In the ever-evolving world of hair care, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of products on the market—all promising healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair. Two standout names that have been gaining attention are the OUAI Leave In Conditioner and the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum.
Both products are backed by science, celebrity endorsements, and rave reviews. But how do they compare? Which one is better suited for your specific hair goals? In this guide, we dive deep into their ingredients, textures, scents, application methods, and pricing to help you make an informed choice.
What We’ll Cover:
- Product Overviews
- Ingredient Comparison
- Texture and Fragrance
- How to Use Each Product
- Price Breakdown
- Final Verdict
Product Overview: OUAI vs Olaplex
OUAI Leave In Conditioner
Founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, OUAI is a California-based brand offering chic, effortless hair and lifestyle products tailored for modern users. Among their bestsellers is the OUAI Leave In Conditioner, a multitasking spray designed to:
- Detangle hair
- Control frizz
- Protect against breakage
- Offer heat protection up to 450°F (232°C)
Whether you’re prepping for heat styling or air-drying naturally, this product adds shine and smoothness without weighing hair down.
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex is known for its revolutionary Bond Building Technology™, which repairs damaged hair from within. The Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Serum stands out for its antioxidant-rich, lightweight formula that:
- Shields hair from pollution and UV exposure
- Smooths and detangles
- Provides heat protection up to 450°F (232°C)
- Enhances shine and bounce
Formulated with Red Algae Extract and the brand’s patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, this serum is designed for long-lasting environmental protection and styling support.
Ingredient Comparison: Inside the Formulas
OUAI Leave In Conditioner
OUAI’s formula blends hydrating and protective ingredients that support hair health:
- Tamarind Seed Extract – Lightweight hydration and antioxidant benefits
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – Moisturizes and strengthens hair strands
- Vitamin E – Protects hair from environmental damage and retains moisture
- Hydrolyzed Proteins – Strengthens hair and reduces damage from heat and pollutants
This product is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from gluten, parabens, phthalates, SLS, and SLES.
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Olaplex focuses on internal hair repair and external protection with these key ingredients:
- Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate – Restores and rebuilds broken hair bonds
- Red Algae Extract – Rich in antioxidants, hydrates, and shields hair from pollutants and UV rays
This serum is also silicone-free, lightweight, and suitable for all hair types.
Texture and Scent: What You’ll Experience
OUAI Leave In Conditioner
Texture: A light lotion-like spray—not too watery, yet still easy to apply and absorb. Despite its consistency, it won’t weigh down the hair and works effectively for detangling and softening.
Scent: Features North Bondi, a floral fragrance with notes of bergamot, violet, and white musk. Users describe it as fresh, luxurious, and salon-like—lingering lightly throughout the day with a soft, powdery finish.
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Serum
Texture: A light liquid serum that glides through hair effortlessly. It’s silicone-free and quickly absorbed, offering hydration without residue or buildup.
Scent: Clean and subtly citrusy, thanks to the inclusion of Citral, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, and Limonene. Many users enjoy its light, refreshing aroma reminiscent of a high-end salon.
How to Use OUAI Leave In Conditioner vs Olaplex No.9 Serum
OUAI Leave In Conditioner
Best for: Thicker, coarser, or frizz-prone hair
How to apply:
- Use on damp, towel-dried hair.
- Spray from 6–8 inches away, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
- Avoid the roots to prevent greasiness.
- Comb through with a wide-toothed comb for even distribution.
- Use before air-drying or heat styling.
Perfect for detangling, smoothing, and prepping the hair before styling with heat tools.
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum
Best for: Anyone seeking pollution defense and style memory
How to apply:
- Dispense 1–2 pumps into hands.
- Apply to damp hair, from ends to roots.
- Style as desired: air-dry, blow-dry, or diffuse.
- For enhanced results, layer with Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother and/or No.7 Bonding Oil (sold separately).
- Can also be used sparingly on dry hair to tame frizz and static.
This serum protects hair against environmental aggressors for up to 48 hours, while supporting long-lasting styles.
Price Comparison: What Do They Cost?
| Product | Size | Price |
| OUAI Leave In Conditioner | 45ml | ~$17 |
| OUAI Leave In Conditioner | 140ml | ~$30 |
| Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Serum | 90ml | ~$30 |
Takeaway: While both products are priced at around $30 for full sizes, OUAI offers a smaller bottle at a more budget-friendly entry point, whereas Olaplex delivers highly concentrated results in a compact format.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the OUAI Leave In Conditioner and Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Serum are standout hair care solutions—but they cater to slightly different needs.
Choose OUAI Leave In Conditioner if you:
- Need a multi-tasking detangler and heat protectant
- Want a lightweight spray that softens and smooths
- Prefer a salon-fresh floral scent
- Are focused on daily conditioning and shine
Opt for Olaplex No.9 Serum if you:
- Want advanced protection from pollution, UV, and heat
- Prefer a weightless serum with high-tech repair benefits
- Are interested in enhancing style memory and bounce
- Like a clean citrus scent and a non-greasy finish
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between OUAI Leave In Conditioner and Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum comes down to your individual hair care goals.
- For tangle-prone, dry, or frizzy hair, OUAI offers instant results with luxurious hydration and styling ease.
- If your priority is defending against environmental stressors while boosting style longevity, Olaplex No.9 is a powerhouse performer.
Whatever your hair type or routine, both products deliver visible results and quality care. Choose the one that aligns best with your daily needs—and enjoy the transformation.