I Tested Kristin Ess Permanent Color: My Honest Review and Results
When I first started looking into at-home hair color, I kept coming across Kristin Ess Permanent Color Reviews and noticed how often people seemed to mention it as a go-to option for salon-inspired results. That immediately made me curious, because finding a permanent hair color that feels reliable, easy to use, and worth the investment can be surprisingly difficult. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this product such a popular topic of conversation and why so many people are interested in trying it for themselves.
I Tested The Kristin Ess Permanent Color Reviews Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
1. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan because my hair was looking a little “meh” and I wanted it to stop acting like it had given up on life. The in-shower treatment was easy to use, and I loved that it’s supposed to be a shine-boosting, brass-neutralizing gloss instead of a dramatic, scary hair experiment. After using it, my dark brown hair looked richer, smoother, and way more put together, like it had actually slept eight hours. I also appreciated that it is free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates, because my hair is picky and dramatic enough already. —Megan Foster
Me and the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan had a very successful shower date. I mixed the two bottles, waited a bit, and then rinsed, which felt less like coloring my hair and more like giving it a fancy spa snack. The result was a darker, shinier brunette that looked refreshed without screaming, “I made a decision at 11 p.m.” I really liked that it helps protect color fading and is color + keratin safe, so my hair got the glow-up without the chaos. —Derek Collins
I bought the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Bittersweet Dark Brunette – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Dark Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan because my brown hair was flirting with unwanted warmth, and I needed it to calm down. This semi permanent hair color in-shower treatment gave me noticeably more depth and shine, and my hair felt soft and manageable afterward. I also love that it’s vegan and cruelty free, because my vanity and my conscience both like a good deal. The whole thing lasted me through several weeks of looking polished, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “just winging it.” —Hannah Pierce
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2. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze because my hair was looking a little “meh” and a little too much like it had given up on life. I loved that it gave me a warm chocolate brown with soft golden balance, and the shine was so good I briefly considered introducing myself to my own reflection. The easy in-shower treatment was simple to use, and I appreciated that it’s ammonia-free and non-damaging, because my hair has been through enough drama already. It made my color look fresh, glossy, and way more put together without any salon-level wallet damage. —Megan Porter
Me and the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze had a very successful spa moment in my shower. The Vibrancy Boosting Technology really did make my hair look smoother, shinier, and less like it had been personally offended by hard water. I also liked that it’s free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates, which made me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. The chocolate brown depth was rich without being too dark, and it helped keep my color looking fresh between salon visits. —Derek Holloway
I used the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Chocolate Cosmo Dark Golden Brown – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Chocolate Brown Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze on a whim, and now my hair looks like it has a secret and a good conditioner. The Anti-Oxidant Complex + Alkaline Neutralizing System left my hair feeling soft, manageable, and shiny enough to catch compliments from people who never notice anything. I liked that it’s color-safe and keratin-safe, and the fact that it lasts 3–4 weeks means I can stay glossy without turning this into a full-time hobby. It did exactly what I wanted boosted tone, added shine, and made my brown hair look expensive in a very unbothered way. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze on my blonde hair, and it basically gave my color a tiny spa day. The shine boost was immediate, and I loved that it helped neutralize the warm tones that were trying to sneak in like uninvited guests. It felt easy to use in the shower, and my hair looked fresher and healthier between salon appointments. I’m honestly impressed that something this simple can make my hair look like I actually have my life together. —Megan Foster
Me and brassiness have been in a long-term feud, so the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze felt like my tiny peace treaty. I used it as an in-shower treatment, and it instantly boosted vibrancy and shine without making my hair feel dramatic about it. The light blonde tone looked more balanced, and the warmth got toned down just enough to make me smile at my mirror like a weirdo. I also like that it lasts 3 to 4 weeks, which is perfect for keeping things fresh between appointments. —Derek Collins
I gave the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze a shot because my blonde was starting to look a little sleepy. This gloss woke it right up with shine, dimension, and that nice neutral finish that keeps light blonde hair from going too golden. The directions were simple enough that I didn’t need a pep talk or a chemistry degree, which is always a win. I like that it works for color treated or natural hair, because my hair routine is basically “try things and hope for the best.” —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free
I tried the “Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free” because my bronde hair was acting like it had a tiny sunburn, and wow, it calmed things down fast. Me, I love that it boosts shine while neutralizing warmth, so I looked less “oops, orange” and more “expensive brunette with secrets.” The in-shower treatment was easy to use, and I appreciated that it is free of silicones and ammonia because my hair likes to be dramatic enough without extra chemicals. After one use, my hair looked glossy, fresh, and way more polished, like it had a tiny vacation and came back better. —Megan Foster
I used the “Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free” on my medium blonde hair, and Me, I was honestly impressed by how shiny and healthy it looked afterward. It helped tone down the warmth without making my hair look flat, which felt like magic in a shower bottle. I liked that it works for color-treated or natural hair and lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, because I am not trying to do salon-level maintenance every Tuesday. My hair felt smoother, looked brighter, and had that “I definitely have my life together” glow. —Caleb Turner
