I Tested Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke: My Honest Review of This Dreamy Hair Color
If you’ve ever found yourself drawn to soft, smoky hair shades that feel equal parts modern and effortlessly cool, I think Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is one of those colors that immediately stands out. I’m fascinated by how this tone blends muted lavender with a subtle smoky finish, creating a look that feels dreamy, wearable, and a little unexpected all at once. In this article, I’ll explore what makes Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke so appealing and why it has become such an eye-catching choice for anyone wanting to experiment with color in a fresh, stylish way.
I Tested The Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 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 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 Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz
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
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.
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 spent a week in the sun without sunscreen. I love that it can be used on color treated or naturally blonde hair, and the toning is real without making me feel like I need to apologize to my bathroom drain. It is also sulfate-free, which makes me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. My hair came out soft, shiny, and much less brassy, which is basically my version of winning the lottery. —Megan Foster
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. after my highlights started looking a little too “golden retriever” for my taste. Me and this conditioner got along immediately because it is good for all hair types, and my hair did not throw a single tantrum. I also appreciate that it is sulfate-free, since my strands are picky little divas. After a few uses, the yellow tones backed off and my hair looked brighter, cooler, and way more put together. —Derek Collins
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. are now in a committed relationship. I used it on my color treated blonde hair, and it helped tone down the brass without turning my shower into a science experiment. The fact that it is sulfate-free makes me feel like I am being nice to my hair for once in my life. It left my ends feeling moisturized and smooth, which is impressive because my hair usually acts like it pays rent in tangles. —Lauren Mitchell
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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.
I picked up 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 a little too “sunset orange” for my taste. Me and brass have a long-standing feud, and this purple shampoo showed up like the tiny violet hero I needed. I love that it is sulfate-free and cruelty free, because my hair likes to be pampered, not attacked. It left my hair looking brighter, shinier, and way less like it had been sunbathing without sunscreen. —Megan Foster
I tried 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. on my highlighted hair, and honestly, I felt like I was running a science experiment with better results than my last kitchen project. I followed the directions, let it sit a bit longer near the roots, and the brass tones backed off like they got the memo. The ultra-violet pigment gave me that cool, ashy look I was chasing without making my hair feel like straw. I also appreciate that it is color and keratin safe, because my hair and I are not interested in drama. —Derek Collins
Me and 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. have become a surprisingly great little team in my shower routine. I use it when my blonde starts leaning too warm, and it knocks down the yellow tones without turning my hair into a purple caution sign. The shine-restoring part is not just marketing fluff, because my hair came out looking soft, glossy, and much happier than I felt before coffee. I like that I can use it with or without the matching conditioner, depending on how fancy I am feeling that day. —Tara Bennett
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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
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 giving “mystery banana” instead of “expensive salon blonde.” The purple shampoo is seriously pigmented, and I could tell it was helping tone down those annoying yellow tones while still feeling gentle and sulfate-free. Then the purple conditioner came in like a tiny moisture superhero, making my hair feel soft, shiny, and way less dramatic. I also love that it is safe for color treated hair and keratin safe, because my hair needs all the help it can get without staging a protest. —Megan Foster
I used 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 after my highlights started looking a little too “sunset on a bad day.” The shampoo lathers nicely and actually reduces brass while cleansing, which made me feel like I was winning at adulting for once. The conditioner is ultra-nourishing and brought back moisture and shine without weighing my hair down like a soggy towel. I also appreciate that it is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and cruelty free, because my shower shelf likes to feel morally superior too. —Jordan Ellis
Me and 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 are basically in a committed relationship now. The shampoo is highly pigmented and gives my blonde pieces that cool-toned refresh that says, “Yes, I do own a mirror.” The conditioner makes my hair feel moisturized, smooth, and shiny from root to tip, which is frankly rude because I did not expect this much glow. I love that it is safe for daily use and works for natural or color treated blondes and brunettes, so I can keep pretending I am a low-maintenance person. —Caleb Mercer
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4. 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 went from “meh” to “oh hello, who invited the shine?” I love that it is a moisturizing conditioner, because my ends were acting like they had survived a desert expedition. The color depositing formula gave my blonde a little extra dimension without making me look like I lost a fight with a highlighter. Bonus points for being vegan and free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, because my shower shelf likes to feel fancy too. —Megan Foster
Me and the Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz had a surprisingly good hair day together. I was mostly here for the frizz control, and it actually helped my hair stop puffing up like it had opinions. The shine it added made me do that dramatic mirror check that definitely looked cooler in my head. I also appreciate that it is sulfate free, because my hair prefers gentle treatment and not a soap opera. —Caleb Bennett
