You know when your hair just feels… off? It’s not dry exactly, but the shine is gone. I noticed that a few months ago when I looked in the mirror and my black hair looked flat, almost tired. I tried masks, oils, even skipping shampoo for days — nothing really helped.
Then a friend mentioned Kristin Ess Hair Gloss in True Black (Black Iris). She swore it made her hair look brand new. I rolled my eyes a little because I’ve heard that before. But she’s the kind of person whose hair always looks like she just stepped out of a salon, so I thought, why not?
I didn’t expect much. But after one use, my hair looked darker, shinier, and somehow softer. I couldn’t stop touching it. It wasn’t just the color — it was how healthy it felt. And the best part? I didn’t have to sit in a salon chair or spend a fortune.
If your dark hair has lost that deep tone and glow, this might be the little secret you’ve been missing.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Kristin Ess Hair Gloss (True Black – Black Iris) adds rich tone and shine to dark hair.
- It’s an easy in-shower gloss — just mix, apply, wait, and rinse.
- The color lasts around 3–4 weeks before fading naturally.
- It uses Vibrancy Boosting Technology, Anti-Oxidant Complex, and an Alkaline Neutralizing System for softness and longevity.
- Works best for dark brown or black hair and is ammonia-free and keratin safe.
- Always do a patch test and follow the safety instructions in the box.
- It’s perfect for bringing dull hair back to life without going to a salon.
What Is Kristin Ess Hair Gloss?
If you’ve never used a hair gloss before, don’t worry — I hadn’t either. I used to think glosses were only for salons or something stylists used at the end of a color session. Turns out, they’re a lot simpler than that.
The Kristin Ess Hair Gloss is basically an in-shower color and shine treatment. It gives your hair a quick refresh — adding tone, shine, and softness — without actually dyeing it permanently. The True Black shade, also called Black Iris, is made for anyone with dark brown or black hair who wants that rich, cool black look.
I like to think of it as a quick polish for your hair. It’s ammonia-free, gentle, and works on all hair types. You just mix two small bottles together, apply it to wet hair, wait a bit, rinse, and you’re done. It sounds too easy, I know — but it really does make a difference.
The shine isn’t that fake, glossy coating kind. It’s more like your natural shine comes back to life — soft and reflective, the way healthy hair looks in sunlight.
How It Works (In Simple Terms)
Now, I’m no chemist, but I got curious about why it works. The Kristin Ess Hair Gloss uses three main systems that all do different things for your hair.
- Vibrancy Boosting Technology – this helps your hair reflect light better and keeps your color looking deep. It’s like your hair catches light again.
- Anti-Oxidant Complex – this one protects your color from fading too fast. I wash my hair about three times a week, and it still looked rich after two weeks.
- Alkaline Neutralizing System – this makes the gloss more gentle on your scalp and hair. It keeps everything balanced so it doesn’t dry your strands out.
Together, they make the hair feel soft and look shiny without that harsh, “just dyed” feeling.
It’s also keratin safe, ammonia-free, and the color lasts around 3–4 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. When it fades, it does so evenly, which I love — there’s no weird patchiness, just a gradual softening of tone.
Also Read: Garnier Hair Food: Nourishing Dry Hair the Simple Way
Step-by-Step: How to Use Kristin Ess Hair Gloss
This part is honestly my favorite because it’s simple. You don’t need gloves, bowls, or anything fancy — just a shower and twenty minutes.
Here’s what I do:
- Wet your hair completely in the shower. Not damp — it should be fully wet.
- Mix Bottle 1 and Bottle 2 together. Shake gently.
- Apply the mixture evenly from root to tip. I use my fingers to comb it through.
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes. I usually wait around 15–18 minutes because I like my black tone deep but not too dark.
- Rinse it all out, then shampoo and condition like usual.
And that’s it. You’re done.
Now, there are a few small but important things:
- Always do a patch test 48 hours before using it.
- Don’t use it if your scalp feels irritated or sensitive.
- Wear the gloves that come in the box — they’re there for a reason.
- Be careful around your shower walls because the gloss can stain.
The first time I used it, I was so worried I’d stain everything, but it washed off fine with a quick rinse.
What I Noticed After Using It
Right after rinsing, my hair felt different. Softer. Like it had a light coating of moisture without feeling heavy. I remember towel-drying my hair and running my fingers through it — it felt smoother, cleaner, somehow more put together.
When it dried, that’s when I saw the shine. The black looked richer, almost like it had more dimension. It didn’t look dyed; it looked refreshed. My ends, which usually look dull, blended better with the rest of my hair.
The next morning, I caught my reflection in the sunlight and saw that nice, healthy gleam. You know when your hair just looks expensive? That’s how it felt.
Even after a week, the shine stayed. Every time I washed my hair, I noticed it stayed soft. My brush even glided through more easily.
What I Like and Don’t Like
I’ll keep it honest because I don’t like when reviews sound too perfect.
What I Like:
- My hair looked shiny right away.
- The color felt rich but still natural.
- It’s super easy to use — no salon appointment or stress.
- It smells nice, not like harsh chemicals.
- It left my hair soft, not dry or rough.
What I Don’t Like:
- The color fades faster if you wash your hair a lot.
- It can stain your shower if you’re not careful.
- It’s one-time use — so if you love it, you’ll have to repurchase.
- Not made for light hair — it’s really just for dark brown or black shades.
But overall, the positives outweigh the small issues. I’d rather reapply every few weeks than deal with dull, tired hair again.
Check Out: 7 Hair Gloss Longevity Factors That Secretly Steal Your Shine
My Little Story With It
The first time I tried it, I was kind of nervous. I set everything up like I was about to perform a science experiment. I even put an old towel on the floor just in case. But once I started, it was surprisingly easy.
About halfway through applying, I laughed at myself — I’d made such a big deal out of something that felt just like shampooing my hair. The scent was soft, not overpowering, and it didn’t burn or itch.
When I rinsed and looked at my hair in the mirror afterward, I actually said “wow” out loud. My hair looked darker but natural, like it had been hiding under dust and someone just polished it.
Now, I use it whenever my hair starts to look dull — about once every month or so. It’s become my “Sunday reset” thing. I light a candle, play some music, and just let it sit while I unwind.
It’s simple, but it makes me feel put together again.
Conclusion
Honestly, yes. If your hair is dark and looks a little flat, this gloss is a simple way to revive it. It gives that soft, mirror-like shine without any of the salon fuss.
I love that it fits into real life. I don’t need to plan a whole day around it — I just mix, apply, and rinse. It’s one of those quiet, easy beauty rituals that makes you feel a little more confident afterward.
Would I keep using it? Definitely. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable. I know that every time I use it, my hair will feel softer, look deeper in color, and have that healthy sheen again.
So if you’ve been glancing at your hair lately and thinking it’s lost its spark, maybe it’s time to give this a try. You might end up loving that “new hair” feeling too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Kristin Ess Hair Gloss on natural hair?
Yes, you can. It works beautifully on dark natural hair to add shine and tone, even if it’s not colored.
How long does the color last?
Usually about three to four weeks. It fades gradually, depending on how often you wash your hair.
Can I use it if my hair is dyed another color?
If your hair is dark brown or black, yes. But if it’s light or bleached, it might darken those parts, so be careful.
Does it work better on wet or dry hair?
Always on wet hair — it spreads better and prevents patchiness.
Is it safe for keratin-treated or permed hair?
Yes, it’s keratin-safe. Just wait at least two weeks after a chemical process before using it.
