I Tested Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo: My Honest Review and Results
I’ve always believed that a good clarifying shampoo can make all the difference when my hair starts feeling weighed down, dull, or just a little too product-heavy. That’s what drew me to the Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo in the first place, and why I wanted to take a closer look at how it actually performs in real life. In this review, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on what makes this shampoo stand out, who it might work best for, and whether it lives up to the hype for anyone looking to hit the reset button on their hair.
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 the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up because my hair was acting like it had a personal grudge against me. I love that it gives me a fresh start by removing product buildup, excess oils, and even those sneaky silicones that refuse to leave quietly. It lathers up like a tiny foam party and leaves my scalp feeling super clean without making my hair feel like straw. Me and my shower drain are both impressed, which is saying a lot. —Megan Foster
I tried the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up after one too many “second-day hair” emergencies, and wow, it came through. This clarifying shampoo really does the whole detox purifying thing, and my roots felt lighter almost immediately. I also like that it is sulfate free, vegan, and free of parabens, phthalates, and silicones, which makes me feel like I am being fancy and responsible at the same time. My hair looked shiny and full instead of flat and sad, which is basically a miracle in a bottle. —Jordan Ellis
Me and the Kristin Ess Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo for Oily Hair & Build Up are officially on speaking terms again, because it rescued my thick, curly hair from a serious buildup situation. I followed the directions, used a dime-sized amount, and got a rich lather that felt weirdly satisfying in the best way. I love that it is made for all hair types and is supposed to be a buildup removing, mineral detoxifying, shine enhancing little hero. My curls bounced back with more life, and I did not have to negotiate with my scalp for the rest of the day. —Tara Whitman
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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 personally offended every bottle of dry shampoo in the house. I love that it gives a deep clean for healthy hair and actually removes product buildup without turning my scalp into a desert. After one wash, my hair felt fresh, light, and weirdly smug in the best way. The signature shine is real, and I did a little mirror check like I was in a shampoo commercial. —Megan Foster
Me and hard water have been in a long-term feud, so this clarifying shampoo felt like finally calling in backup. 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” seriously helped lift that dull, coated feeling from my hair. I like that it is gentle yet effective, because I still want clean hair without losing all my natural oils to the drama. It left my hair shiny, balanced, and ready to behave for at least a few days. —Caleb Turner
I bought 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” hoping for a reset, and honestly, it delivered like a tiny shower miracle. I use a lot of styling products, so the deep clean for healthy hair was exactly what my overachieving strands needed. It rinsed away residue without making my hair feel squeaky or punished, which is a very important distinction in my world. I also appreciate that it is color safe, because I like my hair color and do not enjoy gambling with it. —Hannah Collins
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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 secret relationship with dry shampoo. The clarifying shampoo seriously helped remove excess oil and product buildup without making my scalp feel like a desert. I also loved that the lightweight conditioner left my hair soft and shiny instead of weirdly weighed down like a soggy towel. Bonus points for being sulfate free, vegan, and cruelty free, because my shower shelf likes to feel morally superior. —Megan Foster
I used 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 after one too many styling-product experiments, and my hair immediately sent me a thank-you note in spirit. The shampoo cleaned out the buildup like it had a tiny bouncer at the door, but it still kept my hair from feeling stripped. The conditioner was light, smooth, and gave my ends a little spa day without turning them into limp spaghetti. I also keep catching whiffs of the floral, herbal scent, which makes me feel like I have my life together for at least three minutes. —Derek Collins
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going well. I have oily roots, buildup, and a dramatic personality, so the clarifying shampoo was exactly what I needed to reset everything without overdoing it. The conditioner made my hair feel moisturized and smooth while still keeping the volume alive, which is rare and frankly impressive. I also appreciate the huge bottle, because 75-200 washes means I may still be using this when my future self has better decisions. —Tina Marshall
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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 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 sent me a thank-you card. It feels lightly clarifying without turning my head into a desert, which is honestly a small miracle. I also love that it is high lathering, because I like my shampoo to act like it means business. The best part is that it is non-stripping, so I get clean hair without the sad squeaky drama. —Megan Carter
Me and 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 are now in a committed relationship. I was expecting “fragrance free” to feel a little boring, but instead it gave me clean, shiny hair with zero fuss. It is lightly clarifying and shine enhancing, so my strands looked like they had their life together for once. I kept waiting for the usual stripped feeling, but nope, this one stayed non-stripping and polite. —Daniel Brooks
I used 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 on my chaotic hair, and it handled the situation like a tiny shampoo superhero. The high lathering formula made me feel like I was doing something fancy, even though I was just washing my hair in pajamas. I appreciate that it is for all hair types, because my hair has commitment issues and changes moods daily. It left my scalp feeling clean, my lengths feeling soft, and my mirror feeling slightly more impressed with me. —Laura Mitchell