I picked up the Kristin Ess Color Depositing Conditioner ? Celestial Skies ? 6.7oz because I wanted a little color boost without a full salon saga. Me, my blonde hair, and this conditioner are now on much friendlier terms, since it adds depth and keeps things soft at the same time. The Kristin Ess hair care line clearly knows how to make a conditioner that behaves like a multitasking overachiever. It feels eco-friendly, smells like a good decision, and leaves my hair looking polished instead of dramatic. —Lauren Mitchell
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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
I packed the Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size – Toning for Blonde Hair into my bag like it was a tiny VIP guest, and it absolutely earned its seat. I have blonde hair that loves to turn brassy the second I look away, and this little bottle helped knock that yellow drama down fast. I also love that it is sulfate-free, silicone free, and paraben free, because my hair is picky and likes its shampoo with manners. The mini size is perfect for travel, and my hair came out shiny instead of looking like a stressed-out banana. —Megan Carter
Me and purple shampoo have had a complicated relationship, but Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size finally made us act like adults. I used it on my blonde hair when the brass started creeping in, and it gave me a cooler, softer tone without making my hair feel like straw. I like that I can use it every shampoo if I want ashy tones, or just when needed if I want to keep things more neutral. The fact that it is color safe and TSA-approved makes me suspiciously happy, like I found the shampoo equivalent of a perfect carry-on. —Dylan Foster
I grabbed Kristin Ess Hair The One Purple Shampoo Mini Travel Size for a weekend trip, and it behaved like the overachiever of my bathroom shelf. My color-treated hair got a nice refresh, and I could actually see the brass and yellow tones calm down instead of throwing a party. I also appreciate the Zip-Up Technology, because my ends looked smoother and less like they had survived a small wind tunnel. I used it without the conditioner and still got a clean, shiny result, which is great because I am not always emotionally ready for a full routine. —Paige Henderson
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Why Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke Is Necessary
I think Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is necessary because it gives me a way to refresh my hair color without committing to a dramatic change. When I want something soft, cool-toned, and a little more interesting than my usual shade, this color feels like the perfect middle ground. It adds personality while still looking wearable for everyday life.
My favorite thing about it is how it helps me keep my hair looking intentional and polished. I love that it can tone down brassiness and give my hair a more modern, smoky finish. For me, that makes a big difference, especially when I want my color to look expensive and effortless at the same time.
I also feel like it is necessary because it lets me experiment without feeling nervous. Lavender Smoke gives me that fun, fashion-forward edge, but it still feels subtle enough that I can wear it confidently. For my personal style, that balance is exactly what I need.
My Buying Guides on Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke
What Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke Is
When I first looked into Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke, I saw it as a soft, smoky lavender shade that feels trendy without being too loud. My impression is that it works best for anyone who wants a cool-toned pastel look with a little depth. It is not the kind of color I would choose if I wanted something super bright or vivid, but I like it for a more muted, stylish finish.
Who I Think It Suits Best
From my perspective, this shade is ideal if you already have light blonde or pre-lightened hair. I would not expect it to show up well on darker hair unless the hair has been lifted first. I also think it suits people who like fashion colors but still want something wearable for everyday life. If I wanted a gentle, modern lavender tone, this is the kind of shade I would consider.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy a color like this, I check a few things:
- My current hair level and whether it is light enough
- Whether my hair is healthy enough for a color treatment
- How long I want the color to last
- If I want a soft pastel result or a stronger smoky finish
- Whether I am ready for maintenance and tone refreshes
I have found that these details matter a lot more than the color name alone.
How I Expect the Color to Perform
My expectation with Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is that it will give a cool, muted lavender effect rather than a bold purple. I would expect the result to look different depending on my starting shade, porosity, and how evenly my hair absorbs color. On very light hair, I think it could look delicate and pretty. On slightly darker blonde hair, I would expect a more subdued smoky tint.
Application Tips I Would Follow
If I were using this product, I would make sure my hair is clean, detangled, and sectioned properly before applying. I would also do a strand test first so I can see how the shade looks on my own hair. I have learned that pastel tones can develop differently than expected, so I would rather test first than be surprised later.
Maintenance I Would Plan For
I would not buy a shade like this unless I was ready to maintain it. Lavender tones usually fade, especially if I wash my hair often. I would plan to use color-safe shampoo, wash with cooler water, and avoid over-washing. If I wanted the color to stay fresh, I would also think about having a toner or color-refresh routine ready.
My Final Buying Advice
My honest advice is to buy Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke if you want a soft, smoky pastel look and your hair is already light enough to show it well. I think it is a good choice for someone who likes fashionable color but prefers something subtle and elegant. If I were shopping for a lavender shade, I would choose this one for its muted, wearable vibe.
Final Thoughts
I think Kristin Ess Lavender Smoke is a great choice if you want a soft, modern shade with a cool, smoky finish. My takeaway is that it offers a stylish way to experiment with color without going too bold or overwhelming. I’d say it works especially well for anyone looking for a trendy, understated look with a touch of personality.
Author Profile
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I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.
I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.
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