Curly hair requires special care and styling to look its best. Two popular brands catering to curly locks are OUAI and Ouidad. But which one should you choose?
This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between OUAI and Ouidad hair products to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | OUAI | Ouidad |
| Best For | All curl types | Tighter curls |
| Hero Product | Wave Spray | Curl Quencher Moisturizing Gel |
| Key Ingredients | Rice water complex, shine boosting amino acids | Proprietary botanical blend with amino acids |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ |
| Cruelty-Free? | Yes | No |
Overview of OUAI
OUAI was launched in 2016 by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin. The brand’s philosophy embraces the natural texture of hair and aims to enhance curls’ beauty.
Key features:
- Suitable for all curl types from waves to coils
- Signature rice water complex adds strength, shine and flexibility
- Amino acid-infused formulas boost hydration and repair damage
- Alcohol-free products won’t dry out locks
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Hero products:
- Wave Spray: Tames frizz and defines waves and curls
- Foam Styling Mousse: Provides lightweight hold and enhances texture
- Curl Jelly: Defines and sets curls without crunch
- Treatment Masque: Deeply nourishes and repairs dry, damaged hair
OUAI products are free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates. The brand has a mid-range price point between drugstore and premium selections.
Overview of Ouidad
Ouidad is a veteran curl expert, launching her brand in 1984. Her products are designed to bring out the best in tight, kinky curls.
Key features:
- Specializes in coils and tight curls
- Botanical blends hydrate without weighing hair down
- Carrying line of styling products for wash-and-go and defined curls
- Salons provide personalized curl cuts and styling
- Not cruelty-free
Hero products:
- Curl Quencher Moisturizing Gel: Defines and moisturizes tight curls
- Curl Recovery Whipped Curls Mask: Intense hydration for very dry hair
- Advanced Climate Control Gel: Fights humidity and frizz
- VitalCurl Clear & Gentle Shampoo: Sulfate-free and color-safe
Ouidad is on the pricier side compared to OUAI. The products work best for type 3c and type 4 hair rather than loose waves and curls.
Also Read: Comparison Between Curly World And Devacurl
Detailed Comparison Between OUAI and Ouidad
Let’s take a deep dive into how OUAI and Ouidad stack up across some key factors:
Ingredients
OUAI uses a signature rice water complex containing rice amino acids to strengthen and repair hair. Additional amino acids like cysteine and methionine boost shine and manageability. The formulas are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and silicones.
Ouidad relies on proprietary blends of botanical extracts like prickly pear, lemon, and chamomile. These provide hydration and nutrients without weighing curls down. The products also contain amino acids for curl enhancement. Ouidad uses some sulfates and silicones in their line.
Verdict: OUAI has a cleaner ingredient list that is better for damaged hair. Ouidad may work better for those avoiding protein treatments.
Curl Type Suitability
OUAI is designed for all curl patterns including waves, loose spirals, and tight coils. The flexible formulas won’t overload finer strands.
Ouidad specifically caters to type 3c and type 4 hair. The product lineup is heavy on styling gels and creams suited for super defined wash-and-go styles on kinky, coily hair.
Verdict: OUAI suits a wider range of curl types. Ouidad is best for tight coils.
Affordability
OUAI products range from $12 for a travel size Wave Spray to $38 for the liter-sized Moisture Mask. This positions the brand in the middle bracket – more affordable than high-end yet pricier than drugstore selections.
Ouidad is decidedly premium-priced, with most products starting around $26. The liter sizes can cost $88 or more. The salon cuts and styling services are also on the expensive side.
Verdict: OUAI provides quality formulas at a more accessible price point. Ouidad is a pricier investment best for devoted product junkies.
Also Read: Is Tea Tree Special Better Than Lavender Mint?
Cruelty-Free Status
OUAI is certified cruelty-free by PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program. The brand does not test on animals at any stage of product development. All formulas are also vegan.
Ouidad does not hold a cruelty-free certification and likely tests ingredients or finished products on animals. This is required to sell in mainland China.
Verdict: OUAI is the obvious choice for consumers who only buy cruelty-free/vegan haircare.
Results
OUAI smoothes frizz, enhances definition, and cuts down dryness on all curl types. Customers report bouncy, touchable curls that feel clean yet soft. However, the products may not provide enough hold for highly structured styles.
Ouidad defines and sets tight curls for maximum wash-and-go results. The heavy gels and creams provide long-lasting curl formation for glossy, defined coils with zero frizz. The trade-off is potential buildup.
Verdict: OUAI boosts hair health with more natural-looking results. Ouidad nails polished wash-and-go styles on type 3c/4 hair.
Hair Concerns
OUAI works well for damaged, dehydrated strands needing repair. The amino acid treatments strengthen and reinforce weak areas prone to breakage. The lightweight formulas add moisture without greasiness.
Ouidad is ideal for very dry, coarse hair that requires intense hydration. The creamy masks and treatments provide moisture where it’s needed most. Too much protein can make this hair type brittle.
Verdict: OUAI suits damage while Ouidad targets extreme dryness. Oily or protein-sensitive hair may prefer OUAI.
Learning Curve
OUAI products are easy to incorporate into existing routines. Basic leave-in conditioners and stylers soften and define curls without a big technique learning curve. The brand offers some educational content but no required steps.
Ouidad relies heavily on product layering and application techniques like raking, smoothing, and scrunching. Achieving optimal results requires following the brand’s styling methodology closely. The educational content has a steeper learning curve.
Verdict: OUAI is simpler to use out of the gate. Ouidad has a more involved process with a bigger educational component.
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Size Range
OUAI carries sample and travel sizes for most products. Full sizes come in 8-10 oz options for shampoo/conditioner and 4-7 oz for stylers. Larger 16 oz sizes are available for some treatments.
Ouidad primarily sells products in 8.5 oz and large 33.8 oz “liter” versions. Travel sizes are limited to a few items like the Climate Control gel. No sample sizes are available.
Verdict: OUAI offers more flexibility in sizing. Ouidad focuses on full and large-format options.
Accessibility
OUAI is sold through the brand website, Sephora, Amazon, and salon partners. Frequent sales and special offers make the line quite accessible. OUAI also runs giveaways on social media.
Ouidad is primarily available at specialty retailers like Ulta and professional salons. Purchasing requires a bit more effort compared to OUAI. Sales or discounts are less common.
Verdict: OUAI provides more purchasing opportunities and deals. Ouidad remains largely exclusive to salons.
Read More: Comparison Between Curly World Vs. Devacurl
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, OUAI products work well for all curl types. The formulas smooth frizz, provide definition, and nourish strands without greasiness. OUAI is safe for color-treated hair too.
The Wave Spray, Foam Styling Mousse, and Curl Jelly from OUAI give the best curly hair results. They enhance natural texture without crunchy buildup. The Treatment Masque boosts moisture for dry locks.
For tight curls and coils, Ouidad excels at definition and hydration. OUAI is the better pick for loose waves to spirals wanting frizz control with soft hold. Both enhance curl’s natural beauty.
There is no definitive “number one” brand. Top picks include Olaplex for repair, Ouai and Ouidad for curls, Pureology for color-treated hair, and Kerastase for luxury results. Choose based on your hair type and concerns.
Final Thoughts
Both OUAI and Ouidad make excellent products for curly locks. OUAI offers more variety for different curl patterns, while Ouidad specializes in kinky, coily hair. OUAI has a slight edge for clean ingredients and cruelty-free status. But Ouidad nails definition for tight curls.
Evaluate your exact hair type, budget and priorities – like gentle formulas or intense hydration – to pick the brand that aligns best. With quality care, you can embrace the gorgeous texture nature gave you!