When I think of shiny, glass-like hair, two products come to mind: Color Wow Dream Coat and Davines Oi Liquid Luster. Both give your hair tons of shine, smooth frizz, add softness, and are extremely lightweight formulas safe for all hair types.

That said, they’re actually quite different and meant for different points in your haircare routine. You don’t need both, though, so today’s post is all about breaking down their similarities, differences, pros, cons, results, and price points.

Sharing before and after results, plus advice on which shine-enhancing ultimately works better for different hair types and hair goals, my goal is to help you pick right product for glass-like hair, so let’s jump in.

color wow dream coat vs davines liquid luster

color wow dream coat results

Color Wow’s Dream Coat Supernatural Shine Spray is infamously known for giving you that viral, glass-like sleek and shiny hair. Its ultra-lightweight formula adds tons of shine, heat protection, tames frizz, and also offers protection from humidity via its proprietary anti-humidity complex.

I’ve shared a full-length review of Dream Coat, but for a quick recap here: what I love most about Dream Coat is that it actually works. Your hair is insanely shiny and soft, and it’s my must-have anytime I travel anywhere humid because it genuinely keeps your hair from getting frizzy and unruly.

That said, Dream Coat is technique-dependent and not the easiest to use. It’s not one of those hair products where if you use it kind of well, you get some results; you have to execute each step correctly in order for it to work. Mainly, you need to blow dry with tension (similar to a blowout) in order to activate the formula and get glass-like results. I personally prefer air-drying as often as possible, so there was definitely a learning curve for me with Dream Coat, but it’s proven to be worth it. And one blow dry will last you 2-3 washes, so while it’s more work up front, the results last longer.

Also, it’s just $30, and while you need to fully coat your hair, one bottle lasts quite a while so I think it’s one of the most cost-effective products on the market.

pros

Offers legit humidity protection (acts like a water-repellent "raincoat”)
Long-lasting (multi-wash)
Creates a sleek, polished finish and you actually notice (and feel) the results
Lightweight formula
Minimal fragrance; ideal if you are sensitive
Offers heat protection
Makes your hair way less frizzy

cons

Requires heat styling; you also have to make sure you’re adding tension for full results
Can feel flat on super-fine hair
Technique matters a lot; it’s a more high-maintenance product in that way

how to use color wow dream coat

Color Wow Dream Coat is one of the few hair products that requires a specific application process. It relies on heat-activated polymers rather than silicones to address frizz, so how you apply it is very important.

Shampoo, condition, and lightly towel dry to remove excess moisture.
Once your hair is damp, divide your hair into sections for even application. You know what comes natural to you; 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.
Spray liberally and evenly. Make sure your hair is completely saturated. This product won’t “blend in” on its own like a leave-in conditioner will (so to speak) so be thorough.
1. It’s extremely lightweight, so if you are worried you’re applying too much and it’ll weigh down your hair, trust me.
Don’t apply any other styling products while your hair is still wet. This has heat protectant in it, so you’re good. If you need to, you can apply more after the blow-dry.
If your hair is tangle prone, comb through.
Blow dry your hair, making sure you create tension with the hair (like a salon blow out). I use my fingers, but you can also use a round brush. Adding tension helps the polymers activate, so make sure you don’t skip this step!
If needed, you can apply other products after your hair is dry.
For best results, use every 3-4 shampoos.

Please note: I am an air-dry person through and through, but Dream Coat will not work if you air-dry! For more troubleshooting help, check out Why Color Wow Dream Coat Isn’t Working.

davines oi liquid luster results

It’s no secret I’m a fan of Davines; it’s one of my favorite haircare brands, but is more luxury in terms of price, and I’ve loved Liquid Luster since I reviewed it back in 2024 (one of my first posts!). The Davines Oi Liquid Luster is a hair gloss, and I genuinely like it. It is lightweight enough for fine hair, easy to use, doesn’t require much time, and gives you noticeably shinier and softer hair.

