It takes a lot to stand out from the crowd. Everyone and their dog (quite literally) is an influencer these days, but among the numerous personalities serving up everything from glitzy eye looks to striking nail art, celebrity hair stylist Kristin Ess has established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Every year, online comparison platform Cosmetify uses global search trend data, social following and engagement statistics to produce the Cosmetify Index, a list of beauty tastemakers, the most-searched beauty brands globally (surprisingly, it’s Yves Rocher, a little-known brand in the UK that’s cult in countries like Spain, France and Germany), the most powerful individuals (less surprisingly, Huda Kattan took the lead, with Millie Bobby Brown and Kylie Jenner following behind) and the rising stars to know.
It’s this last category, that hair stylist, Kristin Ess, scooped the top spot as the individual who has seen the biggest increase in consumer interest compared to 2018, according to Google Trends data. Based in the US and responsible for some of the most coveted celebrity hairstyles on the ‘gram (Ess regularly looks after the hair of Lucy Hale, Lauren Conrad and GLAMOUR’s November cover star, Lili Reinhart), her influence has exploded over the past year – which means if you haven’t already come across her signature cool-girl lobs and messy waves, you’re about to.
Despite having over twenty years of experience as a hair stylist and co-founding The Beauty Department (a website set up to provide relatable hair tutorials), Ess’s influence began to multiply when she teamed up with US retailer Target on a range of mid-price hair care and styling products to enable her followers to recreate her looks at home. In fact, interest for her and her products has increased by 86.81% over the last year, according to Cosmetify. Having admitted the inspiration for the price (which is mainly between $10-$15), was her own struggle with trying to afford high-end products as she made her way up in the industry, much of Ess’s appeal is her relatability.
The good news is, her arsenal of beach wave sprays, £17, detoxifying bubble masks, £15 and style reviving dry shampoos, £15, have landed in Boots, which means we can get in on the action here in the UK, too. And, if you’re in need of a little hair inspiration, look no further than Ess’s delicious tussled waves and relaxed updos.