FAQs
AirWash™ FAQS
What is AirWash™?
AirWash™ is the reinvention of dry shampoo. It’s a non-aerosol formula powered by smart-release odorBIND™ biotechnology, which delivers a high-performance clean, clinically eliminating odor and reducing oil without starchy buildup or white cast, and keeps working for up to 3 days* after a single application.
How do I use this product?
This is a highly concentrated formula so a little goes a long way. SHAKE WELL and section hair for best results. Hold 3-6 inches away from the scalp and apply 1-3 sprays per section. Massage in and style as usual. This non-aerosol format may feel slightly damp but will not disturb your style.
How much product should I apply?
Begin with 1 spray per section, and build up to 3 sprays per section as needed. Like all K18 formulas, AirWash™ is highly concentrated - so less is more.
How many applications do I get per bottle?
The full size bottle on average provides 65 applications
Can I use this on wet hair?
No, you should not use this on wet hair. This product is intended to be used on dry hair.
How does this fit into the K18 routine?
Apply AirWash™ to dry hair, to preserve or reset freshness. You would use this alone or before the K18 molecular repair hair oil. AirWash™ is used to extend the time between washing and is compatible with all K18 products.
Do I have to wait 4 minutes after applying AirWash™?
No, this product will absorb oil and odor on contact*.
Does this work well with other styling products?
Yes, AirWash™ can be used with your favorite styling products to extend the time between washes.
Can I use this every day?
You can use AirWash™ as often as desired. This scalp-friendly formula won’t leave starchy buildup behind and it is clinically proven to keep working up to 3 days* after a single application.
Can I apply to clean, dry hair after styling to keep my style longer lasting?
Yes, when applied before a workout, a single application of AirWash™ controls odor for up to 24 hours post-workout*
Will this cause buildup or white cast?
No, AirWash™ will not leave buildup or white cast behind. It’s formulated with translucent microbeads to absorb oil without leaving starchy buildup or a visible white cast behind.
Does this leave behind residue or stickiness?
No, AirWash™ will not leave behind residue or stickiness. Unlike traditional dry shampoos that use starch to absorb oil, AirWash™ leaves behind no visible white cast or starchy buildup* for a run-your-fingers-through clean feeling.
It’s formulated with translucent microbeads to absorb oil, instead of starch. This helps leave behind no starchy buildup or visible white cast*.
Can I use too much AirWash™?
Like all K18 formulas, AirWash™ is highly concentrated, so less is more for best results. You won’t need as much product as a traditional dry shampoo—just 1-3 sprays per section. If the hair feels gritty or powdery, you’ve applied too much. Brush hair to distribute the product, or reset hair with an in-shower shampoo.
Why does my hair feel gritty or powdery?
If hair feels gritty or powdery, you’ve applied too much. Like all K18 formulas, this is highly concentrated so less is more. You won’t need as much product as a traditional dry shampoo—just 1-3 sprays per section. Brush hair to distribute the product, or reset hair with an in-shower shampoo.
Will this dry out my hair and scalp?
No, AirWash™ will not dry out your hair or scalp. This scalp-friendly formula supports healthy scalp sebum balance and promotes scalp health between washes.* Clinical data shows scalp moisture increased with continued use of AirWash™.*
Will AirWash™ clog my scalp’s pores?
No, AirWash™ is formulated without scalp-clogging ingredients to minimize excess buildup on the scalp.
How quickly does this absorb oil and odor?
AirWash™ absorbs oil and odor on contact, so you will notice immediate results that last up to 3 days*.
Does my hair have to be dirty to use AirWash™?
No, your hair does not have to be dirty to use AirWash™. AirWash™ can also be used on clean hair to help preserve your style for longer. OdorBIND™ is a smart-release biotechnology that recognizes, suspends and eliminates new malodors as they are introduced, and keeps working after the first application.
Does AirWash™ work for all hair types and colors?
Yes, AirWash™ does work for all hair types, including all curly and coily hair types, chemically/color-treated hair, and dark hair colors.
Is this a styling product?
