OUAI Shampoo Review

About OUAI Shampoo

OUAI is a haircare brand that’s known for its ultra-sleek packaging and Parisian aesthetic. Targeted towards young adult consumers, they’ve become a relatable brand that embodies the trendy minimalistic aesthetic of today’s world. Their collection now includes skincare and fragrances, all featured in their signature subdued and cohesive color palette.

With an impressive following of 1.2m on Instagram, OUAI has been featured by many media outlets including InStyle, Allure, Refinery29, and Nylon Magazine. In addition to receiving prestigious awards such as a 2020 Allure Best of Beauty award, Revolve named OUAI as the Best Beauty Brand of 2017.

In this OUAI shampoo review, we’ll go over products, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if this brand is worth the buy. In the end, maybe you’ll be saying ‘oui’ to OUAI.

Overview of OUAI  

As a hairstylist for famous celebs like the Kardashian and Jenner sisters, Jen Atkin was struggling to find a haircare brand that spoke to her generation. Atkin tried to find relatable products for daily life to recommend on her website Mane Addicts, but she was unsatisfied by the haircare formulas available on the market:

“I get it. I am an overstimulated consumer myself. I’ve used every hair product on the market and spent years talking to my clients and social followers about their hair… It was my goal to take these conversations and create the first socially-connected haircare brand.”

With this goal in mind, Atkin founded OUAI in 2015. The company has since held to being socially connected. In recent years, they have expanded their line to include skincare products and fragrances after listening to what their customers wanted to see next. The company now operates from its headquarters in the Starlet Valley of Los Angeles, CA.

Since its launch, OUAI has been known for its simple but chic packaging. Her goal was to embody the minimalistic aesthetic of today’s world with products that look beautiful on your counter and your social media feeds. Atkin must have done something right because The New York Times named her the most influential hairstylist in the world.

Before we get into this OUAI shampoo review, let’s go over some initial pros and cons:

Pros

• Variety of hair care, body care, and fragrances to choose from, such as the OUAI Memory Mist
• A separate section of sustainable products, including refills of OUAI hair products
• Cruelty-free products
• No harsh chemicals
• Rewards program with exclusive promotions
• Installment payments available through Afterpay

Cons

• No international shipping

Perhaps inspired by their French name, OUAI’s products have a certain sense of “je ne sais quoi” about them. Their packaging’s minimalistic vibe forces each fragrance and hair and body product to speak for itself. Plus, the cohesive design will make you want to display your entire collection. No more hiding your products in the cupboard!

OUAI Shampoo Review 

From the innovative OUAI Keratin Hair Treatment to the range of nourishing shampoos, there are products specially formulated for a variety of hair conditions. Not sure what your hair needs? Take the OUAI shampoo quiz to see a full routine of products designed for your hair type and goals.

We’re sure the ultra-sleek bottles will turn your bathroom into an LA-inspired at-home spa. This OUAI shampoo review will now showcase a selection of their bestselling hair and body products.

OUAI Detox Shampoo Review 

PSA: some shampoos strip your locks of essential moisture. It’s time to ditch those drying shampoos, even if you think they’re cleaning your hair. OUAI’s Detox Shampoo was designed to help you make the switch to formulas that are good for your hair.

With every lather, this clarifying cleanser removes dirt, oils, and product buildup. Its powerful formula features apple cider vinegar and keratin to detoxify and strengthen your hair. It’s perfect for both oily and dry scalps.

Though hair salons near you might be closed right now, this shampoo’s vibrant notes of bergamot, lychee, and white musk can transport you to a spa, even if just in your mind. To further repair damaged ends, this review recommends pairing the Detox Shampoo with the OUAI Keratin Treatment. A 10 fl oz bottle costs $30.

OUAI Super Dry Shampoo Review 

If you’ve ever slept through your alarm and needed to hurry out the door, then you know how important showing-skipping products are. This OUAI shampoo review recommends this extra-absorbent Super Dry Shampoo to keep your hair clean and volumized, even on the oiliest and flattest of hair days.

Its combination of rice starch, volcanic minerals, and Rhodiola extract soaks up excess oil, while its rose, lychee, and champagne scent masks any unpleasant smells. Nobody will know you skipped that morning shower!

To use this innovative formula, shake the can, spray on the oily areas of unbrushed hair from 6-10 inches away, and then just rub it into your hair! If you have time to style your hair, follow up this dry shampoo with the OUAI Curl Cream. This good-for-all-hair-types Super Dry Shampoo comes in two sizes:

• 4.5 oz: $24
• 2 oz: $14

OUAI Leave In Conditioner Review 

Fight your frizz with the Leave In Conditioner. Its do-it-all formula provides thermal protection, repairs dry ends, and prevents future breakage. For those who struggle with tangled hair, this conditioner adds slip to your locks for seamless brushing and combing.

Just like its pleasing minimalistic packaging, it was formulated with only the essentials. Key ingredients include tamarind seed extract, vitamin E, panthenol, and hydrolyzed proteins. In other words, there are no harsh substances such as parabens and phthalates in this bottle.