The two main downsides are the price and scent. At $57 per bottle, it’s one of the pricier hair glosses I’ve tried, and I’ve personally found cheaper versions that work just as well (like this one).

Also, if you haven’t smelled the Davines Oi scent before, I highly recommend doing so before you order online. It’s a polarizing scent that is very strong and you either love it or hate it. I typically enjoy masculine scents, but this one is quite sharp and can give me a headache sometimes.

pros

Makes your hair noticeably shinier and softer
Instant results; you can wash out immediately
Can let your hair air-dry (or heat style) after
Does not weigh your hair down or leave a film
Lightweight formula

cons

Expensive at $57 a bottle
You need a good amount of product (averages out to 15 uses for short hair, 7 for long hair) so one bottle won’t last a long time
Strong scent that you love or hate (very masculine, somewhat sharp)
Does not have hold (like texturizing or hairspray does)
Can cause tangles or frizz

how to use davines liquid luster

Use one dose (20 ml) for short hair or two doses (40 ml) for long hair. The bottle is clearly labeled so you don’t need to guess or break out the measuring cups.
After shampooing, squeeze excess water out of hair. The more moisture you squeeze out, the better the product will work.
Section your hair and apply the product, fully saturating your hair from mid-lengths to ends.
Comb through to ensure the product has been applied evenly.
Rinse out; you don’t need to leave it in like you do with other glosses.
If you have extra coarse hair that is prone to tangles or dry hair that needs extra hydration, follow with a conditioner.

color wow dream coat vs davines liquid luster results comparison

key differences between color wow dream coat and davines liquid luster

Color Wow Dream Coat creates a glass-like, ultra-sleek finish and gives you a salon-worthy “blowout shine” look. Your hair is more polished and structured; think Kim Kardashian or Cher, rather than Olsen twin boho chic.

What sets Dream Coat apart from other anti-frizz products is that it forms a lightweight, invisible coating that reflects light evenly across the hair.

On the other hand, Davines Liquid Luster is easier to use and delivers instant shine and silkiness. The finish is softer and more natural than you get with Dream Coat. Think “healthy glow” rather than corporate polish.

Liquid Luster gives your hair a natural shine boost; Dream Coat gives your hair a style.

shine and finish

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray gives a very specific type of shine. Think glassy, sleek, and polished. Your hair is smooth, reflective, and almost looks laminated. The shine is controlled, and while you sacrifice a little volume, your hair is super sleek after using.

Davines Liquid Luster provides more natural results. The shine is softer, and it enhances your hair’s texture instead of transforming it. The results are still lightweight and healthy-looking, but much less dramatic.

key ingredients

Color Wow Dream Coat utilizes heat-activated polymer technology to give your hair a major boost. The proprietary anti-humidity complex forms a shield around each strand that, when activated with heat, creates a lightweight, water-resistant shield. This shield smooths the cuticle, blocks humidity, and locks in a sleek, shiny finish.

Davines Liquid Luster is more conditioning-based. The star ingredient is roucou oil, which strengthens and protects hair with beta-carotene and antioxidants. Your hair smooths during the rinse process, which also makes it easier to use (no blow-drying required).

smoothing and frizz control

Color Wow Dream Coat is specifically designed for frizz prevention, whereas Davines Liquid Luster is more about smoothing.

Dream Coat stops frizz from forming in the first place by creating a humidity-resistant barrier (hence the heat activation process). Get Dream Coat if you:

Live in or are traveling to a humid climate
Have especially frizzy hair
Want a blowout style

Davines Liquid Luster focuses on improving texture overall, not just fighting frizz. Get Liquid Luster if:

Your hair feels rough
You want soft hair, not just shiny
You want a more natural, beachy style

Davines Liquid Luster makes your hair shiny, too, but it won’t hold up against humidity or prevent frizz throughout the day.

hair type compatibility

Both products work on all hair types; the main difference is less about your hair type, and more about your styling preferences. Dream Coat is best for styled hair routines and more polished looks, whereas Liquid Luster is better for simple, low-effort routines and more natural results.

