When it comes to hair, personal vanity can reach new heights. For some, managing hair prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions, can lead to significant adjustments in daily routines. The brand Color Wow has gained substantial traction on social media, largely due to compelling before-and-after videos showcasing dramatic transformations from dull, frizzy hair to smooth, silky, and voluminous locks. This popularity is further cemented by endorsements from celebrity hairstylists like Chris Appleton and adoption by stars such as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande.
To ascertain the efficacy of these products beyond the red carpet, a team of editors put Color Wow to the test in real-world conditions. Across a variety of hair types, from fine and straight to thick, curly textures (3b curls), six best-selling Color Wow products were evaluated. These included the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray, Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer, Hooked Clean Curl Shampoo, Flo-etry Hair Serum, and the Texas Hold 'Em Hairspray. The collective feedback and photographic evidence provided a comprehensive overview of the brand's offerings.
Exploring the Color Wow Product Line
The Color Wow range aims to address a multitude of hair concerns, from frizz and humidity to lack of volume and curl definition. Here’s a detailed look at some of their standout products:
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Team Rating: 8.8/10
The Dream Coat Supernatural Spray has garnered significant acclaim, proving to be a rare find that satisfies a diverse group of editors. This anti-frizz spray is celebrated for its exceptional frizz-fighting capabilities and humidity-resisting shine, earning an impressive average rating of 8.8 out of 10. The application process involves liberally spraying the product onto wet hair, followed by blow-drying, curling, or straightening. The outcome is hair that remains glossy and soft, irrespective of external weather conditions.
The spray's efficacy stems from its heat-activated polymers, which coat the hair cuticle. This action helps to lock in moisture and repel humidity, resulting in a sleek, glass-like shine. For those with curly hair, such as 3A curls, the product is noted for reducing flyaways and puffiness without compromising volume or bounce. Anecdotal evidence highlights its performance in challenging conditions, like humid weddings and extended wear after blow-drying, where hair remained sleek and frizz-free for days.
Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray
Team Rating: 7.5/10
Achieving luminous, shiny hair often appears effortless but can be challenging. The Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray aims to provide this coveted radiant look. According to Color Wow, the spray incorporates mullein, a flowering plant believed to enhance hair radiance. It's recommended to lightly mist the hair after drying or styling, with an additional blow-dry or straightening session to help the product absorb for added luster.
Results for this product varied based on hair type. Editors with thicker hair reported significant success, noting an instant and visible sheen that persisted throughout the day without appearing greasy. However, individuals with finer hair experienced a tendency for the product to leave strands looking somewhat oily. To optimize results, it's suggested to hold the can at least six inches away from the head and follow up with a boar bristle brush for even distribution.
Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
Team Rating: 8.3/10
This volumizing mousse proved to be a surprising hit among testers, praised for its lightweight texture that avoids weighing hair down or leaving a sticky residue. The product delivers a soft and silky finish, with many users finding it effective in helping their hair hold its shape, particularly after using a round brush, and imparting noticeable bounce and volume.
One minor drawback mentioned is the cost per use, as the product is dispensed generously, potentially leading to quicker depletion. Despite this, the volumizing effect was highly appreciated by those struggling with flat, shapeless hair.
Hooked Clean Curl Shampoo and Flo-etry Vital Curly Hair Serum
Team Rating: 8.0/10
Color Wow extends its innovation to curl-specific products with the Hooked 100% Clean Curl Shampoo and Flo-etry Vital Curly Hair Serum duo. The sulfate-free shampoo is designed to "lock" curls at the root, leading to defined, light, and voluminous ringlets. Users noted that the shampoo felt hydrating, reducing the immediate need for conditioner after rinsing. Its pleasant, subtle vanilla scent was also a positive attribute.
The Flo-etry Hair Serum is particularly beneficial for those with fine, fragile hair that can easily become greasy or flat. This serum provides significant hydration and defines curls without adding weight. It simplifies the post-shower routine by reducing the number of products needed, offering definition and hold. The serum's texture is medium-thick but does not weigh down the hair, and it effectively combats frizz when applied immediately after showering.
