Kristin Ess Shampoo Review

About Kristin Ess

Kristin Ess is on a mission to make healthy hair more attainable. Each of the brand’s shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care formulas is lightweight, buildable, and versatile—you can choose to add one of its products into your regimen or replace your whole routine.

According to a study shampoos are not merely purifying cosmetics; they play a vital role in maintaining the health and beauty of our hair, imparting gloss, improving manageability, and promoting hair growth.

So who exactly is Kristin Ess? The self-named brand’s founder was at the top of her game as one of the most trusted hairstylists to the stars. She rose to notoriety after sharing her expertise with the masses on social media platforms like Pinterest.

Her goals quickly evolved into a desire to help everyone access high-quality hair care and styling products at home. Of course, there were already professional products available in shops, but they often came with too high a price tag for the average shopper.

She then founded the Kristin Ess Hair company in 2017. Her 15-piece line launched at Target and sold out incredibly fast. The visionary behind the brand has 22 years of expertise in the industry, so she knows what products are needed to create beautiful and healthy locks. Her customers clearly realized this, too.

Now, the company’s mission remains the same: “create an affordable collection of luxury haircare and styling products that would give everyone the chance to create modern, perfectly-imperfect hair.”

Could this brand’s effective and affordable products be your new holy grails? This Kristin Ess shampoo review will cover the brand, its formulas, customer ratings, and more, so you can make that crucial decision.

Kristin Ess Pros & Cons

Now that you know a bit more about the brand and where it came from, this Kristin Ess shampoo review will look at some pros and cons.

Pros

• Wide range of hair products, including shampoo, conditioner, treatments, creams, and hot tools
• Cruelty-free company that is approved by PETA
• Safe products that are free of harmful agents like sulfates or parabens
• Affordable prices
• Kristin Ess has years of hairstylist expertise to back up the brand
• Additional retailers make products available in other countries (i.e. Amazon)
• Subscription option available for 10% saving (1, 2, 4, or 6-month)

Cons

• No international shipping

Ingredients

Kristin Ess products utilize a variety of key ingredients to address different hair concerns and provide nourishment and styling benefits. Here are some key ingredients commonly found in Kristin Ess hair care products:

Signature Zip-Up Technology

This proprietary blend of strengthening ingredients is found in many Kristin Ess products. It includes ingredients like Keratin and Avocado Oil, which help to smooth the hair cuticle, repair damage, and protect against future breakage.

Hydrolyzed Keratin

Keratin is a protein naturally found in hair. Hydrolyzed Keratin is a processed form of keratin that is easier for the hair to absorb. It helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair, improving its overall condition.

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Rosemary is known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. Rosemary leaf extract is often included in Kristin Ess products to provide a calming effect on the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is known for its invigorating and cooling sensation. It is often used in Kristin Ess products to provide a refreshing and stimulating experience on the scalp.

Aloe Leaf Juice

Aloe vera has hydrating and soothing properties. Aloe leaf juice is included in some Kristin Ess products to provide hydration and nourishment to the hair and scalp.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a rich moisturizer that helps to nourish and soften the hair. It is often used in conditioning products to provide intense hydration and improve manageability.

Rice Protein

Rice protein is a lightweight protein that helps to strengthen the hair and add volume. It is commonly used in Kristin Ess products to provide body and fullness without weighing down the hair.

Benefits

Kristin Ess products incorporate various ingredients that offer specific benefits for the hair. Here are some benefits related to the key ingredients commonly found in Kristin Ess products:

Strengthening and Repairing

Ingredients like Keratin and Protein (included in the Signature Zip-Up Technology) help strengthen the hair strands and repair damage. They can improve the overall health and resilience of the hair, reducing breakage and promoting stronger, healthier-looking hair.

Nourishing and Hydrating

Ingredients such as Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, and Aloe Leaf Juice provide nourishment and hydration to the hair. They help moisturize dry, damaged hair, restoring its softness, smoothness, and shine.

Scalp Soothing

Rosemary Leaf Extract and Peppermint Oil have soothing properties that can help calm and balance the scalp. They can provide relief from scalp irritation and promote a healthier environment for hair growth.

Conditioning and Moisture Retention

Ingredients like Shea Butter and Aloe Leaf Juice have conditioning properties that help to improve the hair’s manageability and moisture retention. They can reduce frizz, add softness, and enhance the overall smoothness of the hair.

Hair Growth Support

Rosemary Leaf Extract, known for its potential hair growth benefits, can help stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. By creating a healthy scalp environment, it can support the growth of strong and vibrant hair.

Lightweight Volume

Rice Protein is a lightweight ingredient that adds volume to the hair without weighing it down. It can give the hair a fuller, more voluminous look and feel.