Color Wow Dream Coat is best for:

Frizz-prone hair

Blow-dried styles
Fine to medium hair; if you have thick, coily, or curly hair, try the Extra Strength version (check out Color Wow Dream Coat vs Extra Strength for more info)

Dream Coat requires heat styling in order to work, so if you hate the blow-dry process, skip it.

Davines Liquid Luster is best for:

All hair types
Dull or dry hair
Low-maintenance routines

It works especially well if you don’t heat style and want quick results.

One caveat: Dream Coat does require heat styling, but it then lasts 2-4 washes, so if you don’t mind putting in effort up-front for longer-lasting results, get Dream Coat instead of Liquid Luster.

price

I’m not afraid to spend money on a good hair product, but I’m also budget-conscious and always want the best deal; it’s important that a hair product feels worth the money to me, since they can be so expensive! Comparing the price of these products, Color Wow Dream Coat is cheaper all around. It’s $30 for a 6.7oz bottle ($4.48 per ounce), whereas Oi Liquid Luster is $57 for a 10.14oz bottle, which breaks down to $5.62 per ounce.

Factoring in usage, you get about 15 uses of Liquid Luster if you have short hair (7-8 if you have long hair) based on the product’s directions. I haven’t precisely measured Dream Coat for a mathematical comparison, but I will say that even coating my long hair thoroughly, I’ll get closer to 20-25 uses out of it, so it’s the better deal all around.

which is better - color wow dream coat or davines liquid luster?

Here’s the thing: both products are really good, worthwhile products. The main downside to Color Wow Dream Coat is the learning curve, because it is so technique-dependent. The biggest con of Liquid Luster is the price. You know what you’d rather tolerate; I personally will save money wherever I can, but if you hate blow-drying your hair, Dream Coat will not be your favorite product. That said,

Choose Color Wow Dream Coat if you want:

Long-lasting frizz control
Humidity protection
Sleek, polished blowouts
Results that last multiple washes

Choose Davines Liquid Luster if you want:

Instant shine in under a minute
A softer, more natural finish
A low-effort routine (no styling required; you can air-dry)
A conditioning boost

While they get compared a lot, these two products are not true dupes for each other; they actually solve different problems. Color Wow Dream Coat is best for frizz and styling. Davines Liquid Luster is best for a quicker shine and added softness.

FAQ

is davines liquid luster the same as dream coat?

No. Liquid Luster is a rinse-out shine treatment, while Dream Coat is a leave-in anti-frizz styling spray.

does davines liquid luster help with frizz?

Somewhat, but just in the short-term. Liquid Luster smooths hair, but doesn’t provide humidity protection like Dream Coat. If frizz is your main concern, get Dream Coat.

can you use dream coat and liquid luster together?

Yes. I’ve done this just to see how my fine hair would react, and I loved my results!

Use Liquid Luster in the shower for shine, then follow-up with Dream Coat before blow drying for frizz control.

which one gives more shine?

Dream Coat gives your hair more glass, reflective shine; the results of Liquid Luster are softer and more natural.

is dream coat worth it over liquid luster?

Honestly, yes, especially if frizz is your main concern. If you want subtler shine and more softness, plus more volume get Liquid Luster. Keep in mind that Dream Coat is better for sleek styles, so if you want messy beach waves, you’ll prefer Liquid Luster.

which is better for air-drying?

Davines Liquid Luster, 100%. Dream Coat requires heat to activate, so it won’t work or give you much results without blow drying.

which is better for photos or special events?

This depends on your styling preferences. If you want a sleeker look or are worried about frizz (like if you are taking pictures somewhere humid), get Dream Coat. I can still get pretty waves out of my stick-straight hair after I use Dream Coat, so I prefer this over Liquid Luster because it tames the crazy frizz and baby hairs around my part.

That said, if you want natural waves, hate flat hair, and want good volume, get Liquid Luster.