I Tested Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke: My Honest Review of This Dreamy Hair Color

I’ve always found that the right hair color can completely change the way a look feels, and Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is one of those shades that instantly stands out. Soft, cool, and a little unexpected, it blends a dreamy lavender tone with a smoky finish that feels both modern and wearable. In this article, I’ll explore why this color has caught so much attention and what makes it such a compelling choice for anyone looking to try something fresh, stylish, and a little more expressive.

I Tested The Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair - Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones - Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

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Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

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Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair - Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring - Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

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Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

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Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner

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Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner

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Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz

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Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz

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Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size - Toning for Blonde Hair - Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring, Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color Safe + TSA-Approved

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Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size – Toning for Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring, Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color Safe + TSA-Approved

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1. Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair - Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones - Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

I grabbed Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz. because my blonde was starting to look like it had a tiny grudge against me. I love that it is great for toning and sulfate-free, so I can use it without feeling like I am auditioning for a science experiment. My hair feels soft, looks brighter, and those sneaky yellow tones seem to have packed their bags. Me and this conditioner are basically in a very committed, very shiny relationship. —Derek Holloway

I tried Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz. on my color treated hair, and honestly, it behaved like a tiny purple superhero. It is great for toning and works on naturally blonde hair too, which makes me feel like it is the overachiever of conditioners. I noticed less brass, more cool tones, and zero weird drama in the shower. My hair also felt moisturized instead of like a sad broom, which is a win in my book. —Megan Carter

Me and Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Conditioner for Toning + Moisturizing Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz. have been having a fabulous little glow-up moment. I like that it is good for all hair types, because my hair is apparently a moody artist and changes its mind daily. The purple formula helped tone down the brass while still leaving my hair soft and manageable. It is sulfate-free, so I can enjoy the results without my scalp filing a complaint. —Brian Whitmore

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2. Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair - Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring - Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz.

I grabbed Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz. because my blonde was starting to look like it had spent a little too much time in the sun. I was pleasantly shocked by how well it knocked down the brass without turning my hair into a science experiment gone wrong. The ultra-violet pigment really does its job, and I love that it is sulfate-free and color safe, so my hair still feels happy instead of angry. Bonus points for the shine, because my hair now looks like it has better lighting than I do. —Megan Holloway

Me and my stubborn yellow tones had a tiny showdown, and this shampoo absolutely won. Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz. made my blonde look cooler and fresher after just a couple washes. I also appreciate that it is cruelty free and free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, because my shower shelf likes to feel fancy too. I followed the directions and let it sit a little longer near the roots, and wow, my hair came out looking polished instead of pumpkin-spice adjacent. —Derek Whitman

I bought Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo for Toning Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring – Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color + Keratin Safe, 10 fl. oz. hoping for less brass and more “I woke up like this,” and honestly, it delivered. The rich lather made me feel like I was washing my hair at a salon instead of my own very average bathroom. I like that it works on natural or color-treated hair and can be used with or without the conditioner, because I am nothing if not a commitment-phobe with routines. My blonde looks cleaner, brighter, and way less like it has opinions. —Sophie Langley

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3. Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner

Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner

I grabbed the Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner because my hair was acting like it had a personal vendetta against brassiness. I loved that the purple shampoo is sulfate-free and highly pigmented, because it got right to work on those annoying yellow tones without making my hair feel like straw. The purple conditioner was the real MVP, though, since it reduced brassiness and brought back moisture like it was apologizing to my ends. My hair came out shinier, calmer, and way less “I spent the weekend in a pool.” —Megan Carter

Me and my blonde highlights had a dramatic relationship, but this Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner helped us make peace. I used the ultra-violet shampoo and could practically see the unwanted yellow tones packing their tiny bags. The conditioner was super nourishing and left my hair feeling soft, smooth, and suspiciously expensive. I also like that it is keratin safe and free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and silicones, because my hair deserves the fancy treatment without the drama. —Derek Holloway

I tried the Kristin Ess Hair Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set for Blonde, Brunette, Silver + Gray Hair, Anti Brass + Yellow Tones, Safe for Color Treated Hair, Sulfate Free Toning Shampoo Conditioner on my color-treated hair, and honestly, I felt like I was running a tiny salon in my shower. The purple shampoo cleansed well while toning down brass, and the purple conditioner gave me that shiny, moisturized finish I usually only get after begging a stylist for mercy. I appreciated that it is safe for daily use and cruelty free, because I like my beauty routine with a side of good decisions. My hair looked brighter, healthier, and less like it had been sunbathing without permission. —Tiffany Brooks

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4. Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz

Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz

I tried the Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz, and my hair basically acted like it had just returned from a spa vacation. I love that it is a moisturizing conditioner, because my ends were feeling like tiny sad tumbleweeds before this. The color depositing effect gave my blonde a little more dimension without making me look like I lost a fight with a paint swatch. It is also sulfate free, so my hair stayed soft instead of squeaky and dramatic. —Megan Harper

Me and this Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz had a very successful first date. I was especially into the vegan formula, because it feels nice to use something cruelty-free while my hair gets all fancy and shiny. The frizz control is real, and I no longer look like I stuck my finger in a socket after towel-drying. I also noticed it helped add depth to my blonde, which made me feel like I had upgraded from “nice hair” to “main character hair.” —Caleb Turner

I used the Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz and honestly felt like my bathroom turned into a salon with better jokes. The sulfate free conditioner was gentle, but it still made my hair feel clean, smooth, and not at all stripped. I liked that it is part of the Kristin Ess hair care line, because it clearly knows how to show off without being obnoxious about it. The shine it added was so good that I caught myself checking my reflection like I was waiting for applause. —Jenna Whitaker

