I Tried This Celeb-Hyped, Molecular Repair Hair Treatment for 2 Months on My Damaged Stands—The Results Are Jaw-Dropping (2024)

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As a mid-30-something who’s been coloring her hair blonde since middle school, you better believe my strands have seen their fair share of damage. Spending three hours in a salon chair every 2-3 months as my stylist sandwiches my hair in between tin foils to essentially fry it under a heat lamp has resulted in more split ends than I know what to do with. Luckily, my job as a beauty journalist has afforded me the chance to try just about every hair product under the sun, most of which don’t stand a chance against repairing my dry and brittle locks—and that includes the celeb-loved K18 haircare brand.

I had tried pretty much every hair product under the sun before someone recommended K18, the brand that’s beloved by celebrities by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Rihanna and Selena Gomez. I’m not one to fall for a product just because a Hollywood A-lister swears by it, but what caught my attention is the its promise to actually repair damage caused by chemical processing, hair highlighting, sun exposure, heat styling, you name it.

What is K-18, and what makes it special?

Unlike most haircare products that work from the outside in to hydrate strands and make them look healthier, K18's line of products, including its now-famed K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75), is patented for clinically improving hair on a molecular level, repairing polypeptide chains that have been broken over time. It essentially mimics the natural biochemical processes involved in hair’s natural growth structure and development, explains Cassondra Kaeding, Celebrity Stylist and K18 Ambassador.

Just before I signed off “yes” to begin my K18 treatment, which is essentially a step-by-step process involving their products, I was quite disappointed to learn I had to give up one hair care product I held dear to my heart: conditioner. If you’re a dry-haired girl like me, you live for conditioner. In fact, the only way I can brush my hair is by using an alarming amount of conditioner. But, as it turns out, skipping conditioner when using K-18 is vital to allowing it to work properly. In fact, most conditioners out there contain certain ingredients like silicone that coat the hair and prevent the K18 from actually being able to penetrate and repair the broken bonds.

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My honest review of K-18

That information was convincing and compelling enough for me to give it a shot. I started out with a few of their basic products, including their K18 Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo ($32) which was useful for someone like me who tends to use a ton of products in their hair. This product works deep within the cortex of the hair to heal the hair from the inside out, explains Kaeding. “If there is buildup on the surface of the hair, the peptide will not be able to penetrate and the product will just sit on the surface of the hair,” she says. She recommends a clarifying shampoo like the K18 Peptide Prep Detox Clarifying Shampoo ($34) to anyone who frequently uses dry shampoos, heavy oils or silicones so that the K-18 treatment can work to its optimal abilities.

K-18, PEPTIDE PREP™ Smoothing pH Maintenance Color-Safe Shampoo — $32.00

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K-18, PEPTIDE PREP™ Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo — $34.00

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In the shower, I’d apply the clarifying shampoo and then towel dry my hair—no conditioner—and then apply the K18 Mask directly after the shower. I left the mask on for four minutes, as instructed, to ensure that it was fully absorbed. I could not believe that I actually had no trouble brushing through my hair after that four minutes was up. No conditioner, yet here I was brushing through my usually-tangly strands without trouble.

I used the product for a total of two months and switched between the Peptide Prep Detox Clarifying Shampoo and the Peptide Prep Shampoo, which are both color-safe and pH-optimized, and designed for daily use. The latter is also formulated with amino acids, which help strengthen the hair shaft.

Verdict?

I was so impressed with the K-18 hair care line and noticed improved results almost immediately. My hair was more brushable, it had more shine, it looked healthier and it moved more freely. I noticed after about three uses, my hair started completely changing—like the entire biology of my hair shifted to the point where I felt like I had reversed several year’s worth of damage.

I Tried This Celeb-Hyped, Molecular Repair Hair Treatment for 2 Months on My Damaged Stands—The Results Are Jaw-Dropping (5)

I will say that, in order for the K18 mask to work, you really have to be diligent about using it. I went on a short vacation to Florida and forgot to pack the molecular repair mask and noticed my hair felt more coarse and less healthy. Once I returned home and started using it again, I again saw the improved health.

My hair by the end of June:

I Tried This Celeb-Hyped, Molecular Repair Hair Treatment for 2 Months on My Damaged Stands—The Results Are Jaw-Dropping (6)

Luckily, a little bit goes a long way—which is good, because the line is not cheap. The mini version, which is just .5 ounces costs $29 and the bigger one is $75 for just 1.7 ounces. At first, this seemed like a total rip-off, but I will say that you really don’t need much. In fact, you don’t want to overdo it and use more product than you need. “Since K18 works deep within the cortex of the hair, whatever is not absorbed into this area will just sit on the surface of the hair,” explains Kaeding. “This could cause the hair to feel a little weighed down.” She recommends using just 1-2 pumps for short hair and 2-3 for longer hair.

Overall, I would recommend K18 to anyone with super damaged hair—I definitely don’t think this treatment is necessary for anyone with basic dry hair who is in need of a little pick-me-up. There are plenty of conditioners and masks out there that can do the job of hydrating dry hair. If, however, you’re looking for a product to actually repair the broken molecules that are causing this breakage and dryness, turn to K18.

