Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-frizz Treatment Review
I love a good hair product that actually delivers on its promises, and when I tried Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray a few months ago, I was legitimately impressed by the results.
Of course, I can’t leave well enough alone, so when I saw that the brand also sells a stronger version, the Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment, I was instantly intrigued. It’s formulated for curly or coily hair (not me), but also for extremely dry, dehydrated hair (very me), so I knew I had to try it. I also have my mom test these hair products a lot too; she has thick, grey, wiry hair that can be hard to manage, so I wanted to see how the Extra Strength Dream Coat worked on both of our similar yet different hair types.
Keep reading for my full review, before and after results, when Extra Strength Dream Coat is the better option than the OG formula, and tips to get the best results.
PS: Think the OG formula might be better for you? Check out my Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Review for more, or view my Dream Coat vs Extra Strength Dream Coat to see a detailed side-by-side comparison between the two.
color wow extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment review
Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment is a heat-activated anti-frizz spray designed to create a humidity-resistant “seal” over your hair; think of it like a raincoat or umbrella for your hair, so to speak.
Unlike oils or serums, Extra Strength Dream Coat doesn’t just smooth out your hair; it’s specifically formulated to block moisture from entering the hair shaft (which is what causes frizz in the first place). It’s also much more lightweight, so if you feel like other anti-frizz products just sit on your hair, you will probably like the feel of Extra Strength Dream Coat instead.
Where Extra Strength Dream Coat differs from the original formula is that it’s a little more intense and meant to be more moisturizing, which is what dry, damaged, curly, and coily hair typically needs.
I did find the Extra Strength Dream Coat to be more hydrating and a bit of a more heavy-duty formula than the OG, but it didn’t make my hair feel heavy or greasy at all. If you have very dry hair or curly/ coily hair, Extra Strength Dream Coat is worth it and will give you sleek, shiny glass-like hair like Cher (or, more recently, the Kardashians) this is the hair product you need.
As I mentioned, I also had my mom test Extra Strength Dream Coat because she has thick, wiry grey hair and Extra Strength Dream Coat really took her hair to the next level. I’d say the OG Dream Coat works well on her hair and she looks great, but Extra Strength Dream Coat makes her hair look like she got it professionally done at the salon, so if your hair is on the thicker side and you weren’t “wowed” by the original formula, check out the Extra Strength version.
Another thing to note: sometimes hair products aren’t concentrated enough for thick hair, so even if the bottle promises long-lasting results, they aren’t as good for thick or curly hair. That is not true for Extra Strength Dream Coat. The results really do last 2-4 washes, so it’s worth it.
The biggest downside to Dream Coat is that you have to blow-dry your hair with tension to activate the product. As someone who air-dries exclusively, this seemed like an annoying extra step, but the results make the process worth it. Also, I am not an expert at blow-drying my hair, so don’t feel like your lack of experience will hinder your results. I fumble through the process every time, and my hair still looks great.
If you have thick, coily, or curly hair, you should absolutely try Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment. If you are leaning towards it because your hair is dry or damaged, refer back to your hair type as I think that’s the more important qualifier. Get the OG version if your hair is fine to medium; get Extra Strength Dream Coat if your hair is thick.
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
key ingredients
What makes Extra Strength Dream Coat unique from other anti-frizz products is that it doesn’t contain heavy oils or butters; this is key for curly or thick hair because it’s going to tame frizz but won’t leave lots of product residue, which builds up over time and can damage hair.
It’s also unique in that it requires heat to activate, thanks to their unique blend:
Proprietary Anti-Humidity Complex - humidity-proofs, prevents frizz, adds shine, and provides heat protection.
Polymer Blend - creates a sealant, locks in moisture, and keeps humidity out, specifically for the extra-strength formula (not in the OG Dream Coat).
Glycerin - powerful humectant moisturizes to help prevent dryness.
color wow extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment before and after
how to use color wow extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment
Color Wow Extra Strength Dream Coat requires a specific application process, relying 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.
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 you’re using straightening iron, heat should not exceed 380°F (or 190°C).
If needed, you can apply other products after your hair is dry.
For best results, use every 3-4 shampoos.
