I’ll never forget the first time I scooped ORS Hair Mayonnaise out of its unassuming jar. My type 4C hair was screaming for help—dry, brittle, and breaking faster than I could trim the split ends.

I’d been through countless products, from high-end salon brands to DIY kitchen concoctions, and nothing seemed to stick. My hair was high-porosity, meaning it soaked up moisture like a sponge but lost it just as quickly. I needed something that could lock in hydration and strengthen my strands without leaving them crunchy or weighed down.

My Journey with ORS Hair Mayonnaise

I’ll never forget the first time I used ORS Hair Mayonnaise. My type 4 curls were in a rough state—frizzy, breaking at the slightest tug, and so dry I could hear them crunch.

I was skeptical when I picked up the bright orange jar at my local beauty supply store, but the promise of moisture and strength hooked me. At under $7 for a 16-ounce tub, I figured I’d give it a shot. Spoiler: it was love at first rinse.

After shampooing, I scooped out a generous dollop of the thick, creamy goodness. The texture was rich but not greasy, and the faint, clean scent reminded me of a spa day. I worked it through my hair, section by section, making sure every strand was coated.

I popped on a plastic cap and let it sit for 15 minutes while I caught up on some emails. For an extra boost, I sat under my hooded dryer to help the ingredients sink in. When I rinsed it out with lukewarm water, my curls felt like they’d been reborn.

They were soft, bouncy, and so easy to detangle that I barely needed my wide-tooth comb. My scalp, which had been itchy and flaky, felt calm and hydrated. I didn’t even reach for my usual styling cream that day—my hair was that cooperative.

Over the next few weeks, I made ORS Hair Mayonnaise a staple, using it twice a week. My breakage slowed down, and my curls started to pop like they hadn’t in years.

I even tried it as a pre-poo treatment, mixing it with a bit of olive oil before shampooing, and my hair felt protected and nourished. What blew me away was how it worked on my sister’s weave too—she borrowed some and raved about how soft and shiny her extensions looked. This product wasn’t just fixing my hair; it was becoming a family affair.

Pros Of ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Intense Moisture That Lasts: If your hair is screaming for hydration, ORS Hair Mayonnaise is like a tall glass of water. The olive oil and wheat germ oil in the formula sink deep into your strands, locking in moisture that keeps your hair soft for days. My type 4 curls used to feel like straw, no matter how much leave-in I slathered on. After using this, they felt buttery and touchable, even in humid weather. I’ve seen reviews from users with relaxed hair who say it keeps their strands hydrated without weighing them down. It’s like a moisture superhero, saving your hair from dryness one wash at a time.

Strengthens and Repairs Damage: This product is a godsend for anyone with damaged hair. The egg protein and botanical extracts, like nettle and horsetail, work together to reinforce weak strands, cutting down on breakage and shedding. My curls were snapping off from years of heat styling, but after a month of consistent use, they felt stronger and more elastic. I could comb through them without wincing. Users on X have echoed this, with one saying it “saved” their over-processed hair. If your strands have been through the wringer, this mayonnaise builds them back up, like a personal trainer for your hair.

Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Let’s talk money, because ORS Hair Mayonnaise is a steal. At $6–$7 for a 16-ounce jar, it’s way more affordable than salon brands that promise the same results but cost triple. I’ve blown my budget on fancy conditioners that left my hair greasy or flat, but this one delivers without draining my wallet. A little goes a long way too—one jar lasts me over a month, even with my thick, thirsty curls. Some users note you can find it even cheaper in local stores, which makes it an unbeatable deal.

Versatile for All Hair Needs: Whether you’ve got 4C coils, relaxed hair, or a human hair wig, this product adapts like a chameleon. I love that I can use it as a deep conditioner, a pre-poo, or even a leave-in for extra moisture. My friend with fine, wavy hair tried it and said it didn’t weigh her strands down when rinsed out thoroughly. Reviews mention it’s a go-to for weaves and extensions, keeping them soft and manageable. It’s like having a multi-tool in your hair care arsenal, ready for whatever your strands need.

