Hair serum promises to outshine the competition

Color Wow’s Pop and Lock Crystallite Shellac ($18 at Ulta or www.ulta.com) claims to combine the conditioning benefits of an oil with the shine benefits of a serum to give users beautiful, glossy hair. The product is formulated with color-treated hair in mind and promises to repair overworked hair while forming a clear, protective seal to prevent future damage.

Despite never having colored my hair, I was excited to try out the serum. Previously, I reviewed the brand’s Speed Dry Blow Dry Spray and I absolutely loved it (so much so that I use it every time I blow-dry my hair). While most of the products in the Color Wow line are tailored to color-treated hair, the serum, like the blow-dry spray, seemed like it could be used on any hair type.

First impression

The serum seemed extremely glittery for something meant to go on your hair. I pumped a small amount into the palm of my hand and rubbed my hands together before applying the serum. It didn’t seem as glittery as it had in the bottle and had a nice, light fragrance.

The instructions say it works on wet or dry hair, so I stayed with my usual habit of using it on wet hair, applying the serum to freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. I tried working the product through my hair, starting with the ends, and the formula seemed pretty light, so it felt like I hadn’t even applied anything. Even so, I reminded myself to not overdo it with product on my thick, long hair. Then I styled my hair the usual way, using my blow dryer and straightening iron.

Fab or flub?

Fab! Looking to give your hair some extra shine? Then you definitely want to check out Color Wow’s Pop and Lock Crystallite Shellac. After using the serum for a month, I’m convinced it has made my hair shinier and softer. Using it along with Color Wow’s blow-dry spray, I feel like the product also helped cut down on the heat damage my hair suffers from being blow-dryied and straightened with a hot iron.

And despite its shiny appearance in the bottle, I never felt like I had a head full of glitter (although I occasionally spotted what looked like a speck or two). Overall, I have been pleased with the Color Wow line and recommend the products to individuals with and without color-treated hair.

For those who purchase the serum, I suggest using a light hand when applying it. A little goes a long way and using too much leaves your hair greasy. Also, make sure to work the serum from the ends of your hair up, and don’t apply it directly to your roots (this also prevents greasiness).

This story was originally published December 6, 2014 at 8:42 PM with the headline "Hair serum promises to outshine the competition."