4 Editors with Different Hair Types Put the New Kristin Ess+ Product Line to the Test

If sleek, shiny locks are the goal, then technology is the secret weapon—just ask hair-bonding giants Olaplex and K18. These popular treatments are known for their ability to repair damaged strands, but they don’t come cheap. What if you could get the same results for a fraction of the price? Enter: Kristin Ess+, the new line from celebrity hairstylist Kristin Ess, which combines the bond-building and biomimetic technology of its high end rivals into an affordable suite of hair care products all under $25. With bold claims of bond building, color protection, keratin-safe formulas and results after just one use (for all hair types), we were intrigued. So, four PureWow editors with different hair types put the line to the test for four weeks. Here’s what happened.

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Kristin Ess+ is a new line of haircare products developed by hairstylist Kristin Ess, who counts celebs like Selena Gomez, Sydney Sweeney, Quinta Brunson and Gabrielle Union as fans. The Plus line emphasizes clinical testing and science-backed formulas that combine biomimetic and bond-building technology into a single formula. (Psst: Biometric tech aims to repair keratin’s broken amino acid bonds, while bond-building refers to repairing broken disulfide bonds, which in this state can eat away at the hair shaft.)

There are two product categories: Peptide Restore and Peptide Protect. The former is focused on repair and strength, while the latter focuses on retaining hair color and shine. In total, there are eight products spanning both categories.

Peptide Restore

• Strengthening Shampoo ($19)
• Strengthening Conditioner ($21)
• Bond Fortifying Serum ($23)
• Bond Recovery Leave-In Treatment ($23)
• Overnight Bond Revitalizing Dry Mask ($23)

Peptide Protect

• Anti-Fade Shampoo ($21)
• Anti-Fade Conditioner ($21)
• Anti-Fade Leave-In Conditioner ($23)

Over the course of a month, four PureWow editors with different hair types used the Kristin Ess+ products exclusively.

• Executive Editor Catrina Yohay: High-density fine hair. Wavy-ish/unruly texture. Normal scalp that doesn't get very oily, typically only washes once or twice a week. Color-treated (though taking a break because pregnant). During winter, hair feels very dry and frizzy, and like most people who dye/color, constantly fighting the fade.
• SEO Editor Marissa Wu: Low-density fine hair. Texture is straight and slippery, tends to be flat without products. Not color treated or excessively heat styled. Washes hair nightly, otherwise looks greasy after a day without dry shampoo. Struggles with split ends.
• Associate Sales & Deals Editor Destinee Scott: Thick hair with a natural texture that is curly/wavy. (Wears it straight.) Dry scalp, issues with dandruff and flaking.
• Editorial Assistant Courtney Mason: High-density curly/coily hair and a dry scalp. Color-treated hair, but not looking to preserve the color. Has a little heat damage towards the front of hair and tends to have trouble with dryness and breakage.

We evaluated the line based on the PureWow100 scale, rating each product on efficacy, formula, versatility, aesthetics and value for an average out of 100 total points.

“[Everything was] easy to use with a pleasing scent that smells fresh and clean but isn't too perfumy. I could still get a whiff of the scent on my hair two full days after washing,” Yohay notes. Everyone agreed that the scent was amazing, and Scott said that anyone who loves a good scent will love the collection. (I concur.)

The packaging is also sleek with a rich aubergine color. “I love the shape of the bottles—they look so chic in my shower,” Yohay raves. Two things we did note could be improved upon: The product lines are differentiated by contrasting purple and lilac labels, but these are small and were confusing at first. Additionally, while I appreciate the squeeze bottles for sustainability reasons (pumps cannot be disposed of in municipal recycling), I think that if you have mobility issues (arthritis or other muscle conditions), this will be a challenge. The squeeze bottle design also meant I had flecks of product flying into my face when I snapped it shut or found myself shaking vigorously to get the conditioner to move to the bottom.

Kristin Ess+ claims to unite bond building and biomimetic science into one convenient package. So how does it stack up against Olaplex, the luxe haircare brand that built its product on bond repair? Take it from Scott, who’s used Olaplex for years: “This collection is comparable to Olaplex. More specifically, this line could be worth it if you want to spend a little less. But overall, I still prefer Olaplex. As someone with damaged hair, I just don’t know if this is on the same level, and I feel like this line is missing key products for getting a good at-home blowout (like oil and a blow-drying serum).”

After four weeks of testing, Kristin Ess+ seemed to work best and most consistently for editors with straight to moderately wavy hair types, though the Overnight Bond Repair Mask was a universal favorite, and we all agreed that in terms of scent and design, the products really knocked it out of the park. Overall, Kristin Ess+ seems to be a great, affordable alternative to competitors K18 and Olaplex, each of whom specialize in the technologies that this new line has now united. Every product is under $25 and they can be purchased separately, so you’re not locked into a set of hit-or-misses. Taking into account all feedback, our PureWow100 review is a solid 88/100.