Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo

Published By Vivienne Blake

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Our Verdict
Kristin Ess The One Purple Shampoo delivers decent toning for blonde and highlighted hair at a budget-friendly price. Its creamy texture lathers well, making application easy and preventing over-drying, though the pigment isn't as potent as higher-end options. For maintaining cool tones between salon visits, it's a worthwhile purchase. However, those with heavily bleached or very porous hair might find its toning power insufficient for neutralizing strong yellow brassiness. Ultimately, it's a solid value for subtle toning and color refreshing, but not a miracle worker for major color correction. If you’re seeking intense neutralization, consider investing in a stronger purple shampoo.
Audience Score
Pros
- It neutralizes brassy and yellow tones in blonde, highlighted, and gray hair.
- It's affordable compared to other purple shampoos.
- It's widely available at drugstores and online.
- The formula is gentle enough for frequent use.
- It leaves hair feeling soft and conditioned, not dry or stripped.
Cons
- Can stain hands and shower surfaces if not rinsed immediately.
- Can dry out hair if used too frequently or left on too long.
- May not be effective on heavily processed or very dark hair.
- The scent can be overpowering for some.
- Can cause a slightly purple tinge to very light blonde or grey hair if overused.
Comparison
The most similar products compared
![]() Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo | ||||
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Audience Score | 88 Great! | 92 Excellent! | 88 Great! | 88 Great! |
Price | $13 | $38 | $32 | $38 |
Size | 10 oz / 296 ml | 8.5 oz / 250 ml | 8.5 oz / 250 ml | 8 oz / 236 ml |
Good For Thinning Hair | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Good For Damage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Volumizing | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Vegan | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Without Sulfates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Without Parabens | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Increases Shine | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Who Should Buy
This product is ideal for individuals with blonde, lightened, gray, or silver hair who struggle with unwanted brassy or yellow tones. If you frequently color your hair or have naturally light hair that tends to become dull or yellow over time, this purple shampoo can help neutralize those unwanted hues. It's a great option for maintaining a cool, bright blonde, or enhancing the vibrancy of gray and silver hair. If you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use toning shampoo to incorporate into your routine, this could be a great fit. This shampoo can help revive your color between salon visits and keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant.
Who Should Not Buy
This product is not recommended for individuals with dark hair or those who do not have any unwanted yellow or brassy tones. If you have naturally dark hair or hair that has not been lightened, this purple shampoo will not have any noticeable effect. It's also not ideal for those with extremely dry or damaged hair, as it can be slightly drying. If you are sensitive to fragrances, be aware this product does have a noticeable scent. Finally, if you're looking for a shampoo that deeply hydrates or repairs hair, this product is primarily for toning and may not fulfill those needs.
How To Use
Apply the shampoo to wet hair, focusing on the areas where brassiness is most prominent. Lather thoroughly and allow the shampoo to sit for 1-3 minutes, depending on the level of toning desired. For a more intense toning effect, leave it on for up to 5 minutes, but avoid exceeding this time to prevent over-toning, which can result in a lavender or purple hue. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. For best results, follow with a moisturizing conditioner. The frequency of use depends on your hair's needs; you can use it once a week or as often as every wash, adjusting based on how quickly your hair develops brassy tones. Start with less frequent use and gradually increase if needed.
Ingredients
This purple shampoo features a blend of key ingredients designed to neutralize brassiness and cleanse the hair. The violet pigments work to counteract yellow and orange tones, restoring brightness and shine. It also includes gentle cleansing agents to remove dirt and impurities without stripping the hair of its natural oils. While it contains sulfates to effectively cleanse, it also includes ingredients aimed at mitigating potential dryness. The formula does not contain parabens or gluten. The specific ingredient list can be found on the product packaging for those with specific allergies or sensitivities.
Scent
The Kristin Ess Purple Shampoo has a distinct, pleasant fragrance. While opinions on scent are subjective, most users describe it as a sweet, slightly floral aroma with a hint of vanilla. The scent is not overpowering and tends to fade after rinsing, leaving a subtle fragrance on the hair. If you're sensitive to fragrances, it's worth noting that this product is not fragrance-free, although the scent is generally well-received. It's always recommended to perform a patch test if you have known fragrance sensitivities.
Packaging
The shampoo comes in a sleek, minimalist plastic bottle with a convenient pump dispenser. The purple color of the bottle clearly indicates its purpose as a toning shampoo. The pump dispenser allows for easy and controlled dispensing, minimizing product waste. The bottle is lightweight and travel-friendly, making it convenient to take on trips. The labeling is clear and informative, providing instructions and key product details. The overall aesthetic is modern and appealing, fitting well in most bathroom settings.
Value
This purple shampoo offers excellent value for its price point. Compared to other professional toning shampoos, it’s a more affordable option without compromising on quality. A little product goes a long way, so the bottle lasts a reasonable amount of time. The effectiveness in neutralizing brassiness and brightening blonde, gray, and silver hair makes it a worthwhile investment for maintaining vibrant color. The convenient packaging and pleasant scent further enhance its value proposition.
Effectiveness
This purple shampoo is highly effective in neutralizing unwanted brassy and yellow tones in blonde, gray, and silver hair. Users often report noticeable results after just one use, with hair looking brighter, cooler, and more vibrant. The intensity of the toning effect can be controlled by adjusting the leave-in time. Consistent use helps maintain the desired tone and prevent brassiness from returning. It’s important to note that individual results may vary depending on hair type and the level of brassiness.