IsItClean
All products
Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex

Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Shampoo Contains fragrance Contains colorants
79

Good

1 scans

Expert note

Acceptable formula for Curly, Damaged, Colored, Dry hair. This conditioner has a mix of beneficial and questionable ingredients.

Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo by Olaplex — a shampoo formulated to balance and care for scalp and hair. Designed to leave hair feeling refreshed and lightweight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Olaplex No 4 shampoo do?

Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo repairs broken disulfide bonds in your hair while cleansing. It uses the patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate technology to strengthen hair from the inside out, reducing breakage and restoring healthy structure with every wash.

How often should you use Olaplex shampoo?

Use Olaplex No. 4 every time you wash your hair — typically 2 to 3 times per week. It is gentle enough for daily use if needed. For best results, pair it with Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner and a weekly No. 3 Hair Perfector treatment.

Can Olaplex No 4 cause hair loss?

No, Olaplex No. 4 does not cause hair loss. It is formulated to strengthen and repair hair bonds, reducing breakage. Some users confuse reduced breakage-related shedding with hair loss. If you experience unusual shedding, consult a dermatologist as the cause is likely unrelated to the shampoo.

What is the difference between Olaplex No 4 and No 4C?

Olaplex No. 4 is a daily bond maintenance shampoo for regular washing. No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is a deeper-cleansing formula designed for weekly or bi-weekly use to remove product buildup, hard water minerals, and excess oil while still repairing bonds.

Is Olaplex shampoo sulfate free?

Yes, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo is completely sulfate-free. It uses gentle surfactants to cleanse without stripping hair of natural oils or color. This makes it safe for color-treated, keratin-treated, and chemically processed hair while still repairing broken bonds with every wash.

Is Olaplex a clarifying shampoo?

No, Olaplex No. 4 is not a clarifying shampoo — it is a gentle bond maintenance shampoo for regular use. If you need a clarifying option, Olaplex makes the No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo, which is a deeper-cleansing formula designed for weekly or bi-weekly use to remove product buildup, hard water minerals, and excess oil while still repairing bonds.

Is Olaplex shampoo good?

Yes. Olaplex No. 4 scores 71/100 in our ingredient analysis, rated Good. It contains the patented bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate bond-building technology that genuinely repairs hair damage at a molecular level. It is sulfate-free, paraben-free, and color-safe. Most users notice stronger, smoother hair with less breakage after consistent use.

Full Ingredient List

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamide MIPA, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Polyquaternium 10, Hexylene Glycol

Key Ingredients

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate

Gentle surfactant suitable for sensitive scalps

Cocamide MIPA

Foaming agent that can cleanse but may leave residue

Acrylates Copolymer

Film former, provides hold

Phenoxyethanol

Common preservative, generally safe in cosmetic amounts

Caprylyl Glycol

Preservative and skin conditioning agent

Ethylhexylglycerin

Preservative that conditions hair, generally well-tolerated

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient Details Rating
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Gentle surfactant suitable for sensitive scalps Moderate
Cocamide MIPA Foaming agent that can cleanse but may leave residue Moderate
Acrylates Copolymer Film former, provides hold Moderate
Phenoxyethanol Common preservative, generally safe in cosmetic amounts Moderate
Caprylyl Glycol Preservative and skin conditioning agent Moderate
Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative that conditions hair, generally well-tolerated Moderate
Fragrance Can cause allergies or irritation Moderate
Citric Acid pH adjuster, gentle exfoliant Moderate
Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster, used in small amounts Moderate
Benzyl Alcohol Preservative and solvent, may be drying in high amounts Moderate
Limonene Fragrance from citrus, may cause sensitivity in some Moderate
Linalool Fragrance component, potential allergen Moderate
Water Base solvent, neutral Good
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate Mild surfactant that cleanses without stripping natural oils Good
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Gentle cleanser, reduces irritation Good
Glycol Distearate Adds pearlescent appearance and improves texture Good
Glycerin Humectant, attracts moisture Good
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride Conditioning agent that reduces static and improves manageability Good
Polyquaternium 10 Improves hair texture and reduces frizz Good
Hexylene Glycol Solvent that can enhance penetration of other ingredients Good

Safety & Allergens

Fragrance allergens (linalool, geraniol, coumarin) may be present if fragrance is listed.

Colorants are aesthetic only — skip if you react to synthetic dyes.

Strong surfactants and fragrance can bother very sensitive scalps.

Patch test before full use if you have fragrance allergies or reactive skin.

Summary

Best suited for users seeking a clear, balanced cleanse. Effectively targets buildup while maintaining a light feel. Be mindful of surfactant strength and fragrance if you are sensitive.

Refreshing cleanse with balanced oil control Light fragrance in formula Sensitive scalps: monitor
Browse more products