Dear fans of the hair-care brand K18, our prayers have been answered. The brand finally has a conditioner to use when you aren’t using the cult-favorite hair mask, and all I can say is “hallelujah.” For the unfamiliar, K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is not only editor-loved (it’s me, I’m the editor – or at least one of them), but it’s gone viral on TikTok more times than I can count.
The mask is supposed to be used in place of conditioner once a week, and on the off days, I would opt for a conditioner from a different brand – until now. For the last month I’ve been testing out the brand’s newest product, the K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner ($36), and trust me when I say it’s a total winner.
Keep reading for my full review of the K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner and find out why it’s landed a permanent spot in my hair-care routine.
About the K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner
- This product is a conditioner that softens and protects hair.
- It’s formulated for all hair types and textures.
- The key ingredients include a K18 peptide to replenish protein, a ceramide blend to smooth and protect hair, and biotech-produced polysaccharide to protect hair from environmental aggressors.
- It’s pH-optimized.
- It has a citrus scent.
- It comes in one size, 8.5 ounces.
- It’s gluten-free and cruelty-free.
What I Like About the K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner
I’m picky when it comes to hair-care products. I have dry, fine hair, and although I’m always looking for products to condition it, I have to make sure the formulas won’t weigh my hair down. I love blowing out my hair into a voluminous ’90s style almost every time I wash it, but I’ve found if I use the wrong shampoo or conditioner, the entire look can become a mess.
This conditioner is lightweight and it leaves my hair feeling silky-smooth without adding extra weight. It also smells fantastic, and the scent lingers slightly on my hair even after it’s dry, which I love. It doesn’t leave behind a gross residue or make my hair feel greasy after use. Also, a little goes a long way. My hair is long, but I only need a quarter-sized amount to disperse it evenly throughout my hair.
How to Use the K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner
First and foremost, K18 says you should use this conditioner only when you aren’t using your Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. The brand recommends starting with its Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo in the shower. Once you’ve rinsed, squeeze the excess water out of your hair, apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner from mid-lengths to ends, and rinse.
I only wash my hair twice a week, so I use this conditioner once and then swap it out for the hair mask. I’ve tested the shampoo before, and although I do like it, I’ve found I get better results when I pair the conditioner with a hydrating shampoo from another brand. I have an oily scalp but dry ends, so I focus this product on the mid-lengths to ends of my hair only.
What to Consider Before Trying the K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner
If you have an oily scalp like I do, I would suggest only applying this product to the mid-lengths to ends of your hair as the brand suggests. I’ve used it on my scalp a few times and found it to be a bit too heavy for that area since it’s already prone to oil.
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