Why did Olaplex discontinue No.3?

A big shift in a beauty staple

Olaplex has announced that its widely used at-home treatment No.3 will be discontinued and replaced with a new formula. The move marks a notable moment for a product that, for years, has been positioned as a go-to for strengthening and repairing damaged hair between salon treatments.

The company framed the change as an upgrade: the new item is intended to succeed No.3 and offer improved performance. For consumers, the immediate effect is practical: shoppers who rely on the existing formula will see No.3 removed from the brand’s active lineup and replaced on shelves over time. The article did not provide a detailed timeline for when remaining stock will disappear or when the replacement will reach full distribution.

Why it matters

• No.3 has been a high‑visibility, mass‑market product in the hair‑repair category; its removal will leave a gap for users seeking the exact original formulation.
• Hair‑care retailers and resale markets could see temporary fluctuations in availability and pricing as inventory cycles out.
• The replacement signals Olaplex’s push to refresh its core products, which could influence competing brands to accelerate reformulations or launches.

What consumers should consider now

• If you have a routine built around the current formula, consider buying a backup supply if continuity matters to you; availability windows are uncertain.
• Once the replacement is widely available, compare ingredient lists and use instructions—formulation changes can alter how a product performs for different hair types.
• Expect communication from Olaplex about how the successor is intended to differ; until then, some practical details—like exact launch dates, price, and how the formula was changed—remain unclear.