Color Wow Dreaming: Four reviewers test the viral £40 hair mask

The viral Color Wow Dreaming hair mask has been talked about for promising to repair breakage and revive fragile hair. To cut through the hype, four members of a beauty team with different hair types spent several weeks testing the mask. This piece summarises their observations — texture, scent, immediate and longer-term effects, ease of use and who might benefit most.

What we tested and how

Each reviewer used the mask as directed over a testing period of three to four washes. They recorded first impressions (texture and scent), application and rinse behaviour, detangling and brushing immediately after use, and hair condition 48–72 hours later. Observations covered a range of hair types: fine and colour-treated, thick and dry, curly/chemically relaxed, and short, layered hair prone to breakage.

Immediate results: texture, scent and manageability

Across the group there was a clear consensus about certain sensory elements and ease of use.

• Texture: Reviewers found the mask to be creamy and spreadable — neither too runny nor overly heavy.
• Scent: Generally well-liked; noticeable in the shower but not overpowering once hair was dry.
• Application: It rinsed out fairly cleanly for three reviewers, though one noted slight residue if left on the hair as a leave-in for longer than advised.
• Manageability: All saw improved comb-through immediately after towel-drying, with fewer snags and easier blow-drying for thicker hair types.

For many testers, the mask delivered a smoother finish and reduced the amount of time needed to detangle wet hair. That immediate smoothing effect was the most consistent takeaway from the first use.

Performance by hair type

Not all hair types responded the same way. Highlights from each tester:

• Fine, colour-treated hair: Noticeable slip and reduced tangling. One tester said it did not weigh hair down when used sparingly, but warned that heavy application could make fine strands feel limp.
• Thick, dry hair: Improved softness and manageability; the mask helped reduce frizz when heat-styling afterwards.
• Curly/chemically relaxed hair: Enhanced definition without crunch when combined with a curl cream; helped with detangling prior to styling.
• Short, layered hair prone to breakage: Smoother ends and fewer visible split ends after multiple uses, though long-term repair of breakage requires regular trimming and care beyond a single product.

Overall, the mask felt most transformative on thicker, drier and chemically-treated hair. Fine hair will benefit if the product is used sparingly and rinsed well.

How to use it — practical tips from our testers

Testers shared practical application tips to get the best results without overloading the hair.

• Apply to towel-dried hair focusing on mid-lengths and ends where breakage is most visible.
• Start with a small amount and increase if hair is particularly dry; you can always add more but you can’t remove excess easily.
• Leave on for the recommended time; one tester experimented with a slightly longer leave-in when hair was especially damaged, but advised caution to avoid buildup.
• Rinse thoroughly and follow with a lightweight detangling spray if needed for fine hair types.

These simple steps helped our reviewers avoid the common pitfalls of over-conditioning while maximising the mask’s smoothing effects.

Pros and cons — condensed

• Pros: Visible slip and detangling, improved manageability, pleasant scent, good for thicker/drier hair.
• Cons: Can feel heavy if over-applied on fine hair; longer-term repair of breakage may require complementary trims and a broader routine.

Takeaway

Colour Wow Dreaming delivered tangible improvements in manageability and smoothness across multiple hair types, particularly for thicker, dry or chemically-treated hair. Fine-haired readers can still benefit but should use smaller amounts and rinse well to avoid weighing hair down. As with any single product, expect noticeable short-term smoothing rather than overnight reversal of long-standing damage — consistent care and professional trims will always complement at-home treatments.