Salon-grade science or plant-powered miracle — which actually mends broken hair faster and lasts longer?
Hair SOS: pick a hero, not a miracle. This head-to-head compares Olaplex No.3 (paired with No.4 shampoo) and Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Leave-In, covering ingredients, repair performance, application, price, and who each suits best for damaged, color-treated, or stressed hair — a quick buyer’s guide to help you decide today.
A potent at-home bond-building treatment that delivers measurable improvements in strength and breakage reduction for chemically or heat-damaged hair. Best for users seeking a focused repair protocol and willing to use an occasional rinse-in treatment rather than a daily leave-in.
A user-friendly leave-in treatment that improves softness, reduces frizz, and offers daily protection without weighing hair down. It’s a great maintenance product for dry or color-treated hair, but less powerful for deep bond reconstruction.
Olaplex No.3 Perfector
Repair effectiveness
9.5
Strengthening & bond repair
9
Hydration & frizz control
8
Ease of use
7.5
Briogeo Don’t Despair
Repair effectiveness
7.5
Strengthening & bond repair
7
Hydration & frizz control
8.5
Ease of use
9
Olaplex No.3 Perfector
Why You’ll Love It
Clinically backed bond-building ingredient that visibly reduces breakage
Noticeable increases in strength and manageability with regular use
Concentrated formula — a little goes a long way
Low / neutral scent suitable for sensitive users
Works well on chemically and heat-damaged hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair
Why You’ll Love It
Lightweight leave-in formula that tames frizz and adds softness
Easy, everyday application — no rinse required
Clean-leaning branding and ingredient profile many users prefer
Good for daily protection and detangling before styling
Generally more budget-friendly and accessible
Olaplex No.3 Perfector
Drawbacks
Pricier than many at-home treatments
Rinse-out treatment that requires leave-on time (not instant leave-in convenience)
Less focused on daily moisture/conditioning compared with leave-in products
Briogeo Don’t Despair
Drawbacks
Less intensive bond repair compared with concentrated bond builders
May not be sufficient alone for very severe chemical or heat damage
Olaplex No.3 is an intensive, at-home bond-rebuilding treatment (applied, left on, then rinsed) designed to repair chemical and mechanical damage. The paired No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is a supportive daily cleanser that helps maintain the rebuilt bonds, adds shine, and softens hair.
Pros:
Clinically backed bond-builder: noticeable reduction in breakage and increased strength after regular use.
Time-to-effect: visible improvement in manageability within a few uses.
Scent/texture: low/neutral scent; concentrated cream — a little goes a long way.
Primary target: chemical and heat-damaged hair, breakage, compromised bond integrity.
Cons:
Requires leave-on time and a rinse — not instant convenience.
Pricier per use than standard conditioning products.
Less focused on daily moisture than a dedicated leave-in.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Leave-In Treatment
Briogeo Don’t Despair is a lightweight leave-in conditioning treatment for daily use. It focuses on moisture infusion, detangling, frizz control, and protecting hair from ongoing stress during styling.
Pros:
Convenience: apply on damp hair — no rinse required; great for every-day protection.
Time-to-effect: immediate softness, easier detangling, and reduced frizz on first use.
Scent/texture: light, non-greasy formula with clean-lean branding.
Primary target: dryness, split ends, surface weakness, and daily protection before styling.
Cons:
Not as intensive at rebuilding internal bonds as concentrated bond builders.
May be insufficient alone for severe chemical or heat damage.
Apply to damp hair, leave 10+ minutes (or longer), then rinse
VS
Apply to damp hair and style — no rinse required
Rinse vs leave-in
Rinse-out (periodic treatment)
VS
Leave-in (daily use)
Typical use frequency
Weekly to biweekly, depending on damage level
VS
Daily or after each wash for maintenance
Scent
Mild / nearly scentless
VS
Light, pleasant fragrance
Packaging
Squeeze/tube packaging
VS
Pump bottle
Price level
$$$
VS
$
Target hair types
Chemically processed, heat-damaged, brittle hair
VS
Dry, frizzy, color-treated, and normal hair seeking protection
Cruelty-free
Yes
VS
Yes
Vegan-friendly
Formulation-specific (check label)
VS
Formulation-specific (many Briogeo formulas are vegan)
Recommended for severe damage
Yes — intensive bond repair
VS
Better for maintenance than intensive repair
Availability
Widely available at salons, retailers, and online
VS
Widely available at retailers and online
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Ingredients & Science: How Each Treatment Repairs Hair
Olaplex — patented bond builder
Olaplex centers on one patented active (bis‑aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate) that chemically targets and reconnects broken disulfide (S–S) bonds inside the hair cortex. That bond-rebuilding is a structural fix, not surface conditioning: it reduces breakage, restores tensile strength, and improves elasticity when given leave‑on time and then rinsed. Because it works inside the fiber, results persist through normal washing and styling until new damage occurs.