These benefits may vary depending on the specific product and how it is formulated. It’s important to consider your hair type, concerns, and desired outcomes when choosing Kristin Ess products to ensure they align with your individual needs.

5 Kristin Ess Bestsellers

Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss – Crystal Quartz

Quartz is a magical-looking crystal that, even though it’s clear, radiates color when light hits it. Just like this mineral, the Kristin Ess Crystal Quartz gloss is a colorless treatment that accentuates and gives life to your pre-existing hair color.

After using this product, you’ll notice shinier and intenser-looking color, but you won’t see any actual color changes. Instead, it’ll be your hair—but better. This universal product revives all hair types, color-treated or not.

Kristin Ess The ONE Signature Shampoo

A good shampoo does more than just cleanse your hair. As the foundation to a successful regimen, a good product can infuse moisture and shine into your locks. The ONE Signature Shampoo does just that.

This versatile and effective shampoo is designed for all hair types. It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free—basically all the gunk that can harm your hair. Instead, it features ingredients that clean without stripping or drying. Hop in the shower and lather up with the $10 ONE Signature Shampoo.

Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner – Coral Rose

Calling all you (blonde) commitment-phobes. Want to add a rosy hue to your locks without long-lasting dye? Well, the Depositing Conditioner – Coral Rose can do just that. It provides pigment to spruce up your strands with a light wash of color.

Hop in the shower and follow these steps for a more subtle effect:

1. Wash your hair with your shampoo of choice (a clarifying product is best)
2. Wearing gloves, apply the product to your damp hair and work through to completely coat
3. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes
4. Rinse, ensuring to get out all of the product

For more intense color, the Depositing Conditioner can be applied to dry hair instead. As it fades, it’ll shift to a more pink hue. How long the color lasts depends on your unique hair composition and how often you wash your hair.

All shades of this conditioner are free of harmful agents such as peroxide. Temporarily change your look with the Depositing Conditioner – Coral Rose (6.7 fl oz) for $14.

Kristin Ess Temporary Tint

Rose gold is a luxurious color that has exploded in popularity over the last few years. When you want to infuse your locks with a dose of the rosy hue without the long-term commitment, turn to the Temporary Tint. You can think of this product as your weekend fling.

As the “first ever in-shower watercolor,” this innovative product provides a pink tone to blonde strands. The best part? The level of color intensity is entirely up to you. If you want a longer-lasting color, spray it on damp hair so it’ll soak up more product and intensify your look. If you apply it on wet hair, it’ll give off more of a subtle vibe and will fade faster.

Expect this product to come out in 1-3 washes. You can purchase 7 fl oz of this Temporary Tint for $12.

Kristin Ess Curl Defining Cream

Your life might be falling apart, but that doesn’t mean your curls need to be. The Curl Defining Cream maintains movement, shine, and shape. Whether you’re rocking beachy waves or spiral curls, this cream will help define each strand with just a little bit of weight to keep frizz away.

To use, simply work through detangled hair, moving from the root to the tip. Then, gently shape your hair, following its natural curl pattern. Finish off by air drying or diffusing! Embrace your curls with the Curl Defining Cream (6.7 fl oz) for $14. For a bit more hold, try a Kristin Ess texturing paste.

Who is Kristin Ess For?

Kristin Ess hair care products are designed for a wide range of individuals, but they generally cater to those seeking accessible and salon-quality hair care options. Here are some groups of people who might find Kristin Ess products suitable:

• Everyday Consumers: Kristin Ess products are created with the everyday consumer in mind. They are designed to be user-friendly, affordable, and accessible to a broad range of people who want to care for their hair at home without compromising on quality.
• Various Hair Types: Kristin Ess offers products suitable for different hair types, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. Whether you have fine, thin hair or thick, textured hair, there are likely products within the range that can address your specific needs.
• Different Hair Concerns: The brand provides solutions for various hair concerns, such as dryness, damage, frizz, lack of volume, and color-treated hair. Whether you’re looking for hydrating products, repairing treatments, styling solutions, or color maintenance, there are options available within the Kristin Ess range.
• Budget-Conscious Consumers: Kristin Ess products are known for their affordability compared to many high-end salon brands. If you’re looking for quality hair care without breaking the bank, Kristin Ess offers accessible options that can fit within your budget.
• DIY Hair Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy experimenting with their hair at home or are interested in achieving salon-worthy results on their own can benefit from Kristin Ess products. The brand offers a variety of styling products, such as texturizing sprays, mousses, and serums, that can help create different hairstyles and looks.

It’s worth noting that while Kristin Ess products aim to be inclusive, individual preferences and hair needs may vary. It’s always a good idea to consider your specific hair type, concerns, and desired outcomes when choosing hair care products.

