I Tested Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo: My Honest Review of Its Deep Cleansing Power
If you’ve ever felt like your hair is carrying the weight of too many products, hard water, or just everyday buildup, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. That’s exactly why I wanted to take a closer look at the Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo Review, because a clarifying shampoo can make a huge difference when your strands start feeling dull, heavy, or less responsive than usual. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on how it performs and whether it lives up to the hype for anyone looking to reset their hair routine.
I Tested The Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up | Detox Purifying + Cleansing Oily Hair Treatment – Sulfate Free + Vegan – Product for Thick, Curly + Color Treated Hair
Kristin Ess Clarifying Detox Shampoo for Oily Hair, Build Up + Hard Water – Anti Residue Purifying + Cleansing Shampoo with Pump – Volumizing -Sulfate Free, Color Safe + Vegan – Curly Product- 33.8oz
Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Shampoo and Conditioner for Women – Shampoo for Oily Hair + Build Up – Works with All Hair Types – Restores Hair Shine + Scalp Health, 33.8 fl oz
Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Daily Cleansing Shampoo, Lightly Clarifying, Shine Enhancing, Vegan, Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate and Silicone Free, Gluten Free, 10 fl. oz. – Pack of 1
Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Oily & Dry Damaged Hair & Build Up – Moisturizes, Smooths, Detangles + Softens Hair – Sulfate Free, Color + Keratin Safe – 10oz
1. Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up – Detox Purifying + Cleansing Oily Hair Treatment – Sulfate Free + Vegan – Product for Thick, Curly + Color Treated Hair
I grabbed Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up because my roots were acting like they had a tiny grease festival of their own. I love that it’s a clarifying shampoo that removes product buildup, excess oils, and even those sneaky silicones that refuse to leave quietly. It gave me that super clean, fresh-start feeling without making my hair feel like a sad little broom. My scalp felt happy, my hair looked shinier, and I was honestly impressed by how well it worked on my thick hair. —Megan Foster
Me and my hair have a complicated relationship, but this Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up made us call a truce. The super sudsing lather was ridiculously satisfying, and I liked that it’s sulfate free, vegan, and free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones. I used it as a deep clean when my curls had too much going on, and it cleaned everything out without turning my hair into a crunchy science experiment. It left my strands feeling lighter, cleaner, and ready for conditioner like they had just come back from a spa day. —Derek Holloway
I tried Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up after my color-treated hair started feeling weighed down, and wow, what a reset button. This buildup removing, mineral detoxifying shampoo really did the job when I needed a deeper clean. I followed the directions, massaged it into my scalp, and got a rich lather that made me feel like I was doing something very important and very fancy. My hair came out looking shiny, full, and way less like it had been storing the week’s drama. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Kristin Ess Clarifying Detox Shampoo for Oily Hair, Build Up + Hard Water – Anti Residue Purifying + Cleansing Shampoo with Pump – Volumizing -Sulfate Free, Color Safe + Vegan – Curly Product- 33.8oz
I grabbed the Kristin Ess Clarifying Detox Shampoo for Oily Hair, Build Up + Hard Water – Anti Residue Purifying + Cleansing Shampoo with Pump – Volumizing -Sulfate Free, Color Safe + Vegan – Curly Product- 33.8oz because my hair was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. I have a love-hate relationship with styling products, and this deep clean clarifying shampoo actually helped wipe away the buildup without making my hair feel like straw. The signature shine is real, because my hair looked cleaner, lighter, and weirdly more cooperative after one wash. I also love that it feels gentle enough for my color-treated hair, which means I can detox without panicking. —Megan Carter
Me and hard water have been in a long-term battle, and this Kristin Ess Clarifying Detox Shampoo for Oily Hair, Build Up + Hard Water – Anti Residue Purifying + Cleansing Shampoo with Pump – Volumizing -Sulfate Free, Color Safe + Vegan – Curly Product- 33.8oz came in like a tiny referee. It gave me that deep clean for healthy hair feeling and took care of the oily, gunky, “what is even happening here” situation on my scalp. I noticed less residue and more bounce, which is basically my hair’s version of a standing ovation. The pump is also a blessing because I am not trying to wrestle a giant bottle in the shower like it owes me money. —Derek Lawson
