Color Wow Reviewed: The Viral Hair Brand Put Through a Real-Life Test
We put Color Wow’s most hyped products through their paces and reveal which live up to the viral glow—and which don’t.
Color Wow Haircare: The Truth Behind the Hype
If you follow beauty trends online, you’ve seen the viral transformations: flat, frizzy hair morphing into gleaming, bouncy perfection. Color Wow, endorsed by celebrity stylists and worn by icons like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, has hit cult status on social media. But does the real world match the glossy promise on your feed? Our editors put Color Wow’s best-sellers to a multi-hair, real-life test to uncover the full story.
Meet the Hype: Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Color Wow?
Color Wow’s rise to beauty fame isn’t accidental. Across Instagram and TikTok, the brand is lauded for its promise to tackle weather-induced frizz, add glass-like shine, and build volume—without the usual downsides of stiffness or residue. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton—the man behind some of the world’s smoothest, glossiest celebrity hairstyles—calls it a kit staple, and fans range from pop stars to everyday curl enthusiasts. But viral videos can be deceptive, so we assembled editors with a spectrum of hair types—from fine and limp to thick, natural 3b curls—to provide unbiased, at-home results.
Color Wow: The Products We Tried
To provide the broadest view possible, we tested six of Color Wow’s top performers, each praised for unique effects:
- Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – frizz fighter and shine enhancer
- Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray – gloss in a can
- Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer – big, bouncy hair
- Hooked Clean Curl Shampoo – cleanses curls without stripping
- Flo-etry Hair Serum – lightweight nourishment
- Texas Hold ‘Em Hairspray – flexible, lasting hold
Our Testing: Methodology and Hair Types
Eleven editors tried one or more Color Wow products over multiple washes and hairstyles. We included:
- Fine, straight hair prone to limpness and oil
- Wavy, thick hair susceptible to frizz and dryness
- Coily, natural curls looking for definition and hydration
- Color-treated hair in need of extra protection and shine
Each product was evaluated for ease of use, scent, residue, true visible results, and whether the promises held up on non-celebrity hair.
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
What Dream Coat Promises:
This is Color Wow’s most viral product, boasting nearly universal claims to block humidity, smooth frizz, and coat each strand in a protective, shimmering seal. It features proprietary polymer technology activated by heat, forming a lightweight barrier that keeps hair silky for up to three or four shampoos.
How To Use:
- Apply generously to damp, clean hair (saturate every strand)
- Comb through for even distribution
- Activate with tension and heat—use a blow-dryer plus a brush
- Do not air dry—product must be heat-activated to work
Our Results:
For most editors, Dream Coat delivered impressively smooth hair. One tester with thick, wavy hair noticed the frizz around her hairline was banished, and the rest of her hair had a distinctly glossier “mirror-like’’ finish. Surprisingly, even those skeptical about applying the required copious amounts (unlike typical conditioners, you must saturate your hair) found no greasy or heavy residue. Another reviewer commented that the effect closely resembled having “laminated hair”—shiny, smooth, but still light and bouncy.
- Lasts up to 3-4 washes, not just one styling session
- Did not weigh down fine hair or leave any sticky feel
- Requires a blowdryer and brush for best results
The verdict: For anyone battling frizz or seeking a glassy finish, Dream Coat stands out as a reliable staple that lives up to its viral status—provided you’re prepared for the heat-styling step every time.
What others are reading
Beyond Dream Coat: The Rest of the Lineup
Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
Color Wow promises big volume without the stickiness or heavy, crunchy feel. The key here is an alcohol- and salt-free formula bolstered by a weightless polymer blend and bamboo for strength. It also acts as a heat protector.
- White foam with light texture
- Aim: best for fine, limp hair, also suitable for color-treated and fragile strands
- Application: 1-2 pumps per section on damp hair; work through, then blow dry
Results were mixed. For some, hair looked lifted, fuller, and stayed voluminous even after a humid commute. Others found you need to use more product than expected to see a noticeable difference. Overuse can leave the hair slightly matte, lacking the coveted shine. Curls defined beautifully but became a little dull. For those who love glossy volume, pair with a shine serum for best results.
Note: The product has a divisive scent; some testers disliked how their hair smelled on day two. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, be aware before purchase.
Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray
Marketed as “instant glass hair,” this spray is meant for adding a reflective finish. Applied as the final step post-styling, it’s suitable for all hair types. Editors with dull or dry hair found it perked up lackluster ends, delivering a photo-ready glass sheen.
