We all dream of having silky, luscious locks, but let’s face it, not many of us are willing to break the bank in the process.
One of the hottest hair care products out there is Olaplex, known for its bond care technology - it's been a staple of many a hair care routine for years.
But with prices ranging from $35 to $98 per product, it’s definitely a hefty investment.
Dupes have been popping up everywhere lately, and Kmart’s OXX brand has dropped a whole line of budget-friendly alternatives that cost less than one Olaplex product.
The real question is, though, are they actually as good as the real deal?
I did a little digging into the ingredients to see if we can really call these Kmart options legit dupes, and trust me, the results are surprising...
So, let’s break down the differences.
HAIR OIL
OXX Haircare Active Bond+ 07 Restore Hair Oil ($10) vs. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil ($98)
Olaplex No.7 is famous for its bond-building magic ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. They say this works to “quickly and effectively repair broken bonds and restore healthy hair”, making it a favourite for anyone who’s dealt with colouring or heat damage.
Kmart No.7 skips the bond repair and focuses on nourishment instead, with a blend of botanical oils like Argan, Jojoba, and Rosemary. This oil is all about hydration and shine, great for everyday smoothness, but probably won’t do too much when it comes to repairing those broken bonds.
BOND SERUM
OXX Haircare Active Bond+ Protect 06 Hair Enhancing Drops ($10) vs. Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother ($61)
These two products both claim to be all about smoothing and hydrating your locks, but they’ve got different strengths when it comes to ingredients and results.
Kmart No.6 starts with Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, and Dimethicone for smoothness. It’s packed with Chia Seed Oil for hydration, plus Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein and Starch for some added strength.
Olaplex No.6, comes packed with the signature bond-building, but it also features a mix of oils like Sunflower, Coconut, and Grape Seed Oil, which boost moisture and shine.
Olaplex also has Aloe Vera and Red Algae that can provide extra hydration, repair and in some cases hair loss prevention.
If you’ve got damaged hair that needs some serious TLC, Olaplex No.6 is probably your best bet with its advanced bond-building and deep conditioning.
If you’re just after basic hydration and smoothness without the heavy price tag, Kmart No.6 is most definitely the more affordable option.
HAIR MASK
OXX Haircare Active Bond+ Restore 01 Hair Mask ($10) vs. Olaplex Bond Intense Moisture Mask ($61)
When reaching for a self-care Sunday boost for your locks a hair mask is a great one, but it all depends on what you want out of it.
Kmart No.01 kicks off with Water and Glycerin to lock in moisture, plus Coconut and Olive Oil for hydration. It also includes a little Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein to give hair a mild strength boost.
Olaplex No.8 starts with Water, Dimethicone and Avocado Oil to add hydration.
It’s also packed with a bunch of other oils, Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to lock in moisture and boost shine.
If your hair’s seen better days, both are a good option for moisturising your locks, but need some serious repair Olaplex can offer a deeper fix.
Kmart’s options are still a solid choice if you're on a budget - and who isn't? They're packed with great ingredients for only $10 a pop.
While they might not deliver the long-lasting, deep repair that Olaplex does, you can still walk around knowing your locks are feeling smooth, shiny, and hydrated on the cheap.
