Kristin Ess Instant Lift Volumizing Mousse with Castor Oil - Boosts Volume + Thickens Hair - 8.1oz
$14.99
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$3.99 - $8.79
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4.1 out of 5 stars with 1638 ratings
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The Kristin Ess Instant Lift Volumizing Mousse is a popular choice among guests for adding volume and body to fine hair without leaving it sticky or heavy. Many appreciate its lightweight formula, pleasant scent, and the way it enhances curls and waves. While some guests experienced issues with tangling or dryness, the overall consensus is that this mousse delivers impressive results, making it a valuable addition to any hair care routine.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
3.9 out of 5 stars with 369 reviews
effectiveness: 3.05 out of 5
quality: 3.03 out of 5
value: 2.92 out of 5
42% would recommend
91 recommendations
1 out of 5 stars
18 January, 2026Verified purchase
(no review title)
The item I received, while correct, had clearly been used.
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
11 October, 2025Verified purchase
Too fragrant :(
It was the best mousse I’ve found so far for my fine wavy hair. Unfortunately I had to return it because I have fragrance allergies and the smell is super strong. (only reason for 4 stars and not 5)
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
10 October, 2025
Volumizing mousse
It’s so sticky and leaves my hair looking greasy I literally had to wash it out
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 August, 2025
So sticky it makes blowdrying hard
This mousse is EXTREMELY sticky. The first time I used it I couldn’t get my fingers through my hair while blow drying - while using the same amount of used with any other mousse historically. Even when using a smaller amount, it’s so sticky it takes longer for me to blow dry my hair, without the added benefit of great volume or hold.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
29 August, 2025Verified purchase
Works We'll
Works well - doesn't weight down your hair
5 out of 5 stars
19 August, 2025Verified purchase
Mousse
I love this mousse but I’m unable to use it because I had allergic reaction to it. I’m not sure if it’s the scents or what. I really wish there was a curl mousse. I can use the curl products of this brand.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
11 August, 2025Verified purchase
Best Mousse ever!
Best volumizing mousse I have ever bought! I usually buy the DryBar one but it’s way too expensive and this one works so much better! A little bit goes a very long way!
5 out of 5 stars
30 July, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Will hold style for longer
This mousse was so good to my style. I am a natural hair kinda girl but when I do my hair I hate that it never stays. This mousse helped my waves stay longer than usual and didn’t make my hair stiff or with residue. It’s a regular mousse bottle when it comes to packaging so easy to use no problem.
5 out of 5 stars
29 July, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Reliable.
I have very thick hair and this product helped me discover my natural curls! It made my greasy hair very voluminous and held a shine. I received many compliments from friends about how good it smelled!
5 out of 5 stars
28 June, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Lightweight volume that actually lasts!
I really like the Kristin Ess Volumizing Mousse! It gives my hair noticeable volume without making it feel stiff or sticky. It’s super lightweight and easy to apply — just a small amount goes a long way. I also love the soft, clean scent. My hair looks fuller and bouncier all day, even without heat styling. Perfect for fine or flat hair!
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
10 June, 2025
Sticky Volumizing Mousse
Left my hair dull looking and felt dry. I also had a hard time getting my round brush through my roots because it was so sticky. This is a no for me.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
25 May, 2025Verified purchase
Personally, I loved it!
Personally, I loved it! I was hesitant as there were mixed reviews. I needed something last minute to do an updo for a photo shoot so I decided to just try it out. I used a tiny bit for some texture, I have fine, short/medium-length hair, and it worked. It definitely gave my hair the right amount of volume and did not leave my hair feeling dry or coarse as some said.
3 out of 5 stars
29 April, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

It was good but not great!
I gave this 3 stars because I like it but if you use just a little too much it makes your hair super tacky and that was what I was scared of when trying out a volumizing mousse. I tried it a few other times and used less and it definitely works just did not deliver the results I was expecting! I love all Kristen Ess products so I was excited to try but I ended up finding a better mousse.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
24 April, 2025Verified purchase
Makes your hair dry as straw!
I saw an influencer online using this before styling/curling her hair. The product smells nice and it actually does work for voluming and styling but the way it left my hair feeling was UNREAL. My hair felt dry as straw and brittle. I am someone who only washes once a week, leaves in a miracle hair mask, and also uses K18 moisturizing serum. I take my hair care very seriously and this product made my hair feel so dry and fried. I was so worried that for some reason my Shark Flexstyler somehow damaged my hair because it felt SO BAD. Thankfully when I shampooed, it was fine and my hair returned to normal but I definitely won't be using a product that makes my hair feel so awful and untouchable.
2 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
30 March, 2025
No
I have super thick hair for reference. This mouse barely keeps volume or holds and is so sticky and stiff that I can’t flip my hair around lol. I don’t really recommend it
4 out of 5 stars
12 March, 2025
originally posted on influenster.com

Big volume, Fair Price
Gives nice, lasting volume without leaving my hair sticky of tacky. No weird scents. Works best when applied wet and then dried and styled. Love the results, especially for the fair price.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
18 February, 2025
I used the recommended amount and dried my hair after. My hair felt weighed down and the texture was awful. It felt dry and crunchy. I would definitely not recommend it, especially for fine hair.
Terrible texture and heavy
3 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
29 November, 2024Verified purchase
Sticky
It left my hair feeling dirty and sticky. I only used a small amount.
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
13 November, 2024Verified purchase
It was crunchy and scalp started burning. Used in the past and i don't know why it changed
Burned scalpBurned scalp
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
10 November, 2024
GREAT for my fine hair!
I've tried a lot of thickening products to add body to my fine hair. My hair tends to lay flat against my scalp and has several cowliks that make it difficult to style. I came back to this one. I used to apply it only to the top of my hair, but now I use it throughout. I like it because: 1. It is a mousse, and that means that it can be applied thinly throughout, without globs of thickener getting stuck on parts of my hair. 2. It actually does thicken my fine hair. I enjoy the texture, possible more than if I had coarser hair. This works really well on smooth fine hair. And at last I have real height that lasts throughout the day. 3. I love the container. design: a simple modern neutral that can sit next to my sink without making things look cluttered. Kudos to Kristin Ess for that.