If you’re looking to treat your hair to some high-end products, you’ve likely come across Ouai and Oribe – two of the most popular luxury haircare brands on the market. But with their premium price tags, you may be wondering if they’re really worth splurging on.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Ouai and Oribe to help you decide which (if either!) is best for you.
We’ll compare their hero ingredients, signature technologies, pricing, and highlight their best-selling “must-have” products.
A Brief Comparison Table:
| Feature | Ouai | Oribe |
| Price Point | Mid-range prestige | Ultra luxury |
| Key Ingredients | Ruscus Extract, Natural Oils | Botanical Blends, Volcanic Ash |
| Formula Innovation | Streamlined | Proprietary Complexes |
| Hair Type Suitability | Universal | Specialized Lines |
| Scents | Subtle, Clean | Rich, Complex |
| Packaging | Sleek, Modern | Ornate, Opulent |
| Overall Vibe | Cool, Trendy | Luxurious, Exclusive |
Ouai – The Cool Girl’s Brand
Founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, Ouai is inspired by the relaxed, undone vibes of Parisian women. Their products aim to simplify hair routines while still delivering salon-quality results.
Key Features:
- Clean, vegan formulas with smart ingredients
- Universal products suitable for all hair types
- Subtle scents with notes like violet, basil, lychee, and white musk
- Chic, millennial-friendly branding
Ouai is best known for their award-winning leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo, and texturizing sprays. Their hero ingredient is “Ruskus Cypress,” an extract said to mimic keratin and strengthen hair over time.
Top Selling Products:
- Leave-In Conditioner – hydrates, protects, enhances shine
- Dry Shampoo – oil-absorbing, adds volume
- Wave Spray – beachy, tousled texture
- Hair Oil – repairs damage, controls frizz
While not the most affordable, Ouai products are a reasonable splurge compared to other prestige brands. Their shampoos and conditioners cost $28 for 10 oz, styling products range from $24-$28, and their hair oil is $38.
Oribe – Luxury With Rockstar Roots
Oribe was founded by celebrity hairstylist Oribe Canales, who catered to models and rockstars like Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez. The brand is known for ultra-luxe formulas and indulgent fragrances.
Key Features:
- Unique botanical blends and natural oils
- High concentration of antioxidants
- Sophisticated scents like bergamot, lychee and musk
- Signature polymers to increase shine, softness and thickness
Oribe’s hero ingredients include watermelon, lychee, edelweiss flower extract, and mineral-rich volcanic ash. Their Gold Lust line features a patented “bio-restorative complex” designed to correct hair damage.
Top Selling Products:
- Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo – gentle daily cleansing
- Invisible Defense Spray – heat protection, anti-frizz
- Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray – smooth, shiny blowouts
- Supershine Moisturizing Cream – frizz control, softness
Oribe’s premium formulas command premium prices. Their shampoos and conditioners start at $46 for 8.5 oz. Styling products range from $46-$56, and specialty treatments cost $58-$180.
Ouai Vs. Oribe: Comparing Key Factors
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s directly compare Ouai and Oribe across some key factors:
- Ingredients
Ouai: Relies on clean, vegan formulas with plant-based extracts and natural oils. Free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates.
Oribe: Uses botanical ingredients and antioxidant-rich oils. Also free of controversial chemicals. Known for proprietary complexes.
Verdict: Both brands use high-quality ingredients, but Oribe has more proprietary blends.
Also Read: Comparison Between Dermalogica And Image Skincare.
- Formula Innovation
Ouai: More streamlined formulas focused on moisture, protection and simplicity.
Oribe: Special complexes and polymers for added nourishment, shine, thickness.
Verdict: Oribe has more unique technologies, while Ouai sticks to a less-is-more philosophy.
- Hair Type Suitability
Ouai: Universal formulas great for all hair types.
Oribe: Targeted lines for specific needs like blond, curly, damaged hair.
Verdict: Oribe offers more customized options, Ouai is broader.
- Scents
Ouai: Subtle, clean scents inspired by Parisian perfumes.
Oribe: Distinctive, complex fragrances often described as “sensorial experiences.”
Verdict: Oribe fragrances are richer and more divisive. Ouai is lighter and more wearable.
- Packaging
Ouai: Sleek, minimalist packaging in rose gold and white.
Oribe: Luxurious, ornamental containers with signature gold accents.
Verdict: Oribe has flashier, more opulent packaging. Ouai is more contemporary and streamlined.
- Price
Ouai: Mid-range prestige pricing, lower than most salon brands.
Oribe: Very expensive, some of the highest retail prices on the market.
Verdict: Oribe is a serious investment while Ouai is a reasonable splurge.
- Overall Brand Vibes
Ouai: Cool, approachable, millennial/Gen Z-friendly image.
Oribe: Ultra-luxe, exclusive vibe catering to the affluent client.
Verdict: Oribe feels more indulgent and exclusive. Ouai is trendier and more relatable.
Also Read: Comparison Between BareMinerals And Beautycounter.
Best Products To Try
Want to sample the best that Ouai and Oribe have to offer? Here are the top products to try from each line:
Ouai
- Leave-In Conditioner – Nourishes without weighing hair down
- Wave Spray – Effortless texture, beachy waves
- Dry Shampoo – Clean, refreshing, adds volume
- Finishing Creme – Smooths frizz, enhances shine
Oribe
- Gold Lust Shampoo & Conditioner – Gentle daily cleanse for all hair types
- Invisible Defense Spray – Lightweight heat protection
- Royal Blowout Spray – Bouncy, shiny blowouts in minutes
- Curl Control Cream – Fights frizz, defines curls
No matter your hair type or styling needs, Ouai and Oribe both offer stellar options suited for any haircare routine. Oribe provides ultra-rich nourishing formulas with signature fragrances, while Ouai features crowd-pleasing favorites with universal appeal.
Also watch the video about OUAI!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “better” brand – it depends on your priorities! Oribe offers more specialized formulas and luxury packaging, while OUAI is more affordable and has a trendier image.
Fans love Oribe for the sensorial experience of luxe ingredients, head-turning packaging and transportive, complex fragrances. The indulgent formulas also deliver great results.
Oribe prices reflect the high concentrations of botanicals, natural oils and patented complexes in their products. The ornate packaging and vibe of exclusivity also drive up retail costs.
Yes, OUAI is considered a professional brand due to its origins (created by a celebrity stylist) and use of quality ingredients. While not as expensive as salon-only lines, it offers pro-level performance.
Also Read: Comparison Between Curlsmith And Ouidad.
The Verdict
So should your next hair splurge be on Ouai or Oribe?
If you want ultra-luxe formulas, sensorial fragrances and premium packaging, go for Oribe. It delivers serious pampering for those who want the very best.
If you seek quality results at a more accessible price point, Ouai is the best choice. The trendy brand offers crowd-pleasing products perfect for everyday luxury.
No matter which call you make, you really can’t go wrong – both Ouai and Oribe make some of the finest haircare products available. With diligent care from either brand, you’re sure to notice healthier, shinier, more beautiful hair.