Alternatives

While Kristin Ess offers a range of hair care products, it’s always good to explore other options that may suit your specific needs. Here are a few alternative brands to consider:

• Olaplex: Olaplex is a renowned brand known for its innovative hair care formulations. Their products focus on repairing and strengthening damaged hair, especially from chemical treatments and heat styling.
• Madison Reed: Madison Reed is a brand that specializes in at-home hair color kits and hair care products. They offer salon-quality hair color options and a range of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments designed to maintain and enhance color-treated hair.
• American Crew: American Crew is a popular brand that primarily caters to men’s grooming needs. They offer a wide range of hair care and styling products specifically designed for men, including shampoos, styling gels, and pomades.
• XMondo: XMondo is a brand founded by celebrity hairstylist Brad Mondo. Their products are known for their bold and vibrant colors, catering to individuals looking to express their creativity through hair color. They offer a variety of hair color kits, styling products, and treatments.

These alternative brands each have their own unique offerings and may provide different solutions and benefits depending on your specific hair care needs and preferences.

It’s always recommended to research and read reviews to determine which brand and products align best with your requirements.

Kristin Ess Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

The brand’s line of affordable hair products looks incredibly promising, but we wanted to see what customers were actually saying. This Kristin Ess shampoo review sourced testimonials from the company’s site, Target, and Influenster. Overall, users report that the brand offers professional-grade products at a steal. Let’s take a closer look.

On the brand’s website, most best-selling products have been reviewed about 100 times. Overall, customers rave about the salon-quality shampoos and treatments that are offered at an affordable price. Collectively, they hover around the 4.3/5-star mark:

• Signature Shampoo: an average of 4.1/5 stars from 118 ratings
• Signature Conditioner: an average of 4.4/5 stars from 69 ratings
• Leave-in Conditioner: an average of 4.2/5 stars from 77 ratings
• Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint: an average of 3.8/5 stars from 33 ratings
• Dry Shampoo: an average of 4.1/5 stars from 71 ratings
• Curl Conditioner: an average of 4.4/5 stars from 239 ratings
• 2″ Soft Bend Curling Iron: an average of 4.3/5 stars from 108 ratings

We chose to take a closer look at the Signature Shampoo. Customers note that this product infuses shine into their hair without weighing it down. One user’s hairstylist even commented on how soft her hair was:

“My stylist has commented on the last two trims how much softer my hair is and that the hair isn’t “angry” anymore. I switched to Kristin Ess shampoo at the same time I began using the gloss. I will keep the routine of glossing once a month. If my stylist has really good things to say about my hair, why change a winning combination?“

Another top treatment, the Weightless Shine Leave-In Conditioner, is described as having a lovely smell. One customer reports that it leaves her hair feeling as though she just left the salon:

“Just try it! Words can not express the wonderfulness of this product. I love the smell and the way my hair looks [shiny], like I just stepped out of the salon! Even with no curls, I find that it works well with my straight hair.“

The brand is also sold at Target, where shoppers have flocked to leave comments on the Hair Gloss and the 3-in-One Flat Iron. The former item was awarded 4/5 stars from 1.5k ratings and the latter earned 4.4/5 stars from 400.

There are great opinions on the Hair Gloss that vary depending on the color. One reviewer loved this toning treatment: “Product is exactly as advertised – a way to get rid of brassiness and extend life of salon color. I used the Smokey Topaz and I love that my highlights don’t go away but color is revitalized.“

On Influenster, the Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Shampoo has 390 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. One buyer claims this product is great for sensitive scalps:

“This formula is gentle and so soothing to use. […] It leaves hair soft and healthy looking. Would love for the formula to lather a bit more, but it still gets the job done. If you have a sensitive scalp or just prefer a milder scent and formula you will love this!“

Although not all products will work for everyone, these reviews demonstrate that they’re certainly effective. For a fair cost, the Kristin Ess products please the majority of customers.

Is Kristin Ess Worth It?

So, are Kristin Ess products good? To cut to the chase, yes, the brand is definitely worth trying. There are thousands of positive customer reviews across multiple platforms, with various reports that have confirmed each product’s effectiveness.

From the products’ pleasing scents and well-founded formulas to the brand’s overall affordability, this Kristin Ess shampoo review has discovered more beneficial aspects about the brand than negative, which is why we recommend its shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and stylers.

Because they are sold at retailers such as Target and Amazon, Kristin Ess products are widely accessible, especially for international customers who can’t access them directly from the brand’s website. For products that act in a high-end manner, the price point is considered a steal.

The brand also offers a broad selection of merchandise. Not only does it sell effective hair care formulas, but also hair tools such as the Kristin Ess Straightener.

Ultimately, for professional products at a drugstore price, this Kristin Ess shampoo review thinks that you’re most likely going to get some bang for your buck.

Kristin Ess Promotions & Discounts 

This Kristin Ess shampoo review found when subscribing to the company’s online newsletter, you’ll receive 10% off your first online order.