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I Tried This Celeb-Hyped, Molecular Repair Hair Treatment for 2 Months on My Damaged Stands—The Results Are Jaw-Dropping (2024)

FAQs

Is K18 molecular repair worth it? ›

The investment in this mask is absolutely worth it. Plus, it doubles as a leave-in conditioner, hair gel and cream all in one without needing to layer on extra products. Whether you have straight, curly, wavy hair—or a mix of the three—K18 is for every hair type with more heat and color damage than they care to admit.

How long does it take to see results from K18? ›

Most see results after 2-3 uses. The more damaged the hair, the more dramatic the results so results may vary depending on your hair type + level of damage. does the k18 mask offer uv or heat protection? No, K18 mask does not protect from heat, but it is clinically proven to repair damage from heat styling.

Why does my hair feel like straw after using K18? ›

Updated a year ago. There might be a coating of product, sebum, oil, or metal + mineral buildup preventing our biomimetic peptide from penetrating your hair. Try using the K18 detox shampoo to clear buildup and make sure to skip conditioner before applying the K18 mask.

Does K18 ruin your hair? ›

K18 is safe to use on all hair types and textures, all generations and was made to be used on all types of damage. what does the k18 pro mist do? K18 Mist is a lightweight mist that strengthens hair and repairs existing damage before a chemical service.

Does K18 work better than Olaplex? ›

K18 takes less time, and Olaplex takes more! But they both help in repairing your hair. My final verdict is that if your hair has been subjected to years and years of heat, colour and styling, and if you have a fast-paced lifestyle, K18 is the faster, easier process with promised results.

Are K18 results permanent? ›

While the K18 mask's results are long-lasting (as in they don't wash away with water), hair damage is ongoing, so staying consistent with the K18 mask is key. On the plus side—the more damaged the hair, the more dramatic the results.

Can you overuse K18? ›

Can I overuse K18 Mask? K18 Mask is a concentrated treatment. To avoid overuse, we recommend using it consecutively for 4-6 washes. After that, use every 3-4 washes to maintain healthiest hair possible.

How many times in a row should I use K18? ›

K18 is designed to be used consecutively for 6 washes and then every 3-4 washes to maintain your healthiest hair possible. Will K18 weigh my hair down? No, the formula is lightweight and works from within the hair so hair is left feeling clean and light.

Does K18 make your hair lighter? ›

The longer you leave this formula in the hair, the lighter the hair becomes. Typically, hair will lighten to a yellow or reddish tone depending on the underlying pigments and then will eventually lighten to pale blonde.

What does too much protein in hair look like? ›

Protein overload causes your hair to look dull and lack its usual volume or lustre. Your hair will also lose its elasticity and feel brittle, with strands breaking when you tug or pull on them. Split ends are another common sign of protein overload.

How do I revive my hair that feels like straw? ›

The solution is to use gentler shampoos and conditioners. Products that don't contain sulphates and silicones. You also want to apply a natural hair oil seal in your hairs moisture. The oils fatty acids will lubricate your hair strands, which prevents it from drying out too quickly.

What celebrities use K18 hair products? ›

With a long list of scientific credentials and heralded by celebrities and hairdressers alike (Hailey Bieber, Rihanna and Selena Gomez are all reported to be fans), K18 is a haircare brand that has recently taken the beauty industry by storm.

Does K18 make hair thicker? ›

I'll bring you the positives first. My hair felt instantly thicker and a lot stronger. The volume was long-lasting, even after styling. I could tell that my strands were so much more resilient during straightening and I wasn't terrified that my hair would totally snap off, thanks to the bleach.

Why skip conditioner with K18? ›

Conditioner formulas use silicones and conditioning agents that form heavy coatings on hair that prevent K18 Peptide from penetrating to the broken disulfide bonds within the cortex.

Does K18 go on roots? ›

Now, this is when you use the K18 mask! To use it, start with just one pump of the full-sized K18 mask (3 pumps of the mini K18 mask) and work it evenly into hair from ends to roots.

How often should you use K18 leave in molecular repair hair mask? ›

For optimal results, it's recommended to use the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask for the first 4-6 consecutive washes, and then every 3-4 washes once your hair condition has improved. Consistency is key when repairing damaged hair, and regular use of the mask will yield the best outcomes.

Does K18 ruin keratin treatment? ›

Can you use K18 on a Brazilian Blowout or a Keratin Treatment? We do not recommend using K18 Mist or Mask prior to Brazilian or Keratin treatments. However, we do recommend that you use our K18 Mask on your first hair wash after treatment and for 6 consecutive times after.

Why are you not supposed to condition with K18? ›

Conditioner coats the hair and can prevent the K18 mask from penetrating properly. So, when using the K18 mask, you do not condition.

Does K18 help your hair grow? ›

Although the formula doesn't explicitly regrow hair, you can experience improvements if there is underlying damage. The masks and mists improve the internal hair structure using molecular technology, so thinning caused by chemical and heat damage can be treated with K18.

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