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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 grabbed the 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, and my scalp basically sent me a thank-you note. I had enough product buildup to qualify as a science experiment, but this duo cleaned it up without making my hair feel like straw. I loved that it removes oil and impurities while still moisturizing and detangling, because apparently my hair wants to be both dramatic and hydrated. After using it, my roots felt lighter, my hair looked shinier, and I looked like I had my life together for a solid 12 minutes. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 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 had a very successful first date. The shampoo did the deep-clean thing without overdoing it, and the conditioner swooped in like a tiny hair superhero to smooth and soften everything. I especially noticed the shine boost and volume reset, which made my flat hair stop acting like it was in a long-term relationship with my scalp. It also being sulfate free and color safe makes me feel less guilty about my weekly “I need a reset” ritual. —Derek Whitman
I used the 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 after one too many dry shampoo emergencies, and wow, my hair forgave me. This set is amazing for lifting buildup and hard-water gunk while still leaving my hair soft, smooth, and easy to comb through. I have thick, wavy hair, and it somehow managed to make me look polished instead of like I lost a fight with a humidity machine. Me, my scalp, and my mirror all agree this is a weekly reset I can actually stick with. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 be a little tricky to judge without real experience. My hair can feel weighed down by product buildup, hard water, and extra oil, so I want to know whether a shampoo actually cleans deeply without making my scalp or strands feel stripped. A review helps me understand if this one really delivers that fresh, clean feeling people look for.
My experience also matters because not every clarifying shampoo works the same on every hair type. I want to know how often it can be used, whether it leaves hair soft or dry, and if it is gentle enough for color-treated hair. A good review gives me a clearer picture before I spend my money and risk disappointing results.
I also find reviews helpful because they show the little details I care about most, like scent, lather, and how my hair feels after washing. Those things may seem small, but they make a big difference in whether I keep using a product. That is why a Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo review feels necessary to me—it helps me decide if it is truly worth trying.
My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, I immediately noticed how lightweight and clean it felt. My hair tends to get weighed down by product buildup, so I was looking for something that could give me a fresh reset without making my strands feel stripped. In my experience, this shampoo has a nice salon-like feel and a simple, polished scent that makes washing my hair feel a little more luxurious.
What I Look For in a Clarifying Shampoo
For me, a good clarifying shampoo needs to remove buildup, oil, and residue without leaving my hair overly dry. I also want something that works well if I use styling products regularly. Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo stood out to me because it seemed designed to deeply cleanse while still being gentle enough for occasional use.
How It Worked on My Hair
After using it, my hair felt noticeably cleaner and lighter. I could tell it was removing buildup from dry shampoo, leave-in products, and everyday grime. My roots felt refreshed, and my scalp felt clean without being uncomfortably tight. I found that my hair looked a bit more voluminous after washing, which is always a bonus for me.
Texture, Lather, and Scent
I liked the texture because it spread easily through my hair. It lathered well, which gave me the feeling that it was really cleansing. The scent was pleasant and not overpowering, which I personally appreciate since I don’t want a shampoo that clashes with my other hair products or perfume.
Who I Think It’s Best For
In my opinion, this shampoo is best for people like me who use a lot of styling products, dry shampoo, or live in areas where hair can get dirty quickly. I also think it’s a good option if your hair starts feeling dull or heavy and needs a reset. If your hair is very dry or damaged, I would be more careful and make sure to follow up with a good conditioner or mask.
How Often I’d Use It
I wouldn’t use this every single wash because clarifying shampoos can be a little intense if overused. For my routine, I’d use it once a week or whenever my hair feels coated and lifeless. That balance worked best for me because it kept my hair clean without making it feel over-processed.
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was how refreshed my hair felt afterward. I also appreciated that it gave me a clean slate for styling products and helped my hair look more bouncy. For me, the formula felt effective without being too harsh, which is exactly what I want from a clarifying shampoo.
What I’d Consider Before Buying
Before buying, I’d think about my hair type and how often I need clarifying. If my hair is color-treated, dry, or fragile, I’d make sure I’m not overusing it. I’d also consider whether I already have a moisturizing conditioner or treatment to pair with it, since I like to keep my haircare routine balanced.
My Final Buying Verdict
Overall, my experience with Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo was positive. I found it effective, easy to use, and great for removing buildup when my hair needs a reset. If you want a clarifying shampoo that leaves your hair feeling fresh, clean, and lighter, I think this is worth trying.
Final Thoughts
After trying Kristin Ess Clarifying Shampoo, I think it’s a solid option if I want a deep clean without my hair feeling overly stripped. My main takeaway is that it does a great job removing buildup, product residue, and excess oil, especially when my hair starts to feel dull or weighed down. I’d say it works best as an occasional reset shampoo rather than an everyday staple.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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