Attention all fans of smooth and healthy hair: Olaplex No.3 got a major upgrade. The brand reformulated its beloved treatment step into No.3PLUS, which features a patented bond-building technology, along with hydrators and smoothing agents, for stronger, shinier, and softer strands. And best of all, it’s currently 30% off for Amazon Prime Day.

What sets No.3PLUS apart from the original formula is its holistic approach to hair health. While the classic No.3 mainly repaired existing internal damage, the new formula addresses past and current damage while also protecting against future breakage and daily stressors—perfect for color-treated, heat-styled, or overly dry hair. It works across all hair types and only requires three minutes in the shower (the original treatment called for upwards of 20).

Olaplex No.3PLUS is a pre-shampoo treatment: Simply apply from root to tip, leave it on for three minutes, then rinse and continue with your normal hair wash routine. Not only does the mask work quicker than ever, but it also repairs and strengthens from within the hair strand using enhanced bond-building technology.

Curious to see how the new and improved mask performs on different hair types? Five Cosmo editors put Olaplex No.3PLUS to the test weeks ahead of the official launch to give our honest review. Keep reading to see our reviews:

Our reviews of the new Olaplex No.3PLUS

Beth Gillette, beauty editor
Hair type: Fine and straight

“I used to be a bright blonde, so trust me, I know the magic that Olaplex can do for damaged hair. But I’ve mostly stopped using the original No. 3 in the last few years with easier-to-use bond builders on the market. With this new reformulation, though, I’m back on my Olaplex game. I really just shift my shower routine slightly, but it is really no sweat and doesn’t take up any extra time. I hop in the shower, wet my hair, apply the mask, then spend three minutes washing my body and face and/or shaving, then shampoo and condition as normal. After I get out and blow-dry, my hair is so silky and smooth, but I’m especially excited to see how it helps my color-treated hair over the next couple of months.”

Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
Hair type: Long and wavy

“As an avid hot yoga goer who wears slicked-back buns multiple times a week, combined with living through one of the coldest winters in NYC and heat styling my hair from time to time, it’s safe to say my hair has gone through it over the last few months. It’s been desperately dry and thirsty, so this No.3PLUS mask came out just in time for my restorative everything shower.

I don’t typically use a pre-shampoo. I’m more of a hydrating-mask-in-lieu-of-conditioner type of person, so I was intrigued and ready to give this a go. I applied the formula from roots to tips, then followed with my go-to hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Immediately after, my waves were much more defined, and my hair was extremely soft to the touch. It added extra definition to my hair and eliminated the need for a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. This is definitely now part of my Sunday everything shower ritual.”

Lauren Balsamo, beauty director

Hair type: Fine and color-treated

“I won’t lie, I stopped using Olaplex No3 when I discovered K18 because time is everything for me these days, but now, thanks to this faster-than-ever innovation, I am so back on the Olaplex train. I love the way the new formula makes my hair noticeably softer and shinier in a single use and how the dullness and split ends I have from my monthly color appointment are less noticeable, too.”

Khadija Horton, senior designer

Hair type: Fine with lots of curls

“When I first heard about the new Olaplex hair mask was a pre-shampoo treatment, I was very excited to try it—especially because it can be used in the shower and relatively quickly. I really loved the smell, and it helped my other products lather really nicely. After rinsing, doing the rest of my hair routine and letting my hair air-dry, my curls felt smoother and less frizzy. However, if your hair is extra dry like mine, the ideal routine is using the pre-shampoo mask alongside a hydrating deep conditioner for a holistic curl routine.”

Jayne Lemire, executive assistant

Hair type: Thick and wavy

“The new formula for Olaplex No.3PLUS has been a complete game changer for my hair. After letting it coat my strands for three minutes and showering as usual, I did my standard blowout, but this time it looked noticeably shinier and felt softer and stronger than ever. It even cut down my styling time because my brush actually glided through my hair without any snagging or pulling. So few products deliver results that are this instant and obvious, so this one has officially earned a permanent spot in my routine.”

The Final Verdict:

The No.3PLUS Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment proves why Olaplex continues to lead in the haircare space. The mask works quicker than ever, delivering noticeable results to all of our testers after just one use. Across different hair types and textures, it left our strands softer, more defined, and easier to style than ever before. If your hair needs some restoration and your typical routine hasn't been cutting it, give No.3PLUS a try before your next wash day to amp up your hair health, especially in the winter.