Olaplex and its alternatives: Silaplex, Wellaplex and Smartbond. Which one is best for you?

If you’ve read our article on Olaplex and whether or not it is worth the hype (spoiler alert: it is), you probably already know that it is a product with unique properties that really make it a big name in the industry. That being said, Olaplex is also known to be on the rather expensive side, so it’s understandable that you may be looking for some alternatives. The popularity of Olaplex started the trend of new “-plexes” appearing on the market, all of them advertised as having similar qualities as Olaplex. However, are they really comparable? Let’s find out together!

Table of Contents

What is Olaplex?

Olaplex is a really interesting product, the magic of which is based on a molecule discovered (and patented!) by the company called Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. This molecule restores compromised hair by repairing its disulfide bonds. This means that, as opposed to simple conditioners that mostly just surround individual hair strands and cover the cuticle flakes to make them appear smoother, Olaplex actually helps to rebuild its structure and integrity.

Are there other products similar to Olaplex?

A few products on the market claim to bring similar benefits. Today, we will take a look at the three most popular ones – Silaplex, Wellaplex and Smartbond.

What is Silaplex?

Let’s start with Montibello’s Silaplex. It is a three-step professional hair treatment that consists of a Hair Bond Reinforcer, Hair Bond Restorer and Hair Bond Protector.

Silaplex’s Hair Bond Reinforcer is formulated with Arginine, which penetrates within the hair shaft and positions itself in the free spaces of the keratin structure as a reinforcing material, and Silamin K, which is said to generate a protective shield and a superstructure which protects and reinforces the hair bonds. When it comes to its benefits, Silaplex’s Hair Bond Reinforcer is said to have strong anti-breaking properties, helping your hair to survive bleaching, colouring, permanent straightening and waving.

Silaplex’s Hair Bond Restorer is said to set the structural amino acids given in the former step. It uses Triglycerin S, which anchors both Arginine and Silamin K, obtaining a protective, reinforcing action for the hair bonds. Additionally, it is said to add softness and moisture to the hair.

Silaplex’s Hair Bond Protector provides a remaining booster dose of Silamin K and Triglycerin S, and is supposed to be used as a follow-up at-home treatment.

Silaplex vs Olaplex

Similarities

Both are multi-step processes.
Both require steps done professionally by a hairstylist and also offer products you can use at home to maintain the effects of the professional treatment.
Both consist of products that can be either mixed with a bleach solution in order to protect hair from its negative side effects or used as a standalone treatment.
Both are dedicated to hair that is compromised due to chemical processing.

Differences

Olaplex is able to actually restore already compromised hair by repairing disulfide bonds, while Silaplex penetrates the hair shaft and fills out the free spaces of the keratin structure with Arginine as a reinforcing material. The process isn’t as effective in repairing what’s already broken.
As a medium added to bleach, Silaplex works better for hair that is in relatively good condition. For already dry and compromised hair, Olaplex may be a better choice.
As a standalone treatment, Silaplex works better for hair that is dry or has colour damage. For severe bleach damage, Olaplex may be a better choice.
Silaplex is more affordable than Olaplex.
Silaplex is less popular than Olaplex.

What is Wellaplex?

Wella’s Wellaplex is, similarly to Silaplex, a three-step professional hair treatment that consists of Bond Maker, Bond Stabilizer and Hair Stabilizer.

Wellaplex’s Bond Maker helps reduce hair damage and creates bonds within the hair while lightening or colouring.

Wellaplex’s Bond Stabilizer further strengthens the hair structure and rebalances its pH.

Wellaplex’s Hair Stabilizer is designed to be used at home and helps to maintain the effect of the first two steps. It keeps the hair smooth, strong and soft.

Wellaplex vs Olaplex

Similarities

Both are multi-step processes.
Both require steps done professionally by a hairstylist and also offer products you can use at home to maintain the effects of the professional treatment.
Both consist of products that can be either mixed with a bleach solution in order to protect hair from its negative side effects or used as a standalone treatment.
Both are dedicated to hair that is compromised due to chemical processing.

