Olaplex Royal Family Pack Review: What I Actually Think After 40 Years Behind the Chair
After forty years behind the chair, I’ve seen just about every “miracle” product come and go. Some make big promises and fizzle out after a few months. Then there are a few that quietly earn a permanent spot on my back bar because they actually do what they claim. Olaplex is one of those.
A client asked me last week, “Kathy, is Olaplex really that good or is it just hype?” I laughed because I’ve asked myself that same question a few times over the years. So, between appointments, I decided to take a closer look at the full Olaplex Royal Family Pack and tell you the truth, stylist to client.
The Truth About What It Does (and Doesn’t Do)
Olaplex built its reputation on one thing: repairing the internal bonds inside your hair. Every bit of coloring, bleaching, and heat styling breaks those down little by little. That’s what causes frizz, split ends, and that dry, straw-like texture we all try to hide with oils and masks.
Here’s where Olaplex stands out. It actually works inside the hair to rebuild those bonds. It’s not a surface fix or a quick coat that makes your hair feel soft for a day and then fades away.
Now, let me be clear. If your hair is completely fried, no product will perform a miracle. Sometimes you just need a good cut to start fresh. But if your hair is dry, brittle, or tired from color, Olaplex can bring it back to life over time.
Last Tuesday, one of my regulars, Sarah, came in after bleaching her own hair at home. It was gummy when wet, that scary, stretchy texture that tells me the bonds are barely hanging on. We used the No. 0 and 3 combo, and I sent her home with the rest of the set. When she came back two weeks later, I could feel the difference while cutting. Softer, smoother, and way less breakage. She smiled and said, “It finally feels like hair again.” That’s why stylists trust it.
Breaking Down the Royal Family Pack
I’ll be honest, I used to roll my eyes at all the “number” products. It felt like math homework. But once you understand how they work together, it starts to make sense.
No. 0 and No. 3 are your treatment steps. No. 0 preps the hair so No. 3 can get deep in there to rebuild. I always tell clients to apply them to damp hair, not soaking wet, and give it at least ten minutes. I say “at least,” but truthfully, I’ve had clients forget and leave it for an hour, and their hair still looked great.
No. 4 and No. 5 are the shampoo and conditioner. These feel different than most salon lines. The shampoo lathers rich and creamy, but it doesn’t strip your hair. The conditioner is thick and buttery but rinses clean. Both are safe for color, which is huge for my highlight clients.
No. 6 is the star for me. If you only buy one thing, make it this. It’s a leave-in cream that smooths, hydrates, and protects. I use it before blow-drying and even on dry hair between washes. It cuts frizz, shortens blow-dry time, and makes the hair feel finished. I’ve told clients more than once, “If Olaplex had a mascot, it would be No. 6.”
No. 8 is the deep moisture mask. It’s rich, smells clean, and gives beautiful shine. But here’s my honest take. If your hair is fine or oily, it might feel a bit heavy. I always say start small. Use less than you think, and you’ll get that silky finish without weighing your hair down.
What Makes It Worth It
These formulas are clean. No sulfates, parabens, or silicones, and they’re vegan too. You can tell the difference just by the way they rinse. No film or residue, just soft, balanced hair.
I love that it works on all textures. I’ve used it on curly, straight, coarse, and highlighted hair, and it delivers every time. That’s not marketing talk. That’s forty years of watching results happen in my chair.
And let’s be honest, New Jersey weather doesn’t do us any favors. Between humidity in summer and static in winter, hair takes a beating. Olaplex helps even that out. It gives consistency. I can always tell when a client has been using it regularly because their hair feels easier to work with and holds a style better.
Behind the Chair Perspective
Not everything about Olaplex is perfect. Some clients get too excited and overuse it. More isn’t better. It’s about balance. I always tell them, “Use it weekly, not daily.” And I’ll admit, I’ve mixed up the order once or twice when I was in a rush. No. 3 before shampoo, No. 6 after, right? Easy to forget when your mind’s on three clients at once.
But overall, it’s one of the few product systems I trust enough to send clients home with, no hesitation. The long-term difference is real. Less breakage, better shine, and smoother styling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to repair damage or just want your hair to feel healthy again, the Olaplex Royal Family Pack is a solid investment. You don’t have to use every product every time. Start small. Maybe grab No. 3 and No. 6 first, and build from there.
And if you’re not sure which ones your hair really need, stop by the salon. We’ll take a look, talk through your routine, and customize it. Sometimes what your hair needs isn’t another product, it’s just a smarter plan.
You can shop it here:
Olaplex Royal Family Pack No.0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
The Warehouse Salon (Studio 360 Salon)
650 Shunpike Rd, Chatham Township, NJ 07928
Call (973) 360-0900 or book online: Book an appointment
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