Hair is one of the most visible and expressive aspects of our appearance as it can reflect our personality, mood, and style. But hair can also be affected by various factors, such as genetics, environment, diet, stress, and aging. These factors can cause hair to become dry, brittle, dull, frizzy, or damaged. That’s why many people use hair oils to improve the health and appearance of their hair. Hair oils are products that contain natural or synthetic oils that can moisturize, nourish, protect, and repair the hair shaft and scalp. However, not all hair oils are created equal. Some may suit your hair type and needs better than others. In this article, we will compare two of the most talked-about hair oils in the market, namely OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil. Keep on reading to get more insights of which hair oil is more suitable for you and your hair goals.
We will talk about the following:
- What are OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil?
- What are the ingredients of OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil?
- How are the texture and scent of OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil?
- How is the ideal usage of OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil?
- What are the price differences between OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil?
- Which one to buy?
| OUAI Hair Oil | K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.5 x 4.02 inches | 1.5 x 1.5 x 4 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 2.89 ounces | 2.4 ounces |
About OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
OUAI and K18 are both renowned brands in the hair care industry, each with their unique approach to hair health and beauty. OUAI itself is an American that produces lifestyle and beauty products including hair and body care. For hair itself, the brand has a range of products specially formulated for different hair types and textures; ranging from shampoos and conditioners to treatments and styling products like oils, pomade, conditioner, et cetera.
One of their most famous products is OUAI Hair Oil. It is a multitasking product that aims to smooth frizz and seal split ends for a healthy, shiny finish. It’s formulated with a blend of well-thought-out ingredients that work together to protect the hair from heat/UV damage and color fading, as well as adding next-level hair gloss.
Meanwhile, K18 is a biotech-powered brand that is revolutionizing the haircare industry. The brand sits at the intersection of beauty and biotechnology, having a mission to liberate expression and make the impossible possible with the right technology. The brand believes that understanding the biology of hair can change it, focus on targeting hair damage with a scientific approach.
One of the well-known products that K18 offers is the Molecular Repair Hair Oil, a product taking the form of a hair oil that is claimed to work on all hair types. It’s biotech-engineered oil designed to strengthen, protect from heat, repair damage, reduce frizz at two levels of the hair fiber, and improve shine. It also works to address deeper-level damage that causes frizz, repairing and strengthening damage at the innermost layer of hair to reverse the damage.
Both OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil aim to address common hair concerns such as frizz, damage, and lack of shine. They both offer solutions that are designed to improve the overall health and appearance of the hair. However, both brands have their unique strengths and own different approaches to doing their magic. Let’s compare them in more detail.
Ingredients of OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
OUAI Hair Oil
As we talk about ingredients, it’s important to highlight that the OUAI brand always emphasizes that all of its products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals. It’s also gluten-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and SLS & SLES-free. For the OUAI Hair Oil, these are the boasted key ingredients:
- Borage Oil that is derived from the seeds of the borage plant, this natural oil is loaded with nourishing nutrients to strengthen and hydrate hair from the inside out. It moisturizes hair, reduces scalp inflammation, prevents hair breakage, regulates sebum production, and restores hair elasticity.
- Galanga Root Extract, a rhizome native to Southeast Asia and is closely related to ginger and turmeric. It is believed to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and nourish the hair follicles, which can make the hair thicker and fuller. It also protects hair fibers from color fading due to UV exposure.
- Ama Oil, a combination of sunflower seed oil and amaranth seed extract that keeps hair strong and protected against humidity. It also strengthens the hair follicles and coats each strand with a protective layer, preventing hair fall and hair breakages.
- Baobab Seed Oil from the Baobab tree works to hydrate and smooth the hair, as well as beneficial for scalp treatment as it can help prevent or treat dandruff and skin flaking.
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
This strengthening, smoothing hair oil works on two levels of the hair fiber to fight frizz. The K18PEPTIDE™ works to address deeper level damage that causes frizz, repairing and strengthening damage at the innermost layer of the hair fiber to reverse the damage that leads to frizz. Here are the product’s most highlighted ingredients:
- K18PEPTIDE™ reverses hair damage that causes frizz, promotes strength and smoothness.
- Hemisqualane and Squalane reinforce hair’s moisture barrier, smooth flyaways, enhance shine.
- Avocado Oil provides heat protection up to 450°F (232°C).
Textures and Scent of OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
OUAI Hair Oil
This hair oil has a light consistency, making it an excellent option for all hair types and textures, even including fine hair. It’s also described to be smooth, not sticky, and absorbs quickly into the hair without leaving any residue. For the scent, the oil is noted for its sophisticated and feminine floral fragrance, combining notes of violet, gardenia, ylang ylang, and white musk. Most users describe the scent to be a pleasant, light, and fresh floral fragrance overall.
