When it comes to good hair, I’m not exactly blessed. Admittedly, some of that’s my own doing- too much heat styling, overzealous brushing, and going in a bit too hard with the bleach (though I maintain blondes do have more fun). That said, I’ve been on something of a haircare journey over the past couple of years. And while I’d usually roll my eyes at someone rabbiting on about such a thing, working out what does and doesn’t work really has been a journey.
After a post-wedding day chop to get rid of a bulk of damage, I’ve been diligent with piecing together a routine that actually prioritises the health of my hair. I’ve (mostly) set down the curling tongs and focused on getting my hair back to its most healthy. Some stand-outs worth shouting about? The K18 Hair Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, £30, has worked wonders at repairing my broken bonds. Then there’s the Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner, £52.50 (a dream duo for restoring brittle strands) and of course the OGX Damage Remedy+ Coconut Miracle Oil, £8.99 - a treat for protecting and bolstering delicate ends pre-shampoo.
Trichologist (and TikTok extraordinaire) Abbey Yung has been largely responsible for this transformation- I genuinely credit her advice with helping me achieve the longest, strongest hair of my life (although my journey continues).
One thing I’ve stuck to religiously in my new hair care rituals? Masking every single time I wash my hair. It’s been a game-changer for maintaining moisture and I no longer reserve it for special occasions. Like many things these days, I was introduced to the now-beloved Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask, £12.85 via social media (it’s amazing), but recently, my feed has been buzzing about the latest launch from Color Wow - the Dreaming Advanced Repair and Resurfacing Treatment, £39.50.
So try it, I shall!
What does the Color Wow Dreaming Advanced Repair & Resurfacing Treatment do?
A little bit of everything. This anti-frizz, anti-damage smoothing treatment promises to ‘refinish and visibly repair fluffy, frizzy, damaged strands.’ You simply apply it to freshly washed hair, leave it in for a few minutes, then rinse out for ‘flawless, smooth, swingy, polished results.’ Then there’s protection against heat and humidity, too. If glossier, more lustrous and all-round healthier looking hair is your MO, then this could be just the ticket.
Shop: Color Wow Dreaming Advanced Repair & Resurfacing Treatment
www.selfridges.com
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'After blow-drying with a bit of tension (it requires this to activate its smoothing abilities), my usually parched, frizzy hair felt noticeably smoother and softer. There was no tacky residue, and my hair felt lighter more hydrated. I’m currently giving proper heat styling a rest (which would have smoothed the cuticle further and added even more gloss), but I was still seriously impressed at the finish here. It really worked to polish the surface of my strands, without the need for extreme heat. My hair didn't 'poof' up as the day went on either, sitting smoother and silkier than it usually would. Bonus points for the colour refresh, too. My blonde highlights looked brighter and more multi-dimensional - no salon necessary.'
Pros
- Sulfate free
- Suited to all hair types
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Takes longer to rinse than the average conditioner
How to use the Color Wow Dreaming Advanced Repair & Resurfacing Treatment
After shampooing, take a generous amount and distribute from root to ends. Be sure to distribute evenly (combing through helps this) then leave on for 2-3 minutes and rinse. The benefits last for 2-3 shampoos.
Our verdict
Rachael Martin beauty director says:
'Anything Chris Appleton touches tends to turn to gold. Or silver, in this case. First impressions? The pot is substantial (making it excellent value for money from the get-go) and the texture is rich and creamy, almost like clotted cream or butter. I was initially worried it might be too heavy for my grease prone hair, but I soon realised this wouldn't be the case.
After washing and conditioning, I scooped out a hefty dollop and worked it through my lengths and ends. I then took a tiny bit extra and smoothed it over my roots with my finger tips - just to ensure my wiry flyaways were coated too. I combed through gently with my Manta brush (a brittle hair non-negotiable) and left it in for around five minutes. Unexpectedly, despite the thick, cosseting texture, I found it melted into my hair almost like a milk. And after rinsing my hair felt instantly softer and more slippery.
One word of warning, though- make sure you rinse this one out thoroughly- considerably longer than you would with a standard conditioner. Because it’s so rich, it takes a little extra time, but once you’ve ensured it’s rinsed properly beautiful hair will await.
Before and after using the Colour Wow Dreaming Mask - blowdried, but not styled with hot plates
After blow-drying with a bit of tension (it requires this to activate its smoothing abilities), my usually parched, frizzy hair felt noticeably smoother and softer. There was no tacky residue, and my hair felt lighter more hydrated. I’m currently giving proper heat styling a rest (which would have smoothed the cuticle further and added even more gloss), but I was still seriously impressed at the finish here. It really worked to polish the surface of my strands, without the need for extreme heat. My hair didn't 'poof' up as the day went on either, sitting smoother and silkier than it usually would. Bonus points for the colour refresh, too. My blonde highlights looked brighter and more multi-dimensional - no salon necessary.
Final thoughts
While it's an expensive hit, just a small amount of this conditioning mask goes a long way to nourish, smooth and hydrate parched strands. If you're also on a hair repair journey then consider this your next essential.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism