Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo 250ml is a highly concentrated, sulfate-free bond-building shampoo that repairs everyday damage while it cleanses. It carries Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, the patented active behind the entire Olaplex system, which seeks out broken disulfide bonds inside the hair fibre and cross-links them back together. The result is stronger, more resilient hair with less breakage, fewer split ends and more shine, from a single wash.

Why This Shampoo Works

Colouring, bleaching, heat styling and even brushing snap the disulfide bonds that hold hair together. Most repair shampoos coat the outside of the strand and wash off. Olaplex works at a molecular level instead, rebuilding the bond structure inside the fibre. The abundant lather cleanses without stripping moisture, and because the formula is so concentrated a coin-sized amount is enough. A 250ml bottle stretches to roughly 100 washes.

Sulfate-Free, Explained

This is the single most-asked question about No.4, and the honest answer has nuance. The formula contains no SLS or SLES, the harsh sulfate detergents that strip colour and dry out the scalp. Cleansing comes instead from a gentle blend of coconut-derived surfactants. Label-readers will spot Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate in the ingredient list; despite the names, neither is an SLS-type sulfate, and both are far milder. It is also free from parabens, phosphates and phthalates.

Ideal For

Coloured, bleached, heat-styled or chemically treated hair, and anyone dealing with breakage, split ends or frizz. Formulated for medium to coarse textures across straight, wavy, curly and coily hair, at any porosity level. If your hair is fine and you want volume rather than richness, the No.4FINE version is the better fit. For build-up and hard-water residue, a common issue in the UAE, No.4C Clarifying is the one to reach for.

• Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate: the patented Olaplex bond-builder, the same active used in the professional salon system.

• Coconut-derived surfactant blend: Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate and Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate deliver a rich lather without SLS or SLES.• Glycerin and Panthenol: humectants that replenish hydration and soften the strand.

• Sunflower Seed Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil: nourishing lipids for shine and frizz control.• Amodimethicone: a conditioning agent that smooths the cuticle and aids detangling.

Vegan, colour-safe, cruelty-free, dermatologist tested and pH balanced. Carries the Olaplex signature scent of grapefruit zest, sugared mint, ginger and crushed sage, so it is not fragrance-free.

1. Dispense a coin-sized amount and emulsify between your hands. A little goes a long way with this formula.

2. Apply to wet hair and work through from roots to ends.

3. Lather thoroughly, then rinse well.

4. Follow with Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, or an Olaplex mask.

For deeper repair, use No.3 Hair Perfector as a pre-shampoo treatment, then No.4 and No.5. Avoid contact with the eyes.