Easy Application and Availability: You don’t need a PhD in hair care to use this. Just slap it on after shampooing, let it sit, and rinse. It’s that simple. I find it at Walmart, CVS, or my local beauty supply, so it’s always within reach. The creamy texture spreads easily, and it doesn’t drip everywhere like some runny conditioners. For busy folks like me, it’s low-effort with high rewards. Plus, the bright orange jar is hard to miss on the shelf, which saves me from squinting at product labels.

Cons Of ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Protein Sensitivity Concerns: Here’s the deal: the egg protein is great for strengthening, but it can be too much for protein-sensitive hair. I learned this when my cousin tried it and her low-porosity hair felt stiff and crunchy. If your hair doesn’t love protein, you might need to use this sparingly or follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Some Amazon reviews mention similar issues, saying it made their hair feel “hard” if overused. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you’ve got to know your hair’s limits.

Potential for Build-Up: If you’re not careful, this product can leave a bit of residue. I got lazy once and didn’t rinse it out thoroughly, and my curls looked dull the next day. Users on X have noted that using it as a leave-in can lead to buildup over time, especially on scalps prone to greasiness. To avoid this, I rinse like my life depends on it and clarify every few weeks. It’s a small price to pay for the hydration, but it’s something to watch out for.

Slightly Heavy for Fine Hair: This mayonnaise is rich, which my thick curls adore, but it can be heavy for finer hair types. My friend with 3A hair tried it and said it left her strands a bit flat, even after rinsing. Some Walmart reviews mention greasiness if you use too much on low-porosity hair. If your hair is on the finer side, start with a small amount and rinse thoroughly to avoid that weighed-down feeling.

Scent Isn’t for Everyone: The fragrance is clean and slightly herbal, which I find refreshing, but it’s not a crowd-pleaser. Some users describe it as “medicinal” or “old-school,” which makes me laugh, but I get it. It fades after rinsing, so it’s not a big issue for me. If you’re sensitive to scents or prefer something fruity, you might want to sniff it first. It’s not overpowering, but it’s worth mentioning.

Also read: My Thoughts on Manuka Honey Wound Gel Reviews.

Tips for ORS Hair Mayonnaise

Perfecting Your Application: To get the most out of this product, application is key. I section my hair into four parts to ensure every strand gets love. Scoop out a generous amount—don’t be shy—and work it from roots to ends, focusing on your driest areas. I use my fingers to detangle as I go, which saves time later. Pop on a plastic cap and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. If you’ve got a hooded dryer, use it for deeper penetration. Rinse with lukewarm water to seal in the moisture. Trust me, this routine will make your hair sing.

Finding the Right Frequency: How often you use this depends on your hair’s mood. My dry, curly hair loves it twice a week as a deep conditioner. If my strands are extra parched, I’ll sneak in a third session. For leave-in use, a tiny dab every few days keeps my ends happy without buildup. If your hair is finer or protein-sensitive, once a week or every other week might be enough. Listen to your hair—if it feels heavy or stiff, dial it back. Experiment to find your sweet spot.

Pairing with Your Routine: This product plays well with others, but I’ve found some winning combos. I use it after a clarifying shampoo to restore moisture stripped during cleansing. On wash days, I follow up with a lightweight leave-in and a curl gel for definition. For a pre-poo, I mix it with olive oil and apply it 30 minutes before shampooing to protect my strands. If you’re using it on weaves, pair it with a gentle detangling spray for easy maintenance. Mix and match to make it work for you.

Keeping Build-Up at Bay: To avoid that dreaded residue, rinse like you mean it. I spend an extra minute under the water to ensure it’s all out. Every three weeks, I use a clarifying shampoo to clear any buildup from this or other products. If you’re using it as a leave-in, stick to a pea-sized amount and focus on your ends to keep your scalp light. Scalp massages with a bit of water can also help loosen any residue before your next wash.

Storing It Right: The sturdy jar keeps this product fresh, but storage matters. I keep mine in a cool, dry spot—my bathroom cabinet works fine, but I avoid leaving it in a steamy shower. Water in the jar can ruin the formula, so I use a clean spoon to scoop it out. Mine lasts months without changing smell or texture. If you notice anything off, toss it and grab a new one. Proper storage keeps the magic alive.