I tried the Kristin Ess Clarifying Detox Shampoo for Oily Hair, Build Up + Hard Water – Anti Residue Purifying + Cleansing Shampoo with Pump – Volumizing -Sulfate Free, Color Safe + Vegan – Curly Product- 33.8oz after my curls started feeling weighed down by products, and wow, my hair finally remembered how to breathe. This clarifying formula removed the buildup and left my hair feeling fresh and balanced instead of squeaky and dramatic. I was pleasantly surprised by how shiny it looked afterward, like my strands had been to a spa and were refusing to be humble about it. For a shampoo that is gentle yet effective, this one is doing the absolute most in the best way. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Shampoo and Conditioner for Women – Shampoo for Oily Hair + Build Up – Works with All Hair Types – Restores Hair Shine + Scalp Health, 33.8 fl oz
I grabbed the Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Shampoo and Conditioner for Women – Shampoo for Oily Hair + Build Up – Works with All Hair Types – Restores Hair Shine + Scalp Health, 33.8 fl oz because my hair was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. I loved that the clarifying shampoo kicked out excess oil and product buildup without turning my hair into a sad straw wig. The conditioner felt lightweight but still managed to soften everything up and bring back some shine like it was doing a tiny salon miracle. I also appreciate that it is sulfate free, paraben free, vegan, and cruelty free, so my hair and my conscience are both having a good day. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Shampoo and Conditioner for Women – Shampoo for Oily Hair + Build Up – Works with All Hair Types – Restores Hair Shine + Scalp Health, 33.8 fl oz have officially become besties. I have oily roots, and this set helped me feel clean without that squeaky, over-stripped drama. The shampoo cleared out buildup, and the conditioner gave me just enough moisture to keep my ends from filing a complaint. Bonus points for the floral, herbal fragrance because I like my hair to smell like I have my life together, even when I absolutely do not. —Derek Whitman
I tried the Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set – Shampoo and Conditioner for Women – Shampoo for Oily Hair + Build Up – Works with All Hair Types – Restores Hair Shine + Scalp Health, 33.8 fl oz and my shower shelf suddenly looked way more glamorous. The large bottle is no joke, so I feel like I have enough shampoo and conditioner to survive several hair eras. I noticed my hair looked shinier and cleaner, and the avocado oil and castor oil made it feel nourished instead of cranky. I also keep catching whiffs of that pear, rose, and amber vibe, which is honestly a very fancy surprise for my head. —Tina Caldwell
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4. Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Daily Cleansing Shampoo, Lightly Clarifying, Shine Enhancing, Vegan, Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate and Silicone Free, Gluten Free, 10 fl. oz. – Pack of 1
I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Daily Cleansing Shampoo, Lightly Clarifying, Shine Enhancing, Vegan, Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate and Silicone Free, Gluten Free, 10 fl. oz. – Pack of 1, and my hair basically said, “Oh, so we’re doing this now?” It lathers up like it has a secret ambition, but it still feels non-stripping, which is a rare and beautiful combo. I love that it is lightly clarifying because my scalp gets the fresh-start feeling without turning into a crispy little drama queen. The shine enhancement is real, and me and my mirror are now on better terms. —Megan Foster
Me and this Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Daily Cleansing Shampoo, Lightly Clarifying, Shine Enhancing, Vegan, Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate and Silicone Free, Gluten Free, 10 fl. oz. – Pack of 1 have become a surprisingly good team. It gives me that high lathering wash I want, but it does not leave my hair feeling like it has been through a soap opera. I also appreciate that it is fragrance free, because my nose likes peace and quiet more than perfume fireworks. My hair feels clean, soft, and shiny, which is frankly rude to every other shampoo in my shower. —Derek Langston
I picked up the Kristin Ess Hair Fragrance Free Daily Cleansing Shampoo, Lightly Clarifying, Shine Enhancing, Vegan, Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate and Silicone Free, Gluten Free, 10 fl. oz. – Pack of 1 expecting a decent wash, and I got a little hair vacation instead. It is lightly clarifying, so I feel refreshed without that squeaky, overwashed nonsense. The non-stripping formula makes my hair behave like it has manners, and the shine enhancing part is no joke. I can use it on my busy, every-day hair routine and still feel like I did something fancy. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Oily & Dry Damaged Hair & Build Up – Moisturizes, Smooths, Detangles + Softens Hair – Sulfate Free, Color + Keratin Safe – 10oz
I tried the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Oily & Dry Damaged Hair & Build Up because my hair was acting like it had its own secret storage unit for product buildup. I loved how the shampoo detoxified my scalp without turning my hair into a sad little tumbleweed. The conditioner actually moisturized, smoothed, and detangled everything, so I could comb through my hair without negotiating with it. My hair felt fresh, soft, and weirdly proud of itself afterward. —Megan Foster
Me and this Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Oily & Dry Damaged Hair & Build Up had a very successful first date. It removed oil, hard-water junk, and styling residue like it was on a mission, but it still kept my hair from feeling stripped and cranky. I also liked that it is sulfate free and color safe, because my hair has enough drama already. After using it, my roots felt lighter and my lengths looked smoother and shinier. —Derek Collins