- Ultra-lightweight; doesn’t weigh down styles
- Shine payoff: subtle but visible
- Best when used sparingly to avoid greasiness
Hooked Clean Curl Shampoo
This sulfate-free formula is designed specifically for curly and coily hair. It delivers a thorough cleanse without the typical stripped or squeaky feeling left by harsher surfactants.
- Preserves natural oils and moisture
- Curls stayed defined, not frizzy
- Editors found less buildup between washes
Flo-etry Hair Serum
Flo-etry is marketed as a serum for hydration and curl definition without sticky or heavy residue. Some testers found their hair felt noticeably bouncier and softer the next morning, especially when scrunched into damp curls. However, those needing intense moisture found it best combined with other leave-ins.
Texas Hold ‘Em Hairspray
The hairspray brings strong, long-lasting hold for all hair types, with users reporting it keeps even elaborate updos or slick ponytails in place. It doesn’t leave hair feeling crunchy or stiff—just secure and touchable. Great for humidity, gym, and long nights out.
Color Wow: Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Truly tames frizz—humidity is no match | Some products need heavy application to work |
| Glass-like shine without heaviness | Volumizer can leave hair matte rather than glossy |
| Works across various hair textures and curl types | Fragrance in some formulas is divisive |
| Heat protectant built into several products | Dream Coat is not effective without heat styling |
| Editor-tested; real-world, not just red carpet | Pricey for the amount sometimes required |
What Our Editors Really Thought
- Editor 1 (thick, dry waves): Dream Coat is easily the best anti-frizz I’ve tried. My hair felt like silk every time, but I need extra shine after using the Xtra Large Volumizer.
- Editor 2 (fine, limp hair): The volumizer and hairspray combo made my hair look full and held curl better than my normal mousse, but I had to use a lot of product to see volume.
- Editor 3 (3b curls): Hooked shampoo and Flo-etry gave my curls bounce and left them soft, not crunchy. The volume was impressive, but didn’t last as long on humid days.
- Editor 4 (color-treated): Nothing beats Dream Coat for shine and keeping my fresh color vibrant. Texas Hold ‘Em is now my go-to for holding styles all day.
Most testers agreed that while the brand’s promises are not universal miracles, several standout products deliver significant improvement in frizz, shine, and volume. The main drawback? You’ll use more product per application than with typical drugstore hair care.
Who Should Use Color Wow?
- Struggling with humidity-induced frizz: Dream Coat and the shine spray make an immediate, dramatic impact.
- Want glassy, smooth hair: The system delivers better than many salon alternatives when paired with proper heat styling.
- Need volume but dislike crunchy mousse: The volumizer provides bounce and shape—just prep for a slightly matte finish.
- Shine lovers: Both Dream Coat and Mist-ical shine spray satisfy those chasing a light-reflecting look.
If you have ultra-dry, curly, or chemically treated hair, using the appropriateserums and oils alongside these products will yield best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does Color Wow Dream Coat really block out humidity?
A: Yes, Dream Coat forms a water-repellent barrier that keeps hair frizz-free and smooth for up to four shampoos, as long as it is properly heat-activated.
Q: Will the volumizer work for very fine hair?
A: It is designed for fine hair and adds noticeable lift, but you may need to use more product than expected. Results are best with a blow dryer.
Q: Do these products work on natural curls?
A: Yes, the Hooked Clean Curl Shampoo and Flo-etry serum are formulated for curls, helping to define, nourish, and reduce frizz without heavy buildup.
Q: Are Color Wow products safe for color-treated or damaged hair?
A: Yes, all tested products were gentle on colored hair, and some, like Dream Coat and the volumizer, offer protective benefits and minimize color fading.
Q: Can you air dry hair after using Dream Coat?
A: No, the product needs heat to activate. For best results, blow dry using tension from a brush.
Final Thoughts: Is Color Wow Worth It?
Color Wow stands out for versatile, high-performance hair care—especially Dream Coat, which justifies its cult status. While some products require a heavier hand and can feel pricey for regular use, the real-world performance on frizz, shine, and volume speaks for itself. If your main struggles are humidity, dullness, or limp hair, it is well worth a spot in your styling lineup.
References
- https://www.livethatglow.com/color-wow-xtra-large-bombshell-volumiser-review/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a64621298/color-wow-review/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/hair/a42024820/color-wow-dream-coat/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/hair/a42811033/color-wow-curl-range-review/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBJC0ExCNS0
- https://colorwowhair.com
- https://www.haircosmopolitan.com/collections/color-wow
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