what is K18?
K18 is the world's first patented biotech hair treatment that repairs damaged hair from the inside out. K18Peptide™ is the patented, revolutionary molecular breakthrough in hair repair that's clinically proven to reverse hair damage in just 4 minutes. Unlike traditional bond builders, it targets the innermost layers of the hair structure to repair the hair from within, delivering lasting and progressive results.
how does K18 work?
When hair gets damaged, the polypeptide chains (keratin chains) that make up the inner structure of hair strands become weakened and break. When these are damaged, the hair’s core structure becomes compromised and as a result, it loses its strength, elasticity, resiliency, and shine.
Unlike traditional bond builders, K18Peptide™ is just the right size and make-up to penetrate into the innermost layers of the hair structure to the core polypeptide chains, (keratin chains), the building blocks of the hair. Once inside, the unique amino-acid chain goes directly to the broken disulfide bonds to replace lost amino acids, regenerating and restoring the bond to bring damaged strands back to their original, youthful state.
why should I use K18?
Damage is ongoing. Chemical services, heat styling and mechanical damage... we put hair through a lot. K18 reconnects broken disulfide bonds (like traditional bond builders) and broken polypeptide (keratin) chains at the innermost level to restore the hair's core strength and elasticity. It's a long term solution that leaves hair looking and feeling like new, in just 4 minutes.
As all hair is the same at the molecular level, K18 works on all hair types and textures, even curly and coily hair. It's also compatible with all products, easily fitting into any routine.
K18 can be offered to clients as a profitable hair repair service, as well as enabling stylists to perform bleach and colour services without the fear of damage.
how is K18 different from other bond builders?
Bond building technology was revolutionary for its time, but it only temporarily restores just one type of bond within the outer cortex, ignoring keratin chains which are the key to hair's core strength and elasticity. K18 goes a step further by also repairing polypeptide (keratin) chain breaks in the innermost structure of the hair* to deliver lasting strength, smoothness and bounce that only improves with each use.
Traditional rebonding products only work temporarily, acting like hard glue and washing out with water. K18’s strengthening and smoothing results are clinically proven to remain in the hair, even after repeated shampoos.
*K18 mist and mask
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K18 PRO services can be delivered around your regular service menu to enable you to bleach, colour and create without boundaries.
The K18REPAIR™ service can be delivered around any bleach or colour service to prevent, repair and restore hair health whilst ensuring optimum colour results.
The K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ service treats damage at the backwash. It's the perfect upgrade to a cut + finish while introducing clients to K18 to boost retailing-on opportunities.
the K18REPAIR™ service | pre + post colouration
Prevent and reverse damage from bleach, colour and chemical services to restore up to 91% virgin strength* and 94% virgin elasticity* in just one service. Each product works in just 4 minutes.
TIP: Apply PEPTIDE PREP™ pro chelating hair complex before Step 1 for more even, vibrant colour results, and improved product effectiveness.
Step 1. leave-in molecular repair hair mist
A pre-service treatment that strengthens hair before a chemical service.
- Prior to your service, mist hair with water (do not saturate).
- Section dry hair into 4 quadrants. Apply 4-9 sprays of K18 PRO mist per quadrant based on length and density. Let sit for 4 minutes. Do not rinse out.
- Dry hair if needed, then perform desired chemical service. Shampoo, do not condition. Towel dry thoroughly.
Step 2. leave-in molecular repair hair mask
A post-service treatment that repairs damage caused during any salon service. Clinically proven to repair & reverse damage in 4 minutes.
- Apply to hair all over, 1 pump at a time. Maximum recommended usage is 3 pumps.
- Let sit for 4 minutes before styling. Do not rinse.
*Results observed in a clinical study when using mist and mask as part of a bleaching treatment. Results may vary depending on hair type, quality and history.
K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ | at the backwash
The ultimate backwash experience. Deeply cleanse and shield hair from daily damage while smoothing frizz and flyaways. All products are available in take-home sizes, perfect for retailing-on to your clients to maintain healthy hair at home.
Step 1. PEPTIDE PREP™ detox shampoo
A colour-safe clarifying shampoo with skincare-inspired ingredients + microdosed with K18PEPTIDE™ to nourish hair while removing build-up for a clean, healthy hair canvas.
