Does Ouai Wave Spray Work on Straight Hair? What to Expect
If you have naturally straight hair, you may be wondering whether the Ouai Wave Spray is worth buying, or if it only works on hair that already has some natural wave.
As someone with stick-straight hair, I’ve bought way too many wave sprays thinking they’ll help me achieve natural beach waves, just to be left disappointed.
The Ouai Wave spray is one of the few beach sprays that doesn’t contain sea salt, so its formula is unique and it promises effortless texture without a gritty, sticky residue. I’ve figured out how to make it work on my straight hair, though the technique isn’t as effortless as it is for those who have naturally curly or wavy hair.
For my tips and tricks for how to make Ouai Wave Spray work on straight hair, as well as what to expect with before and after photos, keep reading
PS: If you're looking for a full breakdown of the product with notes on ingredients, scent, pros and cons, and more, be sure to read my Ouai Wave Spray Review.
does ouai wave spray work on straight hair?
For a quick answer, yes, Ouai Wave Spray works on straight hair, but it enhances texture rather than creating curls.
If your hair is naturally straight, the Ouai Wave Spray will give you:
More texture
Better volume
Added grip
Less slippery hair
Longer-lasting curls
A slightly tousled, beachy finish
One of the biggest misconceptions about wave sprays is that they'll effortlessly transform sick-straight hair into gritty beach waves. In reality, wave sprays are designed to enhance texture, add grip, and create a more lived-in finish; they do not create waves on their own.
On naturally straight hair, wave spray works best when paired with a styling technique like braids, a blow dryer, or a curling iron.
So while the Ouai Wave Spray will make a difference with straight hair, it’s important to have realistic expectations and learn how the product will work best for you.
If you're hoping for instant beach waves on naturally straight hair without having to use heat or braids, you'll probably be disappointed. But if you're looking for more texture, movement, grip, and a relaxed, lived-in finish, it performs very well.
For the best results like what I share below, pair it with heat styling (or braids) rather than relying on the spray to work by itself.
what happens when you use ouai wave spray on straight hair?
The results depend largely on your natural hair texture.
If your hair is very straight (Type 1A or 1B), the spray won't suddenly create defined, beachy waves. Instead, it adds a bit of grit and movement that makes your hair look less flat and more textured.
If your hair has a slight natural bend (Type 1C), you may notice a more effortless, beachy look than when you let it air dry alone.
Think of it this way: the Ouai Wave Spray enhances what's already there; it doesn't permanently change your hair's natural pattern.
ouai wave spray before and after on straight hair
before
Without wave spray, straight hair often feels smooth, soft, and silky. That’s great, but it can make it hard for straight hair to hold a curl, and makes your hair more flat rather than voluminous.
after
In my after photo, you can see that my hair looks fuller and slightly more matte rather than silky (though there’s still a subtle shine). I used a curling iron to curl four large sections for around 10 seconds each, then applied the Ouai Wave Spray and did a little “scrunch” to make my hair more textured.
The style took 5 minutes and while I did use heat, it was very minimal. My hair is stick-straight (as you can see), so just scrunching my hair won’t work. The wave spray creates separation and movement, leaving me with a relaxed, beach-inspired finish.
how to get the best results on straight hair
If your goal is visible waves, how you use the product matters just as much (if not more) as the product itself.
option 1: apply to damp hair and air dry
This is the easiest method, though results can be mixed if your hair is stick-straight. If you have a little bend to your hair, you’ll get the best results.
Spray the Wave Spray onto damp hair, scrunch the mid-lengths and ends, and allow your hair to air dry.
Don’t expect dramatic results; instead, you’ll get a very casual texture that is slightly undone.
option 2: blow-dry for extra volume
Instead of air drying, apply the Wave Spray to damp hair before blow-drying. Sometimes straight hair can be limp and lifeless, and Wave Spray is a great way to add volume and a little lift without the grittiness or heaviness of a texturizing spray.
Use a round brush or flip your head upside down while drying to help create extra lift at the roots. The wave spray will adds texture throughout the lengths, so you get more body than actual waves.
option 3: use it before curling your hair
This is my favorite way to use Ouai Wave Spray on naturally straight hair. It takes 10 minutes (or less), so you don’t need to wait overnight like you do with braids. And while you’re using a hot tool, it’s less damaging than when you actually curl your hair because you aren’t holding the curl for long.
Here’s what I do for the bulk of the styling:
Quickly curl your hair in larger sections than what you usually do when you curl your hair. Switch up the size of the sections for a more natural look.