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
This product is a highly concentrated but weightless and translucent hair oil, making it quickly absorbed into the hair without leaving it greasy or heavy. When applied, users claim it helps a lot in smoothing flyaways, improving color vibrancy, and also enhancing shine. Some also stated this oil smooths the cuticle and softens hair without weighing it down. For the scent, it’s described as a fresh floral scent with strong hints of avocado and sunflower oil.
Ideal Usage of OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil are both high-quality hair care products, but they have distinct characteristics and uses. Firstly, OUAI Hair Oil is a multitasking oil that is ideal for all hair types, especially those with dryness or damage. It is designed to seal split ends, protect hair, and prevent heat and UV damage.
OUAI Hair Oil has a lightweight oil consistency and can be used on wet or dry hair and before & after heat styling. For best results, apply from the eyeline down focusing on mid-shaft and ends. This oil is particularly beneficial for those with color-treated, very damaged hair. It also revives frizzy, crunchy hair while delivering a luxurious, just-out-of-the-salon feel.
On the other hand, K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is a biotech-engineered weightless oil that works on all hair types to strengthen, repair damage, reduce frizz at two levels of the hair fiber, and improve shine. It offers clinically proven damage repair, 24-HR frizz control, 104% more shine, 78% reduction in split ends, and 450°F (232°C) heat protection.
To use it, start with 1-3 drops of this weightless formula on damp, towel-dried hair, applying from the mid-lengths to ends. Then you can build as needed without weighing hair down. After styling, you can apply another 1-3 drops to smooth frizz and flyaways, and as a finisher to add shine. This oil is ideal for those seeking to repair hair damage and reduce frizz, and it’s suitable for all hair types. For strengthening benefits from the K18 PEPTIDE, wait 4 minutes before styling.
While both oils offer frizz control and heat protection, OUAI Hair Oil is particularly effective at sealing split ends and providing a shiny finish, making it ideal for those with frizzy hair and split ends. In contrast, K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil focuses on strengthening and repairing hair damage, making it suitable for those looking to improve the overall health and strength of their hair. Both oils can be used on damp or dry hair, but the K18 oil also offers the flexibility of being used as a finisher after styling for added shine.
Price Differences between OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
On the market, OUAI Hair Oil is mostly priced at $15-$18 for the 15ml travel size and $30 for the 45ml full size. Meanwhile, K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is priced mainly at $27 for a mini 10ml size and $65 for a full 30ml size.
Therefore, the K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is generally more expensive than the OUAI Hair Oil. This price difference could be attributed to several factors, such as the biotech-engineered ingredients of K18’s and possibly also the cost of scientific production. However, remember that a higher price does not always mean better suitability for your hair.
| OUAI Hair Oil | K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | - OUAI Hair Oil - A powerful, multitasking oil for every occasion. It protects from color fading and heat/UV damage, smooths split ends and frizz, and adds next-level hair gloss. Protects from heat damage up to 450°F / 232°C. - Your Fast Fix for Healthy Hair - Get your fix for frizz, breakage & heat protection. Formulated with Ama oil which keeps hair strong and protected against humidity and Baobab seed oil to help hydrate for a healthy, shiny finish. Unlike other hair heat protectant products, we add galangal root extract to protect fibers from color fading due to UV exposure. - OUAI Means Yes - In that casual Parisian way. OUAI is about being better IRL. It's about having honest conversations with our community. It's about letting go of unrealistic expectations and embracing your imperfections. | - This biotech-engineered weightless oil works on all hair types to strengthen, repair damage, reduce frizz at two levels of the hair fiber, and improve shine. - Repair frizz-causing damage, and immediately smooth flyaways, add shine + reduce split ends. - Apply 1-3 drops to damp hair, mid-lengths to ends. Wait 4 mins. Use 1-3 drops on dry hair as finisher. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s essential to consider your specific hair needs and preferences when deciding between OUAI Hair Oil and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil. If you prioritize addressing frizz and split ends while adding shine to your hair, OUAI Hair Oil may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking to repair and strengthen damaged hair fibers for long-term health, K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil offers scientifically engineered ingredients for intensive repair and protection.
While K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil comes at a higher price point, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the cost and consider investing in long-term hair health. Ultimately, the choice between these two excellent hair oils depends on your individual hair goals and preferences, ensuring you select the product that best matches your needs for beautiful, healthy hair.