OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother Review: What It Does, How It Differs From No.5 & No.7, and Drawbacks
· Amazed by MN
OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother is a leave-in styling cream from one of the best-known names in bond-building hair care. It is often bought as part of the full OLAPLEX lineup, which makes it hard to know what it actually does on its own. Here is what it is, how it differs from its siblings, and whether it is worth the price.
How we put this guide together: this review is based on OLAPLEX’s official product information, the complete ingredient list, and independent research. No brand paid for this placement. Last updated: September 2026.
Quick Verdict
A concentrated leave-in cream for frizz control, smoothing, and heat protection, used on damp hair before air-drying or blow-drying. Works for many hair types, from fine to coily. It is a styler, not an intensive repair treatment, and it is expensive for what is largely a conditioning cream.
What Is It, Exactly?
OLAPLEX describes No.6 as an out-of-shower styler that defines hair, controls frizz for up to 72 hours, and adds light hydration. It is different from:
- No.5 Leave-In (or the Moisturize and Mend Leave-in Conditioner): an out-of-shower conditioner focused on hydration, heat protection, and split ends.
- No.7 Bonding Oil: a lightweight styling oil focused on shine and heat protection. See our OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil review.
The brand says No.6 can be used alone or together with the others.
What’s Inside
The ingredient list starts with water, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, isohexadecane, coco-caprylate, and behentrimonium chloride, and includes OLAPLEX’s patented ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, along with sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, aloe, and panthenol.
- Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate: the patented ingredient found in all OLAPLEX products. The brand says it is designed to relink broken disulfide bonds in damaged hair.
- Cationic conditioning agents (such as behentrimonium chloride): soften hair and reduce static to smooth the cuticle.
- Dimethicone and other silicones: give slip, smoothness, and frizz resistance.
- Coconut-derived emollient, vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil: add softness and a subtle shine.
What OLAPLEX Claims
The brand lists these clinical results: 72-hour frizz control and humidity resistance, 91% easier detangling, 71% reduction in breakage during styling and brushing, and heat protection up to 450°F (232°C). These are brand-reported results.
How to Use It
- Apply one pump to clean, damp hair. Add more only if needed.
- Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, then comb through.
- Air-dry or blow-dry as usual.
- Some people also use a tiny amount on dry hair to tame flyaways.
Who It’s Best For
- Frizz-prone hair in humid weather
- Colored, bleached, or heat-styled hair that feels rough
- People who want one cream for smoothing and heat protection before blow-drying
Honest Drawbacks
- Price. It costs much more than most leave-in creams, and a large part of the formula is standard conditioning ingredients.
- Silicones. Dimethicone is high on the list. That is part of why it works on frizz, but if you avoid silicones, skip it.
- Easy to overdo. Too much can make fine hair look greasy or flat.
- It is not a bond-repair treatment on its own. OLAPLEX’s more concentrated treatment steps are separate products.
How It Compares
For humidity-proof smoothing, Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is another popular option, used with heat. If heat protection is your main goal on a budget, a dedicated spray like Moroccanoil Heat Styling Protection Spray may be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you rinse out OLAPLEX No.6? No. It is a leave-in treatment and styler.
Can I use OLAPLEX No.6 and No.7 together? Yes. OLAPLEX says they can be used together or separately. A common approach is No.6 on damp hair, then a drop of No.7 after styling for shine.
Is OLAPLEX No.6 a heat protectant? The brand says it protects up to 450°F (232°C).
The Bottom Line
OLAPLEX No.6 is a well-made smoothing and heat-protecting leave-in that many people love for frizz. It is a premium styler, not a miracle repair product, so buy it for smooth, manageable styling and set your expectations accordingly.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Amazed by MN earns from qualifying purchases.