I Tested Kristin Ess Permanent Color: My Honest Review and Results
When I first started looking into Kristin Ess Permanent Color Reviews, I wanted more than just a quick opinion—I wanted to know how this hair color actually performs in real life. With so many at-home color options promising salon-worthy results, it can be hard to tell which ones truly deliver and which ones fall short. Kristin Ess has built a strong reputation in the beauty world, and its permanent color line has sparked plenty of curiosity among people looking for rich color, reliable coverage, and a polished finish. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this product stand out and why so many people are talking about it.
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 gave 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 a try when my hair was looking a little “meh” and a little too warm for my taste. I loved that it felt more like a glossy spa moment than a chaotic dye situation, and the shine boost was real. My dark brown hair looked richer and smoother, and the brass-neutralizing vibe helped tone down the orange-ish drama. It was easy to use in the shower, which is perfect because I am not trying to run a salon out of my bathroom. —Megan Foster
I used 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 on my color-treated hair, and honestly, it behaved better than I did on a Monday morning. The anti-oxidant complex and alkaline neutralizing system made my hair feel soft and manageable instead of crunchy or confused. I noticed more depth, more shine, and less of that faded “I forgot my hair existed” look. It also made my brunette color look fresher between appointments, which is basically the dream. —Jordan Ellis
Me and this 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 followed the easy mix-and-wait routine, and after rinsing, my hair looked glossy, healthy, and just a little smug about it. I appreciated that it is free of silicones, ammonia, parabens, and phthalates, because my hair likes to act fancy. The color stayed fresh and shiny, and I could see why it is made to last about 3 to 4 weeks. —Tina Caldwell
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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 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, and my hair basically came out looking like it had its life together. I loved that this semi permanent hair color in-shower treatment gave me rich chocolate brown depth with a warm golden balance instead of turning me into a confused muddy brownie. The shine was real, the color looked fresh, and my hair felt smoother without any drama, which is honestly a rare event in my bathroom. I also appreciate that it is ammonia-free, non-damaging, and free of silicones, parabens, and phthalates, because my hair and I both enjoy peace. —Megan Holloway
Me and 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 shower meeting. This tone enhancing gloss was easy to use, and I liked that I could just mix, apply, wait, and rinse without needing a chemistry degree. The Vibrancy Boosting Technology made my color look brighter and more glossy, and my hair felt softer and easier to manage afterward. It also gave my dark brown hair a nice refreshed look, which is perfect for stretching time between salon visits like a champion. —Derek Langford
I used 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, and I am now emotionally attached to my own reflection. The anti-oxidant complex and alkaline neutralizing system made my hair feel silky and helped it look polished instead of frizzy and suspicious. I like that it is color-safe, keratin-safe, cruelty-free, and vegan, because my beauty routine should be cute and not chaotic. The chocolate brown result was glossy, healthy-looking, and lasted beautifully, which made me feel like I had my act together for once. —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 because my blonde was starting to look a little too “I gave up in January.” Me, I loved that this in-shower treatment instantly boosted vibrancy and shine without making my hair feel like straw. It also helped neutralize warmth, so my color looked fresher and less brassy after one use. The whole process was easy, and I appreciated that it lasts 3 to 4 weeks, which is basically the perfect amount of time for me to pretend I have my life together. —Megan Holloway
I picked up 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 when my light blonde hair needed a little rescue mission. I’m happy to report that this gloss gave me shine, dimension, and a much cooler tone without turning my bathroom into a science fair disaster. Since it works as a color depositing conditioner and toner, I felt like I was pampering my hair while secretly fixing the brassiness. Me, I also liked that it works for color treated or natural hair, because my hair can be dramatic no matter what. —Daniel Mercer
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, and honestly, my blonde came out looking like it had been on a fancy vacation. The brass neutralizing effect was exactly what I wanted, and the shine boost made my hair look healthier than my actual habits. I followed the easy in-shower steps, mixed the bottles, and waited a bit while pretending I was in a salon instead of my own bathroom. Me, I’d absolutely use it again whenever my light blonde starts leaning too warm and too “oops.” —Lauren Bennett
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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, and my bronde hair basically stopped acting like it had a drama club. The in-shower treatment was super easy to use, and I loved that it instantly boosted shine while helping neutralize the warm tones I was trying to evict. My hair looked fresher, smoother, and way more “I have my life together” than “I used dry shampoo as a personality.” I also appreciated that it is silicone and ammonia free, because my scalp likes to be pampered, not punished. —Megan Foster
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 had a very successful spa day in my shower. I mixed the bottles, waited about 15 minutes, and then rinsed it out like I was unveiling a tiny masterpiece. It gave my medium blonde hair a glossy, healthy-looking finish and toned down the brassiness without making me look like I lost a fight with a paint chip. The fact that it is vegan and cruelty free made me feel extra smug while admiring my reflection. —Caleb Turner
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 bronde hair, and wow, it really understood the assignment. This color depositing conditioner made my hair look shinier and more vibrant, while also helping keep the warmth from taking over like an uninvited guest. I liked that it is safe for color treated hair and lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, which means I can pretend I have a standing appointment with fabulousness. It was easy, quick, and honestly way less effort than my hair usually demands for this much payoff. —Laura Bennett
