Ouai Wave Spray vs Sea Salt Spray
You may see “wave spray” and “sea salt spray” and think they mean the same thing, but they’re quite different. Sea salt adds grittiness and a harsher texture; consider it a stronger version of a wave spray, which typically omits sea salt from its formula.
One of the most popular wave sprays is by the brand Ouai. It relies on polymers instead of sea salt to add texture to hair, so you get a beachy, lived-in look without the stickiness, tangles, or mess.
That said, both products deliver results; it’s just that one may be better for you than the other depending on your hair type and goals. You don’t need both, as they provide similar beachy results, but the finish, feel, and hold varies depending on your hair type.
Whether you struggle to hold curls or your hair is prone to frizz, one of these will work better for you than the other. Below, I compare Ouai Wave Spray to traditional sea salt spray with before and after results of each, plus pros, cons, and tips for making each product work for you.
ouai wave spray vs sea salt spray
ouai wave spray results
As I mentioned, the Ouai Wave Spray utilizes polymers to create texture instead of sea salt. You get gritty texture without the mess, and while you can tell that your hair has product in it, your hair doesn’t feel grimy, sticky, or heavy. It works best if you have natural texture to your hair; the formula is too gentle for my straight hair unless I create a little bend with a curling iron first.
Where some wave sprays focus on grit, making your hair dull as an unintended side effect, this spray adds subtle shine and the texture is movable yet slightly undone.
pros
Gives you piece-y beach waves
Enhances natural texture
Stronger formula gives you a little bend even if you have straight hair
Not sticky, gritty, or crunchy
Less matte than most wave sprays
cons
Using too much will make your hair crunchy
The floral scent isn’t my favorite, but isn’t overpowering
how to use the ouai wave spray
The Ouai Wave Spray can be applied to wet or dry hair. Always shake the bottle first!
If you have straight or wavy hair:
For wet hair, spray from 6-8 inches from roots to ends. Then scrunch, braid, or squeeze to add texture.
I have straight hair, and find I get the best results when I loosely braid my hair instead of scrunching.
Air dry, or blow dry in sections. (Tip: use the blow dryer while your hair is still in braids for more defined waves).
For dry hair:
Apply a heat protectant.
Next, create texture using a curling iron, waver, or flat iron. I prefer a cheap $20 curling iron for all my heat styling.
Spray from roots to ends, then scrunch to enhance texture.
For a more lived-in, undone look, brush gently with your fingers.
For curly hair:
Follow your curl routine.
Apply the wave spray 6-8” from your hair.
Scrunch your curls into shape.
Use a diffuser, flipping your hair upside down for extra volume.
sea salt spray results
There are a few different sea salt sprays on the market; the key ingredient is (obviously) sea salt, which creates texture and volume, leaving you with a matte, beachy finish. The sea salt mimics the effect of a day at the beach, helping your hair hold waves better and creating that slightly messy, tousled look. You’re left with a matte (but not dull) finish, plus added volume and grip.
Sea salt sprays are stronger than most wave sprays, especially Ouai’s, so heat styling isn’t required. A little goes a long way; you only need a few sprays to get results.
Worth noting is that sea salt sprays don’t often contain conditioning oils. They focus primarily on texture and hold rather than hydration, so they can make your hair feel dry, especially if your hair is color-treated or fragile.
Based on my experience, Verb Sea Spray is one of the milder formulas; Bumble and Bumble Surf Sea Salt Spray (the OG sea salt spray) is probably the strongest.
pros
Adds natural-looking texture without having to heat style
Gives you a true beachy, piece-y look
Strong enough to add texture to straight hair
Adds volume
cons
Can be drying due to the salt content
Will make your hair feel gritty or dirty if you use too much
Can cause tangles or frizz
how to use sea salt spray
Obviously every sea salt spray is different, but you can generally use them the same ways.
To use on damp hair:
Spray evenly, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
Start with just a few sprays as a little goes a long way! Remember that sea salt sprays are naturally a little drying.
