Color Wow Dream Coat vs Extra Strength: Which One is Better?
The haircare brand Color Wow never caught my eye, but once I tried the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray I become an immediate fan of the brand. Dream Coat is their viral product designed to give you sleek, glass-like shiny hair - think Kim Kardashian or Cher.
And while I loved the results, I can’t leave well enough alone, so once I saw that the brand also sells an Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment meant for extra-dry or damaged hair, I wanted to try it to see how it differs from the OG formula I love so much.
Both require the same application process, promise shiny, sleek hair and intense protection against humidity, yet the Extra Strength is $2 more. I’m all for saving money wherever you can, so I have spent time working with both formulas to figure out their strengths and weaknesses. I’ve finally figured out which product works better for what, and who they’re best for, and if the Extra Strength is worth the extra $2.
For a full comparison between the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment that focuses on their pros, cons, key differences and similarities, as well as a full breakdown to help figure out which one is ultimately better, keep reading.
color wow dream coat vs extra strength
color wow dream coat milk review
I’ve posted a full review of the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, but for a cheat sheet: I honestly love the results you get from Dream Coat and think it’s totally worth it. My hair is noticeably smoother, softer, and it gives me that glass-like shine I’ve been aiming for. Truly, if you want hair like Cher (or, more recently, the Kardashians) this is the hair product you need. The only downside is you have to blow dry under tension; I tend to air-dry so this step feels like a chore, but it’s worth it.
If you live in a humid climate, deal with frizz, and feel like you’re always fighting your hair, I highly recommend trying Dream Coat.
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
Truly a lightweight formula
Doesn’t build-up
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
color wow extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment review
The Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment is formulated for thick, curly, or coily hair (not me), as well as extra dry or damaged hair (me). I put my hair through the wringer testing tons of products, so I was excited to see if the Extra Strength Dream Coat would be more nourishing.
Truth be told, the results were not that different on my fine, damaged hair. It’s worth noting that this formula didn’t weigh my hair down; it’s just as lightweight as the original Dream Coat. However, I had my mom test both versions on her thick, wiry, grey hair as well, and her results were much more varied. I’d say the original Dream Coat made her look polished, but the Extra Strength Dream Coat made her look like she got her hair professionally styled at the salon.
If you have thick, curly, or coily hair, it’s worth it to get Extra Strength Dream Coat instead of the OG formula.
pros
Specifically formulated for curly or coily hair
Also works for thick, wiry grey hair (my mom loves this version over the OG)
Still a lightweight formula that doesn’t build-up or weigh down curls
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
Minimal fragrance; ideal if you are sensitive
Offers heat protection
Makes your hair less frizzy
cons
Requires heat styling with tension for full results
Not for fine to medium hair, even if it’s extra-damaged
$2 more expensive than the original Dream Coat
color wow dream coat vs extra strength: key differences
formula
What makes Dream Coat formulas unique from other anti-frizz products is that they don’t contain heavy oils or butters; you get tons of shine but it’s still one of the most lightweight formulas on the market. It’s also unique in that it requires heat to activate. Both versions of Dream Coat contain:
Proprietary Anti-Humidity Complex - humidity-proofs, prevents frizz, adds shine, and provides heat protection.
Glycerin - provides moisture for healthy-looking, shiny hair.
Where they differ is:
Dream Coat contains chamomilla extract, which protects color and enriches radiance.
Extra Strength utilizes a polymer blend, which creates a sealant, locks in moisture, and keeps humidity out. It’s stronger, so it’s meant for extra-dry and thick hair types.
Both versions also contain a heat protectant, so you can safely jump straight into blow-drying without worrying about heat damage.
price
The original Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray retails for $30, whereas the Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment costs $32. Both bottles are 6.7oz, so the Extra Strength is more expensive. I wouldn’t say the results necessarily justify the price change. I’m sure it has something to do with ingredients, but it’s kind of a bummer that if you have thicker hair, you’re expected to spend $2 more for the same results someone with fine hair gets with the original formula.
That said, the formula for both is very lightweight, and even though it seems like you’re using a lot because you have to thoroughly coat your hair, one bottle will last you a while. You repeat the process every 2-4 washes, so it may cost $30 or $32 up front, but it’s more cost-effective in the long run.
color wow dream coat vs extra strength results comparison
I have fine hair that is dry and damaged, but my results between the two products were pretty similar. Both gave me lots of shine, a sleeker finish, and tamed frizz (especially with my layers). If you have thick or curly hair and have tried Dream Coat before and didn’t love the results, try the Extra Strength version. You’ll notice a more dramatic difference than my photos show.
how to use color wow dream coat
You follow the same application process for both the original Dream Coat and the Extra Strength version. This product is very technique-dependent, so make sure to follow each step carefully!
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.
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.
which is better: dream coat or extra strength?
Another question I get asked often what the differences are between the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment. Here’s my breakdown and mini review for you:
Both the original Dream Coat and Extra Strength version have a mild, barely detectable scent.
Both products are vegan.
Both offer heat protection.
Both tame frizz, make your hair soft, and give your hair that glass-like, sleek, polished look.
Both require heat activation and tension to activate.
Both last 2-3 washes.
The original Dream Coat is $2 cheaper than Extra Strength ($30 vs $32). I think $30 is fairly-priced, but I wouldn’t say the results of Extra Strength are that much better for the $2 extra charge. I think it’s also a bummer that it costs more when you think about how it’s formulated for a different hair type; it’s not like it provides extra benefits.
That said, you do not need both. Get one or the other.
Get the original Dream Coat Supernatural Spray if:
You have fine to medium hair
Your hair is normal, not overly dry or damaged
You experience mild to moderate frizziness
You have wiry, grey hair that is also thin to medium
Get Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment if:
You have thick hair
You have curly or coily hair
You have extreme dryness or damage (hair is super brittle)
You have wiry, grey hair that is also thick
If you:
Prefer low-maintenance beauty
Do not blow-dry your hair
Want beach waves
Want voluminous, bouncy curls
Don’t get either Dream Coat. Instead, use a non-heat activating anti-frizz leave-in conditioner, then follow-up with a lightweight styling oil after styling. The oil also smooths frizz and adds glossy shine, but the results are more subtle than with Dream Coat.
color wow dream coat vs extra strength FAQ
can you switch between them?
You can if you have both on hand, but it’s unnecessary as they’re too similar.
Also, don’t use both at the same time; pick one and use it on freshly washed, clean, damp hair.
is extra strength heavier?
If you use Extra Strength on the wrong hair type, yes it will feel slightly heavier. Only use Extra Strength if you have thick, curly, coily, or extra dry/ damaged hair.
which lasts longer?
They last the same, pretty much. I do think if your hair is especially frizz-prone, you may find that Extra Strength gives you one extra smooth day, but I wouldn’t recommend it at the expense of your hair feeling a little heavier.