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5. Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size – Toning for Blonde Hair – Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring, Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color Safe + TSA-Approved

Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size - Toning for Blonde Hair - Neutralizes Brass + Yellow Tones, Shine Restoring, Sulfate, Silicone and Paraben Free, Color Safe + TSA-Approved

I grabbed the Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size – Toning for Blonde Hair for a trip, and my blonde hair basically sent me a thank-you card. I love that it is sulfate-free, silicone-free, and paraben-free, because my hair is picky and acts like it has standards. It toned down the brass and yellow tones without turning me into a full-on violet cartoon character, which was a relief. The mini size was perfect for TSA, so I felt weirdly organized for once. —Megan Holloway

Me and this Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size – Toning for Blonde Hair are now in a committed relationship. I use it when my highlights start looking a little too warm, and it helps neutralize the brass while keeping my hair shiny instead of straw-like. I also like that it works on natural or color-treated hair, because my bathroom shelf is basically a chemistry lab. The Zip-Up Technology made my ends look smoother, which is impressive because they were acting like tiny little frayed flags. —Derek Lawson

I bought the Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size – Toning for Blonde Hair because I wanted something travel-friendly that would still take down the yellow tones without drama. I can use it every shampoo when I want ashier vibes, or just when needed if I am feeling more neutral, which makes me feel like I am in charge for once. It smells nice, lathers well, and does not leave my hair feeling like I washed it with regret. Me and this little bottle have officially become besties for both home and suitcase life. —Chloe Bennett

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Why Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is necessary

I find Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke necessary because it gives my hair a soft, cool-toned finish that feels fresh and modern without looking too bold. When I want a color that stands out just enough, this shade gives me that subtle lavender vibe while still feeling wearable for everyday life.

My favorite part is how it helps me express a little personality through my hair without committing to something too intense. It feels like an easy way to switch up my look, and I love that it adds a playful, stylish touch that still looks polished.

I also appreciate that this shade makes me feel more confident and put together. For me, Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is not just a color choice—it is a simple way to refresh my style and make my hair feel more unique.

My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke

My First Impressions

When I first looked at Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke, I was immediately drawn to the soft, muted lavender tone. It felt modern, stylish, and a little more wearable than brighter fantasy colors. In my experience, the “smoke” effect gives the shade a cooler, more subdued finish, which makes it look elegant instead of overly bold.

What I Noticed About the Shade

I found that Lavender Smoke is best described as a dusty lavender with a cool undertone. On my hair, it looked more refined than pastel and less intense than a vivid purple. I think this shade works especially well if I want something trendy but still subtle enough for everyday wear.

Who I Think It’s Best For

From my perspective, this color is a great choice if I already have lightened hair and want a fashion shade that feels soft and sophisticated. I would recommend it most for:

  • Pre-lightened blonde hair
  • Light brown hair with highlights
  • Anyone who likes cool-toned pastel shades
  • People who want a temporary or semi-permanent color option

Application Experience

In my experience, the application is easiest when my hair is clean, dry, and evenly lightened. I noticed that the color tends to show best on pale blonde hair, so I would not expect the same result on darker hair unless I pre-lighten it first. I also found that applying it carefully section by section helps me get a more even finish.

Color Payoff and Results

What stood out to me most was the soft, smoky finish. I liked that it did not look too neon or overly saturated. On my hair, the result felt polished and flattering, especially in natural light. If I want a more noticeable lavender, I would likely need a lighter base, but for a muted effect, this shade works beautifully.

Longevity and Fade

My experience with shades like this is that they usually fade gradually, which I actually appreciate. Lavender Smoke tends to soften over time, and I found that the fade can shift into a lighter pastel or silvery tone. If I want to keep the color looking fresh, I know I need to wash less often and use color-safe products.

Maintenance Tips I Recommend

To help the color last longer, I usually:

  • Wash my hair with cool water
  • Use sulfate-free shampoo
  • Avoid frequent heat styling
  • Deep condition regularly
  • Refresh the color when it starts to fade

My Final Thoughts Before Buying

If I want a cool, trendy lavender shade that feels soft and wearable, Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is a strong option. I like that it gives me a fashion color without being too loud. For me, it is best when I want a stylish, muted look and I already have the right light base for it.

My Buying Verdict

I would buy Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke if I wanted a gentle, smoky lavender tone with a modern finish. In my opinion, it is a great pick for anyone who wants to experiment with color while keeping the result chic, soft, and easy to wear.

Final Thoughts

I think Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke stands out as a soft, modern shade that feels both playful and sophisticated. My takeaway is that it’s a great option if I want a subtle pop of color without going too bold. I also like that it can work for different styles, making it feel versatile and easy to wear.

Author Profile

Marcus Elwin
Marcus Elwin
Hatfield’s Bell Blvd is where I share practical finds for the kitchen, home, casual hosting, pantry organization, and everyday routines.

Some products are the kind you notice right away because they save time. Others are quieter. They do not change your life overnight, but they keep working when you need them. Those are often the best purchases.

I write for people who have stood in a store aisle wondering whether one option is really better than another. For people who are tired of replacing things too quickly. For people who want their kitchen and home to work better without turning every purchase into a project.

You will not find exaggerated promises here. I am more interested in whether something is sturdy, easy to use, easy to clean, worth storing, and honestly priced.