Color Wow Raise the Root Review: Is It Worth It?

Looking to add some serious bounce to your locks in 2025? Grab Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray—starting at $24 for 5 oz—and say goodbye to flat hair! As someone who’s tested it extensively, I’ll share my journey, break down pros and cons, offer maintenance tips, and compare it to other brands. My goal is to help you decide if this volumizing spray is your hair’s new best friend. Let’s get those roots lifted and keep your style sky-high all day!

My Experience With Color Wow Raise the Root

At 37, I’ve struggled with fine, flat hair my whole life, and by June 2025, I was desperate for a fix—especially after a humid day made my strands look lifeless. At 09:55 PM +06 on Tuesday, June 03, 2025, I decided to try Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray after seeing its viral buzz on TikTok. I picked up a 5 oz bottle for $24 on Amazon, drawn by its promise of all-day lift without stiffness, thanks to proprietary elastomers and translucent polymers.

The instructions suggested spraying onto damp or dry hair, focusing on the roots, then blow-drying for lasting volume, and I was ready to test it out.

I started with damp hair after a shower, spritzing 2-3 pumps onto my roots as directed. Using my Dyson Airwrap round brush attachment, I blow-dried my hair upside down, and the results shocked me—my roots lifted noticeably, giving my fine hair a fuller, bouncier look that lasted through my workday.

 My friend, 34, with thin hair, borrowed it for a date night and loved how it refreshed her day-two hair without washing, mimicking a dry shampoo effect. I also tried it on dry hair for a quick touch-up before a dinner party, spraying lightly and using a blow dryer to zhuzh up my roots—it worked like magic, adding instant height without stiffness.

Over the next month, I used it regularly, experimenting with different styling tools. My sister, 30, with layered hair, tried it and found it perfect for her blowouts, though she needed more product for her longer strands. My coworker, 39, used it on her fine, straight hair and appreciated the non-sticky finish, though she noticed a slight alcohol scent at first.

For me, the volume held up for about 6-8 hours, but I did feel a gritty texture at my roots by day’s end if I overapplied. Still, it became a staple—I even used it to revive my hair for a Zoom meeting, and the lift gave me a confidence boost!

Also read: First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum Review

Pros Of Color Wow Raise the Root

• Instant and Noticeable Root Lift: This product truly lives up to its name. Immediately after blow-drying, my roots experience a dramatic and visible lift, transforming my typically flat hair into a fuller, more voluminous style. It’s not just a subtle effect; the boost is distinct, creating the illusion of thicker, more abundant hair right from the scalp.
• Non-Sticky and Natural-Feeling Finish: One of the most frustrating aspects of many volumizing sprays is the sticky or crunchy residue they leave behind. Color Wow Raise the Root excels here, leaving my hair feeling incredibly soft, bouncy, and completely natural to the touch. There’s absolutely no stiffness, tackiness, or helmet-like effect, allowing my hair to move freely.
• Exceptional Versatility in Application: This spray is incredibly adaptable to different styling needs. I can use it effectively on damp hair before blow-drying for foundational volume, or on dry hair for quick touch-ups throughout the day, instantly revitalizing flat roots. This flexibility makes it a truly practical styling tool for various routines.
• Integrated Heat Protection: A significant bonus, this product doubles as a heat protectant. This means I’m not just adding volume but also safeguarding my delicate strands from the potential damage caused by heat styling, such as blow-drying. It’s a convenient two-in-one solution that streamlines my styling process.
• Preserves and Enhances Color Vibrancy: As someone with color-treated hair, I’m always cautious about products that might dull or alter my shade. Color Wow Raise the Root is specifically formulated to be color-safe, ensuring that my highlights and overall hair color remain vibrant, true to tone, and brilliant, without any darkening or fading.
• Impressive, Long-Lasting Volume: The lift provided by this spray isn’t fleeting. I consistently find that the volume lasts a solid 6-8 hours, keeping my hairstyle fresh, full, and dynamic through most of my day, even through various activities and environments.
• No Residue or Product Buildup: This lightweight formula is designed to be invisible and non-accumulating. It doesn’t leave behind any heavy coating or sticky film, which means my hair maintains its natural feel and movement. This also prevents the dullness and greasiness that can result from product buildup over time.
• Effective Across All Hair Types: While I have fine hair, my friend with thick, layered hair has also experienced fantastic results with Raise the Root. It demonstrates its ability to add lift and fullness without weighing down or becoming too heavy for diverse hair textures and styles.
• Free From Parabens for Peace of Mind: The absence of parabens, a common type of preservative sometimes associated with health concerns, provides me with peace of mind. Knowing that the formula is cleaner allows for confident daily use without worry.
• Sulfate-Free for Gentle Scalp Care: The sulfate-free formulation is gentle on my scalp, preventing the dryness, irritation, or stripping often caused by sulfates in other styling products. This makes it suitable even for frequent styling without discomfort.
• Gluten-Free Formulation: For those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, the gluten-free aspect is a welcome bonus. While I personally haven’t noticed a direct difference in my hair, it aligns with a broader commitment to inclusive product formulation.
• Effortless and User-Friendly Application: The spray mechanism is simple and effective. A few targeted spritzes at the roots are all it takes to prepare my hair for styling. There’s no complex technique or fuss involved, making it incredibly easy to incorporate into my daily routine.
• Convenient and Portable Size: The 5 oz bottle is perfectly sized for both home use and portability. It fits easily into my gym bag, allowing me to refresh my roots for added volume after a workout or on the go.
• Subtle and Non-Overpowering Scent: Unlike some hair products with strong, lingering fragrances, this spray has a very subtle scent. There’s a faint, almost imperceptible alcohol note upon initial application, but it quickly dissipates, leaving no offensive or clashing aroma with other products or perfumes.
• Creates All-Over Fullness (Beyond Just Roots): While excellent for root lift, if I distribute the product more broadly through the under-layers of my hair, it contributes to an impressive all-over fullness and body, making my entire hairstyle appear more voluminous and lush.