You can also alternate between curling sections towards and away from your face for more texture.
When I typically curl my hair, I section my hair into the top, middle, and bottom layers, then grab 1” sections. But when I’m using the wave spray, I just section straight down (top and bottom layers mixed) for a more lived-in, undone look.
As far as when you add the wave spray, you can add it either before you curl your hair or after.
I personally prefer to add it afterwards. I’ve learned that my hair curls best when it’s cleanest and lightest, so the least amount of products applied is my go-to (typically just a heat protectant).
If your straight hair feels limp and struggles to hold a curl, you want to add wave spray before you curl. This will give your hair a little more grit for the curl to cling to.
After your hair is curled, do a little bit of the “scrunch” method to further enhance the texture of the beachy, undone look. You might want to play around with scrunching your hair while it’s still warm; sometimes that is the missing piece that helps bridge the gap between straight hair and beach waves.
option 4: pair it with overnight braids
If you want a heat-free beachy look, this method usually gives the most noticeable results, because the braids create texture that the wave spray can cling to.
Start with slightly damp hair.
Spray the wave spray evenly through the mid-lengths and ends.
Braid your hair into one or two loose braids.
Sleep with the braids in overnight.
Undo the braids in the morning and gently separate the waves with your fingers.
The braids add texture, and the wave spray helps the waves last longer. You’re left with a heat-free style that is natural yet still beachy.
does ouai wave spray make straight hair crunchy?
My biggest complaint about wave sprays is that they make your hair crunchy, and it seems like straight hair is especially prone to that overly-done feeling.
Part of what sets Ouai Wave Spray apart from others is that its formula is softer than other wave sprays as it does not contain sea salt. You get a little more grace and can use a little more product when you’re working with Ouai’s wave spray versus others (like the Bumble and bumble one). Still, if you use too much product, your hair may start to feel dry or slightly gritty.
For the best results, start with a small amount and build up only if needed. I find that 3-4 sprays plus a quick pass with a hot tool gives me much better, longer-lasting waves than 10 sprays with the “scrunch” method.
is ouai wave spray better than a traditional sea salt spray?
You see “wave spray” and “sea salt spray” used interchangeably, but they’re quite different. Wave sprays don’t always have sea salt in them (the Ouai Wave Spray doesn’t), and that’s the main differentiator.
Traditional sea salt sprays tend to prioritize texture, sometimes at the expense of moisture, which can leave hair feeling dry after repeated use.
The Ouai Wave Spray was formulated without sea salt; it utilizes polymers to create soft, touchable texture without the overly crunchy finish that many people associate with sea salt sprays.
If you're curious about the differences, I compare them side by side in my guide to Ouai Wave Spray vs Sea Salt Spray, including individual before and after photos plus tips on how to use and how they perform on my naturally straight hair.
get ouai wave spray if…
If you have straight hair, you’ll enjoy the benefits of Ouai Wave Spray if:
You want more texture without heavy styling products
Like effortless, beachy hairstyles
Want an undone, imperfect, lived-in look
Prefer lightweight styling products
Are willing to create some texture to give the wave spray something to cling to
skip it if…
You may want a different wave spray or even texturizing spray you want:
To create big curls or beach waves on pin-straight hair without heat styling
Replace a curling iron or heat tools
Give you a long-lasting or permanent wavy texture
Wave spray enhances your hair's natural movement; it doesn't create an entirely new hair type. If you have straight hair, you’ll get the best results if you create some sort of texture or wave for the spray to hold onto.
frequently asked questions
does ouai wave spray work on straight hair?
Yes. The wave spray adds texture, grip, and movement, so it will make straight hair appear fuller. It works best when you add some texture to your hair (either with a curling iron or braids) first; then the wave spray helps the style last longer.
can ouai wave spray make straight hair wavy?
On slightly straight hair, it may enhance your natural bend. If you have stick-straight hair, you'll get the best results by creating some wave beforehand, either with braids, a curling wand, or a waver.
is ouai wave spray good for fine straight hair?
Yes, and I prefer it to other wave sprays, as you get texture and grit without an overly sticky or heavy feeling.
does ouai wave spray replace a curling iron?
No. The spray enhances and supports your style, but it doesn't create curls on its own.
can i use ouai wave spray every day?
Yes, although using too much product without clarifying your hair periodically may lead to build-up. If you notice your hair starting to feel heavy, a clarifying shampoo can help remove excess product (PS: the Ouai Detox Shampoo is my favorite clarifying shampoo).
