Feels great on my scalp

One of the biggest strengths of this treatment is its focus on scalp health as the foundation of hair health. Many products prioritize shine or softness of the hair itself, but OLAPLEX No. 0.5 shifts attention to the environment where hair grows. With continued use, the scalp feels more balanced—less dry, less irritated, and noticeably calmer. For those who struggle with itchiness or tightness, this can be a significant improvement. It doesn’t feel like a harsh or medicated solution; instead, it works gradually to restore comfort.

Originally posted on OLAPLEX

WORKS— BUT AT WHAT COST???

Take my word on this as someone who normally doesn’t mind conventionally “bad” smells…. this product smells awful. The scent is a bizarre mix of acrylic paint and a musty, almost geriatric odor, and the worst part is that it lingers for nearly 24 hours. It’s not a quick “apply and it fades” situation… it sticks around. You can try to mask it with nice-smelling oils, but since this product is only effective if you’re using it daily or every other day, the trade-off just isn’t worth it. You basically end up walking around with the faint smell of this stuff on a consistent basis. Even if you’re single, imagine this: someone you find attractive accidentally getting a whiff of your scalp with this in… Your hair is actually freshly washed, completely clean… but because you applied this serum, it smells like acrylic paint and nursing home air. Completely unacceptable in 2026. In my experience, I’ve gotten the same — if not better — results with minoxidil, so I won’t be repurchasing this. I’m going to try a peptide serum instead for hydration. I want to add that the bottle is tiny for the price, and considering the awful smell and the amount you get, it’s simply not worth it. This formulation honestly feels lazy. Simply unacceptable.

Originally posted on sephora.com