To use, simply remove excess water from your hair, hold the bottle 6-8 inches away, spray, then brush with a wide-tooth comb. People with thicker, coarser, and curlier hair can use this conditioner on dry hair as a way to hydrate their locks and tame flyaways.

Use the OUAI Curl Jelly for tousled curls without the use of heavy mousse and hairsprays. 

This cruelty-free Leave In Conditioner is good for all hair types. It comes in two sizes:

• 4.7 fl oz: $26
• 1.5 fl oz: $12

OUAI Wave Spray Review 

If you want that ocean-dried hair look without dehydration, or having to trek to your nearest beach, try the Wave Spray. This weightless, salt-free mist enhances your hair’s natural texture to achieve a beach-inspired style. You can have that summer aesthetic all year long.

Its dynamic multi-tasking combination of rice protein and coconut oil helps to define curls, control frizz, and volumize hair. To make sure your waves are tamed and moisturized, consider pairing with the OUAI Treatment Masque. 

For a full beach-babe look, this review recommends adding a pump of the OUAI Dry Shampoo Foam for more shine and height. The Wave Spray alone comes in two sizes:

• 5 fl oz: $26 
• 1.7 fl oz: $12 

OUAI Hair Oil Review 

This Hair Oil was designed to bring dead hair back to life. It tames frizz, protects from heat damage, and is even safe for colored hair. 

Infused with a blend of African galanga, ama, and Asian borage oils, this lightweight oil is an essential primer to use before you even think about curling or straightening your hair.

To use, just warm up one pump of the product with your hands, apply to wet or dry ends, then comb through! Each pump provides a delightful scent of violet, gardenia, and ylang-ylang. For additional lift and movement, apply the OUAI Air Dry Foam afterward. OUAI’s Hair Oil is available in two sizes:

• 1.5 fl oz: $28 
• 0.45 fl oz: $14 

OUAI Volume Spray Review 

Go big or go home. This applies to hair too, right? The Volume Spray helps add effortless movement and lift to your hair while keeping it manageable. Its lightweight formula won’t flatten your hair, so you’ll be left with voluminous locks all day long.

Powered by thickening volume fibers, panthenol, and softening hibiscus extract, you can achieve salon-quality ‘dos all from the comfort of your own home. For some added oomph, add the OUAI Sun of a Beach Spray for a lighter, shinier look. 

Scented with Italian lemon, white musk, and rose de Mai, this Volume Spray truly embodies the beach, it’s an OUAI perfume and volumizing spray all in one! A 4.7 fl oz bottle is $26.

OUAI Texturizing Hair Spray Review 

Elevate your hair game to a 10 with the Texturizing Hair Spray. Its lightweight formula combines the best parts of dry shampoo and hair spray to help deliver volume and hold for a classic tousled look. This OUAI shampoo review found out that the spray is completely buildable, in case you’re in the mood for a rockin’ ‘80s updo.

Featuring copolymers, volcanic minerals, and fruit and flower extracts, this spray is only formulated with the essentials for a coveted lift. For some pre-styling nourishment, try an OUAI Wei Hair Shampoo.

Achieve that ‘undone’ look without any of the hard work. There are two sizes of the Texturizing Hair Spray available:

• 4.5 oz: $26
• 1.4 oz: $12

OUAI Finishing Creme Review 

The pandemic has left many of us in desperate need of a trim. In the meantime, after cleansing with the OUAI Smooth Shampoo, conceal those dead and dry ends with the Finishing Creme. Nobody needs to know when you last got a haircut.

With its unique blend of hydrolyzed keratin, hydrogenated olive oil, vegetable protein, and jojoba seed oil, this luxurious hair lotion leaves your hair feeling soft and looking shiny. This multi-tasker is also a heat protectant if you apply it pre-heat.

For an added finish, pair with the OUAI Dry Texture Foam to keep your hair in check and to deter those pesky flyaways.

Its bouquet-inspired floral notes of violet, gardenia, and white musk will even leave you smelling like you just left the salon. Finish off strong with OUAI’s Finishing Creme at $24 for a 3.4 fl oz tube.

OUAI Chill Pills Review 

Do you ever feel like you need to just stop what you’re doing and relax? OUAI created these Chill Pills to meet that need. Just turn on the hot water and toss in a few bath bombs for a truly serene nighttime soak.

Thanks to its cocktail of essential ingredients, including hemp, jojoba, and safflower seed oil, this fizzy adult bath bomb is perfect for dry skin. It cleanses and softens your skin while its jasmine rose scent leaves you feeling calm and serene. You won’t want to leave your warm aromatic bath.

For a more luxurious at-home spa experience, pair these pills with the OUAI Scalp and Body Scrub. Designed to look like a tablet, a prescription of 6 Chill Pills costs $30.

OUAI Haircare Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

This OUAI shampoo review found the vast majority of customer ratings are exceptionally positive. On their website, their bestselling products have hundreds to thousands of testimonials. For example, their Leave In Conditioner has an average rating of 4.9/5-stars from over 1,700 reviews. Buyers love that it helps tame frizz, keeps hair healthy and shiny, and smells great.

