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If you’re on the hunt for a new hair care brand that offers high-quality products at an affordable price, you might want to check out OUAI. Founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, the brand’s mission is to simplify hair care and make it accessible to everyone. OUAI Haircare has a range of products that address different hair concerns, from dryness and damage to frizz and lack of volume. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at OUAI, including its history, philosophy, and product lineup. Whether you’re a hair care novice or an experienced enthusiast, OUAI has something to offer. So, let’s dive in and explore the best and worst of OUAI.
About OUAI
Ouai Haircare is a brand that was founded in 2016 by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. Atkin is well-known for her work in the beauty industry and has styled the hair of some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Her experience inspired her to create a line of hair products that would be both affordable and high-quality, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
The brand’s vision was to make salon-quality hair care accessible to everyone, regardless of hair type or texture. To achieve this, Atkin worked with a team of experts to develop innovative formulas that would address the most common hair concerns, such as frizz, thinning, and color damage. The products are designed to work in combination with each other, making it easy to create a customized hair care routine.
Since its inception, Ouai Haircare has become a cult-favorite brand among beauty enthusiasts. The brand is known for its sleek packaging and effective, easy-to-use products.
OUAI Product Reviews
Detox Shampoo
The OUAI Detox Shampoo is the perfect solution for anyone in need of a deep cleanse for their hair and scalp. This clarifying shampoo contains apple cider vinegar to balance the scalp’s pH levels and effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup. In addition, the shampoo features hydrolyzed keratin, which works to strengthen and repair damaged hair.
Its lightweight gel-like texture easily lathers and rinses clean, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and revitalized. It’s safe to use on all hair types, including color-treated hair.
My Review
I really enjoy using the Detox Shampoo because it effectively clarifies my hair without leaving it feeling dry or stripped. One thing that stood out to me is the fragrance: while many OUAI products have a strong scent, this one is much more subtle. As someone who is sensitive to overpowering fragrances, I appreciate the more subdued scent of the Detox Shampoo. Overall, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to deeply cleanse their hair and scalp.
Fine Hair Shampoo
The OUAI Fine Hair Shampoo is enriched with key ingredients that work together to breathe life into fine, flat hair. Biotin, a B-vitamin, strengthens hair strands from the inside out, helping to reduce breakage and promote healthy growth. Additionally, chia seed oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, provides lightweight moisture to nourish and protect hair without weighing it down. Finally, hydrolyzed keratin, a protein naturally occurring in the hair, helps smooth and strengthen the hair shaft, reducing frizz and flyaways. Together, these nourishing ingredients leave hair looking and feeling healthier, fuller, and more voluminous.
This fine hair shampoo is gentle enough to use every day and won’t strip hair of its natural oils. Its lightweight formula lathers easily and rinses clean, leaving hair feeling fresh and full of body.
My Review
From my experience, the Fine Hair Shampoo didn’t quite meet expectations. I found that this shampoo did not get my hair very clean and it did not give my thin hair any added volume.
Leave In Conditioner
This frizz-fighting leave in conditioner with thermal protection repairs dry ends and protects against breakage, while adding slip to hair for seamless detangling. The formula is lightweight and non-greasy, leaving hair feeling silky and smooth without weighing it down.
The OUAI Leave In Conditioner can be used in a variety of ways, making it a versatile addition to your hair care routine. Use it as a pre-heat styling primer to protect your hair from heat damage, or as part of your wash-and-go routine to keep your hair healthy and radiant all day long. Thicker, coarser, or curlier hair types can also apply the conditioner on dry hair for a much-needed dose of hydration, shine, and flyaway control.
My Review
This product does work well. It has a nice nourishing formula that helps to detangle and reduce frizz. However, this product has a very STRONG fragrance. I had to stop using this leave-in conditioner because the fragrance gave me a headache.
Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
This restorative mask is designed to provide deep hydration, fight frizz, and strengthen fine to medium hair types. Infused with a nourishing blend of shea butter, panthenol, and hydrolyzed keratin, this mask restores moisture to dry, over-processed hair and leaves it feeling soft, shiny, and healthy without weighing it down.
The formula is enriched with shea butter to hydrate and condition hair, panthenol to restore shine and improve overall strength, and hydrolyzed keratin and protein to prevent breakage and reduce frizz and flyaways. This masque is suitable for all hair types and can be used regularly to maintain healthy and hydrated hair.
My Review
This mask was one of the first products from the brand that I tried, and it did not disappoint. Whenever I use it, my hair feels incredibly soft and silky, and it definitely provides some much-needed nourishment. However, I will say that it is a bit heavy, even though it’s specifically formulated for fine hair.
Ouai makes multiple hair masks. If you have thicker hair, you may want to try the Treatment Mask for Thick Hair.
Wave Spray
This weightless texture mist is free of harmful salts and instead relies on rice protein and coconut water to provide a natural, tousled look without drying out your locks. Not only is this spray safe for use on color-treated and keratin-treated hair, it also offers versatility in styling. For more defined waves, use a diffuser, or apply before heat-styling for added hold and dimension.
My Review
I’ve never been able to get my stick-straight hair to hold beachy waves for more than a few minutes. Unsurprisingly, this wave spray didn’t give me the waves I desire. I personally wouldn’t buy it again even if it had worked, because the scent is nauseating.
Some people love this product. If you don’t have an aversion to fragrance and your hair has a more natural wave to it, you may have a better experience than I did.
St. Barts Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub
The OUIA Salt & Body Scrub is formulated with sugar crystals, panthenol, glycerin, and coconut oil, to gently scrub and exfoliate the scalp and body, improve skin moisture, and nourish the scalp and body with fatty acids. Infused with a St. Barts scent that has notes of dragonfruit, orange blossom, tuberose, and musk, this scrub provides a luxurious sensory experience.
My Review
I tried the Scalp & Body Scrub and found it to be a great addition to my body care routine. While it can be used on both the scalp and the body, I prefer it as a body scrub. The sugar crystals provide a gentle exfoliation that doesn’t feel too harsh on the skin. The hibiscus and coconut oil blend left my skin feeling soft and nourished. Overall, I enjoyed using this product and would recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle yet effective body scrub.
Final Thoughts on OUAI
OUAI offers a variety of different hair care products that are safe for color-treated hair and cater to different hair types and concerns. While I didn’t love all of the products I tried, the Detox Shampoo stood out as my favorite. If you’re looking for a brand that provides color-safe hair products with fragrant options, Ouai is worth considering. However, if you prefer products with a more subtle scent, the OUAI brand may not be the best fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ouai a cruelty-free brand? A: Yes, OUAI is a cruelty-free brand that does not perform animal testing during the development phase or at the production level. The company also does not authorize any third parties to perform animal testing on their products.
Q: Can Ouai products be used on color-treated hair or extensions? A: Yes, all OUAI products, including shampoos and conditioners, are safe for color-treated hair, keratin treatments, Brazilian blowouts, chemically treated hair, and extensions. The products are also free of phthalates, sulfates, and parabens. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a stylist before using any new hair products.
Q: Are Ouai ingredients ethically sourced? A: Yes, all OUAI ingredients are ethically sourced within the USA. The company ensures that no ingredients used in their products are in danger of becoming extinct or obtained through slavery/child labor.
Q: Where can I buy Ouai products? You can purchase OUAI on their website as well as from other beauty retailers including Ulta and Sephora.
Recommended Reading
If you found this post on OUAI helpful, you may want to check out my reviews for different brands and additional hair care products.
