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I’ve tried my fair share of haircare brands, but OUAI is one that always felt a little overhyped to me. After seeing it everywhere, I finally decided to try a few of their bestsellers for myself.
For reference, I have fine hair that gets oily at the roots but dry on the ends. I’m always looking for products that actually cleanse well without making my hair feel stripped or weighed down.
After testing several products from the line, I have some favorites and a few that I wouldn’t repurchase. So if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from OUAI, here’s my honest review.
About OUAI
OUAI was created by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin and is known for its minimalist aesthetic and heavily fragranced formulas. The brand focuses on simple routines and products that are meant to be easy to use, even if you are not spending a lot of time styling your hair.
OUAI Product Reviews
Detox Shampoo
This is easily one of my favorite products from OUAI and one I actually keep in my regular rotation.
I tend to reach for it when my hair is feeling extra greasy or sweaty, and it does such a good job of getting everything clean without leaving my hair feeling dry or straw-like (which is usually my issue with clarifying shampoos). It gives that really fresh, reset feeling, but my ends still feel like hair.
I also appreciate that the fragrance is much more subtle compared to other OUAI products. If you’re sensitive to strong scents like I am, this one is a lot easier to tolerate.
I don’t use it every wash, but as a weekly or as-needed clarifying shampoo, it’s one I come back to again and again.
Fine Hair Shampoo
As someone with fine hair, I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, it was a miss for me.
The biggest issue is that it just didn’t get my hair clean. And honestly, that’s something I don’t have patience for in a shampoo. I gave it a couple of tries, but each time my hair still felt dirty.
It also didn’t give me any noticeable volume, which is really what I’m looking for in a shampoo made specifically for fine hair.
If your hair doesn’t get oily quickly, you might have a different experience, but for me, this just didn’t do enough to be worth using.
Leave In Conditioner
This one is a bit of a mixed bag.
On one hand, it does work—it helps with detangling, adds some softness, and smooths frizz. But there are two things that made it hard for me to keep using.
First, the fragrance is very strong. Strong enough that it actually gave me a headache, which ultimately made it a no for me. It is now available in different fragrances, including my favorite St. Barts, but I have not had the opportunity to test it yet.
Second, it’s really easy to overdo it. Even a little too much can leave your hair looking greasy, especially if you have fine hair like I do.
If you’re not sensitive to fragrance and you’re careful with how much you use, you might enjoy it, but for me, it just wasn’t worth it.
Treatment Mask for Fine and Medium Hair
This mask is another standout product from the line.
Every time I use it, my hair feels noticeably softer and more nourished. It’s one of those treatments that actually makes a noticeable difference in my hair.
That said, it is a bit richer than I expected for something labeled for fine hair. Because of that, I don’t use it every week. For my fine, medium-length hair, about once a month is perfect.
The upside is that a tub lasts a long time, so even though it’s a higher-end product, you do get a lot of use out of it.
St. Barts Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub
This scrub is one of my favorite indulgences from OUAI.
I mainly use it on my body, and it feels like it’s actually doing something without ever being harsh. My skin comes out soft and nourished, and I love that it doesn’t leave any greasy residue.
The scent is perfect for me, warm and beachy, instantly reminding me of summer. Because of that, it’s a product I always look forward to using and plan to repurchase when I run out.
Final Thoughts on OUAI
OUAI has a few standout products, but as a whole, the line was hit or miss for me.
The biggest factor was the fragrance. A lot of the products are heavily scented, and that alone made some of them hard to use.
That said, there are a few I would absolutely repurchase. The Detox Shampoo is a staple when my hair needs a deeper clean without feeling stripped. The Treatment Mask leaves my hair soft and nourished, and the St. Barts Scrub is one I plan to buy again, especially for summer.
I do plan on trying the Thickening & Volume Spray for Fine Hair and the brand new Bond Repair Balm Hair Mask. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter, so you will be the first to know when I update this post.
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.
I just bought this but have not used it. I am fragrance sensitive. Do you know of good shampoo and conditioner for thin, fine, color treated hair that doesn’t have a strong smell?
Thank you
What about thick hair shampoo, conditioner and mask?
It wouldn’t be fair for me to review products for thick hair since mine is so thin.
I am looking for a good hard water shampoo line for color treated hair. I have very thick fine hair and have tried Olyplex Clarifying Shampoo as well as Malibu C for blondes shampoo/ conditioner and weekly treatments. Any suggestions?I’m not sure when I will be able to move back to civilization and can’t afford to continue buying expensive products. FYI: I have naturally waves hair and it falls flat after a blowout.
This is such a hard one. Hard water leaves minerals on your hair, which will weigh your hair down. Short of moving, the best thing you could do is use a shower head with a built in water filter.