Color Wow Style on Steroids vs Texturizing Spray
When I first shared my Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray Review, I got asked for a little more information on how it compares to normal texturizing spray - namely, side-by-side comparison photos.
When you’re thinking about texturizing spray, beachy, undone hair is typically what comes to mind. Think Olsen twins, Gisele Bündchen, or Sienna Miller, and there’s typically a bit of texturizing spray behind their cool girl, effortlessly undone boho waves.
That said, while texturizing spray is great for adding grip volume, and lived-in texture, it can also. make your hair feel gritty or sticky with a matte finish that doesn’t necessarily make your hair color or highlights pop.
Enter: Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray. Specifically formulated to add the texture you crave without sacrificing shine or volume, I really love it as a hybrid between texturizing and shine spray. But how does it actually compare to texturizing spray? When does it work, and when should you reach for normal texturizing spray instead?
Below, I share exactly how Style on Steroids compares to typical texturizing spray, what makes it unique, and when to use which for your hair type and desired end result. Plus, as requested, I also share side-by-side photos of exactly how Style on Steroids vs normal texturizing spray looks on styled hair.
PS: Curious about how hairspray or wave spray, too? Check out my similar guides, Texturizing Spray vs Hairspray and Wave Spray vs Texturizing Spray.
color wow style on steroids vs texturizing spray
color wow style on steroids before and after
pros
Adds volume and texture
Doesn’t make your hair feel dry, stiff, or crunchy
More lightweight and touchable than other texturizing sprays
Adds shine, while most texturizing sprays don’t
Doesn’t weigh down fine hair
Provides heat protection
cons
Not the best if you want strong hold or long-lasting grip
May be too soft for thick or very textured hair
Doesn’t give your hair a matte, piece-y look like other texturizing sprays
Volume isn’t the most long-lasting
Not ideal if you use texturizing spray for structure or hold
texturizing spray before and after
pros
Adds instant volume, even for limp or lifeless hair
Creates movement and separation
Makes clean hair easier to style
Provides a flexible, touchable hold, so you can go back and re-style if desired
Adds grip, so ideal for updos and braids
cons
Can make your hair feel dry or a little dirty if you use too much
May lead build-up over time
Not strong enough to make your style last all-day in humid climates (aka more moisture in the air)
Some formulas can tangle fine hair
color wow style on steroids vs texturizing spray results
is style on steroids actually different from a texturizing spray?
While Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray is still a texturizing spray at its core, it does differ from normal texturizing sprays. Both products add volume, a little grit, and movement, but Style on Steroids feels and performs differently.
Traditional texturizing sprays focus on creating grip and hold, which can sometimes leave hair feeling dry, sticky, stiff, or crunchy. On the other hand, Style on Steroids is formulated to be more lightweight and flexible. You get soft, touchable volume, more natural movement, and less build-up over time.
If you hate the feeling of product in your hair or want beachy waves that don’t feel like you actually went to the beach, you’ll love Style on Steroids. It’s also ideal if you want smoothness, as normal texturizing sprays can sometimes emphasizes frizz.
Another key difference is the finish. Style on Steroids makes your hair shiny, whereas normal texturizing sprays have a matte finish. If you want a more polished look or for your hair color to pop, get Style on Steroids.
Put simply, traditional texturizing spray gives you grip, texture, and hold. Style on Steroids is more about volume, movement, and softness.
which is better?
The better product comes down to your hair type and styling goal.
For true beach waves, piece-y curls, girt, and long-lasting texture, you’ll prefer a normal texturizing spray. If you want a little more movement, a more natural finish, and a lighter hold, Style on Steroids is the better choice.
Traditional texturizing spray lasts longer, which makes it the winner for thicker hair or more structured looks, like updos, special event hair, half-ups, and braids.
I reach for Style on Steroids when I want a little extra “oomph” to my normal curls as well as a little shine. It may not last as long as normal texturizing spray, but is gentler and better for everyday styling, especially if you struggle with product build-up.
when to use each
I use both normal texturizing spray and Style on Steroids interchangeably depending on how I’m styling my hair. Here’s my best recommendation for you:
use style on steroids when
You want bouncy, soft volume
You want your hair to still feel clean and touchable
You’re wearing your hair down (blowout, waves, curls)
You want Gisele Bündchen - natural, wavy, yet shiny
use a traditional texturizing spray when
You need hold and structure
You’re styling updos or braids
You want that piece-y, matte, textured look
You want Olsen twin hair - truly undone, beachy, and effortless
If you still can’t decide between the two, you can use both. Just use less of each; a little goes a long way, especially when you’re using two products at once.
Use a traditional spray at the roots for grip, or before styling for added texture
Lightly mist Style on Steroids after styling, focusing on mid-lengths to ends for softness and shine
And if you need help figuring out how to layer different hair products like leave-in conditioners, styling creams, and more, check out my Hair Product Order guide.
color wow style on steroids vs texturizing spray FAQ
is color wow style on steroids texturizing spray the same as a texturizing spray?
Not really. While Style on Steroids is technically a texturizing spray, it is formulated to be lighter, softer, and more flexible than traditional texturizers. It gives you a shiny finish, not matte, and prioritizes movement, volume, and a touchable finish over grit and separation.
which is better for fine hair?
Color Wow Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray is better, in my opinion as someone with fine hair. Traditional texturizing sprays can feel too heavy or dry. Style on Steroids gives volume without weighing my hair down or making it stiff, crunchy, or a tangled mess.
which is better for thick or coarse hair?
Traditional texturizing spray is typically better for thick or coarse hair because it provides more grip and hold.
when do you use style on steroids or texturizing spray in your haircare routine?
Style on Steroids is best used as a finishing product after styling. However, it does contain heat protectant in it should you want to touch-up your hair later on.
You can use normal texturizing spray before or after styling.
