I Underestimated K18’s New Conditioner That Gave Me Seriously Sleeker-Looking Hair

If I say the words “K18 hair”, chances are you’ll instantly think of *that* iconic hair mask that has over one hundred five star reviews.

K18’s golden child, yes the one and only Molecular Hair Mask.

So when our hair team told us that the hair science gurus have launched a new conditioner that softens, smoothes and protects hair from daily damage for up to three days, I thought, yeah whatever that sounds great, but it’s just a conditioner?

It’s no golden child.

However, after trying it I realised I greatly underestimated it. Classic “I'm a mask over conditioner person” behaviour!

After one wash, my hair was looking sleeker, there was hardly any frizz (unrelenting top head frizz - my beauty bugbear) and I definitely noticed more shine.

Now I know this isn’t just a “whatever” conditioner.

Let me tell you more...

What Is K18 Damage Shield Conditioner?

What:

K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Conditioner

You know those lustrous hair-zapping nuisances like UV rays, mechanical styling and environmental aggressors? Yeah they can be a pain.

Besides making your hair look dull, they can cause excess frizz and weaken your hair too.

Who needs that on top of everything else we’re all dealing with on a daily basis?

Not me.

If you also need to take dull, frizzy hair off your 'annoying first world problems' list, this new K18 conditioner might just be the product you need.

Here's what else you need to know about K18's Damage Shield conditioner:

• A nourishing and protective conditioner that helps shield hair from daily damage.

• Is clinically proven to provide conditioning protection against damage from UV rays, mechanical styling, and environmental aggressors for up to 3 days*.

• Helps maintain hair health by fortifying and softening.

• Improves smoothness and shine (this was instant).

• Contains the he K18PEPTIDE™ that helps replenish proteins lost during hair washing.

• Softens and detangles without film-forming silicones and waxes (if that’s something you need or want from your haircare).

How to Use K18 Damage Shield PH Protective Conditioner.

1. Apply a small amount of DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and build as needed.

2. Rinse thoroughly.

3. For best results, use after shampooing with K18 Peptide pH maintenance Shampoo.

My K18 Damage Shield PH Protective Conditioner Review:

Conditioners aren't usually the hero of my haircare routine, but this certainly was.

If I had to give a one sentence review of this conditioner and how it left my hair, it would be:

"Sleek, polished, smoother and heavy in a good way."

I can vouch for the frizz control too.

Usually, I still have a bit of frizz after blow drying (and before running my straightner through) but as you can see by the images, there was hardly any top head frizz.

This is a game-changer for me and also enough for me to want to repurchase this conditioner (and I will be).

The salon-like blow dry finish was noticeable as was the smoother texture of my hair.

We have the fortifying ceramide blend in the formula which 'seals damage sites in the hair cuticle—smoothing and protecting hair from further damage' to thank for this.

I also noticed some added shine;  I honestly wasnt expecting this much from a conditioner.

As for the K18 Peptide pH maintenance Shampoo 250ml shampoo which I used with its conditioner counterpart, here's what I loved:

Usually, I have to do a double wash with any shampoo I use but with this one I didn't.

After one rinse, I felt like my hair got a really good clean and I couldn't detect that gross dirty hair smell that usually lingers (sorry for the overshare) if I don't do a double-wash.

Did the shampoo leave my hair slick and smooth like the conditioner? No. But I’ll take the one-rinse only wash and clean.

I’m not sure I would repurchase the shampoo only because I have dandruff (again, apologies for the overshare) and I rely on my other shampoos for addressing this.

I also like shampoos that leave my hair smelling like caramel or flowers. However if you want a frag-free, scalp-friendly shampoo that's gentle enought to use everyday, this is it!

Best K18 Hair Products.

And, just in case you still haven’t tapped into K18’s excellent and powerful haircare range, here’s a little refresher on some of the products to have on your radar:

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask.

• What is k18? The k18 hair treatment is a no-rinse, leave-in treatment that’s clinically proven to reverse hair damage caused by colouring, heat and styling.

• The k18 leave-in molecular repair mask works in just 4 minutes.

• K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask 50ml is made with a patented bioactive peptide and works by repairing the keratin within each strand.

• Is known for making hair stronger, softer and more manageable.

• Is vegan as well as sulphate, cruelty and paraben-free.

• You can read our full K18 hair treatment review here.

K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil.

• K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil is a biotech-engineered, powerhouse hair oil that strengthens, repairs damage and reduces frizz. 

• Has a light formula (can confirm it doesn't feel as dense and heavy as a lot of other hair oils) that works on all hair types.

• Designed for 24-hour frizz control by smoothing and softening the cuticle without weighing it down.

• Promises 78% reduction in split ends, more shine and also offers 232°C heat protection. 

• Uses the K18PEPTIDE™  technology to repair and strengthen damage at the innermost layer of hair to actually reverse the damage that leads to frizz in the first place.

• Infused with avocado oil, sunflower oil and squalane to nourish, smooth, enhance shine and improve colour vibrancy. 

• Is silicone-free.

K18 Peptide pH maintenance Shampoo.

• K18 Peptide Detox Shampoo 250ml is a once-weekly gentle shampoo formulated to cleanse and clarify the scalp.

• Like the K18 pH Maintenance Shampoo, this one also contains the patented K18 peptide for stronger hair.

• It's colour-safe too, and is designed to prep the hair before using the K18 leave-in mask.

• This shampoo also contains salicylic acid to remove sebum and product build up.

• Activated charcoal also helps to absorb and remove impurities from the scalp.

• Read Hannah's review of K18's shampoos here.

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• The Curly Hair Guide to the Best Products for Bouncy, Defined Locks

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