Briogeo — multimodal conditioning blend
Briogeo’s Leave‑In uses a cocktail approach: lightweight conditioning oils, humectants, plant-derived proteins, and antioxidants. These ingredients hydrate, smooth the cuticle, reduce friction (detangling), and give temporary protein reinforcement. Effects are mainly surface and near-surface: improved softness, shine, and manageability, with some short‑term strengthening from film-formers and proteins.
Leave-in vs rinse chemistry: longevity, buildup, and porous hair
Olaplex (rinse-out, bond-active): creates deeper, semi-permanent structural changes; low daily buildup; ideal for highly porous or chemically damaged hair because it works inside the strand.
Briogeo (leave-in): delivers immediate moisture and cuticle smoothing; effects are cosmetic and need regular reapplication; leave-ins can accumulate if overused, though lighter formulas minimize residue.
On porous hair: Olaplex penetrates and repairs internal weakness; leave-ins can be absorbed unevenly, sometimes needing lighter dosing to avoid heaviness.
Formulation philosophies & implications
Olaplex represents a clinical, single‑active strategy focused on repair depth. Briogeo follows a multimodal, natural-leaning strategy prioritizing hydration, protection, and daily manageability. For structural repair choose single‑active bond builders; for ongoing moisture and styling protection choose multimodal leave‑ins.
3
Performance in Real Use: Repair Results, Timing, and Suitability
Immediate vs. cumulative results
Olaplex: Expect structural improvements across multiple uses—measurable reduction in breakage and better elasticity after 2–6 treatments. Changes feel deeper (stronger strands, less snapping) rather than instantly silky. Best for chemically or heat‑compromised hair where bonds are actually broken.
Briogeo: Delivers instant softness, smoother texture, less frizz, and easier detangling from first application. Strength gains are more cosmetic and cumulative hydration-based rather than true bond rebuilding.
Hair‑type recommendations
Fine / low density: Briogeo (use sparingly) — lightweight and won’t usually weigh hair down.
Color‑treated: Both are safe; Olaplex better for preventing ongoing breakage, Briogeo adds shine and protection.
Curly / textured: Briogeo improves definition and moisture; Olaplex restores strength to chemically relaxed or heavily processed curls.
Coarse / thick: Olaplex for structural repair; Briogeo for daily manageability.
High‑porosity: Olaplex penetrates and repairs internal damage; follow with a leave‑in for retained moisture.
Styling, color, and common side effects
Styling compatibility: Both layer well under heat protectants; Briogeo doubles as detangler before styling.
Effect on color: Olaplex helps maintain color by reducing breakage and fading from damage; Briogeo enhances shine but won’t prevent bond loss.
Reported issues:
Residue or buildup with overuse of leave‑ins (Briogeo) on fine hair.
Slight weigh‑down if too much Briogeo is applied to thin strands.
Olaplex may feel less immediately cosmetic—some expect instant softness and are disappointed.
Neither is usually irritating, but patch test if sensitive.
Combining treatments & timing
Practical routine: Use Olaplex No.3 as a weekly or biweekly intensive bond‑builder; use Briogeo Leave‑In daily or as needed for moisture, detangling, and heat styling protection.
For severe damage: prioritize Olaplex for structural repair, then maintain results with regular leave‑in and conditioning.
4
How to Use, Cost & Value: Routine Integration and Amazon Buying Notes
Olaplex No.3 + No.4 — how to use
Use No.3 as an intensive bond repair: apply to damp, towel‑dried hair from mid‑lengths to ends, comb through, leave 10 minutes (up to overnight for stubborn damage), then rinse and shampoo. Recommended frequency: weekly for maintenance, 1–2× weekly for very damaged hair, or as needed.
