Kristin Ess earns mixed reviews: many find the shampoos, masks, and styling sprays make hair softer, shinier, and more voluminous with a luxe scent, while others report scalp tightness, residue, frizz, or even increased shedding with certain lines. Reviews praise standout performers like the Dry Finish Working Texture Spray, Thickening Spray, purple shampoo/conditioner, and Ultra Hydrating Curl Repair Mask, but note inconsistent results across hair types and products that can feel heavy, hard to rinse, or underwhelming.
I have tried a few products from this brand and for a "drug store" haircare brand i think they do a pretty decent range of hair care products. I recently used the Clarifying Shampoo which was nice. Not as good as my Ouai detox shampoo but it is more affordable. A good option if you have oily roots.
I do like this mousse and the way it leaves my hair looking. I don't love the smell or the way it feels in my hair. I could maybe use less product and see if that helps. I do like the way it looks though.
This was a miss for me. Although my hair felt clean, my scalp felt weird. There seemed to be a bit of tightness to it, and I can’t really tell if maybe the product was actually drying my scalp. My hair felt softer but it did seem frizzy (I have straight thin hair, so frizz is usually never a problem for me). I did notice a lot more flyaways, and I couldn’t figure out why, but based on some other reviews I now wonder if maybe the product was causing some breakage in my hair as well. I’ve stopped using the product and my scalp is starting to feel more normal. Will not finish the bottle, as I’m now suspicious if the product was the cause of the strange scalp sensation and hair breakage.
I have used and recommended the thickening spray from Kristin Ess. It holds up very well in my hair for at least 12 hours before reapply which I never have to do because it’s such a great product. Each bottle can last me over six months and gives my hair great volume.
The clarifying shampoo and conditioner made me lose hair and so I will never purchase that product again, but this product has been great