With so many hair oils on the market making lofty claims, it can be hard to know which one is right for your locks. Two of the most buzzed-about options lately are Olaplex Oil and Moroccan Oil. But what exactly sets these sought-after serums apart?
I’ve tried them both, and in this post, I’ll compare Olaplex Oil vs Moroccan Oil to highlight the key differences. You’ll learn the benefits of each oil, their ideal uses and hair types, application tips, and whether one clearly comes out on top.
Let’s start with a quick overview before diving into the nitty gritty details!
Contents
- 1 Olaplex Oil Overview
- 2 Moroccan Oil Overview
- 3 Key Ingredient Differences
- 4 Ideal Uses and Hair Types
- 5 Application Tips and Frequency
- 6 Cost Comparison
- 7 Comparing the Pros and Cons
- 8 Which Hair Oil is Better Overall?
- 9 The Takeaway – OLAPLEX OIL VS MOROCCAN OIL: Which Hair Oil is Best for You?
- 10 Final Words
Olaplex Oil Overview
- Contains patented active ingredients found in Olaplex professional treatments
- Repairs broken bonds and restores integrity to damaged hair
- Provides intense hydration and boosts shine
- Use 1-2 times per week as a reparative treatment
- Best for overprocessed, chemically treated hair
- More expensive but a little goes a long way
Moroccan Oil Overview
- Formulated with antioxidant-rich argan oil
- Deeply conditions, smoothes frizz, and flyaways
- Leaves an intense shine
- Use daily as a styling oil or finishing touch
- Suitable for all hair types, especially dry or coarse hair
- The affordable price point for a high-quality oil
Now let’s dig into the nitty gritty!
Key Ingredient Differences
The first big difference between Olaplex Oil and Moroccan Oil lies within their unique formulations.
Olaplex Oil Key Ingredients
Olaplex Oil contains two patented active ingredients found exclusively in Olaplex products:
- Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate: Repairs and reforms broken disulfide bonds in damaged hair.
- No.28: Penetrates the hair shaft to restore integrity from within.
It also contains nourishing oils like meadowfoam seed oil, echium oil, and Abyssinian oil to condition and smoothen the cuticle.
But the proprietary Olaplex ingredients are really what set this oil apart. They work on a molecular level to restore damaged bonds and rebuild the hair structure.
Moroccan Oil Key Ingredients
Moroccan Oil is formulated with:
- Argan oil: Made from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco, argan oil is loaded with fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, and nutrients that deeply hydrate.
- Essential fatty acids: Strengthen and smooth the hair cuticle to reduce frizz.
It’s the high concentration of argan oil (along with some keratin proteins) that allows Moroccan Oil to provide such intense conditioning and shine.
While the oils have some overlapping benefits, Olaplex Oil tackles damage on a deeper level with those exclusive active ingredients.
Ideal Uses and Hair Types
Due to their different formulations and main benefits, Olaplex Oil and Moroccan Oil are suited to slightly different uses and hair types.
When to Use Olaplex Oil
Olaplex Oil is ideal for:
- Damaged, overprocessed hair in need of repair
- Restoring compromised hair structure
- Preventing and mending split ends
- Using as a periodic intensive treatment (1-2 times per week maximum)
Overprocessed hair that’s been subjected to excessive heat styling, chemical services, or harsh ingredients craves the bond-rebuilding magic in Olaplex Oil.
It’s not conditioner in the traditional sense, but rather a treatment that restores your hair’s foundation so it can return to a healthy state.
When to Use Moroccan Oil
Moroccan Oil works well for:
- Smoothing frizzy, coarse, or unruly hair
- Providing intense moisture to dry hair
- Detangling and reducing blow-drying time
- Enhancing shine and softness
- Daily styling and finishing
Moroccan Oil doesn’t claim to permanently transform your hair’s structure like Olaplex. But it can make a world of difference in boosting moisture, taming frizz, and giving you smoother, softer, shinier strands.
Use it daily as your go-to styling oil or finishing touch. It suits all hair types, especially those on the dry, frizzy side.
Hair Type Compatibility
Olaplex Oil is ideal for:
- Overprocessed, damaged hair
- Chemically treated hair (colored, bleached, permed, relaxed)
- Very dry, brittle hair
Moroccan Oil works well for:
- All hair types
- Especially frizzy, coarse, thick, or dry hair
- Curly and textured hair needing definition
Olaplex Oil definitely specializes in restoring compromised strands. If your hair is beyond salvaging, neither oil is likely to completely resurrect it.
But Moroccan Oil provides universal benefits like frizz control, softness and shine that work for any hair in need of hydration and smoothing.
Application Tips and Frequency
To maximize results, it’s important to apply these hair oils properly and use them at the right frequency.
How to Apply Olaplex Oil
A little Olaplex Oil goes a long way since it penetrates deeply into hair. Follow these tips when applying:
- Use only 1-4 drops for shoulder-length hair.
- Warm a small amount between your palms and distribute evenly from mid-length to ends. Avoid the roots.
- Concentrate on the most damaged areas like ends and around the hairline.
- Let sit for 10 minutes then rinse out thoroughly. Can also be left in.
- Limit use to 1-2 times per week MAX. Too much protein can cause overload.
How Often to Use Olaplex Oil
Olaplex Oil is intended as a periodic treatment, not an everyday product. Here are the general frequency guidelines:
- Severely damaged hair = 1-2 times per week
- Moderately damaged hair = Once a week
- Slightly damaged hair = Once every 1-2 weeks
Monitor your hair’s condition and adjust as needed. But take care not to overdo it with Olaplex Oil.