Step 2. DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo
A colour-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with patented K18PEPTIDE™ for frequent use. The optimized pH preserves the scalp microbiome and reduces cuticle swelling to prevent damage during washing.
Step 3. DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner
A smoothing conditioner that detangles and provides conditioning protection against UV damage, mechanical styling + environmental aggressors for up to 3 days.*
Step 4. molecular repair hair oil
An award-winning weightless oil that strengthens, repairs damage and reduces frizz at two levels of the hair fibre while providing up to 232°C heat protection.
*Results observed in a scientific study with a simulated 3 day exposure to UV and pollution.
Exclusive to Pros, the PEPTIDE PREP™ pro chelating hair complex removes metal + mineral build-up to ensure optimal product efficiency and results.
✔ A no-mix, spray-on demineralizing treatment that's clinically proven to reduce 7 types of metal and mineral build-up*
✔ Resets hair for optimal chemical service + colour results in 4 minutes. Helps to ensure even colour + lift, and prevent unexpected chemical reactions.
✔ Revives colour vibrancy. Removes discolouration from mineral + metal reactions and reveals true hue before and between chemical services.
✔ Restores natural texture + bounce. Draws out hard-to-budge mineral deposits that cause build-up and weigh hair down.
*Results observed in a scientific test on hair exposed to contaminated hard water after a 4 minute application of K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ pro chelating hair complex.
Build your K18 PRO Service
All hair types. All hair is the same at a molecular level which is where K18 works, so it will repair and renew all hair types, even 3-4C curly and coily hair.
Yes. K18 products are colour safe, including the Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask and shampoos, (even the PEPTIDE PREP™ Detox Shampoo!)
The K18 Molecular Repair Hair Treatment Mask is a peptide-powered leave-in treatment that repairs hair damage in just 4 minutes. Unlike traditional bond builders, it repairs the innermost structure of the hair to deliver lasting strength, smoothness and bounce, with results that remain in the hair, even after repeated shampoos.
Shampoo hair and rinse, do not use conditioner. Gently towel dry hair until damp. Start with 1 pump and spread it between your hands. Evenly distribute from ends to roots. Add more as needed but don't exceed 3 pumps. Wait 4 minutes. Do not rinse. After 4 minutes, apply styling products if desired and dry/style as usual.
Note: the 15ml Mask dispenses smaller pumps, so 3 pumps is equivalent to a 1ml pump from the 50ml size.
Conditioner leaves a film that blocks the K18Peptide™ from penetrating the outer layer of the hair, so it won't be able to reach and repair the hair from within, thus preventing the treatment from working. When applying the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask, a conditioner or leave-in can be applied once the 4 minute wait time is up.
1. Shampoo, do not condition. Towel dry thoroughly.
2. Begin with 1 pump of K18 Mask and add more as needed depending on the length, thickness, and condition. Work evenly into hair, one pump at a time, from ends to roots.
3. Let sit for 4 minutes to activate.
4. Do NOT rinse out. Style as usual.
For best results, shampoo hair with K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ Detox Shampoo first to prep hair for maximum absorbancy and the best results from the K18 Mask.
Begin using the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask for 4-6 consecutive washes. Then use every 3-4 washes to protect and repair daily damage. In the case of extreme damage, start the cycle again and use for 4-6 consecutive washes. The K18 Mask is a progressive treatment, so you will see better results with continued use.
Most users see results after 2-3 uses of K18. The results may vary depending on the level of damage and hair type. The K18 Mask is a progressive treatment, so you will see better results with continued use.
Damage is ongoing, so use of K18 should be too. Chemical services, thermal styling and mechanical styling all contribute to hair damage. For best results, use the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask after 4-6 consecutive washes, then every 3-4 washes, or as needed, to maintain the results. K18 is a progressive treatment, so your hair gets healthier with continued use.
It's safe to use the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask after every shampoo. The formula is very concentrated, a little goes a long way. It should be used consecutively for 4-6 washes, then every 3-4 washes to maintain the hair's integrity as hair is continuously exposed to damage.