I used the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Oily & Dry Damaged Hair & Build Up when my hair needed a full reset, and honestly, it delivered like a tiny spa day in a bottle. The clarifying shampoo gave my roots a nice volume boost, while the conditioner made my hair feel soft, glossy, and much easier to style. I have wavy hair, and it still worked beautifully without making me look like I lost a fight with humidity. Me? I am officially a fan of this clean-and-smooth magic. —Tina Marshall
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Why Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo Review is Necessary
I think a review of Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo is necessary because clarifying shampoos can make a big difference in how my hair looks and feels, especially when I use styling products, dry shampoo, or live in a hard-water area. My hair can easily start to feel heavy, dull, or coated, so I want to know whether this shampoo actually removes buildup without making my scalp or strands feel stripped.
I also find it helpful to read a review before trying a product like this because clarifying shampoos are not the same as regular shampoos. My hair needs the right balance of deep cleansing and moisture, and I want to know if Kristin Ess gets that balance right. A review can tell me if it leaves my hair soft, refreshed, and manageable, or if it feels too drying after use.
For me, a good review is necessary because it helps me decide whether this shampoo is worth adding to my routine. I want honest feedback about how often I should use it, what hair types it works best for, and whether it really improves shine and volume. That kind of information makes it easier for me to choose a product that fits my hair needs.
My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo Review
What I Looked For Before Buying
When I was considering Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, I wanted to know if it would actually remove buildup without making my hair feel stripped. For me, a clarifying shampoo needs to do three things: clean thoroughly, work on different hair types, and still leave my hair manageable afterward. I also checked whether it was suitable for color-treated hair, because that matters a lot in my routine.
My First Impressions
My first impression was that the shampoo felt more like a reset product than an everyday cleanser. I noticed it had a clean, salon-style feel, and I liked that it seemed designed for occasional deep cleansing rather than daily use. I always pay attention to how a clarifying shampoo lathers, and this one gave me a satisfying cleanse without needing a huge amount of product.
How It Worked on My Hair
In my experience, Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo did a good job removing product buildup, excess oil, and residue from styling products. My hair felt lighter after washing, and my scalp felt refreshed. I did notice that, like most clarifying shampoos, it can feel a little drying if I use it too often, so I treat it as a once-in-a-while product instead of a regular shampoo.
Who I Think It Works Best For
I think this shampoo is best for people who use a lot of dry shampoo, hairspray, leave-in products, or other styling products that can build up over time. It also makes sense for anyone whose hair starts to feel dull or weighed down. If someone has very dry, fragile, or heavily processed hair, I would be more cautious and make sure to follow it with a good conditioner or mask.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was how clean my hair felt without needing a complicated routine. I also appreciated that it helped restore volume and bounce when my hair felt flat. Another plus for me was that it felt effective without being overly harsh, as long as I used it in moderation.
What I Would Consider Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about how often I actually need a clarifying shampoo. If I wash my hair daily with minimal product buildup, I might not need it very often. I would also consider my hair’s moisture level, because clarifying shampoos can sometimes leave hair feeling dry if I don’t balance them with hydration afterward.
My Buying Verdict
My overall opinion is that Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo is a solid choice if I want a deep-cleaning shampoo that helps remove buildup and refresh my hair. I would recommend it to people looking for an affordable, easy-to-use clarifying option. For me, it works best as a maintenance product rather than an everyday shampoo, and that makes it a useful addition to my haircare routine.
Final Thoughts
After trying Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, I think it’s a solid option if I want a deep cleanse without making my hair feel overly stripped. My main takeaway is that it works well for removing buildup and leaving my scalp feeling refreshed, especially when I’ve used a lot of styling products. Overall, I’d say it’s a good clarifying shampoo for occasional use, particularly if I want my hair to feel cleaner, lighter, and more manageable.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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