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In this Olaplex blog post, I am going to give you all the details on Olaplex 3 vs 8. I also have an exciting Olaplex promo code!
There are so many Olaplex products that it can be confusing to know the best Olaplex for damaged hair or which Olaplex is the best.
If you are trying to decide if you will use Olaplex 3 or 8, or if you are wondering can you use Olaplex 3 and 8 together, then I will go through everything you need to know about Olaplex 3 and 8.
I will also talk through the difference between Olaplex 3 and 8 to help you decide on Olaplex 3 or 8.
After reading this, you will know exactly which Olaplex to use! There is one major difference between Olaplex 3 and 8, which will help you decide on Olaplex No. 3 vs No. 8.
My Exclusive Olaplex discount codes
Exclusive Offer 1
For a limited time, get 20% off, free shipping and a complimentary sample on your first $35+ Olaplex order with this link and Olaplex code LORNA20.
Exclusive Offer 2
Get a free full size Olaplex 9 hair serum with your $50+ order.
Add Olaplex 9, along with the rest of your $50+ purchase to your cart. Use this link and Olaplex code LORNA9 to apply the discount at checkout.
Only 1 offer is valid per order. Happy shopping!
Everything you need to know about Olaplex 3 vs 8
I have a full Olaplex 3 review here and a full Olaplex 8 review here. To save you some time, I am going to go straight into my recommendation regarding Olaplex 3 vs 8.
I have the Ultimate Olaplex review HERE which goes through all the Olaplex products. I have tried all Olaplex products so I want to share my knowledge on the best Olaplex products with you.
If you have narrowed down to looking into Olaplex No. 3 vs No. 8, then keep reading and I will explain everything you need to know.
Which is better: Olaplex 3 vs 8?
Before we get into Olaplex 3 vs 8, I am going to go through the difference between Olaplex 3 and 8, which will help you decide on which is better for your hair.


The difference between Olaplex 3 and 8
When deciding whether to buy Olaplex No. 3 vs No. 8, it is important to note that Olaplex 3 is used BEFORE you wash your hair as a treatment. Olaplex 8 is used AFTER you wash your hair with shampoo.
Olaplex 3 is a reparative TREATMENT and Olaplex 8 is a reparative hydrating MASK.
Another difference between Olaplex 3 and 8 is that Olaplex 3 repairs, protects and strengthens, while Olaplex 8 moisturizes, smooths, adds body & shine.
If your hair is damaged, Olaplex 3 is the product for repairing damage. Olaplex 8 is perfect for hydrating and moisturizing hair after it’s been repaired by Olaplex 3.
The final difference between Olaplex 3 and 8: for Olaplex 3, you apply to the roots and hair. For Olaplex 8, you apply from mid hair to the ends of your hair. This is so you don’t have product build up on your scalp as you apply Olaplex 8 after you have shampooed your hair.
Get 20% off your first $35+ Olaplex order with this link and Olaplex code LORNA20 OR get a free full size Olaplex 9 when you spend $50+ using this link and code LORNA9. Add Olaplex 9 to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
Related: See the best Olaplex products for curly hair here
Related: Discover the best Olaplex gift sets for 2023 here
Olaplex 8 came out in 2021. I was so excited as this is the first hair mask that Olaplex has brought out. Olaplex 3 has been out for years. Hence, you will probably see a lot more articles and reviews on Olaplex 3. This doesn’t mean Olaplex 3 is necessarily better than Olaplex 8.
Choosing between Olaplex No. 3 v 8 depends on your hair concerns and hair goals.
In case you are ready to buy after understanding the difference between Olaplex 3 and 8, I’ve linked the Olaplex products below.
Get 20% off your first $35+ Olaplex order with this link and Olaplex code LORNA20 OR get a free full size Olaplex 9 when you spend $50+ using this link and code LORNA9. Add Olaplex 9 to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
Shop Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Deciding on Olaplex 3 or 8
Now that you know the difference between Olaplex 3 and 8, it is hopefully easier for you to decide on Olaplex 3 or 8.
The most important question to ask when deciding between Olaplex No. 3 vs No. 8 is to check if your hair needs some repair. Most likely your hair does need a little repair. Olaplex no 3 would be a good starting point.
Our hair gets damaged from color, too much sun, brushing too roughly, pool water, cold weather, and much more. Don’t forget to use my Olaplex discount code below to get a free Olaplex gift with your order.
Olaplex 3 has patented technologies to repair broken bonds, rejuvenate the hair, increase strength, restore elasticity and protect the hair follicle from further damage.
While Olaplex 8 is amazing for adding shine and moisturizing, it is better to start with repairing your hair first and then adding moisture and shine.
If you have to choose between Olaplex 3 or 8, I would choose Olaplex 3.
If you don’t have to decide between Olaplex 3 vs 8 and can afford both, then I would invest in both Olaplex 3 and Olaplex 8.
