I Tested The Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair on My 3C Hair—Here's My Review

The brand recommends applying as much product to saturate damp hair after washing or rewetting strands. I have low porosity hair, so it has a tougher time holding onto moisture and water. When I first tried the Dream Coat, I had to constantly add water to my strands and spray a large amount of product to each section. I used between five to seven pumps per section, and I have a lot of hair, which means my bottle will probably only last me four uses (if I’m lucky). Afterwards, I let my hair air-dry and waited to see the magic happen.

Trial and Error

The initial results were…disappointing. The first time it left my curls super dry (and it didn’t help it was super hot in NYC that day). I was losing hope in the product, especially since The Dream Coat for Curly Hair claims to have the “combined benefits of gels, serums and creams.” But as someone who typically uses a leave-in conditioner and a styling gel to achieve hydrated, defined curls—this all-in-one styler didn’t seem to be living up to that promise.

But I wasn’t going to give up. The formula is very lightweight and non-greasy, and I really wanted it to work. So when wash day came back again, I tried a different approach. Instead of applying the product directly on each section, I did a few pumps on my hand before raking it through my hair, which I found gave me more control in where the product was going versus letting myself spray it freely over each section. I was also mindful of adding more product on my drier areas (root and ends) and only adding a pea-sized amount of my styling gel as to not completely take away the power of the Dream Coat for Curly Hair. As much as I want to rely solely on the Dream Coat, my hair relies on thicker formulas to hold onto definition and moisture for a longer period of time. 

I wouldn’t say it completely removed my frizz, however, I did notice definition, softness and shine. My hair didn’t hit ultra-glossy sheen, but it did improve my hair color and offer more depth to my locks. 

Don’t get me wrong: This Color Wow Dream Coat is made for curly hair, but I think it’s better suited for specific hair types. I have 3C low porosity hair, and it was difficult to minimize frizz and find the shine. It did maintain some definition and it play well with my other styling products—but it’s not a product I can rely on as a one and done. 

However, some shoppers with 2B/2C curls found it did wonders for them. One fan shared, “As someone with naturally curly/wavy hair, this product is a NECESSITY! I used this as the finishing product in my curl routine and it really helps form those curls and tame the frizz, especially in the hot humid weather!”

Another wrote it worked best for finer strands, “I have fine, curly hair that loves to bunch together to make it appear like I have 3-5 locks of hair. This product (when used as directed) helps define my curls, which provides me with more volume and curl surface area. When I use this product, my curls are soft, light, defined, and shiny.”

As mentioned, it did add some definition (mostly in the front) and softness. I appreciate that it was lightweight, glided on nicely and didn’t feel heavy or greasy on my strands. I also loved that it didn’t have a strong scent. However, it lacked in offering shine and fighting frizz. It also only worked best with my other styling products. When applied alone, it didn’t have the hold and moisture I was looking for. Another con is the amount of product I need to use to reap all the benefits. I have a huge mane, so $24 for a 6.7 oz bottle can get pricey rather quickly. Overall, I don’t knock the product. The OG has a reputation for a reason, but I think those with 2A to 3A curls, high porosity and/or finer locks may appreciate this one a bit more than I did. 

Fast Facts

• Key Ingredients: tri-polymer complex, hydrolyzed keratin, glycerin
• Best for: dryness, frizz, definition, fine hair, wavy hair, curly hair
• Size: 2.5 oz, 6.7 oz