It’s the haircare product responsible for Kim Kardashian’s sleek, straight hair, and J-Lo’s gorgeous voluminous curls. It’s known for doing almost everything possible to give you the hair you’ve always wanted – and we’re not even exaggerating.
Described by Chris Appleton, hair stylist to Kim K, Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Jenner and Ariana Grande – to name a few – as ‘the last hair product you will every buy’, Color Wow Dream Coat is clearly beloved by celebs and stylists alike. We spoke to celebrity stylist Chris to find out his tips on how to use this wonder product – and also gave it a try ourselves.
So why is it so amazing? Well, it claims to solve a myriad of hair concerns. Its main attraction is that it blocks humidity by giving a light yet protective coating over your hair. So if you’re prone to frizz in clammy or wet weather, it’s a miracle worker, not allowing moisture to be absorbed by your hair, keeping it looking sleek and holding its style. Chris describes it as ‘an umbrella for your hair’.
This also means it’s great if you need volume, helping to shield your blow dry from the elements. It’s lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down fine hair, and helps define curls without making them heavy. It’s ideal for all hair types, whether straight, curly, afro, or extensions, and fine, dehydrated, coarse or colour-treated. In fact, Chris swears by Dream Coat: ‘This product is amazing on every hair type, whether your hair is finer and you want volume, or you want that super-sleek style, this literally makes your hair humidity-proof.’
What is it?
A water-based, super-lightweight formula that coats your hair, it acts an an oil, serum and gel all at once. It claims to protect your hair against humidity and even rain, while holding volume (so no dropped styles) and keeping frizz at arm’s length. And all this lasts for up to two to three washes.
How do you apply it?
Shampoo and condition as usual, then spray liberally onto towel-dried hair in sections, making sure you coat it from the root to the tip. Chris adds ‘use way more than you think you need’. So basically, saturate your hair with the stuff.
When doing this the hair becomes extremely wet, and it does take a while (especially if you have a lot of hair). So it does add on some minutes to your washing and drying time – but as you only have to apply every few washes, it doesn’t seem like a massive problem, especially if it’s as amazing as Chris assures us it is.
After applying liberally, blow dry your hair in sections. The formula is heat-activated so you have to make sure the hot air hits every strand. Again this is a little more time-consuming if you have thick or long hair.
First impressions
The amount you have to use does make your hair very wet at first. However, it’s not sticky or greasy and doesn’t feel heavy either. And although it’s likely to be different on different hair types, we found it instantly made hair gorgeously soft and silky.
What’s the result?
I have fine hair but a lot of it, and find many styling products weigh my hair down. I also have serious issues with holding styles – curls drop out after about an hour. After applying this, I found my hair felt super soft and shiny, which remained the case into the second wash.
I’ve washed my hair once since applying Dream Coat and it’s still looking incredibly shiny. I even got rained on and that didn’t change! I also curled my hair yesterday and woke up with them still intact, which never happens! I mean, I wouldn’t say they were perfect – but they were definitely still there and looked pretty decent.
Our verdict
The only downside we can see to this product is the extra time it adds on to drying your hair. Saying that, you only need to use it every two to three washes, and trust us, it’s worth it. For a few extra minutes and effort every three washes, you get style that holds, less frizz and flyaways, and the major bonus that nothing – not even the unpredictable British weather – will change that.