Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Olaplex Shampoo (No. 4)
Best for Damaged HairRedken All Soft Shampoo
Best OverallPrice
$28-$32
$20-$30
Summary
Reddit's go-to for chemically damaged or color-treated hair, with users reporting hair that feels genuinely repaired after consistent use. A true cult product.
Consistently praised as a holy grail by Reddit's hair communities for everyday softness and hydration. Users who stray always come back to it.
Pros
- Specifically formulated to repair bond damage from bleach and color
- Cult-level loyalty among Reddit's beauty communities
- Works well as part of the full Olaplex system or standalone
- Widely praised for making damaged hair feel genuinely healthier
- Universally praised across multiple Reddit hair communities
- Works as a reliable everyday shampoo for most hair types
- Delivers consistent softness and moisture without weighing hair down
- Strong repeat-purchase loyalty among long-term users
Cons
- Premium price point, especially for regular use
- Less effective on hair that isn't chemically processed
- Some users find it too heavy for fine hair
- Mid-range price point, not a budget option
- May not be enough hydration for very coarse or damaged hair
- Not a clarifying option for oily scalp types
Our take
If your hair has been through bleach, heat, or color damage, Olaplex No. 4 is the one people keep coming back to — it's the benchmark everything else gets compared against.
This is the shampoo people keep returning to after trying everything else — that loyalty tells you everything you need to know.
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