Follow with No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo in regular washes (2–3× weekly) to gently cleanse while preserving repaired bonds and reducing breakage.
Briogeo Don’t Despair — how to use
Apply to damp hair, mid‑lengths to ends. Amount guide: 1 pump for short, 2 pumps for medium, 3–4 pumps for long/coarse or high‑porosity hair.
Frequency: daily or every wash as a leave‑in — ideal before heat styling or detangling.
Layering tips: pair with a lightweight oil or cream if hair is very dry; avoid heavy layering on fine hair to prevent buildup.
Cost, travel & value (Amazon approximations)
Olaplex bundle (listed ~$62): assuming common sizes (No.3 ≈ 3.3 fl oz + No.4 ≈ 8.5 fl oz → ~11.8 fl oz), ~ $5.25/oz. Estimated No.3 cost-per‑treatment: ~$1.50–$3.00 when used weekly (depends on portioning and whether bundle pricing discounts apply).
Briogeo (~$29 for ~4 fl oz): ~ $7.25/oz. Estimated cost-per‑use: ~$0.50–$1.50 depending on pump amount and frequency (daily users pay more monthly).
Travel & ease: Briogeo leave‑in is more travel‑friendly and usable on the go; Olaplex No.3 requires rinse time and a wash, better for planned treatments.
Olaplex: Pros — deeper structural repair, cost‑efficient per treatment for long‑term bond rebuilding. Cons — needs time to work, less convenient for daily use.
Briogeo: Pros — instant softness, daily protection, very convenient. Cons — higher oz price, less intensive for severe bond damage.
Final Verdict: Which Repair Treatment Should You Choose?
Overall winner: Olaplex No.3 — best for rebuilding structural damage from bleaching, chemical services, or severe breakage when you’re willing to use a periodic rinse treatment. Use Olaplex No.3 (with No.4 shampoo) for targeted bond repair every 1–2 weeks.
Choose Briogeo Don’t Despair for daily leave-in hydration, improved manageability and shine with gentler multi-ingredient conditioning. Combo recommendation: daily Briogeo leave-in for moisture and detangling, Olaplex treatments monthly for bond rebuilding. One-line profiles: heavy bleach/chemical damage = Olaplex; frizz/dryness and color-safe daily care = Briogeo. Ready to try both? Order the one that fits.
Hello! I’m Ava Wilson, a passionate advocate for healthy, beautiful hair. With years of experience in the hairstyling industry and a deep-rooted love for all things hair, I’ve made it my mission to share valuable insights and expert tips on nurturing and styling locks.
Long post (sorry) — I used to have shoulder-length color-damaged hair and tried EVERYTHING. Here’s my timeline:
1) Started with weekly Olaplex No.3 — noticeable decrease in breakage after ~6 weeks.
2) Added No.4 shampoo to my rotation — hair was softer and shinier.
3) Started using Briogeo leave-in on vacation and loved how polished my waves looked the next day.
So my conclusion: Olaplex for repair, Briogeo for styling/finish. Both can coexist in a routine. Also: patience is your friend. Treatments take time.
Humor time: Tried using both at once because why not — looked like a salon exploded on my bathroom sink 😂
Jokes aside, layering can be okay if done right (leave-in after rinsing out a treatment) but don’t mix wet formulas on top of each other immediately.
Long post (sorry) — I used to have shoulder-length color-damaged hair and tried EVERYTHING. Here’s my timeline:
1) Started with weekly Olaplex No.3 — noticeable decrease in breakage after ~6 weeks.
2) Added No.4 shampoo to my rotation — hair was softer and shinier.
3) Started using Briogeo leave-in on vacation and loved how polished my waves looked the next day.
So my conclusion: Olaplex for repair, Briogeo for styling/finish. Both can coexist in a routine. Also: patience is your friend. Treatments take time.
I have thick coarse hair and both have improved manageability. Olaplex softened my ends more, Briogeo tamed frizz on humid days.
Will say: scents can be strong. If you’re sensitive, test smells in-store.