Lauren Conrad's Hairstylist Has a Haircare Line at Target — And It's SO Good

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in pursuit of “cool girl hair.” You know, the kind of just-rolled-out-of-bed, too-pretty-to-care look that in actuality requires a frenzy of hot tools, pricey potions and extreme dexterity. Somewhere along my tousled tressed journey, I stumbled upon the queen of aforementioned lax locks: Kristen Ess.

The celebrity hairstylist — she’s responsible for Lauren Conrad’s jaw skimming cut and Lucy Hale’s messy waves to name a few — has racked up serious likes on Instagram for her uniquely undone 'dos. I’ve spent many a Sunday afternoon perched in front of my mirror trying to master her flat iron wave technique (total game changer, BTW) and I firmly believe she directly influenced the great lob chop of 2016 (at least 5 of my friends still rock that look). 

So when I heard that the beauty influencer was launching her own line of products at Target, I was seriously psyched. To say I was the opposite when I rolled up to the shampoo aisle on launch day to find just a single bottle of hair water left on the shelf, would be an understatement. Turns out I wasn’t the only Kristen Ess fan in my neighborhood, and I’d have to wait for a restock to fulfill my haul. Disappointed with my slim pickings but intrigued all the same by the elusive hair water, I chucked the last bottle standing in my bag and went straight to checkout (LOL who am I kidding, I was there for two more hours because … Target). 

To be totally honest, up until that point I didn't know what “hair water” was let alone why I needed it. When it comes to wetting your hair, what’s wrong with water from the faucet? According to the bottle, what makes this H2O superior is it’s ability to be applied in a super fine mist to revive hair without totally drenching it. 

Wake up to wonky bangs but don’t have time to shower? Spray on some hair water. Need to nix those annoying creases from your flat iron? Spray on some hair water. Leave the salon with Goldilocks curls but need to be looking like Beyoncé in an hour? Say it with me — spray on some hair water! 

Seriously — this product is like pushing refresh on your hair. Packed with hydrating oils and algae, it does the trick when it comes to adding moisture and touchable texture back into your hair. I found myself reaching for it to tackle frizz and bedhead on my second-day waves, and praised the Target gods for its existence when I miscalculated my time after a pre-work hot yoga class. Plus, it smells so good I can’t help but steal sniffs of my strands throughout the day. 

While getting my hands on the rest of the line was a true test of my patience and persistence, I’m happy to report that it’s just as game changing in the quest for a messy-meets-polished mane. Plus, since every single product is super affordable (prices range from $10-$14) it’s hard to resist throwing (at least) a few in your basket the next time to pop in for garbage bags or laundry detergent. Here a few of my faves for your next Target run.

Spray on this superfine mist to refresh and reset styled hair.

This super sudsy sulfate-free shampoo will leave your hair feeling clean without feeling stripped.

When blondies spray this tint on in the shower, they’re left with pretty pastel rose gold locks for 1-3 shampoos.

For highlighted or natural blondes, this color-neutralizing conditioner banishes brassiness while softening hair.

Consider this the perfect dupe for Oribe’s cult spray. Simply spritz on locks to add some grit to styled hair.

Spray on dirty roots to sop up oil, extend your blowout or add texture.

This cream will make you want to say goodbye to your blowdryer. Smooth through damp locks to achieve the air-drying dream: hair that’s smooth, shiny, and bouncy.

A total blowout gamechanger, this mist cuts down on drying time, detangles and seals split ends.

Treat your hair to this in-shower mask that infuses hair with moisture without weighing it down.

This one-size-fits-all pomade adds texture and separation to every style — from pixie cuts to braids to lobs. My favorite use: smooth it on pesky baby hairs when I’m rocking a bun to keep them in place without looking stiff.

This hairspray does it’s job by adding hold, but is light enough to layer for second-day looks.

Formulated with coconut and castor oil, this balm can be used in almost any way to add shine, and moisture. Plus, since it comes with a bun cap, your pillow is protected during overnight treatments!