One positive reviewer on the company’s website adores the luxe long-lasting scent: “People always compliment me on it, they notice the scent over my luxury perfume that costs a fortune. It takes frizz, adds shine, softens, miraculously keeps split ends at bay… and doesn’t weigh hair down.”

The rave reviews continue on Sephora and Influenster. On Sephora, hundreds of customers gave OUAI’s products a general rating of over 4/5-stars. On Influenster, 27k reviewers have also awarded their products over 4/5-stars. For example, the OUAI Hair Oil has an average of 4.5/5-stars from over 4,500 ratings. Buyers state that their formulas aided in hydration, softness, and volume. Take these positive testimonials:

From Sephora, on the Treatment Mask: “I have very thick and dry hair and this mask made it very soft after using. I will be purchasing another bottle. I love this mask.”

From Influenster, on the Leave In Conditioner: “On my 4th bottle of this stuff! I love how smooth it makes my hair look and feel… I always get compliments on how good my hair smells.”

In negative OUAI shampoo reviews, some customers stated that a few of their products left their hair more dry and brittle. Others reported that they were not a fan of the smell, and a select few saw no improvement in using OUAI hair care products. Take this Hair Oil example from Sephora:

“The scent of the oil reminds me of a perfume my grandmother used to wear so that was no good. I have thick, wavy, somewhat dry to moderate hair. This oil made my hair drier!!”

While this OUAI shampoo review takes negative testimonials seriously, it’s important to note that there are plenty more positive reviews to counter the negative ones. Hair products are not universal, and OUAI’s hair quiz that provides specific recommendations for your hair type and goals gives a better chance of finding a product that will work for you.

Is OUAI Haircare Worth It?

Based on their effective formulas and aesthetically pleasing packaging, this OUAI shampoo review readily recommends this brand. The company has an innovative assortment of hair care, body care, and fragrances. 

Their minimalistic style, as reflected in their inventory and webpage design, is very on-trend with similar aesthetics all over our social media feeds. In turn, OUAI’s products are perfect for trendsetting individuals.

For the eco-conscious consumer, OUAI has also introduced a refill program in their Sustainability Shop. Customers can buy a pouch to refill the bottles they already own. Plus, OUAI’s packaging is mostly recyclable, everything except the pumps can be recycled!

Compared to other salon-quality hair products, their prices are reasonable. If you’re looking for effective products that match the sleek vibe of your apartment and Instagram feed, OUAI is worth checking out. The thousands of glowing reviews seal the deal.

OUAI Haircare Promotions & Discounts 

OUAI has a Rewards Program where you earn 1 point for every $1 spent. You can also get bonus points for engaging with the brand on social media! Points give you access to insider promotions and deals.

At the time of this review, there isn’t an OUAI promo code or professional discount on their website. Though, they do have a sale outlet where customers can get select items for discounted prices.

Where to Buy OUAI Haircare

The brand’s entire collection can be purchased from TheOUAI.com. 

You can also place an OUAI Sephora order, or search at Urban Outfitters, Walmart, Nordstrom, Gee Beauty, Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Asos, and Revolve collections. Note: this company does not offer cosmetics such as OUAI makeup.

FAQ

Who is the founder of OUAI?

OUAI was founded by Jen Atkin. In terms of the brand’s meaning, the brand states their name means saying yes but “in a casual way.” It’s the casual way of saying the french word for yes: oui!

Who makes OUAI?

OUAI’s products are manufactured in the United States. 

Where does OUAI ship from? 

Products ship from the company’s main facilities in the United States. 

Is OUAI cruelty-free? 

Yes, OUAI products are formulated with cruelty-free ingredients.

Is OUAI vegan? 

This OUAI shampoo review found out that some of their products are vegan, such as the Air Dry Foam.

Are OUAI products natural? 

Some of their products feature natural ingredients. For example, their Hair Oil uses botanical oils in its formula.

Is OUAI good for curly hair? 

OUAI has products for different types of hair, including curly hair. To see a complete curly-girl routine, try the OUAI hair quiz.

Is OUAI good for colored hair? 

Yes, OUAI states that all of their shampoos and conditioners are safe for color-treated hair.

What does OUAI smell like? 

OUAI offers multiple fragrance options for its products. This includes branded aromas of Shibuya, Melrose Place, Mercer Street, and more.

What is OUAI’s Shipping Policy?

This OUAI shampoo review found out that they offer free ground shipping for U.S orders of $50 or more. Anything below this amount is charged a flat fee of $8. Currently, they only ship within the contiguous states, so they don’t offer international shipping. Customers will receive a tracking number to monitor their package via a confirmation email.

What is OUAI’s Return Policy?

On the occasion that customers are unhappy with their purchases, they can return their orders within 30 days. Items that are marked final sale or were given as gifts are ineligible to return. To initiate the return process, you can visit OUAI’s return portal located on their website. 

How to Contact OUAI Haircare

For questions that were not addressed in this OUAI shampoo review, you can contact the company through:

1. Email: [email protected]
2. The customer support message board on their website

Currently, there is no OUAI customer service number provided on their website.

---

Looking for more hair care options? Check out these other popular brands:

Klorane Shampoo

Prose

Briogeo

Madison Reed 

Function of Beauty