Comparison with Other Brands

Africa’s Best Hair Mayonnaise: I’ve used Africa’s Best Hair Mayonnaise, and it’s a close cousin to ORS. Both are protein-packed and budget-friendly, with olive oil for moisture. Africa’s Best feels a tad heavier, which my curls love, but it can leave residue if not rinsed well. ORS edges out for me because it detangles better and feels lighter on my scalp. Some users find Africa’s Best’s scent more perfumy, while ORS’s herbal vibe is subtler. If you’re torn, ORS is better for versatility across hair types, but Africa’s Best might suit super-dry hair.

Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque: Cantu’s Shea Butter Masque is a curly hair favorite, and I’ve given it a whirl. It’s rich with shea butter, making it ultra-moisturizing, but it lacks the protein punch of ORS. My curls felt soft with Cantu, but the breakage didn’t slow as much. Cantu’s scent is sweeter, which some love, but it’s pricier and the jar is smaller. ORS wins for strengthening and value, though Cantu might be better for low-porosity hair that needs moisture without protein.
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment: Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Treatment is silky and great for detangling, which I appreciated during wash days. It’s lighter than ORS, making it nice for finer hair, but it didn’t hydrate my damaged ends as deeply. The argan oil gives a sleek finish, but I missed the strength ORS’s egg protein provides. Creme of Nature costs more, and the smaller size means you run out faster. ORS is my pick for budget and repair, but Creme of Nature suits quick conditioning sessions.

Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner: Mielle’s Babassu Oil Conditioner is a newer player in my routine, and its minty scent is a wake-up call. It’s fantastic for low-porosity hair, absorbing quickly, but my high-porosity curls needed more moisture. ORS’s protein content makes it better for repairing damage, while Mielle focuses on softness. Mielle is pricier and comes in a smaller jar, so ORS stretches further. If you’re after deep repair on a budget, ORS is the way to go, but Mielle’s a solid choice for lightweight hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should you use ORS Hair Mayonnaise?

It depends on your hair’s needs. I use it twice a week for my dry, curly hair, which loves the moisture and protein. If your hair is finer or less damaged, once a week or every other week works. For leave-in use, a small amount every few days keeps ends hydrated. Overdoing it can lead to buildup or protein overload, so watch for signs like stiffness. Start with once a week and adjust based on how your hair feels.

Does mayo on hair really work?

Yes, and ORS Hair Mayonnaise proves it. The egg protein strengthens, while olive oil hydrates, making it a powerhouse for damaged hair. My curls went from brittle to bouncy, and users rave about its softening and detangling powers. It’s not just a gimmick—it repairs and moisturizes, especially for dry or processed hair. Regular use can transform your strands, but rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.

Is ORS Hair Mayonnaise a deep conditioner?

Absolutely, it’s a deep conditioner with a protein twist. The olive oil and wheat germ oil provide intense moisture, while egg protein strengthens, making it ideal for damaged hair. I use it for 15–20 minutes under a cap for maximum benefits, and it leaves my hair soft and resilient. It’s more than a regular conditioner—it’s a treatment that restores and protects.

How long can I leave Hair Mayonnaise in my hair?

You can leave it in for 1–2 minutes for a quick condition or 15–20 minutes for a deep treatment. I usually go for 15 minutes with a cap, sometimes adding heat. Some users leave it in for hours, but I don’t recommend that—it can weigh hair down or cause buildup. As a leave-in, use a tiny amount without rinsing, but only if your hair can handle it.

Final Thoughts

I can’t sing ORS Hair Mayonnaise’s praises enough. It’s turned my dry, breaking curls into soft, strong strands that I’m proud to show off. For under $7, it hydrates, repairs, and detangles like a dream, working for natural hair, weaves, and everything in between. Don’t let damaged hair hold you back—grab this jar and watch your strands transform. It’s a game-changer you’ll wish you’d found sooner. Your hair’s new best friend is waiting!

ORS Hair Mayonnaise Reviews: Is It Worth It?