If you’ve tried Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and didn’t get that sleek, glassy finish everyone talks about, you’re not alone. There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to using Dream Coat, and it’s one of the few hair products that requires a more precise application in order to get the best results.

Dream Coat is extremely technique-dependent; it will add shine, eliminate frizz, and create humidity-proof “raincoat” over your hair that can last through multiple washes, but you have to do some of the leg work in order for it to work. You have to (unfortunately) be intentional about Dream Coats application process, or else it will feel like it did nothing for your hair… and there’s nothing more frustrating than that.Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Review

Here’s exactly why Dream Coat might not be working, and step-by-step advice on how to fix it.

PS: Want a full overview on exactly how to use Dream Coat and who it’s best for? Check out my Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Review with before and after photos; I also have one for the Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-frizz Treatment version, too.

why color wow dream coat isn’t working and how to fix it

you didn’t use enough product

This is the #1 reason Dream Coat fails. Unlike serums or leave-ins, this formula needs full saturation to work. It uses heat-activated polymers that coat the hair evenly, so if you under-apply, you won’t get the smoothing effect throughout your hair.

It may seem like you’re using too much and I understand not wanting your hair to feel greasy or weighed down, but Dream Coat is super lightweight (even if you have super fine hair like me), so it’s unlikely you’ll overdo it.

how to fix it:

Section your hair. I prefer to do horizontal sections (bottom, middle, top) and then divide that top section vertically (left and right following my part) since I have layered hair.
- If you are struggling here, go in super tiny sections! Not only are you able to be more thorough, but in a way, it psychologically feels like you are being more intentional and not “wasting” product.
Spray liberally until your hair is more than damp (almost soaked, but not dripping).
Comb through to distribute evenly; I use my fingers but you can use an actual comb.

Need more step-by-step instructions? I outline my full application method in my Dream Coat review.

you didn’t use heat

Dream Coat is heat-activated. It’s formulated with a unique proprietary anti-humidity complex that will form a waterproof shield that protects against humidity, but it only works when you activate it with heat (plus tension, but we will get to that).

I have definitely tried to cut corners and air dry my hair in the hot sun on a summer day because I am not great at blow-drying my hair, but you absolutely need to use heat in order to get Dream Coat to work.

how to fix it:

Always blow dry after applying.
Use a brush for tension (similar to a salon blow-out).
Don’t air dry and expect results - if you want to air-dry, skip Dream Coat and save it for another day. Use a non-heat activating anti-frizz leave-in instead. You may not get the glass-like shine, but it will still fight frizz for you.

you didn’t use enough tension while blow drying

This is probably the second most common mistake. You see a lot of talk about adding heat, but “add tension” feels like an afterthought, when it’s actually the second-biggest piece of the puzzle to getting Dream Coat to work.

What sets Dream Coat apart from other anti-frizz products is that the anti-humidity complex seals the hair cuticle, providing a shield against humidity. You can’t get full results if you just rough-dry your hair or only apply heat. You must use either a brush (easier) or your hands (lazy like me), to create a little tension with your hair in order to get that sealed-effect that gives you a sleek, glass-like finish.

how to fix it:

Use a round brush or paddle brush. I sometimes use my opposite hand because I’m lazy and also not that great at balancing both a blow dryer and a brush! The main thing is adding tension, so see what works for you.
Pull hair taut while drying. You do not need to give yourself a headache or apply a ton of pressure, but some tension is necessary.
Work in sections. As I mentioned, the process can be tedious. To make it more natural and less thought-driven, work in small sections. I personally started with ridiculously small sections (like 2-3”) until I got the hang of it.

tl;dr: Think blowout, not quick dry.

your hair type needs the extra strength version

If you have very curly or coily hair, extremely dry or porous hair, heavy frizz or live in an extremely humid climate, the original Dream Coat may not be strong enough for you.

how to fix it:

Switch to the Extra Strength Dream Coat. Specifically formulated for coarse, damaged, curly, and coily hair, this still locks in moisture, but is slightly stronger to better combat frizz.
- Check out my Extra Strength Dream Coat Review for tips and before and after results.
- Feel like your hair is dry, but not dry enough for Extra Strength? I have a full Dream Coat vs Extra Strength Comparison you can reference.

As someone who has used both the OG formula and Extra Strength, I will say that first make sure you are using enough product before you jump straight to the Extra Strength formula. Oftentimes when I talk to people, they switch and then feel like Extra Strength is too heavy. Avoid this by dividing your hair into super-small sections and fully coating your hair with Dream Coat as that may be your problem.

But if you have thick, curly, or coily hair, I typically recommend Extra Strength Dream Coat instead because your hair needs that extra boost.

you used too many products before dream coat

Dream Coat works best on clean, product-free hair. I wouldn’t say that it is the most hydrating product, but your hair is so sleek and shiny afterwards that you won’t miss the leave-in conditioner, I promise. It also offers heat protection, so can skip your regular heat protectant.

Avoid pretty much all leave-in products and keep your hair as clean as possible. Anything heavy (creams, leave-ins, oils), will block Dream Coat’s formula from properly coating your hair, hindering your results.

how to fix it:

Use a lightweight conditioner only; skip the heavy deep conditioners and masks if you can.
Skip heavy stylers before applying (at a minimum). Truthfully, I recommend skipping all post-wash products and keeping your hair clean in order to get the most out of Dream Coat.
Apply Dream Coat first, then layer if needed - but try to wait until after you blow-dry for full results.

you want immediate “serum-like” results

Dream Coat is a truly unique hair product. It’s an anti-frizz and shine-enhancing product, not a treatment. It’s also not a smoothing cream or finishing oil. Your hair won’t instantly feel soft or coated; you have to style it to feel the full effects.

Dream Coat is also more of a “worker bee” for your hair than a styling finisher. It primarily seals the cuticle and repels humidity. It will enhance smoothness, but only after you heat-style (not right away).

what to expect with dream coat:

You get the best results after a full blowout, not air-drying.
Your hair will be smoother over time.
You’ll notice less frizz in humid climates.

how to fix it:

Hold off on expectations/ judgement until after you heat style your hair.
If you actually want a style finisher instead, try this lightweight styling oil. It also smooths frizz and adds glossy shine, but the results are more subtle than with Dream Coat.

you didn’t reapply correctly

Dream Coat lasts 2–4 shampoos, but only if it’s applied properly. So first things first, make sure you are addressing the potential problems above. That said, if you find yourself reapplying too often (or not enough) you might not see consistent results.

how to fix it:

Use every 3–4 washes
Don’t layer daily like a styling product. This is more intense. “More is more” won’t give you better results; it’ll have the opposite effect and make your hair harder to deal with.

If Color Wow Dream Coat isn’t working, it’s almost always due to not enough product, forgetting to use heat activation, not using tension when you blow dry, or using the wrong version (OG vs Extra Strength). Once you fix those the difference is dramatic and you’ll finally get those “wow” results you see everyone else raving about. Stick with the process and be patient; I hope this guide helped you!