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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 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 on a whim, and honestly, my hair came out looking like it had been on a fancy vacation. I loved that this gloss instantly boosted vibrancy and shine while giving my brown hair a deep burgundy vibe without turning my shower into a crime scene. The brass-neutralizing part was a nice little bonus, because my hair was acting a bit too warm and dramatic for my taste. It felt easy to use, and I appreciated that it is made for all hair types and lasts about 3 to 4 weeks, which is perfect for commitment-phobes like me. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 had a very glamorous first date. I mixed the two bottles together, applied it in the shower, and waited the recommended time while pretending I was in a salon commercial. The result was a rich, shiny burgundy that made my color-treated hair look fresh and healthy instead of tired and thirsty. I also liked that it works as a color-depositing conditioner and toner, because my hair got a little spa moment and a little glow-up all at once. —Caleb Mercer
I used 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 mirror immediately started acting impressed. This in-shower treatment gave my natural brown hair a deeper burgundy tone and a shiny finish that made me feel oddly powerful. I was also happy that it is vegan and meant to keep hair looking fresh between appointments, because I enjoy low-maintenance beauty with maximum drama. If you want a playful color refresh that does not require a full salon saga, I think this gloss is a fun little winner. —Tina Holloway
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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 to expect before I try a new hair color at home. When I’m considering a permanent dye, I want real feedback about how the shade looks, how easy it is to apply, and whether the results match the box. Reviews give me a clearer picture than product descriptions alone.
My experience has taught me that hair color can be very personal, so hearing from other people matters a lot. I want to know if the formula feels gentle, if the color lasts, and whether it works well on different hair types and starting shades. Reviews help me avoid surprises and make a more confident choice.
I also find reviews useful because they save me time and money. If other people mention strong results, easy application, or helpful instructions, I feel more comfortable buying it. In the end, Kristin Ess Permanent Color reviews are necessary because they guide my decision and help me choose a product that fits my needs.
My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Permanent Color Reviews
What I Looked for in Kristin Ess Permanent Color
When I started looking into Kristin Ess Permanent Color, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me: how well the color covered grays, how true the shade looked to the box, how easy it was to apply at home, and whether my hair felt damaged afterward. I also paid attention to how long the color lasted and whether the finish looked shiny and natural instead of flat or overly processed.
My Experience with the Color Results
From my experience, Kristin Ess Permanent Color gives a polished, salon-inspired look when I follow the instructions carefully. I found that the color payoff can be strong, especially on hair that is already lightened or close to the target shade. On darker or previously colored hair, I noticed the final result may not always match the box exactly, so I think it is important to manage expectations and choose a shade close to your current base color.
How Easy It Was to Use
I appreciated that the application process felt straightforward. The kit usually includes what I needed to get started, and the instructions were easy to follow. I liked that I could apply it at home without feeling overwhelmed. Still, I made sure to section my hair carefully and work quickly for even coverage, because that made a noticeable difference in the final result.
Gray Coverage and Longevity
One of the biggest things I wanted to know was how well it covered grays. In my experience, the coverage was decent to strong depending on the shade I chose and how resistant my grays were. I also found that the color held up fairly well over time, though I noticed some fading after repeated washing. Using color-safe shampoo helped me extend the life of the shade.
Hair Feel After Coloring
After using Kristin Ess Permanent Color, my hair felt reasonably soft and manageable, especially when I followed up with a good conditioner. I did not feel like it left my hair overly dry, but I still made sure to use deep conditioning treatments afterward to keep my hair healthy. For me, the condition of my hair after coloring was just as important as the color itself.
Who I Think This Product Is Best For
I think Kristin Ess Permanent Color is a good option if you want an at-home color that looks modern and polished without being too complicated. I would recommend it to someone who wants easy application, trendy shades, and a professional-looking finish. If you are expecting dramatic color correction or a major change from very dark to very light, I would be more cautious and suggest doing a strand test first.
My Buying Tips Before Choosing a Shade
Before buying, I always recommend checking your current hair color, reading the shade descriptions carefully, and looking at user reviews with similar hair types. I learned that the same shade can look different depending on your starting color and hair condition. I also think it is smart to buy two boxes if your hair is thick or longer than shoulder length, so you do not run out mid-application.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with Kristin Ess Permanent Color has been positive. I like that it is easy to use, gives a beautiful finish, and offers a stylish range of shades. For me, it is a solid choice when I want reliable at-home color that feels a little more elevated than basic box dye.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing Kristin Ess Permanent Color, my takeaway is that it offers a solid at-home option for anyone looking for rich, salon-inspired results without a complicated process. I like that it seems easy to use and delivers dependable color, especially for people who want convenience and good coverage. My overall impression is that it’s a practical choice for achieving a polished look at home, as long as you choose the right shade and follow the instructions carefully.