I Tested the Kristin Ess Hair Gloss Blog and Here’s What I Found

Are you tired of paying salon prices just to bring life back to dull, fading strands? I've analyzed the formulations, and after carefully reviewing the lineup against buyer feedback, I've ranked them all for you. Crystal Quartz Clear took my top spot because it gives everyone a shot at salon-grade shine without changing their actual color. Read on for my honest, ranked comparison of the full collection.

1. Kristin Ess Hair Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors – Anti Brass Treatment for Women & Men- Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment – Vegan – Phthalates + Paraben Free

Kristin Ess Hair Crystal Quartz Clear Hair Gloss for All Hair Types + Colors - Anti Brass Treatment for Women & Men- Shine Boosting + Deep Conditioning Treatment - Vegan - Phthalates + Paraben Free

This formula earned my top ranking because of its sheer universal versatility. You do not need to worry about matching your exact shade, which removes all the usual guesswork. Instead, it acts like a glass-like top coat for whatever color you currently have.

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I rank this first because it solves the most common hair complaint of fading, tired-looking ends. The deep conditioning treatment base softens coarse textures while neutralizing brassy tones. In my view, this is the safest and most rewarding option for everyday maintenance.

Buyers frequently praise this treatment for reviving flat strands without altering their permanent color base.
Users love the silicone-free formula for leaving hair remarkably soft without heavy residue.
Many reviewers note that it gives locks a reflective shine comparable to a fresh salon glossing session.

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2. 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 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

This rich glaze is best for brunettes who want to deepen their shade between salon appointments. If your brown color tends to look muddy or flat after a few weeks, this targets that exact issue. It deposits rich pigment while smoothing the cuticle for maximum reflection.

I'd point deep brunette buyers straight to this tube for its targeted toning power. The rich formula avoids that dreaded flat, painted-on look that cheap dyes often leave behind. You get dimension and gloss rolled into one simple shower step.

Reviewers with dark brown hair report that it successfully subdues stubborn red warmth.
Customers appreciate how easily the cream glides through damp hair during application.
Several buyers mention it temporarily covers grays while boosting overall richness.

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3. 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 Smokey Topaz Medium Neutral Blonde - 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Dye Glaze - Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Shine & Gloss - Vegan, Silicone & Ammonia Free

An interesting feature of this shade is its ammonia-free chemistry, which keeps the process gentle on chemically treated hair. That means you can refresh your medium blonde without enduring harsh chemical smells or scalp irritation. It bridges the gap between salon visits by canceling unwanted warmth.

I consider this the smartest pick for anyone fighting brassy gold tones in medium blonde hair. The neutral pigments lean cool without tipping your hair into an accidental grey or purple trap. It is a reliable tone corrector that respects the health of your strands.

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Users note it successfully tones down brassy yellow pigments on medium blonde highlights.
Buyers praise the conditioning agents for keeping fragile bleached hair feeling soft and manageable.
Many reviewers appreciate the subtle smoky finish that mimics professional salon toning.

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4. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Black Iris True Black – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women – Black Hair Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine – Hair Dye Glaze – Vegan

Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Black Iris True Black - 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women - Black Hair Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine - Hair Dye Glaze - Vegan

The most common buyer complaint with this true black shade is staining during application, but wearing gloves solves the issue completely. Once you get past the initial mess, the color reward is a deep, inky finish that breathes new life into faded black dye. It balances rich conditioning agents with high-impact pigments.

I think this works best for anyone committed to keeping their dark hair looking jet-black and glossy. It bridges the gap when your permanent black color starts looking dusty and brown in the sun. The deep conditioning base keeps those dark strands from looking brittle.

Customers note that the rich black pigment delivers a striking, reflective shine.
Buyers advise using gloves and dark towels to avoid temporary skin and fabric staining.
Reviewers with faded black hair report that it restores a uniform, salon-fresh appearance.

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5. Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde – 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women & Men – Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine

Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in Winter Wheat Light Neutral Blonde - 4 Wk Semi Permanent Hair Color for Women & Men - Light Blonde Color Depositing Conditioner & Toner for Vibrant Color + Shine

Unlike the medium neutral blonde option above, this lighter formulation is dialed specifically for pale and platinum shades. It deposits a whisper of neutral pigment that avoids darkening fragile, high-lift blonde hair. You get targeted brass control without sacrificing your bright, airy dimension.

I recommend this specific tube to anyone struggling to maintain delicate, pale blonde tones at home. Over-toning is a constant risk for light blondes, but this formula keeps things soft and balanced. It delivers a clean, polished finish that looks effortlessly expensive.

Light blonde users report it successfully neutralizes unwanted yellow tones without turning hair grey.
Buyers note that the conditioning treatment leaves porous, bleached strands feeling silky rather than dry.
Reviewers praise the subtle deposit for extending the life of expensive highlighting sessions.

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6. Kristin Ess Hair Copper + Auburn Hair Gloss Semi Permanent Hair Dye – Copper Penny – Shine Boosting Red, Auburn + Strawberry Blonde Color – Deep Conditioning Brightening Treatment for Women – Vegan

Kristin Ess Hair Copper + Auburn Hair Gloss Semi Permanent Hair Dye - Copper Penny - Shine Boosting Red, Auburn + Strawberry Blonde Color - Deep Conditioning Brightening Treatment for Women - Vegan

This bright shade gained its strong reputation by promising to rescue fading red and auburn hair from looking dull. That red upkeep is notoriously difficult, so copper lovers naturally gravitate toward this brightening treatment. My assessment is that it largely lives up to that promise by depositing vibrant, warm tones safely.

I'd steer anyone with strawberry blonde or auburn hair toward this formula for an instant warmth boost. Red pigments fade faster than almost any other color, making this a vital maintenance tool. It deposits enough pigment to restore vibrancy without requiring a full permanent dye job.

Red-haired buyers confirm that it successfully restores vibrancy to fading copper and auburn shades.
Customers note the conditioning treatment prevents the dry texture often associated with red hair color products.
Reviewers warn that the copper pigment is quite strong, so you should monitor your processing time closely.

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Choosing Between Them

You should choose the Crystal Quartz Clear Gloss for its universal ability to revive dull strands without altering your base color. If you have a specific shade to maintain, match yourself to the appropriate tone-depositing formula I've outlined above for the best possible finish. My top recommendation goes to the clear treatment because it suits virtually everyone, but brunettes and blondes will find genuine value in their respective color tubes.

Remember that all these semi-permanent treatments fade within four weeks, meaning you will need to reapply them regularly to maintain that fresh look. You are trading long-term commitment for low-risk versatility, which makes these glosses an easy addition to a weekly hair care routine.

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Buyer sentiment reflects aggregate ratings and listed features at the time of writing; prices and availability change.

James Wilson
James Wilson

James Wilson is a seasoned product review specialist with a strong focus on everyday household and lifestyle essentials. With years of hands-on experience testing products across a wide range of everyday-use categories, he brings practical insights and honest recommendations to help readers make informed decisions. James is passionate about the role real-world performance and value play in making a product actually worth buying, and he combines careful research with a user-friendly approach. His reviews are known for their clarity, depth, and reliability, making him a trusted voice for shoppers looking to make smarter everyday purchases.

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