One day a few months ago, I was in the middle of my sipping-tea-while-scrolling-Instagram ritual when I saw a post by OUAI–pronounced way–calling for product testers to review their new curly hair product in development. I instantly dropped everything and shot the required pic of my curls along with my curl pattern (3b-3c). In short, I wasn’t chosen, but they kept my information, and a few months later…asked me to review some of their established hair-care products to see how suitable they were for curly hair.
I’m not going to lie, receiving their products for free made me feel like a hip Youtube influencer who gets free stuff all the time (oh how I wish…).
Leave-in Conditioner
I’ve always heard about OUAI’s popular leave-in conditioner and was extremely delighted when I found this baby tucked in my package. The leave-in provided hydration and acted as a barrier against frizz, BUT I didn’t find this leave-in conditioner to be amazing or distinguishable (besides its scent) compared to other leave-ins I’ve used.
Although I wanted to love this product, the fragrance was a bit too strong for me (it had me sneezing). They describe their fragrance as floral and with notes of Bergamot, Violet
How I Style
I sprayed a few pumps on my hand and raked it through my hair. The spray action is more of a squirt than a light mist, something I wasn’t thrilled about.
A little goes a long way with this product, and it left my curls feeling plump and not stringy. But does it perform well enough to earn a place in my bathroom cabinet? I need a few more tries to say for sure, but most likely not.
Besides the fragrance, I wish the texture was less thick. I had to target the nozzle directly on my hair to prevent it from spraying everywhere (I’m more into a spray mist action).
Finishing Cream
This finishing creme is probably the best I’ve ever used and will be purchasing once it’s finished. Not only was the fragrance nice and light, but the texture of the creme was smooth, like whipped lotion.
It immediately quelled my flyaways the minute I raked it through my hair, and it protected my curly when I decided to—very randomly—straighten it.
The fragrance is decadent: a mixture of Violet, Gardenia, Ylang Ylang, and White Musk. I love it so much because it features my favorite “happy” scent, Ylang Ylang.
How I Style
Itś rare to find a product that leaves my hair shiny; this sealing creme has made me more comfortable diving into the foray of cremes. The application was easy due to the product’s creamy, lightweight texture.
I always sprinkle a bit of water on my hair before applying for better product absorption.
OUAI says this product “gives fine-medium hair that lived-in look with light-reflective shine.” I completely agree!
Rose Hair & Body Oil
Honestly, I was a little extremely hesitant about using this product on my hair because of its 2 in 1 function. Note: It was noticeably oilier and more water-based than the hair oil. I usually try to stay away from products that can be used on the body AND hair because I like using products specifically created for only one purpose.
My hair quickly absorbed the oil, leaving a glossy finish on my hair and body. But I found myself using it more as a lotion for my body than as a styling ointment for my hair.
This product left my hair and body smelling like a bouquet of Bergamot, Lychee, Cedar-wood
Cons: I’m not a big fan of oils and I wish I could spray it directly into my hair instead of pumping it into my hands, which left them extremely oily.
Hair Oil
This hair oil is probably one of the best I’ve tried. It doesn’t hurt that it also contains a UV filter for hair-dye fanatics and doubles as a heat-protectant.
I’m always scared of using oils because they tend to lay thick on my fine locks, but this one left my hair feeling soft, less dull, and hydrated. I love the fact that it has Asian borage and African galanga oils to heal my hair.
Hair oil is scented with Rue St Honore, a floral fragrance with notes of Violet, Gardenia, Ylang Ylang, and White Musk.
Just like with the body/hair oil, I found that I was able to put more than I thought my hair could take and I was able to apply closer to my roots without leaving them looking drenched in oil. I applied on both wet and dry hair.
Super Dry Shampoo
This super dry shampoo has a unique list of ingredients: volcanic minerals and rice starch. I sprayed it directly into my scalp (sectioned off parts of my hair to get to the root) and it absorbed all of my hair oil without leaving the nearby strands looking and feeling ashy as other dry shampoos I’ve tried.
I think the ingredients and easy, clean application make this dry shampoo one that I’ll buy in the future. Super dry shampoo’s fragrance is Melrose Place, a rose fragrance with hints of Bergamot, Lychee, Cedar-wood and White Musk.