Scrunch your hair to add waves and body; you can also twist small, random strands for a piece-y look.
Air dry.
To use on dry hair:
If you have straight hair, start with a curling iron, waver, or straightener to add bends and waves to create a little texture - they can be very subtle and just a few pieces; don’t think they have to be perfect or that you have to spend a lot of time curling every strand.
Spray evenly focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
Scrunch your hair, or twist a few strands for piece-y sections.
If necessary, touch up a few pieces with a curling iron, waver, or straightener to create more definition (like around face-framing layers).
Allow to set to create a tousled, beachy look.
ouai wave spray vs sea salt spray results comparison
key differences between ouai wave spray vs sea salt spray
Ouai’s is a salt-free wave spray; sea salt spray obviously contains salt. As a result, these are the main differences:
texture and hold
If you want true beach texture, sea salt spray performs better. The results of Ouai Wave Spray are noticeably smoother and softer.
Traditional sea salt sprays will give you:
Stronger texture
More grip and grit
Buildable volume
A little more frizz
Slightly drier hair for some
Ouai Wave Spray is best for:
Softer, flexible texture
Less grit
A slightly smoother finish
Subtle shine
More hydration
If you want long-lasting texture, opt for sea salt spray. Ouai is my go-to when I want soft, undone waves with light definition.
finish
While they both give you beach waves, the finish is visibly different between these two sprays. Sea salt mattifies the hair, so you’re going to get an undone, gritty look - think “it girl” Olsen twin hair. It can feel dry if over-applied, so a little goes a long way.
On the other hand, Ouai Wave Spray provides a softer, more natural finish. The spray is formulated to give you subtle shine, so your hair look healthy (but not glossy), and you don’t get that crunchy feeling.
For a visual comparison, if sea salt spray gives you Olsen twin hair, I’d say the results of Ouai Wave Spray are more similar to Serena van der Woodsen of Gossip Girl.
hair type compatibility
As someone with naturally straight hair, wave sprays were always hit-or-miss for me until I really learned more about formulation. As such, here’s my advice:
Sea salt spray works best for:
Fine to medium hair
Straight or slightly wavy hair
Hair that struggles to hold texture
Oily, limp, or silky hair
Ouai Wave Spray works best for:
Medium to thick hair
Dry or frizzy
Hair that is prone to breakage (like color-treated hair)
Wavy or curly hair types
Anyone who finds salt sprays too drying
Because Ouai Wave Spray is salt-free, it’s generally gentler on dry or damaged hair, but if your hair struggles to hold a curl, sea salt spray is the way to go.
hold and styling
Sea salt spray is stronger and provides more texture, making it ideal for boho braids, updos, and extra volume. On the other hand, Ouai Wave Spray offers a lighter hold that enhances your natural texture, rather than creating it. It works well with heat styling and makes your waves softer and natural yet not completely undone and messy.
If you have straight or fine hair that struggles to hold wave, opt for sea salt spray.
If you have medium hair with natural texture, you can get away with either; I’d think about the finish (matte vs subtle shine) as your differentiator.
For thick or coarse hair that can feel dry, you’ll prefer the results of Ouai Wave Spray.
which is better - ouai wave spray vs sea salt spray?
While both are effective products that will provide beachy texture, the “better” product depends on your hair type and goals.
Choose sea salt spray for:
Strong texture and volume
Slightly matte, beachy finish
Lots of grip
Creating beachy texture on straight hair that struggles to hold a curl
Choose Ouai Wave Spray for:
Soft, touchable waves
A more natural finish
Subtle shine
A product that enhances your natural texture
Put simply, sea salt spray creates texture; Ouai Wave Spray enhances it. For those with fine, flat hair, sea salt spray is best for you. If you have dry, frizzy, thick hair (or it has natural wave/ curl), Ouai Wave Spray is what I most recommend.
