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Head to head

Light Hold Creme Gel vs Wave Spray

Bounce Curl Light Hold Creme Gel edges out OUAI Wave Spray, 7.6 to 7.3. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Wave Spray is stronger on community love.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Bounce Curl Light Hold Creme Gel

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

OUAI Wave Spray

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty score
7.6Good
7.3Good
Results30% of score
7.5
7.3
Formula & ingredients20% of score
7.8
7.3
Texture & experience15% of score
7.8
7.8
Value20% of score
7.4
6.6
Community love15% of score
7.4
7.6
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$19.99/ 8 fl oz / 237 mlDrugstore
$30.00/ 6 fl oz / 177 mlMid-range
Price per ounceLowest wins
$2.49 / oz
$5.01 / oz
What it does
  • Curl definition
  • Volume
  • Curl definition
  • Hydrating
Made for
Wavy hair, Curly hair, Fine hair
Straight hair, Wavy hair, Curly hair
Format
Gel
Texture spray
Texture
Lightweight cream gel that the brand says gives a gentle, natural-looking hold
Light, salt-free texturizing mist
Fragrance-free
No — contains fragrance
No — contains fragrance
Claims
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated), Dermatologist-tested, Silicone-free, Sulfate-free, Paraben-free
Cruelty-free (brand-stated), Paraben-free
Brand origin
—
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Fine to medium wavy and curly hair
  • • People who want soft definition without crunch
  • • Bounce Curl routines that pair it with the brand's cream or leave-in
  • • Straight to wavy hair wanting soft beach waves
  • • Adding texture to heat-styled waves
  • • Fans of OUAI's North Bondi scent
Strengths
  • Lightweight; reviewers say it doesn't weigh fine waves down
  • Soft, touchable definition rather than a crunchy cast
  • Free of silicones, parabens, sulfates and PEGs; brand says it is vegan
  • Salt-free formula that the brand says keeps hair soft and hydrated
  • Adds beachy texture without crunch, according to creator reviews
  • Works for heatless waves or after curling irons and wavers
Watch-outs
  • Light hold; some users need a lot of product to form a cast
  • Pricier than drugstore gels
  • Light-hold texturizer rather than a strong-hold styler
  • Contains fragrance allergens plus Yellow 5 and Red 33 dyes

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Light Hold Creme Gel or Wave Spray?

Bounce Curl Light Hold Creme Gel edges out OUAI Wave Spray, 7.6 to 7.3. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Wave Spray is stronger on community love.

Which is better value?

Bounce Curl Light Hold Creme Gel works out to about $2.49 / oz and OUAI Wave Spray to about $5.01 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.