Dream Coat will not work if you air-dry; you must use heat with tension in order to get it to work. For more troubleshooting help, check out Why Color Wow Dream Coat Isn’t Working.
is color wow extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment worth it?
While I do not necessarily have the curly hair that would most benefit from the Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment, I did notice a difference in the dryness and damage that makes it worth it
The main downside is that it requires heat styling to activate (like to OG version), so if you exclusively air-dry your hair, you won’t love having to do an extra step. Still, you don’t have to be a blowout professional to get good results, and you notice a difference in how shiny and less frizzy your hair is.
Your hair feels truly sealed, not only from humidity and frizz, but from further damage since it does contain heat protectant. I love using this when I want to use less heat on my hair, because all I really need to do is blow-dry my hair (no curling, straightening, etc.) so it does feel like it gives my hair a break while still looking polished.
Extra Strength Dream Coat Ultra-Moisturizing Anti-Frizz Treatment is worth it for curly or coily hair, as well as wiry grey hair that is thick (not fine). Extra Strength does have that extra “oomph” that takes your results up a notch. If you found the OG Dream Coat lacking, check out the Extra Strength formula.
That said, if you have fine to medium hair, you will get better results from the OG Dream Coat formula. Stick to that; see my full comparison of Color Wow Dream Coat vs Extra Strength for before and after photos, tips, and more information.
Both formulas last 2-3 washes, so if you don’t like to spend a lot on haircare products I highly recommend Color Wow Dream Coat over other anti-frizz products. Because it lasts multiple washes, the cost per use is actually lower than most styling products. Extra Strength is specifically formulated for curly and coily hair, so you know that it’s not one of those products that claims to work for all hair types and then falls short - I can actually notice a difference between the two formulas, so it’s not a money grab to pull more of the market, either.
who it works best for
Frizzy, thick, coily, and curly hair
Thick, wiry grey hair
Those who have extremely dry or dehydrated hair
Those who want blowout styles
Those who want sleek, glass-like hair (think Cher or the Kardashians)
Those who live in (or are visiting) humid climates
who it might not work for
Fine to medium (or low-density) hair; Extra Strength is meant for thick, coarse, and coily hair
Those who air-dry their hair
Those who prefer volume over sleekness
If you have fine hair, you will prefer the original formula - check out my OG Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Review for tips and tricks!
color wow extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment faq
why isn’t extra strength dream coat working for me?
First things first, your hair may not be thick or coarse enough for the Extra Strength Dream Coat. If you find that your hair feels greasy or heavy, switch to the original Dream Coat formula. That said, a few other problems I see happen with the entire Dream Coat line are:
Not using enough product - you need to fully saturate your hair. It’s a lightweight product, so it won’t weigh down even super-fine hair.
Skipping heat activation - that is needed to activate the polymers.
Applying unevenly - I like to section my hair to ensure it is applied all over.
Using too many (or heavy) products beforehand - let Dream Coat be the star of the show; it offers heat protection so you can skip that. Also skip heavy leave-ins and creams/ oils.
how long does extra strength dream coat last? does it last longer than the original formula?
Typically 2–3 washes. No, it doesn’t last longer than the original formula.
can you use it without heat?
No. Extra Strength Dream Coat utilizes a unique proprietary anti-humidity complex that requires heat to be activated. You won’t get results if you don’t use heat plus tension (like a blow-out).
does it damage hair?
No. It has heat protectant in it as well. That said, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a treatment, so it won’t repair hair, either.
is it better than a serum or oil?
It depends on your hair goals. Extra Strength Dream Coat is a sealant, not a hydrator, so it works differently than a serum or oil.
If you want to address frizz and make your hair more manageable on humid days, Extra Strength Dream Coat is one of the best, most lightweight options on the market.
However, if you need hydration (not just shine), you may prefer an oil or serum.
should i use extra strength dream coat ultra-moisturizing anti-frizz treatment or the original dream coat?
Short answer: use Extra Strength if you have thick, coarse, coily, or wiry grey hair. Most other hair types will benefit from the OG Dream Coat formula. If you have the original Dream Coat and a medium hair type but feel like it’s not working, make sure you’re using enough product. My mom has thick grey hair and gets good results from Dream Coat, but Extra Strength is way better, so if you have hard-to-manage thick hair, check out Extra Strength.