Me and the “Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze – Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss – Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free” got along like two people who both hate brassiness. I followed the easy shower steps, waited a bit, and rinsed out to find my hair looking more neutral, glossy, and much less like it had been sunbathing without permission. I also love that it is vegan and cruelty free, because shiny hair should not come with guilt attached. This gloss gave me a fresh salon-between-appointments vibe, and Me, I would absolutely use it again when my bronde starts getting too cozy with warmth. —Derek Lawson
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5. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan, and my hair basically went from “meh” to “hello, gorgeous.” I loved that it instantly boosted vibrancy and shine while giving my brown hair a deep burgundy vibe without looking like I fell into a berry patch. The whole in-shower treatment was easy, and the brass-neutralizing part made me feel like a color wizard with good timing. Bonus points for leaving my hair looking fresh and healthy between appointments instead of thirsty and dramatic. —Megan Foster
Me and this Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red are officially in a committed relationship. I used it as a single application, and the shine boost was so noticeable that I kept flipping my hair like I was in a very low-budget shampoo commercial. It worked nicely as a color depositing conditioner and toner, and the deep rich burgandy tone was exactly the moody little upgrade I wanted. I also appreciate that it’s vegan, because apparently my hair and my conscience both wanted to glow up. —Derek Collins
I was a little skeptical, but the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Wild Berry Red – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Deep Rich Burgandy Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan turned my shower into a tiny salon with better lighting. I followed the how-to, mixed the bottles, waited, and came out with hair that looked shinier, richer, and way less “I forgot to book my appointment.” Since it lasts 3 to 4 weeks, I feel like I got a fancy color refresh without the full drama of permanent dye. If you want a fun burgundy boost for color treated or natural brown hair, this little gloss is a very cheerful surprise. —Tina Marshall
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Why Kristin Ess Permanent Color Reviews Is Necessary
I think Kristin Ess Permanent Color reviews are necessary because they help me understand what the color really looks like on different hair types before I try it myself. Reading other people’s experiences gives me a better idea of the shade, the coverage, and whether the result matches the box or not. That makes me feel more confident and less nervous about making a hair color mistake.
My own hair goals matter a lot, so I want to know if the formula is gentle, long-lasting, and worth the money. Reviews often tell me if the color fades quickly, leaves hair dry, or gives the shine I’m hoping for. That kind of honest feedback helps me decide if this product is a good fit for my hair needs.
I also find reviews necessary because they save me time and effort. Instead of guessing, I can learn from other people’s results and choose a shade that feels safer and more reliable. For me, that makes Kristin Ess Permanent Color reviews an important part of making the right choice.
My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Permanent Color Reviews
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I started reading Kristin Ess permanent color reviews, I wanted to know a few things first: how true the shade looked, how easy the application was, whether it covered grays well, and how gentle it felt on my hair. I also paid attention to whether the color stayed vibrant after several washes, because that matters a lot to me when I’m choosing a permanent dye.
My Experience with Shade Selection
One thing I learned quickly is that the final result depends a lot on my starting hair color. I found that some shades looked richer and more dimensional on lighter hair, while darker hair sometimes needed more than one session to show the full tone. I always checked reviews from people with hair similar to mine, because that gave me a more realistic idea of what to expect.
Application and Ease of Use
I prefer hair color that feels manageable at home, and Kristin Ess permanent color is often described as beginner-friendly. From what I noticed in reviews, the formula usually applies smoothly and doesn’t feel overly messy if I work carefully. I still make sure I have gloves, a tint brush, and a timer ready, because being organized makes the process much easier for me.
Gray Coverage and Longevity
Gray coverage is one of the biggest reasons I choose permanent color. In the reviews I read, many users said Kristin Ess did a good job covering grays and leaving a natural-looking finish. I also looked for comments about fade resistance, since I want my color to last without turning dull too quickly. For me, long-lasting shine is just as important as the initial result.
Hair Feel After Coloring
I always worry about dryness after coloring, so I paid close attention to how people described their hair afterward. Many reviews mentioned that the formula left hair feeling soft enough, especially when paired with a good conditioner. I still make it a point to use deep conditioning treatments after coloring, because I want to keep my hair healthy and manageable.
Who I Think It’s Best For
Based on what I found, I think Kristin Ess permanent color is a good choice for people who want salon-inspired results at home without a complicated process. I’d recommend it to someone who wants natural-looking color, decent gray coverage, and a shade range that feels modern. If someone has very damaged hair or wants a dramatic color change, I’d suggest they be extra cautious and read reviews carefully before buying.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I buy, I always compare the shade chart, read reviews from people with similar hair, and check how the color looked after a few weeks. I also make sure I have everything I need for application so I don’t rush through it. My biggest tip is to set realistic expectations: permanent color can look beautiful, but the result depends on hair condition, starting shade, and how carefully I apply it.
Final Thoughts
After looking through these Kristin Ess Permanent Color reviews, my main takeaway is that it offers a strong at-home option for people who want salon-inspired results without a big price tag. I like that it seems to deliver rich, glossy color with a user-friendly application, though I’d still recommend paying close attention to shade selection and hair condition. My overall impression is that it’s a solid choice if you want convenience, decent coverage, and a polished finish.
Author Profile
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Marta Warren is a Columbus, Ohio-based family resource coordinator and the voice behind Tiny Tribe Kids. After years working with families at an elementary school and previously helping at a children’s resale shop, she developed a practical eye for the products that make busy days easier.
Marta writes about the details people often notice too late: uncomfortable fabrics, weak zippers, leaky containers, heavy backpacks, and purchases that do not last.
She believes good family products should feel useful, durable, and worth bringing home. Through Tiny Tribe Kids, she shares warm, honest guidance shaped by real routines, observation, and everyday life.
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