Amika Vs. OUAI: Which Haircare Brand Is Better?

Amika and OUAI are two popular haircare brands that offer a range of products for different hair types and concerns. Both brands use high-quality ingredients and effective formulations, but have some key differences.

A Brief Comparison Table

*Category*	Amika	OUAI
Key Ingredients	Keratin, Rice Water, Sea Buckthorn Berry	Smart Keratin, Melanin
Best For	All hair types, damaged hair	Fine to thick hair
Hero Products	Soulfood Nourishing Mask, The Kure Intense Repair Mask	Treatment Masque, Leave-In Conditioner
Price Range	$$$	$$
Sustainability	Reusable aluminum bottles, some recycled plastic	Recycled plastic bottles
Cruelty-Free	Yes	Yes
Accessibility	Salon, online, Sephora	Online, Sephora, Ulta
Signature Scents	Fruity, floral	Coconut, vanilla
Country of Origin	United States	United States

Overview of Amika

Amika haircare was founded in 2007 and has become a leader in sulfate-free, nourishing formulas for all hair types. Their products are free of parabens, phthalates, and gluten.

Some of the key ingredients Amika uses include:

Sea buckthorn berry – Rich in vitamins and antioxidants for healthy hair.
Rice water complex – Hydrates and smooths hair.
Keratin – Strengthens and repairs hair.

Some of Amika’s most popular products include:

Soulfood Nourishing Mask – An intensive weekly mask that deeply conditions.
Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo – Keeps blonde hair bright.

The Kure Intense Repair Mask – Repairs damage and split ends.
Perk Up Dry Shampoo – Revives hair without leaving residue.

The brand offers products for all hair types, from curly to straight, and for all hair needs, like smoothing, volumizing, color protection, and more. The shampoos and conditioners range from $20-$30 while styling products and masks cost between $25-$35.

Overview of OUAI

OUAI was founded in 2016 by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. The brand’s ethos is based on Jen’s signature haircare techniques for her A-list clientele.

Some key features of OUAI’s products include:

Smart technology with keratin, melanin, and amino acids to target specific hair goals.

Weightless formulas that don’t leave buildup.
Trendy unisex scents like coconut, vanilla, and jasmine.
Options for all hair types including fine, thick, curly, and color-treated.

Bestselling OUAI products include:

Treatment Masque – A nourishing weekly mask.
Leave-In Conditioner – Lightweight detangling and heat protectant.

Wave Spray – Enhances texture and volume.
Dry Shampoo Foam – Cleans without white residue.

OUAI’s products range from $24-$32 for shampoos and conditioners and $26-$36 for styling products and masks. The brand is sold at Sephora, Nordstrom, Revolve, and on their own website.

Key Differences Between Amika and OUAI

Amika and OUAI have some clear similarities but also key differences that set them apart. Here is an in-depth look at how they compare:

Key Ingredients

Amika uses a range of plant-based and advanced ingredients like:

Keratin – Restores strength and elasticity to damaged hair.
Sea buckthorn berry – An antioxidant-rich oil that nourishes hair.

Rice water complex – Amino acids repair and smooth hair.
Biotin & Collagen – Support strong, healthy hair growth.
Tamanu Oil – Deeply hydrates and reduces frizz.

OUAI relies heavily on:

Smart Keratin – Penetrates deeper than traditional keratin.
Melanin – Mimics natural hair pigments to reduce damage.

Amino acids – Lightweight hydration and shine.

Winner: Amika, for its wider range of restorative ingredients tailored to different needs.

Hair Type Suitability

Amika is formulated for all hair types including:

Curly – Hydrating formulas reduce frizz.
Colored – Protects color vibrancy with UV filters.

Damaged – Restores hair with bond-building ingredients.
Thick – Lightweight moisture without heaviness.
Thin/fine – Volumizing proteins and conditioners.

OUAI works best for:

Medium to thick hair – Provides moisture without weighing hair down.
Straight to wavy hair – Smooths without pulling curls down.

