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Welcome back to Beautyistic — where real results meet real reviews. Let’s talk about something every woman with medium to thick hair has dreamed of: that big, bouncy, effortless blowout look without spending hours in the salon. Today, I’ve been trying out the Kristin Ess Hair 2 Inch Titanium Curling Iron — designed to create soft, shiny, loose waves and give that voluminous, just-left-the-salon finish.
At first glance, this curling iron looks and feels professional. It’s got a sleek titanium barrel — 2 inches wide — which immediately tells you it’s made for volume, not tight curls. It heats up quickly, up to 425°F, with four digital settings to suit your hair type. I really like that Kristin Ess thought of safety too, with a 30-minute automatic shut-off and a heat-resistant cool tip that keeps styling a lot less nerve-wracking. The ergonomic thumb grip is a subtle but smart touch — especially if you’ve ever tried to curl long hair and ended up wrestling the tool more than styling with it.
Now, I tested this over several days, on clean, dry hair and on second-day hair. I noticed how evenly it distributed heat — no hot spots or over-fried sections — which is exactly what you want from titanium. It gave my ends a polished finish and added that “swooshy” movement that makes a hairstyle look expensive. The curls aren’t tight; they’re soft, loose waves — more of a blowout effect than traditional curls. And what impressed me most was how long they lasted. Even after a full day, my waves looked freshly styled, especially after using a lightweight heat protectant.
But here’s where I like to keep it real. This tool isn’t for everyone. If your hair is fine or short, the 2-inch barrel will feel too large, and you’ll struggle to get definition. It’s best suited for long, medium-to-thick hair that can really wrap around that barrel. Also, while it’s fast-heating, titanium can be intense — so it’s not something to hold in place for long or to use daily without heat protection.
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In terms of value, I’d say Kristin Ess hit a strong balance. You’re getting salon-grade performance at a mid-range price, and that’s not easy to find. The build quality feels solid — not flimsy or lightweight like cheaper irons — and the digital temperature control is precise, which helps protect your hair in the long run. I’ve seen tools double the price that don’t perform any better.
Compared to other large-barrel options like Hot Tools or T3, this one delivers similar shine and volume but with a slightly lighter design, which I found easier to maneuver. It doesn’t have as many customizable features as the T3, but it heats faster and maintains temperature more evenly.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you could consider the Revlon Titanium Max Curling Iron — it’s more affordable, but you’ll sacrifice that digital precision and smoother glide you get from Kristin Ess.
Overall, the Kristin Ess 2 Inch Titanium Curling Iron is a strong choice for anyone who loves that soft, effortless, blowout look. It’s quick, consistent, and adds a beautiful shine — perfect for big waves and polished ends. If your hair is long and thick, this tool will feel like a dream. If your hair is fine or short, though, you might want to go for a smaller barrel.
Thanks for watching Beautyistic! You’ll find the link to this curling iron in the description or comments below. And if you’ve tried it yourself, drop a comment — I’d love to know your thoughts. Until next time, stay beautiful inside and out!
Available to buy here:
