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Head to head

Curling Custard vs Wave Spray

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard edges out OUAI Wave Spray, 7.7 to 7.3. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Wave Spray is stronger on texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

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
7.7Good
7.3Good
Results30% of score
8.0
7.3
Formula & ingredients20% of score
7.4
7.3
Texture & experience15% of score
6.8
7.8
Value20% of score
7.8
6.6
Community love15% of score
8.1
7.6
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$20.00/ 8 ozMid-range
$30.00/ 6 fl oz / 177 mlMid-range
Price per ounceLowest wins
—
$5.01 / oz
What it does
  • Curl definition
  • Frizz control
  • Shine
  • Volume
  • Curl definition
  • Hydrating
Made for
Wavy hair, Curly hair, Coily hair, Thick hair
Straight hair, Wavy hair, Curly hair
Format
Gel
Texture spray
Texture
Concentrated custard-style gel; brand says it is never greasy, crunchy or drying
Light, salt-free texturizing mist
Fragrance-free
—
No — contains fragrance
Claims
Silicone-free, Paraben-free, Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Cruelty-free (brand-stated), Paraben-free
Brand origin
🇺🇸 American beauty
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Wash-and-go styles on curly and coily hair
  • • Shoppers avoiding silicones and drying alcohols
  • • Pairing with a leave-in such as Knot Today
  • • Straight to wavy hair wanting soft beach waves
  • • Adding texture to heat-styled waves
  • • Fans of OUAI's North Bondi scent
Strengths
  • Strong curl definition and hold shown in wash-and-go demos
  • Free of silicones, drying alcohols, petroleum and mineral oil per the brand
  • Concentrated formula; brand says a little goes a long way
  • 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
  • Technique-sensitive: brand directs application to soaking-wet hair in small sections
  • Full ingredient list isn't published on the brand's product page
  • Light-hold texturizer rather than a strong-hold styler
  • Contains fragrance allergens plus Yellow 5 and Red 33 dyes
Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Curling Custard or Wave Spray?

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard edges out OUAI Wave Spray, 7.7 to 7.3. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Wave Spray is stronger on texture and feel.

Which costs less?

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard typically sells for about $20.00 and OUAI Wave Spray for about $30.00, based on 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.