I’m not a hair person.
Only within the last two years did I finally learn how to style my hair, and much of the learning process was expedited when I was tasked to do my own hair and makeup for QVC. Before then, I was cluelessly straightening my hair within an inch of its life. I had no idea how to “deal” with my natural hair (thin and fine in texture, prone to frizz, and wavy depending on too many factors: how I slept on it, the length of my hair at the time, the weather). Any experience with styling products prior to Ouai was dictated by dance-world necessities—i.e.: extra-strength hairsprays or gels that would hold down my rogue baby hairs for a sleek bun or high pony. There was the occasional flirtation with sea salt sprays or volumizing powders in an attempt to coax life into my unpredictable waves, but I haven’t found anything that worked sans crunch-factor caveat.
What I wanted, needed, was a product that would uniform and enhance my waves without the use of heat.
I turned to Ouai for superficial reasons; full disclosure. One, they happened to be running a friends and family sale that made pulling the trigger all the easier. Two, Ouai is the hair industry’s equivalent of Glossier—minimal, millennial, and photogenic. If most of the world raved about the line, probability was on my side, and I’d have a higher chance of finding success, right? And if I purchased a dud, the pretty packaging (and discounted price tag) would at least soften the blow.
Luckily for me, Ouai Curl Jelly turned out to be both pretty and functional.
I’m not fond of the scent. It’s floral, which couldn’t be further from my personal preference, but the dry down loses the old-lady, powdery violet fragrance and leaves behind the faintest hint of I’ve-done-my-hair. It’s nice, inconspicuous, and doesn’t compete with my perfume.
That’s the only negative—and even then, it’s subjective.
Curl Jelly promises “curls so full, touchable, and totally 2018” using a formulation of silk proteins, smart keratin, and an absinthium and moringa oil blend. I don’t know what these ingredients do, or if they’re just marketing fluff, but this cushion-y “gel-oil hybrid” does exactly what it purports to do:
- Eliminate frizz
- Moisturize curls
- Add gel-like definition
I apply a nickel-sized pump to 90% damp hair (less than the recommended amount because I have such fine hair), working it in from the halfway point to the ends before taking the remainder to the top of my head. There’s a little bit of tackiness within the first few hours of application, but the “product-y” look disappears after a full night’s sleep and a good tousle. (Keep in mind that my hair is super fine; I think if you had curls or ringlets, your hair would absorb the product instantly sans residue.) There’s no crunch, stickiness, or visible sign of product—just enhanced waves sans frizz. My hair looks and feels healthy; there’s a natural shine (likely the result of Curl Jelly’s nourishing properties) and bounce that it lacked before, pre-Curl Jelly. BCJ.
I tend to use Ouai Wave Spray as a finishing touch before I head out the door, but it’s not obligatory. I prefer it because my hair has a tendency towards flatness—especially if I’m working a 13-hour day where three of those hours are spent sweating in a humid gym teaching salsa—and the added texture gives my wave a boost in lift and longevity.
Moral of the story? Giving into the hype is not always a sign of weakness. You might even get better hair out of it.
. . .
xx
Your turn. Thoughts?