Moroccanoil Treatment vs. Bond-Building Treatments: What's the Difference?

Clients often ask whether they should use an oil like Moroccanoil Treatment or a bond-building treatment, the kind of product many people know from Olaplex-style routines. The short answer is that they do different jobs, and many people use both. This guide explains the difference and how to choose. (We don't carry Olaplex, but we do carry several bond-building lines, listed below.)

What a hair oil does

Moroccanoil Treatment is an argan oil-infused hair treatment that has been Moroccanoil's signature product for years. Oils like this are typically used on damp or dry hair to add shine, help smooth the surface of the hair, and make it easier to comb and style. Many people use a small amount before blow-drying and a drop afterward to tame flyaways. There is also Moroccanoil Treatment Light for fine or light-colored hair. See the whole Moroccanoil Treatment collection.

Think of an oil as a finishing and conditioning step. It works on the feel and look of the hair's surface.

What a bond-building treatment does

Hair gets its strength from bonds inside the hair fiber. Chemical services like lightening and coloring, along with frequent heat styling, can weaken hair. Bond-building products are designed by their brands to support or help repair hair's internal structure, which is why they are popular with people who lighten their hair or have damage from heat.

Bond-building products come in several forms: shampoos, conditioners, masks and leave-ins. Each brand uses its own technology, so read each product page for how the brand describes it.

Bond-building and repair products we carry

Side by side

Hair oil (e.g. Moroccanoil Treatment) Bond-building treatment
Main job Shine, smoothness, manageability Supports hair's internal strength, per each brand
Typical use Damp or dry hair, daily or as needed As directed: often weekly masks or in-shower steps
Best for Dull, frizzy or hard-to-manage hair Lightened, chemically treated or heat-damaged hair

Can you use both?

Yes, and many routines do. A common order is to cleanse, apply the bond-building treatment as directed and rinse if required, condition, and then finish with a small amount of oil before styling. Always follow each product's directions, since some bond builders are rinse-out and others are leave-in.

Which should you choose first?

If your main frustration is frizz, dullness or tangles, start with an oil or serum. If your hair is lightened, breaks easily, or feels weak or stretchy when wet, a bond-building line is worth trying first. If both describe you, use both. Your stylist can look at your hair and tell you which matters more.

Tips for best results

  1. Use less oil than you think: start with a pea-size amount and add more only if needed.
  2. Keep oil on the mid-lengths and ends, away from the roots, especially if your hair is fine.
  3. Be consistent with bond-building products; most brands recommend regular use.
  4. Protect hair from heat with a heat protectant before hot tools.

Shop locally or online

Every product mentioned here is available at parkavesalons.com, shipped from our salon in Deer Park, NY, or ready for free pickup at 1940A Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. Have a question about which product fits your hair? Call 631-434-5540, or book a salon visit at 631-243-5927 and ask your stylist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moroccanoil Treatment a bond builder?

Moroccanoil describes Moroccanoil Treatment as an argan oil-infused hair treatment. It is mainly used for shine, smoothness and manageability, not as a bond-building product.

Do you sell Olaplex?

No. We carry other bond-building lines, including Joico Defy Damage, amika The Kure, Brazilian Bond Builder (BB3) and Kenra Triple Repair.

Can I use oil and a bond-building treatment together?

Yes. Many people apply the bond-building treatment as directed, then finish with a small amount of oil. Follow each product's directions.

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