OUAI vs Living Proof (The Definitive Guide)

You’ve likely seen OUAI and Living Proof products on your social media feed before, or perhaps you’ve seen them at your favorite hair salon. Both are highly sought after, but which brand should you use?

If you're thinking about giving them a try, check out this comprehensive guide to find out which cult-favorite hair system is better.

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OUAI vs Living Proof Shampoo

A great shampoo is one that effectively cleanses your hair fibres whilst delivering special care for any specific hair concerns you might have (e.g. volume, shine, moisture, etc.). I don't think there's a single person out there that would dispute the fact that Living Proof and OUAI shampoos are some of the best in this regard, and there are dozens to choose from. Fundamentally, though, there are a few key differences to note.

Before we get into the products, let’s explore OUAI’s targeted approach to haircare. Rather than having a one-size-for-all approach, OUAI offers shampoos for specific hair types. This means there is a Fine Hair Shampoo, a Medium Hair Shampoo, and a Thick Hair Shampoo. This means that each shampoo is specially formulated to treat all hair textures and concerns.

The Fine Hair Shampoo is designed to thicken your hair, giving it bounce and body. If you have fine hair it can be difficult to volumize your hair as it usually lays flat, so this shampoo injects volume and reduces frizz.

The formula includes Hemp Seed Extract and Chia Seed Oil which moisturizes and smoothes. The shampoo also features Keratin and Biotin which strengthens the hair and encourages regrowth.

Next up is the Medium Hair Shampoo. If your hair type is medium, this means that your hair is somewhere in between being fine and thick (duhh!). Medium hair concerns include frizz, dryness, and flatness. This color-safe shampoo reinforces damaged hair, cleanses thoroughly, and nourishes your locks.

The formula is enriched with natural goodness such as Babassu Oil, Coconut Oil, and Kumquat Fruit Extract for deep hydration and hair reinforcement. This shampoo is also free from harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, gluten, and mineral oil.

Finally, we have the Thick Hair Shampoo. Those with thick hair tend to suffer from dry, split ends as well as frizz and dullness. This shampoo revitalizes your hair by nourishing and refortifying broken bonds, revealing smooth, shiny hair.

The ingredients include Marshmallow Root Extract for softening, Shea Butter for hydration, and Avocado Oil to prevent breakage. This shampoo is also sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, and arrives in recyclable packaging.

All three of the OUAI shampoos retail for $30 for 300ml or $60 for 946ml.

Now let’s move on to the brand Living Proof. The Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo is popular in the beauty community for revitalizing dead hair. Not only does this shampoo remove toxins and dirt, but it also moisturizes, smoothes, and heat protects.

The formula is infused with Red Algae Extract, which is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids that help with hair loss and thinning. The shampoo also has a dreamy citrusy scent that makes it relaxing to use in the shower.

There are three sizes available for the Perfect Hair Day Shampoo, a travel-size 60ml tube for $16, a 236ml tube for $32, or 710ml for $65.

OUAI vs Living Proof Conditioner

Akin to cleansing your skin, washing your hair is a critical step, but in doing so you are stripping it of moisture, and you need to replace that moisture by using a conditioner—just like you would for your skin with a moisturizer! As far as conditioners go, there's not too many as good as those by Living Proof and OUAI.

As with their shampoos, OUAI has designed conditioners to suit Fine, Medium, and Thick Hair. The conditioners feature OUAI’s signature neutral packaging that perfectly suits the decor of any bathroom.

It’s worth noting that OUAI haircare has been designed by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, who has styled the likes of the Kardashians and Gwen Stefani! These treatments are designed for the rich and famous, and so they are made to a very high standard.

The OUAI Fine Hair Conditioner is designed to restore life to the hair by hydrating, nourishing, and repairing broken hair. The conditioner also helps to restore body to fine hair, making it appear thicker and shinier than ever before.

The ingredients list features hair remedies such as Hemp Seed Extract, Chia Seed Oil, Biotin, and Keratin. This combination of nourishing ingredients treats split ends, promotes new hair growth, and makes the hair easier to brush through.

The OUAI Medium Hair Conditioner works to unlock shine and refortify your hair. This conditioner features OUAI’s famous Mercer Street fragrance - a calming blend of jasmine, peony, and orange that lingers on the hair throughout the day.

The formula features hydrolyzed Keratin which smoothes flyaways and strengthens hair bonds. You’ll also find Coconut Oil, Kumquat Fruit Extract, and Babassu, which will moisturize and nourish split ends.

The OUAI Thick Hair Conditioner is a luscious, sweet-smelling hair treatment. The conditioner targets broken bonds and strengthens the hair from the inside out. It also hydrates, detangles, smoothes, and protects against pollution.

The conditioner is infused with Marshmallow Root Extract, Keratin, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil which protect, repair, and soften the hair. This conditioner is inspired by Parisian luxury, so it carries a delicate, feminine scent of orange, magnolia, jasmine, peony, and musk.

The Fine, Medium, and Thick Hair Conditioners arrive in two sizing options: a 300ml bottle for $30 and a 946ml bottle for $60.

Our final product for review is the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner. Living Proof has won awards from Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour for their effective products. This decadent, buttery conditioner injects life into dull, dry, and damaged hair. It strengthens broken hair and targets frizz by smoothing and detangling.

The formula includes a nourishing blend of Hemisqualane, Marine Algae, and Sugar Beet Derivative. These naturally antioxidizing ingredients are a treat for your hair! This conditioner is also color-safe, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.

The Perfect Hair Day Conditioner comes in three sizes: a 60ml for $16, a 236ml for $32, and a 710ml for $65.

OUAI vs Living Proof Conclusion

After comparing products from each brand, we feel that OUAI is the superior option. This is because the shampoos and conditioners have many naturally-derived ingredients, whereas Living Proof has a more chemical-based formula. Also, OUAI products have delightful scents and their products are formulated for specific hair types, making them a more worthwhile investment.

To round off our review, here are our recommendations for the best-selling ranges and products that OUAI and Living Proof offer.

OUAI Best-Sellers

For shine & damage protection:
Try the Hair Oil

For oily hair:
Try the Detox Shampoo

For perfect waves:
Try the Air Dry Foam

Living Proof Best-Sellers

For improved hair:
Try the Perfect Hair Day Range

For volume:
Try the Full Range

For color-treated hair:
Try the Color Care Range