These are probably the 2 most famous hair oils on the market today. The claims and ingredient lists of Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil and Ouai Hair Oil suggest that both products aim to improve hair health, smoothness and split ends, but they do so with different approaches based on their unique formulas.
Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil
Olaplex No7 Bonding Oil claims to boost shine, softness, and color vibrancy while also repairing, strengthening hair, reducing breakage, and restoring healthier-looking hair. Its key ingredients are:
- Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate: This is Olaplex's patented ingredient, which is known for repairing disulfide bonds in the hair that are broken during thermal, mechanical, and chemical services.
- Various Plant Oils (Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil): These oils are rich in nutrients and help to condition the hair, adding shine and softness.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Acts as an antioxidant, protecting hair from oxidative stress and damage.
- Eclipta Prostrata Extract and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract: These are botanical extracts known for their hair strengthening and reparative properties.
But wait, can Olaplex actually penetrate the hair’s molecular structure?
The patented ingredient in Olaplex products, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, is claimed to work by repairing disulfide bonds in the hair which can be broken during thermal, mechanical, or chemical processes. The technology is designed to penetrate the hair shaft and effectively restore these broken bonds, theoretically improving the strength and condition of the hair at a molecular level.
The likelihood of any hair care product penetrating to the molecular level depends on several factors, including the size of the molecules in the product, the condition of the hair, and how the product is applied and used. In the case of Olaplex, the company has conducted its own research which suggests that their active ingredient can penetrate the hair shaft and achieve the claimed results. However, independent peer-reviewed research would be needed to confirm these claims definitively.
Molecular penetration is a complex topic because hair is not just a uniform structure; it has layers (cuticle, cortex, and medulla) and various conditions of porosity and health that can affect absorption. Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate is designed to be small enough to penetrate these layers and reach the disulfide bonds.
So while the company claims that their product can penetrate the hair to the molecular level, and while there is scientific plausibility behind these claims, the degree of effectiveness can vary and is most reliably confirmed through a combination of independent scientific research and anecdotal evidence from user experience.
Ouai Hair Oil
Ouai Hair Oil claims to be a multitasking oil that smooths frizz and seals split ends for a healthy, shiny finish. Its key ingredients are:
- Multiple Natural Oils (Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, etc.): These oils are emollients, which help to soften the hair, reduce frizz, and add shine.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Similar to Olaplex, it provides antioxidant benefits for hair health and protection.
- Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and Polysilicone-15: These are sunscreen ingredients that help to protect the hair from UV damage.
- Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract: Known for its aromatic and scalp soothing properties.
- Beta-Carotene: An antioxidant that can help protect the hair from oxidative stress.
Conclusion
While both products contain silicones like dimethicone that coat the hair, giving it a smooth and shiny finish, the Olaplex oil focuses on repairing the hair's internal bonds with its unique active ingredient. Ouai Hair Oil, on the other hand, is more about conditioning and protecting the hair with a blend of various natural oils and UV protectants.
In terms of value, Ouai offers more product (1.5 fl oz) for the same price as Olaplex (1 fl oz). However, the choice between the two would depend on whether the user believes the added claims of molecular level hair repair by Olaplex is likely. Otherwise, they both at the base of it provide a blend of oils that condition, protect, and smooth the hair, for a more fresh out of the salon look.
You should also read:
- Unilever acquired K18 and now they are launching tons of bonding repair products at mass retail
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