Cons Of Color Wow Raise the Root

• Gritty Texture Over Time: By evening, my roots feel slightly gritty if I use too much product.
• Alcohol Scent: The initial alcohol smell when spraying can be off-putting, though it dissipates fast.
• Short-Lived Volume: The lift drops after 6-8 hours, needing a touch-up for longer days.
• Dryness Risk: Denatured alcohol as the first ingredient left my hair feeling dry after daily use.
• Overapplication Issue: Too many sprays make my hair feel gummy at the roots by day’s end.
• Blow-Dry Required: For best results, I need heat styling, which isn’t ideal for air-drying days.
• Pricey for Some: At $24 for 5 oz, it’s a splurge compared to drugstore volumizers I’ve tried.
• Not for Heavy Hair: My sister with long, thick hair needed more product for noticeable lift.
• Potential Damage: Prolonged use made my hair feel porous, possibly from the alcohol content.
• Hard to Brush Through: After application, brushing can cause breakage if I’m not gentle.
• Limited Hold in Humidity: On humid days, the volume flattens faster than I’d like.
• Small Bottle Size: The 5 oz runs out quickly with frequent use, making me reorder often.
• Nozzle Clogs: The spray nozzle occasionally jams, requiring cleaning to work smoothly.
• Not a Quick Fix: It’s not as fast as dry shampoo for refreshing unwashed hair.
• Learning to Apply: I had to experiment with amounts to avoid a sticky feel.

Maintenance Tips For Color Wow Raise the Root

• Use Sparingly: Start with 2-3 pumps; I overdid it once and ended up with gritty roots.
• Focus on Roots: Spray directly at the roots for maximum lift; I avoid my ends to prevent dryness.
• Blow-Dry with Tension: Use a round brush while drying; I get better volume this way.
• Clean Nozzle Regularly: Rinse the nozzle weekly; I unclogged mine after it jammed mid-use.
• Apply on Clean Hair: It works best on freshly washed hair; I noticed less grit this way.
• Avoid Daily Use: I use it 3-4 times a week to prevent dryness from the alcohol.
• Store Upright: Keep the bottle standing to avoid leaks; I learned this after a bag spill.
• Brush Gently After: Use a wide-tooth comb post-styling; I avoid breakage by being careful.
• Mix with Water: Dilute with a spritz of water for lighter application; I do this on dry hair days.
• Protect from Heat: Don’t overdo blow-drying; I keep my dryer on medium to avoid damage.
• Clarify Weekly: Use a clarifying shampoo weekly; I remove buildup from the polymers.
• Test on Small Section: Try a small area first; I did this to check for stickiness.
• Avoid Humidity Days: Skip on super humid days; I found the volume doesn’t hold well then.
• Keep Bottle Cool: Store away from heat; I noticed the formula felt off after a hot day.
• Reapply Lightly: For touch-ups, use just one pump; I refresh my roots without overloading.

Read more: First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum Review

Comparison With Other Brands

• Pureology Style + Protect On The Rise Root Lifting Mousse
  • Price Difference: Pureology’s mousse costs around $28 for 10.2 oz, slightly more than Color Wow’s $24, but I found it lasts longer per use.
  • Texture Variation: Pureology feels lighter as a foam, while Color Wow’s spray gives me more control at the roots.
  • Hold Comparison: Color Wow holds volume longer, but Pureology adds a softer, more natural bounce to my hair.
• Kenra Platinum Thickening Mousse 12
  • Cost Impact: Kenra’s $20 for 8 oz undercuts Color Wow, making it a budget-friendly option for me.
  • Volume Effect: Color Wow gives a stronger root lift, while Kenra focuses more on overall thickness throughout my strands.
  • Application Ease: Kenra’s mousse is easier to distribute evenly, but Color Wow’s spray targets my roots better.
• Sebastian Professional Volupt Volume-Building Spray Gel
  • Pricing Edge: Sebastian’s $18 for 5.07 oz is cheaper, but I needed more product to match Color Wow’s lift.
  • Scent Profile: Sebastian has a stronger, perfumed scent that lingers, while Color Wow’s alcohol note fades faster.
  • Styling Flexibility: Color Wow offers more flexibility for dry hair touch-ups, while Sebastian works best on damp hair.
  • Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray
  • Cost Difference: Amika’s $26 for 5.3 oz is close to Color Wow, but I found it less effective for root lift.
  • Heat Protection: Both offer heat protection, but Color Wow’s lift focus outshines Amika’s humidity control for my needs.
  • Durability: Amika holds better in humidity, while Color Wow’s volume drops faster on muggy days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For Color Wow Raise the Root

Snag Color Wow Raise the Root for $24 and give your hair the lift it deserves in 2025! My experience showed it’s a game-changer for fine, flat hair, adding volume without stiffness, though it needs careful application. You’ll love the bounce it brings to your style. Try it, play with your routine, and let’s keep our hair sky-high together!