Kristen Ess Hair + T3 Curling Wands

Hey y’all! I’m so excited to be sharing a new hair care & styling line that I have been LOVING. The best part about this line is that it is sold at Target & is very affordable (double score)! Now I know some of you (especially hairstylists) might be shocked that I as a hairstylist would recommend products that are being sold at Target… But just hear me out. This line was created by one of my hairstylist idols, Kristen Ess. Kristin is a celebrity hairstylist, colorist, social influencer, and co-founder of The Beauty Department. Her clients are some of my favorite celebrities, one in particular being Lauren Conrad (goals)! Now most of the time I would definitely NOT recommend that anyone should purchase high quality products from Target or any type of chain grocery store/super mart. Just like the food we buy, hair products also have an expiration date. In the salon, each product has a certain “shelf life” before which it must be sold or it has to be taken down or thrown away. Big companies purchase these out-of-date products and sell them in their stores. This is what we call Product Diversion. You can find more info on this issue linked here.

With all of this being said, I have done my research on these products. I have checked the expiration labels, ingredients, & reviews from other hair stylists to assure you that they are legit! I would never recommend something I didn’t think was legitimate for the sake of your hair (I mean I have been using them on myself as well). Because our industry is constantly changing I think that Kristin made a smart move in creating a line to be sold globally at such a popular store as Target. Plus, because she is such a successful high-end hairstylist, I completely trust that she would not create anything less than fantastic!

Kristin has created a range of cleansers, conditioners, and wet & dry styling products. Her products are made with a Zip-Up Technology which functions as a strengthening complex designed to ‘zip up’ split ends, smooth the appearance of damaged cuticles, and protect the hair from heat & color fade. Also, not only do her products do great things for your hair, they smell phenomenal! Her beautiful packaging color codes each category. I will be reviewing every product in each category below, and link each product if you are interested in ordering anything. They are selling out quick in stores! I bought every product but a couple, so if there is something I haven’t reviewed that you love, let a sister know! Now I will start raving & reviewing over these products….

*Also, I will leave Kristen Ess’s website here, where you can find more information and video tutorials on how to use each product! I will also link her instagram here, if you are interested in keeping up with her line and beautiful work!

Cleanse + Condition

The One Signature Shampoo:

This shampoo is universal for all hair types. It truly cleans your hair, moisturizes it, and time helps maintain a beautiful shine at the same time. This is perfect for me because I only wash my hair twice a week! So it cleanses my hair really well (removing an immense amount of dry shampoo) but also keeps my strands healthy and moisturized! A plus is that it is sulfate-free so it’s safe for color treated hair.

The One Signature Conditioner:

This conditioner is also great for any hair type! It can be used daily and will not cause any build-up on your hair and is very lightweight. Your hair will be super smooth and shiny after using this.

Strand Strengthening Reconstructive Moisture Mask:

This mask is great for anyone in search of a remedy for dryness. I always recommend using a deep conditioning treatment once a week (VITAL for those that put a lot of heat to their hair!). Heat damage is one of the biggest stressors to your hair. Most people are using hot tools daily (I sure do), so it’s very important to maintain the integrity of your hair with this special treatment occasionally.

Restore

Weightless Shine Leave-In Conditioner:

This spray seals in moisture, creates weightless shine, and detangles the hair. Use this after the shower when your hair is damp and comb through to evenly distribute. It is one of my favorite leave in conditioners I have ever tried!

Weightless Shine Working Serum:

This is a perfect universal serum that you can blow dry into your hair for extra shine and smoothness! It is supposed to “zip-up” dry ends and seal the cuticle. This serum was created for wet hair but can also be used for dry hair to tame frizz or replenish shine!

Wet Styling

Instant Lift Volumizing Mousse:

This mousse is amazing! It boosts volume without creating the sticky or tacky feeling most mousses have. It gives the hair a weightless bouncy volume and does not leave a residue.

Instant Lift Thickening Spray:

I wasn’t sure about this product so I didn’t buy it when I bought the others. Then I had a friend (Adore More With Geor) tell me she loved it! So I went back to buy it! Kristin calls this a liquid mousse. You spray it on towel-dried hair and comb through to evenly distribute a weightless volume to your strands. It’s great for creating a little extra hold when you style after blow drying so you aren’t having to use hair spray.

Hydrating Curl Defining Creme:

O M G I have finally found a product that I love for my natural curl/wave! This is big for me. Most people don’t know that I have very curly hair naturally (when I was little I literally had a fro). This cream adds subtle weight and shine. It doesn’t have a strong hold, so it won’t make your hair crunchy! It keeps my hair curly as well as soft.

(Here is a picture of my natural curl minus curling a couple pieces around my face)

Dry Styling + Finishing

Style Reviving Dry Shampoo:

This is my new fav dry shampoo! It reminds me a lot of the Living Proof dry shampoo, but smells so much better. I have been able to prolong time between washes with this one! It also doesn’t leave a white residue on your roots, so it’s great for any of my dark headed girls as well.

Dry Finish Working Texture Spray:

Texture sprays are my weakness. I go through them so quick because I love them so much! I call it “crack for the hair”. My favorite way to use this product is after I style my hair. I spray it throughout my curls and waves, giving them weightless texture and “oomph”. It leaves a light weight matte finish.

Refine Signature Finishing Spray:

This product is a classic light weight finishing hairspray that can do no wrong! One light mist will give you a lighter hold while a second layer will give you a stronger hold, making the product build-able!

Working Texture Loose Styling Powder:

This product provides grip and texture for the roots or for braids! Sometimes braids unravel or fall apart (especially with soft hair). Sprinkle this in your braid and gently pull apart to make your braid look fuller & hold better! I go on-location a lot for weddings and this powder is the perfect product for creating beautiful up-dos!

T3 Curling Wands:

I wanted to really quickly mention these amazing wands I finally purchased! I know many are aware of them, but hesitant to buy because of the price. I can assure you that they are well worth the money! I always say that I don’t mind investing in something if it’s good quality and this was one of those situations. First of all they are gorgeous (white + rose gold combo). Second, they create beautiful long lasting waves and curls. This specific set that I got is the Whirl Trio. It comes with 3 interchangeable barrels (1 inch straight barrel, 1.5 inch straight barrel, 1.25-.75 tapered barrel).They also come with a glove, heat protected storing bag, and 2 year warranty. The only thing I will say is that they can get REALLY hot. So just be careful how high you keep the temperature and use heat protectant! I usually keep mine on 3 (5 is the highest).