Quick answer: shampoo first, then the Rinse-off Serum: 2 to 3 pumps through the lengths and ends, leave it 1 to 2 minutes, and rinse. Follow with the Rinse-off Mask or the Leave-in Mask, then the Bi-phase Oil if you want extra shine and frizz control. The serum is the concentrated repair step, so if you only add one product to your shampoo, make it the Rinse-off Serum, our price $57.75 (RRP $77).
Updated 15 November 2026 by the stylists at Next International, a L'Oréal Professionnel salon in Oxenford and Upper Coomera on the Gold Coast since 1992.
What is Absolut Repair Molecular?
It is L'Oréal Professionnel's repair range for hair that has been through a lot: bleach, regular colour, heat or all three. Every product uses Peptides Bonder plus 5 amino acids. L'Oréal says these are broken down so they can get inside the hair, where they reform and rebuild its molecular structure. The brand's headline claim is that it repairs 2 years of damage in 1 use.
In practical terms, it is for hair that feels weak, stretchy when wet, rough on the ends or prone to snapping. L'Oréal says it suits all damaged hair textures, whether coloured, lightened or natural.
What order do I use the products in?
| Step | Product | How much | Time | Rinse? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shampoo | Enough for a rich lather | Massage in | Yes |
| 2 | Rinse-off Serum | 2 to 3 pumps | 1 to 2 minutes | Yes |
| 3a | Rinse-off Mask | Lengths and ends | 1 to 2 minutes | Yes |
| 3b | Leave-in Mask | 2 to 4 pumps | Stays in | No |
| 4 | Bi-phase Oil | Shake, then a small amount | Stays in | No |
Step 3 is either or both. On a quick wash day, go straight from the serum to the Leave-in Mask. When your hair needs more, use the Rinse-off Mask and then the Leave-in Mask on top.
How do I use the Rinse-off Serum?
This is the step that confuses people, because "serum" usually means something you leave in. This one is a wash-day treatment.
- Shampoo with Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo and rinse.
- Squeeze the water out of your hair so the serum is not diluted.
- Apply 2 to 3 pumps from the lengths to the ends. Long or thick hair may need a little more.
- Leave it for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse.
- Follow with your mask.
L'Oréal says the serum contains 2% Peptides Bonder plus 5 amino acids and gives 3x more strength (instrumental test). The Bi-phase Oil is the one you leave in.
Which products should I buy?
A sulphate-free shampoo that foams well and detangles as it cleans. L'Oréal says it leaves hair up to 86% smoother (instrumental test).
Also in a 500ml bottle ($74.25) and a 500ml refill pouch ($63).
Shop Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo, our price $49.50 (RRP $66)
The step that does the heavy lifting. If your hair is bleached, stretchy or snapping, this is the one not to skip.
A light leave-in that absorbs fast and protects against heat up to 230°C. L'Oréal claims +97% strengthened hair. Use 2 pumps on shorter or finer hair and up to 4 on long, thick hair.
For people who like a classic mask. L'Oréal says it gives up to 85% more smoothness and up to 94% more resistance to breakage (instrumental tests).
Two layers in one bottle: a water phase with 1% Peptides Bonder plus amino acids, and an oil phase for shine and frizz. Shake it before every use. L'Oréal says it controls frizz for up to 3 days (instrumental tests).
Want to try it first? The 30ml size is $42 (RRP $56).
Shampoo and serum together come to $107.25. Add the Leave-in Mask and it is $162.75.
How is it different from bond builders like Olaplex or K18?
They are often grouped together, and they all aim to strengthen damaged hair from the inside. The difference is mostly in how you use them.
Olaplex No.3 is generally used as a treatment before shampooing. K18 is generally a leave-in mask used after shampooing. Absolut Repair Molecular is a whole wash-day routine built on peptides and amino acids, so the repair step sits inside your normal shampoo and mask.
We do not see it as one or the other. If you already have a bond treatment you like, keep it, and talk to us about how to fit the two together. If you want one routine that does the job each time you wash, this range is built for that.
How often should I use it?
Use the shampoo and serum every wash. For the masks, L'Oréal's guidance is once a week for moderate damage, and 2 to 3 times a week for highly bleached or chemically processed hair until strength and movement come back. If your hair stretches when wet, L'Oréal suggests putting weekly masking ahead of any more chemical services, which is what we would say too.
Damage is not the only issue? If your colour is fading or turning, read Is Metal Detox worth it? If frizz is the main complaint, see our Keratin Alpha Sleek guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do you rinse out the Absolut Repair Molecular Rinse-off Serum?
Yes. Apply 2 to 3 pumps to the lengths and ends after shampooing, leave it for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse and follow with a mask.
Can I use the Leave-in Mask without the serum?
Yes, and you still get heat protection up to 230°C. For the most repair, L'Oréal's routine puts the Rinse-off Serum before the masks.
How often should I use Absolut Repair Molecular on bleached hair?
Use the shampoo and serum every wash. L'Oréal suggests the mask 2 to 3 times a week for highly bleached or processed hair, until strength and movement improve.
Is Absolut Repair Molecular Shampoo sulphate-free?
Yes. It is a sulphate-free formula that still gives a rich foam.
Is Absolut Repair Molecular OK for fine hair?
Yes. L'Oréal says it suits all damaged hair textures. On fine hair, keep the Leave-in Mask to 2 pumps and the oil to the ends.
Is Absolut Repair Molecular the same as a bond builder like Olaplex or K18?
They share a goal, which is strengthening damaged hair from the inside, but they are used differently. Absolut Repair Molecular is a full wash-day routine using peptides and amino acids, so it can sit alongside a bond treatment you already use.
Need help choosing?
Next International is a L'Oréal Professionnel salon in Oxenford and Upper Coomera, and we sell the current Serie Expert ranges online at 25% off RRP.
Not sure how damaged your hair is? Our stylists can check its strength and tell you which steps you need. Book online in Oxenford or book online in Upper Coomera, or shop the Absolut Repair Molecular range. Standard shipping is free Australia-wide on orders over $200. Otherwise it is $14 standard (2 to 8 business days) or $18 express (1 to 5 business days), and click and collect from our Oxenford salon is free.
