If you’re dealing with frizz, dryness, or lack of definition in your hair, you’ve likely come across two popular solutions from OUAI: OUAI Hair Oil and OUAI Wave Spray. Both products are well-loved by users and come from the same trusted brand — but they serve very different purposes. So how do you decide which one is right for your hair type and routine?
In this comparison guide, we’ll explore the key features, ingredients, texture, usage, and pricing of OUAI Hair Oil and OUAI Wave Spray to help you choose the best product for your specific hair needs.
What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- What are OUAI Hair Oil and OUAI Wave Spray?
- Ingredient Breakdown
- Texture and Fragrance
- How to Use Each Product
- Price Comparison
- Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Introduction to OUAI Hair Oil and OUAI Wave Spray
OUAI is a California-based beauty brand founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, known for its modern, minimalist products and premium haircare solutions. The brand offers a wide range of items — from shampoos and conditioners to styling sprays and treatment oils — tailored for all hair types.
Among their top-selling products are:
- OUAI Hair Oil – A multitasking treatment that smooths frizz, seals split ends, and protects hair from heat and UV exposure while adding brilliant shine.
- OUAI Wave Spray – A lightweight, salt-free mist that enhances natural texture and creates effortless beach waves without drying out the hair.
While both products are designed to elevate your hair’s appearance and health, they cater to different needs. OUAI Hair Oil focuses on moisture and repair, while OUAI Wave Spray is all about defining and enhancing natural waves or curls.
Ingredient Comparison: What’s Inside Each Product?
OUAI Hair Oil
OUAI Hair Oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates (SLS & SLES), phthalates, and gluten. It features a powerhouse blend of natural oils that nourish and protect the hair:
- Borage Oil – Rich in nutrients that hydrate from within, reduce inflammation, and restore elasticity.
- Galanga Root Extract – Boosts circulation to the scalp, strengthens follicles, and protects color-treated hair from UV damage.
- Ama Oil – A nourishing blend of sunflower seed oil and amaranth extract that shields hair against humidity and prevents breakage.
- Baobab Seed Oil – Deeply moisturizes both hair and scalp, helping to combat dryness, flakiness, and dandruff.
OUAI Wave Spray
Unlike traditional wave sprays that use drying sea salt, OUAI Wave Spray relies on rice protein to create textured waves — making it a safer option for color-treated or keratin-treated hair.
Key ingredients include:
- Rice Protein – Helps protect hair fibers from sun damage and prevents keratin degradation.
- Coconut Water – Rich in amino acids to hydrate, strengthen, and reduce breakage.
Texture & Fragrance: How They Feel and Smell
OUAI Hair Oil
This oil has a light, non-greasy texture, making it suitable for all hair types — including fine hair. It absorbs quickly without leaving a residue, smoothing and softening the hair effortlessly.
The fragrance is elegant and feminine, with floral notes of violet, gardenia, ylang-ylang, and a subtle base of white musk. Users often describe the scent as clean, fresh, and luxurious.
OUAI Wave Spray
The OUAI Wave Spray has a watery consistency, delivered as a fine mist. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t weigh the hair down.
The scent is one of the product’s highlights — inspired by Sydney’s Bondi Beach, it features a layered blend of:
- Top Notes: Bergamot, Apple Blossom, Italian Lemon, Raspberry
- Middle Notes: Jasmine, Rose de Mai, Violet
- Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, White Musk
It’s a fresh, beachy fragrance that lingers without overpowering.
How to Use OUAI Hair Oil and Wave Spray
OUAI Hair Oil
Ideal for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, OUAI Hair Oil helps seal split ends and prevent heat and UV damage.
How to use:
- Apply 1–3 drops to wet or dry hair, from mid-lengths to ends (avoid the roots).
- Comb through and style as usual.
- Use before heat styling or after a blowout to tame flyaways and add shine.
Its lightweight formula makes it perfect for regular use without buildup.
OUAI Wave Spray
Designed to add texture and hold for beachy waves, OUAI Wave Spray works best on wavy or curly hair types.
How to use:
- Spray generously on damp, towel-dried hair from roots to ends.
- Scrunch the hair using your hands and let it air dry, or diffuse with a blow dryer.
- Can also be used on dry hair to revive flattened waves or curls.
Since it’s salt-free, the formula adds body without stiffness or dryness — just soft, tousled texture.
Note: Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
Price Comparison: Which Offers Better Value?
Here’s a general price breakdown:
| Product | Size | Approx. Price |
| OUAI Hair Oil | 15ml | $15–$18 |
| 45ml | $30 | |
| OUAI Wave Spray | 30ml (Mini) | $17 |
| 145ml | $28–$35 |
Verdict: OUAI Hair Oil tends to be slightly more expensive, especially per fluid ounce. However, because it requires only a few drops per use, it lasts a long time. OUAI Wave Spray, in contrast, offers better volume value and is more affordable in larger sizes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose OUAI Hair Oil or OUAI Wave Spray?
Choose OUAI Hair Oil if you:
- Have dry, frizzy, or damaged hair
- Regularly heat style or color your hair
- Want a lightweight oil that smooths and protects
- Prefer a floral, luxurious scent
Choose OUAI Wave Spray if you:
- Have wavy or curly hair
- Want to enhance texture and definition
- Prefer a salt-free formula that won’t dry your hair
- Enjoy fresh, beach-inspired fragrances
Both products serve different — yet complementary — purposes. In fact, they can be used together in your routine: start with OUAI Wave Spray to define your texture, and finish with a few drops of OUAI Hair Oil to tame frizz and add shine.
Conclusion
Whether you’re aiming to repair and protect or enhance and style, OUAI offers high-quality solutions that cater to your hair’s unique needs. By understanding the benefits of both OUAI Hair Oil and OUAI Wave Spray, you can confidently choose the best match — or even combine them for a complete haircare upgrade.