Hair gloss transforms dull hair into vibrant, shiny locks. Kristin Ess, a celebrity hairstylist, created an affordable hair gloss line. Her products gained popularity for their salon quality results at home.
Kristin Ess launched her hair care line at Target as an accessible luxury brand. The Signature Hair Gloss became a standout product. It offers color refreshing and shine-boosting benefits without salon prices. The product works on all hair types and colors. Users praise its ability to revive hair between salon visits.
The gloss contains no ammonia or silicones. It comes in various shades for different hair colors. The formula adds shine and refreshes color without damaging hair. This makes it a good option for people who want subtle changes.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know About Kristin Ess Hair Gloss
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Kristin Ess Hair Gloss worth trying:
- Affordable luxury: Priced around $15, it costs much less than salon treatments.
- Easy application: The two-bottle system comes with clear instructions and gloves.
- No damage: The formula contains no ammonia and works without harming hair.
- Temporary results: Effects last about 4-6 weeks or 20-30 washes.
- Multiple shade options: Available in clear (Crystal Quartz) and various tinted versions.
- Quick process: Takes only 10-20 minutes to process.
- Adds shine: Creates a glossy finish while refreshing color.
- Reduces frizz: Many users report smoother, more manageable hair.
- Available at Target: Easy to purchase during regular shopping trips.
- Created by a professional: Developed by celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess.
The Science Behind Hair Gloss: How It Works on Your Hair
- Creates a protective shield over the hair to instantly boost shine and help lock-in your color
- Smooths and softens hair from root to tip making hair more manageable
Hair gloss differs from permanent hair dye. The formula coats the outer layer of hair rather than penetrating deep into the hair shaft. This creates a protective layer that reflects light and adds shine.
The Kristin Ess Signature Gloss contains gentle ingredients that bond to the hair cuticle. This seals the cuticle and creates a smoother surface. The result is hair that looks shinier and feels softer.
For colored hair, the gloss helps refresh fading tones. It deposits a sheer veil of color that enhances existing color. This extends the life of professional color treatments. For natural hair, it adds shine and can add subtle tone changes.
The formula works as a demi-permanent treatment. This means it gradually fades with washing instead of creating a harsh grow-out line. This makes maintenance easier than with permanent color.
Choosing the Right Shade: Guide to Kristin Ess Hair Gloss Colors
Selecting the right shade matters for best results. Kristin Ess offers several options:
- Crystal Quartz: Clear gloss for all hair colors – adds shine without color change
- Platinum: For neutralizing warmth in ultra-light blonde hair
- Smoky Topaz: Adds cool tones to medium brown hair
- Winter Wheat: Blends grown-out highlights with natural color
- Golden Hour: Adds warm golden tones to light brown hair
- Copper Penny: Creates rich copper tones for natural redheads
- Wild Berry: Adds deep burgundy tones to brown hair
- Chocolate Cosmo: Deepens and enriches dark brown hair
- Bittersweet: Adds depth to very dark brown hair
- Amethyst: Adds purple tones to pre-lightened or blonde hair
Check your natural or colored hair shade before selecting. The color results vary based on your starting shade. Lighter hair shows more dramatic results with tinted glosses.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Best Results
Using Kristin Ess Hair Gloss feels simple with these steps:
- Prepare materials: Gather gloves (included), a wide-tooth comb, and clips if needed.
- Wet hair thoroughly: Shampoo lightly if hair feels dirty.
- Put on gloves: Do this before getting in the shower as suggested.
- Mix the formula: Pour the gloss (bottle 1) into the activator (bottle 2).
- Shake well: Ensure the mixture combines completely.
- Apply evenly: Work through wet hair from roots to ends.
- Process for 10-20 minutes: Longer time creates more intense results.
- Rinse thoroughly: Remove all product from hair.
- Shampoo and condition: Use gentle products for best results.
- Style as usual: No special waiting period needed.
For best application tips, section hair with clips for even coverage. Use a shower comb to distribute product evenly. Apply more product to damaged or porous ends that may need extra color.
My Personal Experience: Before and After Results With Kristin Ess Hair Gloss
I decided to try the Winter Wheat shade on my grown-out highlights. My hair needed refreshing between salon visits. The application process felt simpler than expected.
Before using the gloss, my hair looked dull and my highlights appeared brassy. The color difference between my roots and ends looked obvious. My hair felt dry and prone to frizz.
After application, I noticed several changes:
- My hair looked significantly shinier
- The color appeared more blended and refreshed
- My hair felt smoother and less frizzy
- The texture seemed thicker and healthier
The results lasted about 5 weeks before starting to fade. The color change looked subtle but noticeable. Friends commented on how healthy my hair looked rather than asking if I dyed it.
