogeo 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Olaplex and Briogeo on the shelves at your local beauty store or hair salon before.

Which is better, you ask? That's what we'll be finding out today as we compare the two side-by-side. Olaplex vs Briogeo - let’s get into it.

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Olaplex No. 3 vs Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair

For anyone with even remotely damaged locks (that’s most of us), it’s a good idea to address the damage every once in a while with a hair treatment. Even better, though, would be to stay on top of it by treating your hair regularly.

For a simple at-home treatment, you have loads of options. Some products you put in your hair multiple times a week, and some products you only use once a month, sometimes less. Two great treatments to address damage are the Olaplex No. 3 and the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair.

The active ingredient in Olaplex No 3 is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which is responsible for the relinking of hair bonds and consequently helping to restore the hair to its natural state, improving the shine, hydration, and strength of hair. Olaplex No.3 is cruelty-free but not strictly vegan or hypoallergenic. It can be used on all hair types, including colored and chemically-treated hair.

The main ingredient in the Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Hair Mask is Rosehip oil, a natural ingredient packed with fatty acids that nourish and hydrate while also boosting the strength of the hair. Another major component of the Briogeo Hair Mask—which makes this treatment really rather similar to Olaplex—is Keratin, which is a different type of protein that also helps to repair the disulfide bonds in your hair. This treatment can be used on all hair types, including colored and chemically-treated hair.

Olaplex is relatively more expensive, clocking in at around ~$10 per fluid ounce compared to Briogeo's ~$5 per fluid ounce. There's no obvious reason for such a disparity in price other than 'brand tax' (with Olaplex placing a price tag on their popularity). Briogeo's formula is actually more appealing on paper, but the patented protein in Olaplex's products is famed for its effectiveness - which can make the extra few dollars per ounce seem more than worthwhile.

With both Olaplex No.3 and Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair being comparable in terms of their ingredients and effectiveness, there's no easy choice here. If you are happy to splash a bit of extra cash for the most popular hair treatment on the market, Olaplex No.3 is for you. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative that is also cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan, then Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair would be the better option.

Final Verdict

Overall, these two brands are winners in their own right, and choosing between the two will depend on your budget and current hair care routine. If you're prepared to adopt a full routine, Olaplex is certainly the way to go, however, if you're just looking for a treatment that will slot in nicely alongside your existing products, then Briogeo might be the one.

To round off our comparison guide, here are some of the other best-selling ranges and products that Olaplex and Briogeo offer that we think are worth having a look at.

Olaplex Best-Sellers

Step 1:
Try the No.3 Treatment

Step 2:
Try the No.4 Shampoo

Step 3:
Try the No.5 Conditioner

Briogeo Best-Sellers

For dry, itchy scalp:
Try Scalp Revival

For frizzy hair:
Try Farewell Frizz

For perfect curls:
Try Curl Charisma

Work in progress

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This article was originally published on August 8th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 12th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.