DAMAGE SHIELD is our newest innovative category that takes the guesswork out of your K18 routine. Developed to offer protection from damage between treatment mask days, and extra softening and protection after theK18 mask. This category includes theDAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner + the renamedpH protective shampoo (previously pH maintenance shampoo).

No, the formula of the DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo is not different from the PEPTIDE PREP™ pH maintenance shampoo. Just the name has changed, the formulation you know and love is the same

The DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo is a color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with the patented K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse while maintaining hair health and protecting hair from damage. pH-optimized formula helps reduce excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing, to help prevent frizz, preserve color, and enhance shine. Scalp microbiome-friendly and gentle enough to use every time you cleanse. 

This pH-optimized shampoo (4.5-5.5) helps prevent excess swelling of the hair cuticle to help prevent damage, reduce frizz, preserve color, and maintain health and shine. An optimizedpH also helps preserve the scalp microbiome. This shampoo is gentle enough to use every time you cleanse.

The DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo is powered by plant-derived surfactants to deliver safe but effective high-power cleansing that breaks down and removes dirt + oil. Designed to help shield hair from daily damage, this pH-optimized formula helps prevent excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing—which helps maintain color, improve hair health and shine, reduce frizz, and preserve the scalp microbiome. It mimics hair’s natural pH, so this formula is gentle enough to use every time you cleanse.

The DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo delivers healthier hair and scalp after just one wash. Its optimized pH helps maintain the hair cuticle, preventing excess water from entering the hair, which can cause damage, dullness, frizz, and tangling. With this shampoo, your color is maintained, hair feels strong, healthy, looks smooth with less frizz, and is easier to style with less tangles. This formula moisturizes hair without weighing it down, and preserves the scalp microbiome for a healthier-feeling scalp and a gentler cleanse. Coupled with the DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner, these formulas shield your healthiest hair from daily damage. 

This pH-balanced formula is gentle enough to use every time you cleanse, delivering healthier hair and scalp after just one wash. 

Water (Aqua) (Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, sh-Oligopeptide-78,  Panthenol, Glycerin, Sodium Phytate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene.

You need both shampoos (DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo + PEPTIDE PREPTM detox shampoo) to deliver the most effective clean while maintaining your hair + scalp health.Detox shampoo is engineered for less frequent heavy-duty washing, and DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo (previously pH maintenance shampoo) is engineered for frequent washing.

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner helps shield hair from daily damage to help maintain hair health and improve smoothness and shine. It’s developed with our biotech-produced polysaccharide that acts as a biomimetic shield to protect hair against pollution and environmental aggressors. The fortifying ceramide blend seals damage sites in the hair cuticle–smoothing and protecting hair from further damage. The K18PEPTIDE™ replenishes protein lost during washing, while the cuticle is still swollen, to fortify hair health and strength. Vitamin E works against oxidative damage, which can fade color and cause breakage.

These key ingredients work together to provide conditioning protection against damage from UV rays, mechanical styling, and environmental aggressors for up to 3 days*.

*k18hair.com/disclaimers

The mask and conditioner serve two different purposes. The K18 mask reverses damage in 4 minutes, while the K18 conditioner protects hair from daily damage for up to 3 days*. We recommend using the K18 mask first, waiting 4 minutes, then using conditioner for additional softening and detangling benefits after the K18 mask, or between K18 mask days.

*k18hair.com/disclaimers

No, the conditioner does not repair damage like the mask does. This nourishing, protective conditioner shields against 3 types of damage (daily mechanical, UV, and environmental) for up to 3 days*— to help maintain hair health and improve smoothness and shine. Both formulas include the K18PEPTIDE™ with different benefits. The mask has a higher concentration of the peptide to reverse damage. In the conditioner, the K18PEPTIDE™ replenishes protein lost during washing, while the cuticle is still swollen, to fortify hair health and strength.

*k18hair.com/disclaimers

No, use the DAMAGE SHIELD conditioner AFTER theK18 mask. The K18PEPTIDE™ will not penetrate the hair if the conditioner is used before mask application.

Yes, you can apply the K18 mask first, wait 4 minutes for maximum damage repair, and then apply the K18 conditioner. 

No, apply the K18 mask first, wait 4 minutes for maximum damage repair, and then apply the K18 conditioner. The K18 mask will not penetrate hair if applied after a conditioner.

Yes, the DAMAGE SHIELD conditioner adheres to Clean by Sephora standards. The conditioner is formulated without phthalates, formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers, oxybenzone and octinoxate, and more.

The K18 conditioner is a highly concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way. Begin with a small amount from mid-lengths to ends, and build as needed.

For best results, apply the K18 conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Start with a small amount and build as needed.

The K18 conditioner can be used for added smoothness, softness + detangling 4-minutes after the K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask. 

For best results, we do not recommend mixing the K18 conditioner with the mask. Apply the K18 mask first, wait 4 minutes for maximum damage repair, then apply the K18 conditioner.

For best results, we do not recommend mixing the K18 conditioner with the oil. Use the K18 molecular repair hair oil without the K18 conditioner. 

No, you do not have to wait 4 minutes after applying the conditioner. For additional conditioning, you can wait 1-3 minutes before rinsing.

No, the K18 conditioner does not need heat to be effective.

Yes, the K18 conditioner does contain the K18PEPTIDE™. In the formula, this patented peptide replenishes protein lost during washing, while the cuticle is still swollen, to fortify hair health and strength. To get damage repair benefits from the K18PEPTIDE™, use the K18 mask first, wait 4 minutes, then apply theK18 conditioner.

Yes, you can use the K18 conditioner every day. The lightweight formula softens, smooths, and detangles without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time, weighing hair down.

No, the K18 conditioner will not cause buildup on hair. The highly concentrated, lightweight gel formula means a little goes a long way. Use less than you typically would with a traditional conditioner, and build as needed.

No, the K18 conditioner will not weigh hair down. This highly concentrated, lightweight gel formula softens, smooths, and detangles without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time.

Yes, the K18 conditioner works on all hair types. The highly concentrated, lightweight gel formula won’t weigh hair down. It’s developed to soften, smooth, and detangle without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time.

Yes, the K18 conditioner does work on curly or coily hair, as the highly concentrated, lightweight formula softens, smooths, and detangles curly and/or coily hair without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time, weighing hair down.