Kristin Ess Hair Products Review
I was walking through Target’s hair product aisle to pick up a new shampoo when I stopped to see a section that showed minimalistic packaging. I turned and faced the products that had a pretty pastel peach, white, and a darkish grey/black color. I was impressed by how sleek and simple the packaging was and immediately pulled out my phone to inquire about these new items. I saw only good reviews (although very limited amount of reviews) in my research while standing in the aisle and decided to purchase three new hair products. To be honest, although the reviews were good, I purchased these products purely for the packaging!
Kristin Ess is a celebrity hairstylist and colorist who has worked with Lauren Conrad and Lucy Hale. Kristin Ess Hair began because she had an idea to “create an affordable collection of luxury haircare and styling products that would give everyone the chance to create modern, perfectly-imperfect hair (Kristin Ess Hair).
Kristin Ess’s products are formulated with Zip-Up Technology™ that is designed to “zip-up” split ends and smooth the appearance of damaged hair while protecting from environmental stressors and color fade. The products can be found at Target.
As I mentioned previously, I picked up three products: a shampoo, conditioner, and dry shampoo.
Kristin Ess Extra Gentle Shampoo – $10
“nourishing + calming
gently cleansing
softness restoring
safe for daily use
sulfate-free”
Yes please! This is everything I need in a shampoo. It is a little pricey for the amount you receive (10 fl. oz), however, this is an “affordable luxury” product so I will let it slide. I love the peachy color of the bottle and it has a soft texture that allows you to squeeze the bottle nicely, unlike other hard plastic shampoo containers. The shampoo has a subtle, luxurious scent and is a gentle formula that cleanses my hair.
The directions say to use up to a quarter size amount (presuming you have thick hair). However, I found that amount quite limiting even though my hair is on the normal/thin side. The shampoo does lather nicely despite being sulfate-free, but it was not enough product to lather through my hair. I used more product the next time and it worked fine.
Kristin Ess The One Conditioner – $10
“for all hair types
weightlessly moisturizing
smoothing + softening
shine renewing
sulfate-free”
This conditioner claims to be for almost everyone. It is weightless and will not cause buildup. The conditioner feels nice on my hair once applied and after rinsing, but I don’t feel it softens and smooths as well as it claims. After drying my hair, it feels as if I did not use conditioner. Previously, I used either Dove or Pantene, and my hair felt soft and smooth after it dried. Although this conditioner may not be “The One” for me, I do want to try some of her other conditioners available.
After using the shampoo and conditioner for the last few weeks, I realized that it gives my hair volume. My hair tends to be on the flat side and it livened up when I used these two products. That being said, my hair does not feel as smooth and soft as it does with other shampoos and conditioners. However, when I curl or straighten my hair, it does get smooth and softer. The products do not claim to give volume, but I suppose the texture of the shampoo and conditioner cause my hair to have volume. I’m not complaining, because I can always use some volume, but I will look at her other products to see if it does leave my hair soft and smooth.
Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo – $14
“for all hair types
oil absorbing
odor eliminating
blow dry extending
vitamin enriched”
In my opinion, dry shampoo is an essential hair product to keep around. My hair is normal to oily, so I need to find a dry shampoo that will do its job because I do not wash my hair everyday. I have used Dove, Batiste, Dry Bar, and others, but Kristin Ess makes it to the top. At first, I did not like it, but one day, I had third-day hair (gross, I know), and I used the reviving dry shampoo. At the end of the day when I went to wash my hair, I noticed that it did not have an oily odor. It had definitely eliminated any odor that was on my hair and I was amazed. I haven’t used a dry shampoo that has done that. The dry shampoo has Kristin Ess’s signature fragrance, which is a mild, pleasant scent. The nozzle releases the product nicely and evenly. Definitely impressed, and definitely plan on repurchasing. 
The picture below shows a before and after of my second-day hair. Before, you can see the oil creeping through at the roots. After, my hair looks revived and refreshed.