A little goes a long way so these products last. Olaplex 3 and 8 work amazingly together to repair and moisturize your hair. My Olaplex discount code gets you a gift with your purchase of 2 products!
Get 20% off your first $35+ Olaplex order with this link and Olaplex code LORNA20 OR get a free full size Olaplex 9 when you spend $50+ using this link and code LORNA9. Add Olaplex 9 to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
Shop Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
Keep reading to find out how to use Olaplex 3 and 8 together.
Related: If you have curly, frizzy hair, see the best Olaplex products for curly hair here
Related: Discover the best Olaplex gift set for 2022 here
Related: Discover 6 Olaplex myths here
Related: Read my full Olaplex reviews here
Related: Compare Olaplex 3 & 6 here
Can I use Olaplex 3 and 8 together?
One of the most popular questions on Olaplex No. 3 and No. 8 is, “Can I use Olaplex 3 and 8 together?”.
Yes, you can use Olaplex 3 and 8 together.
As I mentioned above, I recommend that you use Olaplex 3 and 8 together. The two Olaplex products work very well together as Olaplex 3 repairs the hair prior to washing and Olaplex 8 hydrates the hair after washing with shampoo.
If you have the luxury of not choosing between Olaplex 3 vs 8, I highly recommend choosing both. You will still see amazing results from using Olaplex 3 alone. The results from adding Olaplex 8 is repaired and hydrated hair.
Find out how to use Olaplex 3 and 8 together below.
Get 20% off your first $35+ Olaplex order with this link and Olaplex code LORNA20 OR get a free full size Olaplex 9 when you spend $50+ using this link and code LORNA9. Add Olaplex 9 to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
How to use Olaplex 3 and 8 together?
I have a full Olaplex 3 and Olaplex 8 review where I go through in detail how to use Olaplex 3 and how to use Olaplex 8.
Read my full Olaplex reviews here
It is easy to use Olaplex 3 and 8 together. Start by wetting your hair, then apply Olaplex 3 from the roots to the ends of hair. I like to brush Olaplex 3 right through to make sure all my hair is covered.
After 10 minutes, rinse off and shampoo as normal. Use Olaplex 8 right after washing your shampoo out. Apply Olaplex 8 from mid hair to the ends of hair. Wash out after 8+ minutes.
It’s that easy to use Olaplex 3 and 8 together!
Shop Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector
Get 20% off your first $35+ Olaplex order with this link and Olaplex code LORNA20 OR get a free full size Olaplex 9 when you spend $50+ using this link and code LORNA9. Add Olaplex 9 to your cart and the discount will be applied at checkout.
Still unsure on Olaplex 3 vs 8?
If you are still confused about which Olaplex is best then I have a free Olaplex guide linked above. In the free guide, I go through Olaplex 3 vs 6, Olaplex 3 vs 8, and the differences between Olaplex 6 and 7.
Olaplex have a lot of products so deciding between products such as Olaplex 3 vs 8, can be a little confusing. See above for the link to this free guide (the Olaplex guide includes easy to read charts). This guide will help with deciding on Olaplex No. 3 vs 8 or any other Olaplex products.
I absolutely love both Olaplex 3 and Olaplex 8. I highly recommend Olaplex 3 & 8.
More top tips to keep your hair in amazing condition
Hair is most vulnerable when it is wet so it is important that you treat it with care when drying it (no vigorous hair drying with a towel)! I love the new Cozy Earth hair towel. It ties neatly on your head and allows the water to soak into the towel with no rubbing. This saves your hair mechanical damage. My Cozy Earth discount code LORNARYAN40 gets you 40% off everything on Cozy Earth including this hair towel.
I also LOVE their new silk pillowcase. It is so soft and gentle on your hair. Friction with cotton also causes breakage so a silk pillowcase is a great investment. Silk pillowcases also help with reducing frizz. Curly hair tends to get frizzy with the friction of cotton, but silk will help the hair glide instead. You can get this silk pillowcase for 40% off using my Cozy Earth discount code LORNARYAN40 for a limited time. Read more about the benefits of silk pillowcases.
Olaplex Myths
I wanted to address some Olaplex myths out there. You can find out 6 Olaplex myths that you need to know here. One of the Olaplex myths relates to Olaplex 3 in particular.
Hope this blog post has helped you decide on Olaplex 3 vs 8. I also have a specific blog post to help you decide on whether to buy Olaplex 3 or 6 here.
My Full Olaplex Reviews
For a full Olaplex review, you’ll find all my Olaplex reviews in this blog post
Related: If you have curly, frizzy hair, see the best Olaplex products for curly hair here
Related: Discover the best Olaplex gift set for 2022 here
Related: Discover 6 Olaplex myths here
Related: Compare Olaplex 3 & 6 here
Thank you to Olaplex for gifting me Olaplex products over the years. I have since bought many and truly believe in Olaplex results.