No, AirWash™ is not a styling product. Think of it as a refresher between washes that may add additional volume and bounce to hair.
I have a sensitive scalp, is this product for me?
Yes, you can use AirWash™. Clinical testing shows this product is non-irritating for sensitive scalps*.
Is this safe for color-treated or chemically serviced hair?
Yes, this product is safe for color-treated and chemically serviced hair.
Does this product contain sulfates, parabens, or phthalates?
No, this product does not contain sulfates, parabens, or phthalates, and adheres to the
Clean at Sephora standards.
Does this contain any heat protectant?
No, this product does not contain a heat protectant. If you’re looking for heat protection, use the K18 molecular repair hair oil.
Is this an aerosol product?
No, this is a non-aerosol formula. This shake + spray format is travel-friendly and doesn’t contain potentially environmentally harmful ingredients like butane, isobutane, or propane.
Why do I have to shake it well?
This bi-phase product requires shaking to suspend the oil-absorbing translucent microbeads. Shake well for best results.
Is this safe to use on extensions?
Yes, AirWash™ is safe to use on extensions.
Will this weigh my hair down?
No, AirWash™ will not weigh your hair down. It is formulated to minimize excess buildup and gritty-feeling powders. PRO tip: this is a highly concentrated product so less is more!
What does it smell like?
AirWash™’s odorBIND™ technology clinically eliminates odors and releases a subtle, clean, and fresh easily layered fragrance in its place.
This product applies wet, will it disturb my style?
No, it will not disturb your style. In a consumer test, 93% agreed the product did not revert their hairstyle*.
Does AirWash™ contain the K18PEPTIDE™?
No, AirWash™ does not contain the K18PEPTIDE™. AirWash™ features our new patented innovation—odorBIND™ smart-release biotechnology, which is clinically proven to recognize, suspend, and eliminate malodors. If you’re looking for repair benefits from the K18PEPTIDE™, use our molecular repair mask or oil.
What is odorBIND™?
This is K18’s newest patented innovation that powers the AirWash™ dry shampoo. odorBIND™ smart-release biotechnology recognizes and captures odor-causing sweat and oil molecules. It is clinically proven to eliminate malodor—replacing it with a fresh, subtle, easily layered fragrance.
How does this absorb oil differently from traditional products?
AirWash™ absorbs oil differently by using translucent microbeads—instead of starchy powders like traditional dry shampoos. These microbeads sponge up oil without excess buildup or white cast. You can get oil control for up to 3 days* with just one application.
Is this product considered clean?
Yes, this product contains no phthalates, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasers, oxybenzone, octinoxate, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, methylisothiazolinone, or insoluble plastic microbeads. We also adhere to Sephora's rigorous clean beauty standards.
Is this product vegan?
Yes, by using biotechnology and inspiration from nature to create vegan, cruelty-free beauty products.
Is this product cruelty-free?
Yes, K18 uses biotechnology and inspiration from nature to create vegan, cruelty-free beauty products.
Does this product repair hair?
No, AirWash™ does not repair hair. It features our new patented innovation - odorBIND™ smart-release biotechnology, which is clinically proven to recognize, suspend, and eliminate malodors. If you’re looking for repair benefits from the K18PEPTIDE™, use our molecular repair mask or oil.
Is this product plastic net-zero?
Yes, like all K18 Products, AirWash™ is plastic net-zero.
Is this gluten-free?
The product is gluten-free but may be manufactured on material that comes into contact with gluten.
What is the pH of this product?
This formula has a pH of 7-7.5. Proteins are pH-sensitive, and our odorBIND™ fusion proteins suspend within our formula at that specific pH range. Given that the application dosage is very small, we do not expect this to significantly impact the environment of the hair or scalp. Our formula is gentle and non-irritating and helps support a healthy scalp.
Why doesn’t this product disturb style?
The concentration of water in the formula is not enough to disturb style and the formula is designed to be quick-drying.
How quickly does this product dry?
AirWash™ dries in just a few seconds. Less is more with this product and dry time can change slightly based on how much product is applied.