Differences

Wellaplex works on the cuticles and cortex, reinforcing the bonds to prevent breakage of the outer layers, while Olaplex goes through the cuticles and cortex and reaches the hair core. Then it repairs and restructures the bonds damaged during the bleaching process. Because of that, it is far more effective for treating already compromised hair, while Wellaplex may be better for preventing damage as it occurs.
Again, as a medium added to bleach, Wellaplex works better for hair that is in relatively good condition. For already dry and compromised hair, Olaplex may be a better choice.
Similarly to Silaplex, as a standalone treatment, Wellaplex works better for hair that is dry or has colour damage. For severe bleach damage, Olaplex may be a better choice.
Wellaplex consists of ingredients that some people tend to avoid, especially if they have curly hair, such as fragrances and alcohol. Olaplex claims not to contain sulfates, phthalates, hemp, aldehydes, parabens, or formaldehyde.
Wellaplex is definitely the less expensive option.

What is Smartbond?

Loreal’s Smartbond is a three-step professional hair treatment that consists of Additive, Pre-Shampoo and Conditioner.

Smartbond’s Additive is designed to be added to colours, straighteners, lighteners & bleaches. It is supposed to protect and strengthen hair bonds during chemical processing.

Smartbond’s Pre-Shampoo is supposed to be used after chemical processing. It helps to rinse all chemical residues and nourishes hair.

Smartbond’s Conditioner is designed to be used at home, at regular intervals. It claims to strengthen the fibre week after week, maintaining the effect of the in-salon treatment.

Smartbond vs Olaplex

Similarities

Both are multi-step processes.
Both require steps done professionally by a hairstylist and also offer products you can use at home to maintain the effects of the professional treatment.
Both are dedicated to hair that is compromised due to chemical processing.

Differences

Smartbond works better for preventing hair damage than treating what has already occurred. It protects bonds from breakage, and the formula’s main active ingredient, maleic acid, helps some of the weaker bonds to reform. However, for treating already heavily damaged hair, Olaplex is going to be a far more effective solution.
Smartbond is not a standalone treatment, it is supposed to be used solely as a mixing medium for chemical processing (except, of course, the Conditioner that you use as an at-home product).
Smartbond can be used as a mixing medium for colour treatments only for dyes produced by Loreal.
Smartbond is less popular than Olaplex.

Is Olaplex the best product in its category, then?

Yes and no. It really depends on your expectations, budget and state of the hair. Olaplex is the only product of its category able to truly rebuild the structure and integrity of already damaged hair, while Silaplex, Wellaplex and Smartbond excel at preventing damage from occurring. It isn’t to say they will not help compromised hair to look smoother and shinier, but it will be more of a visual improvement than a deep change in its condition.

If your hair is strong and healthy and you are planning any chemical treatments (such as bleaching, permanent colour, permanent straightening or waving), Silaplex, Wellaplex and Smartbond are great options for you. They can be much less expensive than Olaplex and will keep your hair in pristine shape during the procedure. They will also work nicely if you have slightly compromised hair but are planning a less invasive chemical procedure. Finally, as a standalone treatment, they will help to nourish and deeply moisturise dry hair, and restore a healthy look, shine and bounciness to the slightly damaged hair.

If your hair is already compromised and you are planning chemical treatments, Olaplex will be your best friend. It is also the most effective standalone treatment for hair with chemical damage. To put it bluntly: if your hair needs a miracle, Olaplex is the one most likely to deliver.

Are you looking for salons that offer Olaplex treatments in your neighbourhood? Try Booksy! You can check the pricing, reviews and available dates before you decide to book your appointment – which then you can do with just a few clicks. This is the fastest and most convenient way to schedule your appointments and ensure that you are visiting the best hair salon in your area! Visit the Booksy platform or better – download the handy Booksy app for the full experience.