All textures – Leaves hair touchably soft.

Winner: Amika, with more specialized options for different needs and hair types.

Hero Products

Amika’s most popular products include:

Soulfood Nourishing Mask – An ultra-hydrating weekly treatment.
The Kure Intense Repair Mask – Repairs damage and split ends.

Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Shampoo – Brightens and neutralizes brassiness.
Perk Up Dry Shampoo – Absorbs oil while volumizing.

OUAI’s bestsellers are:

Treatment Masque – Nourishes and strengthens with Smart Keratin.
Leave-In Conditioner – Lightweight formula detangles and protects.
Wave Spray – Enhances natural texture.

Dry Shampoo Foam – Cleans without white residue or oiliness.

Both brands offer stellar hero products catered to different needs.

Also Read: Comparison Between OUAI And Brigeo

Pricing

Amika shampoos and conditioners range from $20-$30 while masks and styling products are $25-$35.

OUAI pricing is similar with shampoos and conditioners between $24-$32 and other products from $26-$36.

Winner: Tie. Both are considered mid-range brands with comparable pricing.

Sustainability

Amika has made strides in sustainability by:

Using recycled aluminum bottles.
Moving some products to recycled plastic packaging.
Partnering with environmental non-profits.

OUAI takes steps like:

Using 100% recycled plastic in bottles.
Offsetting carbon emissions.

Providing recycling programs for empties.

Winner: Tie. Both brands are making solid efforts for eco-friendly packaging and manufacturing.

Also Watch This Review Video:

Cruelty-Free Standard

Importantly, both Amika and OUAI are certified cruelty-free brands by Leaping Bunny and PETA. They do not test on animals.

Accessibility

Amika sells through:

Salons and professional retailers.
Online through their website and Amazon.

Select Sephora stores.

OUAI is accessible through:

Their website and subscription plans.

Sephora, Nordstrom, Revolve, and more retailers.
Ulta Beauty stores and online.

Winner: OUAI, for having a stronger presence across top beauty retailers.

Signature Scents

Amika products feature light fruity and floral scents like:

Coconut, mango, and citrus.

Lavender and vanilla.

OUAI opts for warm scents like:

Coconut milk and vanilla musk.

Jasmine and white musk.

Winner: Tie. Both have pleasant, not overpowering scents.

Country of Origin

Both Amika and OUAI are American haircare brands founded and manufactured in the United States.

Also Read: Is L’Oreal Elvive Better Than Everpure Purple Shampoo?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is amika a luxury brand?

Amika is considered a premium salon-quality brand but not luxury. Its prices range from $20-$35 which is on par with other professional haircare lines like Alterna and Briogeo. The ingredients and formulations are very high-quality though not as expensive as ultra luxury brands.

What hair type is amika for?

Amika works well for all hair types including curly, straight, thick, thin, color-treated, and damaged hair. They offer collections tailored for each hair need. Their nourishing, gentle formulas make Amika a good choice for most.

Is OUAI good for damaged hair?

Yes, OUAI can be beneficial for damaged hair. Products like their Treatment Masque contain Smart Keratin to help rebuild damaged strands. The Leave-In Conditioner also helps reduce breakage and split ends. Those with very over-processed hair may want something even more reparative.

Is amika keratin safe?

Yes, amika uses a plant-based keratin called Quadramine Complex that is safe and effective. It helps reinforce the hair cortex without formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals. Their keratin treatments are gentler than many salon services while still smoothing and strengthening hair.

Also Read: Comparison Between OUAI and Ouidad

Final Thoughts

Amika and OUAI both make excellent haircare products with high-quality ingredients, beautiful packaging, and effective results.

For damaged, colored, or curly hair, Amika’s nourishing formulas with restorative oils and proteins may be the better choice. They offer more targeted solutions.

OUAI is ideal for medium to thick hair wanting lightweight moisture. The trendy, unisex scents and fashion-forward branding also appeal to a younger demographic.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Evaluate your individual hair needs and values to decide if Amika or OUAI is the right match for you!