Where to Buy Kristin Ess

For the best selection of products, you can shop directly from KristinEssHair.com. Some additional retailers that carry the brand include Target, Ulta, Walmart, and Amazon.

FAQ

Is Kristin Ess high end?

Kristin Ess products are cult-favorites that are considered to be affordable but luxurious shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and tools. The prices are more similar to what you would expect at a drugstore, but the results are closer to what you would get after leaving the salon.

Is Kristin Ess safe?

Yes, Kristin Ess hair products are safe, and all shampoos and conditioners are color-safe, keratin-treatment safe, and free of sulfates. You can find a list of every ingredient on the individual product pages before you order.

The company is committed to being cruelty-free and it doesn’t test on animals during any stage of production. Additionally, it only works with vendors who value the same standards.

Does Kristin Ess have formaldehyde?

This Kristin Ess shampoo review discovered that the brand’s products are free of formaldehyde and other allergy-provoking preservatives.

Is Kristin Ess A Good Shampoo?

The brand’s shampoo is considered safe and cruelty-free, which is the first step in being a good product. For the most part, the Kristin Ess shampoo is designed for anyone to use. It’ll wash your hair thoroughly without stripping any essential oils. Plus, this hair wash will help maintain shine and moisture, which is rare with sulfate-free shampoos.

Kristin Ess’s collection features Zip-Up Technology, which is an exclusive strengthening complex that bonds split ends. It also targets weak areas of the hair to blur the appearance of damaged cuticles and frizz. This technology also protects color from fading and works against environmental stressors like pollution or heat.

Additionally, the Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo is an affordable option for days that you don’t feel like washing your hair. It is lightly scented with lavender to mask any unpleasant smells and will absorb oil. As a trusted celebrity hairstylist, Kristin Ess surely knows a thing or two about the craft, which is why we think she’s formulated effective shampoos.

Is Kristin Ess Salon Approved?

Everything about Kristin Ess‘s products equates to luxury, minus the price point. The packaging is super sleek and minimal, and the scent is definitely salon-worthy. With cruelty-free ingredients and products that are made without harmful agents, her haircare is recommended by most.

On top of these positive qualities, Kristin is a professional hairstylist with reputable clients, which means it’s safe to say her line is salon-approved.

Does Kristin Ess Hair Gloss Dye Your Hair?

No, this product does not directly dye your hair. The purpose of the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss is to instantly boost your hair’s vibrancy and extend your dye job by toning and adding radiance to your locks.

But what exactly is a toner? It’s a product that adjusts the tone (get it?) of your hair. For example, the Platinum option gives very light blondes a boost of white and hides any warm yellow or orange shades. On the other hand, the Copper Penny bottle will infuse a golden warmth into light and medium strands.

Customers have 12 colored options and one color-free alternative to choose from. The latter product will provide shine, luster, and a healthy-looking appearance to your mane. Ultimately, the Kristin Ess glosses aim to revive your hair and help your color stay fresh between salon appointments.

The company offers a wide range of products. From shampoos to hot tools, your entire hair regimen can be bought on its website. The best part? Everything is offered at an affordable price point. This Kristin Ess shampoo review will now take a look at the company’s top-selling products.

What does Kristin Ess smell like?

According to customer reports, the brand’s products smell like pear water, violet, sandalwood, and other notes, depending on the item. Most customers claim to love each scent.

Is Kristin Ess good for oily hair?

Yes. This Kristin Ess shampoo review found that customers with oily hair report the brand’s hair products to be some of the best for their scalp and hair, especially the Daily Cleansing Shampoo.

How long does Kristin Ess shipping take?

At this time, the company only ships within the United States. Free standard shipping applies to all US orders over $40.

Once your order is placed, the processing and packing time can take between 1-3 business days. Delivery within the 48 contiguous states will typically take around 3-5 business days to arrive. For places like Alaska and Hawaii, shipping may take about 7-10 business days.

To stay up-to-date with your order, you’ll have to log into your Kristin Ess account. If you’d like to track the package, click on the provided tracking number.

What is Kristin Ess’ Return Policy?

If you’re not in love with the products you’ve purchased, Kristin Ess will gladly process a full refund on your returned products. You’re required to reach out to its customer service team within 30 days of your original purchase. The brand will provide you with an RMA number and your next steps.

This Kristin Ess shampoo review discovered shipping costs are non-refundable and customers are responsible for all return costs.

How to Contact Kristin Ess

If you have any questions after reading this Kristin Ess shampoo review, you can contact the brand via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact page: available on the company’s website

The brand responds to queries Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm PST.

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Need some more help on your hair care journey? Here are a few options to consider:

Olaplex

Madison Reed

American Crew

XMondo