Benefits of Kristin Ess Hair Gloss for Different Hair Types
The gloss works for various hair types with different benefits:
For color-treated hair:
- Refreshes fading color between salon visits
- Adds shine to dulling color
- Helps blend grown-out roots with colored ends
- Extends time between professional color services
For natural hair:
- Enhances natural color with subtle toning
- Adds significant shine to dull hair
- Smooths the cuticle for less frizz
- Creates healthier-looking hair without commitment
For damaged hair:
- Fills in porous areas with conditioning agents
- Creates a smoother, more reflective surface
- Makes hair feel softer and look healthier
- Adds body to fine or limp hair
The versatility makes this product useful for most hair types and concerns.
Comparing Kristin Ess Hair Gloss to Other Brands and Salon Treatments
The market offers several hair gloss options. Here’s how Kristin Ess compares:
Versus salon glossing treatments:
- Much more affordable ($15 versus $50-100)
- Comparable results for most users
- Slightly less dramatic shine effect
- Similar lasting power (4-6 weeks)
Versus other at-home gloss products:
- More shade options than many competitors
- Better packaging and instructions
- More consistent results based on reviews
- Similar price point to dpHUE and less expensive than Madison Reed
Versus permanent hair color:
- Less commitment with no harsh grow-out line
- Less damage to hair structure
- Less dramatic color change
- Easier application process
The Kristin Ess gloss offers good value compared to alternatives. It balances professional results with affordability and ease of use.
How to Maintain Results: Tips for Making Your Hair Gloss Last Longer
To extend the life of your gloss treatment:
- Wait 48 hours before washing after application
- Use color-safe shampoo without sulfates
- Wash with cool water to keep cuticles closed
- Reduce washing frequency when possible
- Use heat protectant before styling tools
- Apply UV protection when in the sun
- Deep condition weekly to maintain smoothness
- Avoid chlorine exposure from pools
- Consider color-depositing conditioners between treatments
- Reapply gloss every 4-6 weeks for continuous results
Using these maintenance tips can extend the shine and color effects for several additional weeks.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations Before Using
While the product offers many benefits, consider these points:
- Limited color change: The gloss creates subtle effects rather than dramatic changes
- Not for major corrections: Cannot lighten hair or cover gray completely
- Time commitment: Requires 30+ minutes for the entire process
- Potential mess: The mixture can stain surfaces temporarily
- Hair type differences: Results vary based on hair porosity and starting color
- Chemical process: Contains some chemicals despite being ammonia-free
- Increased oil production: Some users report faster oily roots after use
- Weight effect: May slightly weigh down very fine hair
- Scent concerns: Has a chemical smell during processing
Most users find these drawbacks minor compared to the benefits, but they deserve consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kristin Ess Hair Gloss
Is Kristin Ess Hair Gloss damaging?
No, the formula contains no ammonia and works without permanently altering hair structure.
How long does Kristin Ess Hair Gloss last?
The results typically last 4-6 weeks or 20-30 washes before fading.
Can I use Kristin Ess Hair Gloss on gray hair?
Yes, but it provides tone and shine rather than complete coverage of gray hair.
Will Kristin Ess Hair Gloss change my natural hair color?
It adds a subtle tint and shine but won’t dramatically change your natural color.
How often can I use Kristin Ess Hair Gloss?
The product can be used every 4-6 weeks safely.
Does Kristin Ess Hair Gloss work on all hair types?
Yes, it works on straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair textures.
Can I use Kristin Ess Hair Gloss after coloring?
Wait at least one wash after professional color before applying gloss.
Does Kristin Ess Hair Gloss cover gray hair completely?
No, it tints gray hair but doesn’t provide complete coverage like permanent dye.
Can I mix Kristin Ess Hair Gloss shades?
Yes, shades can be mixed for customized results.
Is Kristin Ess Hair Gloss vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, the entire Kristin Ess line is certified cruelty-free by PETA and the glosses are vegan.
Conclusion: Final Verdict on Kristin Ess Hair Gloss
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss offers an affordable way to refresh hair color and add shine between salon visits. The product delivers on its promises for most users.
The ease of application, affordable price, and salon-quality results make this product stand out in the market. While it won’t replace professional services for major color changes, it serves as an excellent maintenance product.
For anyone looking to add shine, refresh color, or blend grown-out roots, this product deserves consideration. The minimal damage risk and temporary nature make it accessible even for those cautious about home hair color.
With proper application and maintenance, Kristin Ess Hair Gloss provides a salon-like refresh for a fraction of the cost. This makes beautiful, refreshed hair accessible to more people between professional appointments.
Last update on 2025-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
