In terms of application, K18 hair mask is comparable to a leave-in conditioner. You don’t need to condition your hair after shampooing in the shower.

When polypeptide keratin chains in the hair become damaged, the K18 Hair Mask, a bond-building treatment, can help. These chains form the inner structure of hair that become damaged over time by things like chemical treatments and heat styling, leaving hair looking frazzled and dull, and feeling dry and rough.

What is K18?

K18 is a leave-in molecular repair mask that strengthens, calms, and hydrates hair that has been damaged by heat and color. And it only takes four minutes after combing it through clean, wet hair to work its magic. The catch is that K18 only functions when hair isn’t condition, though. Meaning that in order to get the benefits, you should skip the conditioner after shampooing your scalp.

Unlike other hair masks, K18 is formulated with a patented peptide technology. To put it another way, it’s a highly concentrated formula that targets hair molecules to give you the strongest, bouncy strands of your life. It is absolutely safe to use at home, yes. Regardless of hair type, its quick technology instantly transforms strands from stringy to strong and bouncy, earning rave reviews from Amazon and Sephora customers.

The procedure is frequently contrasted with the cult favorite Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, which I used for a year before taking the K18 test. I decided to put K18 to the test after hearing my colorist compare it to Olaplex but with more modern technology.

How We Tested It

I scheduled a hair-wash day for the beginning of the week and started studying for my K18 test because I only wash my hair once or twice a week (once is ideal, but occasionally my strands need some TLC before then). I brushed out my hair, which had undergone some heat damage from straightening it the week prior, and hopped in the shower for a full rinse and shampoo.

Read More: Can You Leave A Hair Mask On Overnight – Expert Suggestions

I didn’t have a clarifying shampoo on hand, despite the fact that it’s advised to use one to remove buildup before using K18. Instead, I lathered my scalp with the Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo, which I use once per week to protect my fresh brunette color from a recent dye job. Now, I won’t lie. I seriously debated using conditioner after I rinsed my scalp from the shampoo. The reason being, I hate the texture of my hair when it’s not properly moisturized or conditioned (who doesn’t?). I gave my conditioner a serious look, considered the repercussions, and then gave my K18 hair mask all I had to try and save my fragile strands.

After thoroughly rinsing my head, I squeezed out the water and drew a clean, XL T-shirt over it to dry my hair. I do this to prevent frizz in my curls, which is frequently brought on by the friction of using regular bath towels to dry. Because my hair didn’t have conditioner, I carefully brushed through it, roots to ends, until it wasn’t a tangled mess. I squeezed out the excess water in my hair once more, and then it was time to apply the K18 hair mask.

I started by combing and scrunching one full pump of K18 through the middle and ends of one half of my hair. The other half of my hair received a second full pump of K18. I added a third and final pump, paying special attention to my roots and ends, to finish it off.

It was difficult to see any noticeable results because my curls were still damp after four minutes of letting it sit. However, I could see that they were beginning to come back to life. There isn’t a recommended way to dry your hair with K18, but regardless of the products you use, I firmly believe that the drying method you choose will have a big impact on the final look. I threw my hair up in a T-shirt and let it air dry for 20 minutes because I prefer the plopping technique.

My hair had finished air-drying for an hour when I noticed how much fuller and stronger it felt without even looking in the mirror. My hair seemed to be stronger, happier, and healthier than ever, which made me very happy. (Read More: How Long Should I Leave Hair Mask on – Use It Correctly)

K18 Product Features

Pros

What I like about K18:

• Holds hair like a gel, and moisturizes like a cream
• Takes just two to three pumps to soak in, making the bottle last for months
• Takes just four minutes to activate (no rinse needed)
• Since K18 is so powerful, no conditioner is required during the wash cycle.
• Formulated for all hair types, working particularly well on medium and thick hair
• Patented peptide technology sets it apart from standard hair masks
• Silicone-free
• Clean and cruelty-free

Cons

Consider these factors before you buy:

• At $75 for a full bottle, this hair mask is on the pricey side
• Because K18 is applied to unconditioned wet hair, extra care and attention is needed when brushing your hair

What Other Reviewers Have to Say

K18 has more than 2,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.2-star rating. Here’s what other reviewers have to say about it:

Verified Amazon purchaser Christia writes, “I’ve just finished bleaching my hair with K18; bye-bye, Olaplex! K18 does the trick for me where Olaplex never really did. Hair is beyond soft, and I’ve got zero breakage, and I’ve bleached my hair for over two decades.”

“I was slightly skeptical about using such a small amount of product following a wash with a detox (clarifying shampoo),” shares Linda. “Without conditioner, my hair is typically a rat’s nest. I thoroughly worked the product into the strands from ends to roots and applied it after waiting the full four minutes. My hair was so much healthier. I bought a full size because of the difference after just one treatment.”

One Sephora reviewer attests to its powerful technology: “Before Sephora even carried it, my colorist suggested this to me in the salon. I made the decision to try it because she claimed that it was created by the same people who created Olaplex and that it was on a different level. My hair was severely damaged by heat styling and bleach, and I’ll never go back. I only need three pumps despite having very long, thick hair. My hair is so soft and bouncy when it’s finished.”

Final Verdict

I’m still on my curly-girl quest to repair the heat and color damage my hair has sustained in recent months. And I’m so happy to have K18 in my collection of beauty products to help me revive my curls. The K18 peptide technology is unmatched by any other hair product I’ve used, making the investment in this mask completely worthwhile. Additionally, it is powerful enough to serve as a leave-in conditioner, hair gel, and cream all in one; no additional products need to be layered on top. K18 is for all hair types that have suffered more heat and color damage than they would like to admit, whether you have straight, curly, wavy hair, or a combination of the three.

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