How to Apply Moroccan Oil
Moroccan Oil can be used in multiple ways:
- Apply a few drops to towel-dried hair before styling.
- Use as a finishing touch on dry styled hair to tame flyaways.
- Take a dime-size amount and scrunch into curly hair.
- Warm between hands and distribute through mid-lengths and ends as a daily conditioner.
- Massage a few drops into split ends to help prevent breakage.
How Often to Use Moroccan Oil
Moroccan Oil is gentle enough for daily use on most hair types. Here are general guidelines:
- Dry hair = Daily use encouraged
- Normal hair = 3-5 times per week
- Oily hair = Focus just on ends and avoid roots; 1-2 times per week
- Curly hair = Every wash day for hydration and definition
Use it as often as desired for styling, but monitor flatness or buildup on finer hair.
Cost Comparison
There’s a notable price difference between these two oils:
- Olaplex Oil: $28 for 1 fl. oz.
- Moroccan Oil Treatment: $15 for 1 fl. oz.
Prices are approximate and can vary over time based on the retailer. I’ve listed the typical pricing, but keep in mind costs fluctuate.
While Olaplex Oil has a higher upfront price tag, a little goes a long way. You only need a few drops per use. A 1 oz bottle can last months with weekly use.
Moroccan Oil is very affordable for its high quality. And you can be more generous with each application since it’s suitable for daily styling.
Overall, Olaplex Oil offers more value if your main priority is repairing or preventing damage in overprocessed strands. The concentrated formula makes the price per use reasonable.
Moroccan Oil is ideal if you want an everyday styling oil that provides hydration, smoothing, and shine at an accessible price point.
Comparing the Pros and Cons
Next, let’s look at the pros and cons of Olaplex Bonding Oil and Moroccan Oil:
Olaplex Bonding Oil Pros
- Repairs broken bonds and damage in the hair
- Strengthens and restores elasticity
- Hydrates to improve texture
- Provides heat protection up to 450°F/232°C
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly
- Free of 50+ harsh chemicals like sulfates and phthalates
Olaplex Bonding Oil Cons
- More expensive than some hair oils
- Contains silicones and artificial fragrance
- Requires consistent use for best results
- May cause irritation for sensitive scalps
Moroccan Oil Pros
- Ultra-hydrating and nourishing for hair
- Smooths frizz and flyaways
- Boosts shine and manageability
- Provides protection from environmental damage
- 100% natural ingredients
- Lightweight formula won’t weigh hair down
Moroccan Oil Cons
- Not as repairing severely damaged hair
- Relies on coating the hair rather than reconstructing
- Can build up on the hair over time
- Fragrance may be too strong for some
As you can see, each oil has its own set of advantages. Olaplex is unparalleled for reconstructing compromised hair bonds, while Moroccan Oil offers intense moisture and frizz control.
Which Hair Oil is Better Overall?
At the end of the day, is one hair oil clearly superior? The answer depends on your unique hair needs and priorities.
For damaged, overprocessed hair: Olaplex Oil is the clear winner. It contains patented active ingredients not found in any other product. Damaged hair fibers genuinely need those bonds reformed and strengthened from within. Moroccan Oil simply coats the hair, while Olaplex repairs it.
For adding moisture, shine, and frizz control: Moroccan Oil gets the edge. It provides universal benefits suitable for all hair types. The antioxidant-rich argan oil formula gives parched strands the hydration and nourishment they crave. Olaplex Oil focuses more narrowly on repair.
For a multi-purpose styling oil: Moroccan Oil reigns supreme. It can be used daily in multiple ways, from taming flyaways to speeding up blow dry time. Olaplex Oil is too specialized for a styling product.
For a periodic intense treatment: Olaplex Oil is the obvious choice. It actually transforms the hair structure when used properly 1-2 times per week. Moroccan Oil is great, but its effects are surface level compared to Olaplex.
The Takeaway – OLAPLEX OIL VS MOROCCAN OIL: Which Hair Oil is Best for You?
Olaplex Oil and Moroccan Oil both make hair look and feel healthier. But they work differently to achieve those results.
Olaplex Oil repairs damage and restores integrity through exclusive active ingredients. Moroccan Oil intensely conditions and smooths the cuticle with antioxidant-rich argan and essential fatty acids.
If I had to choose just one, I would pick:
Olaplex Oil if my hair was compromised and needed rehabilitation from chemical/heat damage.
Moroccan Oil if I simply wanted hydration, frizz reduction and shine for daily styling.
But for severely overprocessed hair, using both Olaplex Oil occasionally for targeted treatment along Moroccan Oil for regular conditioning would be the ultimate pairing!
Other Hair Brand Comparison:
Final Words
While both Olaplex Oil and Moroccan Oil improve hair’s look and feel, each serves a different primary purpose. Olaplex Oil rebuilds damaged strands through exclusive active ingredients. Moroccan Oil offers intense hydration and frizz control as a daily styling oil.
Figure out your hair’s biggest needs and priorities before choosing between these two buzzed-about oils. Compromised hair craves the bonding benefits of Olaplex. All hair types can enjoy the smoothing and shine of antioxidant-rich Moroccan Oil. Or use both together for a powerful one-two rejuvenating punch!
Whichever oil you reach for, commit to using it consistently and as recommended. That’s the key to seeing transformative effects over time. Your hair will look and feel healthier, shinier, and more vibrant.