Texas Hold 'Em Big Hold Hairspray
Team Rating: 8.0/10
The Texas Hold 'Em Big Hold Hairspray aims to provide strong hold without the common drawback of stiffness or a "crunchy" feel. Testers reported that the hairspray felt lightweight and avoided the undesirable crispy texture often associated with high-hold products. Its versatility allows for all-over application after blow-drying to extend style longevity, or precise use on baby hairs for a sleek finish.
A pro tip for taming baby hairs involves spraying the product onto a spoolie or comb rather than directly onto the hair to prevent stiffness. This ensures a smooth, controlled look without compromising the hair's natural movement.
The Importance of Scalp Care with Color Wow
Beyond styling and treatment products, Color Wow also emphasizes the significance of scalp health for overall hair vitality. The brand's founder, Gail Federici, has over 40 years of experience in the haircare industry, leading Color Wow to become a globally recognized brand. Initially focused on color-treated hair, the brand has expanded to cater to a wide array of hair types and concerns, including curls, volume, and smoothing.
The professional education and informational materials highlight a growing awareness among clients about the connection between scalp health and hair quality. Concerns such as hair thinning, shedding, and lack of density are becoming increasingly prevalent, prompting a demand for targeted scalp care solutions. This presents an opportunity for salons to offer advanced services and for clients to integrate specialized treatments into their at-home routines.
Youth Juice Collagen Scalp Serum
Color Wow's Youth Juice Collagen Scalp Serum is a lightweight, daily-use treatment designed to hydrate, strengthen, and energize the scalp. It features high-performance actives that support collagen, improve circulation, soothe irritation, and reinforce the scalp's barrier function. Clinically tested, this serum utilizes skincare-grade ingredients, including Pycnogenol®, Procapil®, and synthetic collagen, to address the root causes of hair thinning and shedding.
The serum's residue-free texture makes it suitable for all hair types. It is applied directly to a clean, dry or damp scalp and massaged in; it does not require rinsing. Clinical studies indicate visible improvements in scalp comfort, hydration, and hair resilience within 28 days. The serum can support postpartum hair loss recovery by reinforcing the scalp's barrier and strengthening hair at the root, and it can be used alongside other scalp products and is safe for color-treated hair.
Testing Methodology and Product Efficacy
The evaluation of Color Wow products involved a rigorous testing process. For instance, one reviewer exclusively used Color Wow products for a month on frizz-prone, dry, curly hair in a soft-water area of the UK. Products were applied before blow-drying with tension and straightening to assess their performance under heat styling. Each product was tested individually to determine its unique merits.
Key criteria for assessment included detangling and defrizzing capabilities, glossing and smoothing effects, and overall efficacy across different hair textures. The Dream Coat anti-humidity hair spray, for example, was evaluated on its ability to maintain frizz-free, glossy, and smooth strands over several days and in varying weather conditions. For curly hair, the focus was on how products affected curl bounce, hydration, and frizz reduction during natural drying.
Conclusion and Shopping Recommendations
Color Wow presents a compelling range of products that cater to a wide spectrum of hair types and concerns, consistently delivering shine and impressive hold. The Dream Coat Supernatural Spray stands out as a particularly effective product for achieving a sleek finish and maintaining frizz control, especially in humid environments.
It is crucial to adhere to the specific usage instructions for Color Wow products, as many require particular application methods, such as heat styling or specific spray distances, to achieve optimal results. For those looking to enhance their hair care regimen, Color Wow offers a reliable and effective solution.
Recommended Color Wow Products:
- Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
- Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray
- Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
- Color Wow Hooked 100% Clean Curl Shampoo
- Color Wow Flo-etry Vital Natural Curly Hair Serum
- Color Wow Texas Hold ‘Em Big Hold Hairspray
- Color Wow Youth Juice Collagen Scalp Serum