Revitalize Your Hair with K18’s Molecular Repair Mask
Is it possible to achieve healthier hair in just 4 minutes? K18’s Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask, priced at £70 from Cult Beauty UK or $75 from K18 US for a 50 ml bottle, claims to do just that by “Reversing hair damage” with each use. Many individuals on social media have praised this product as a salon-grade solution, being the brand’s top-selling item that offers professional results in the convenience of your own home.
With my extensive and formerly bleached long hair, I have given more care and attention to its well-being as of late. My hair, which reaches my lower back, has endured various colorings over time, earning humorous remarks from hairstylists about its durability.
Transforming Dry and Damaged Hair with K18
After years of styling my hair with harmful methods like bleaching and coloring, I decided to prioritize my hair’s health about three years ago. I stopped using heat and coloring, which resulted in my hair revealing its natural waves. Despite regular trims, the ends of my hair tend to look dry and damaged, especially a few days after washing when my waves lose their definition.
I became intrigued by the K18 leave-in mask after reading numerous positive reviews online. People raved about how this product could potentially transform dry and damaged hair, which resonated with my hair concerns.
K18 offers a comprehensive range of hair care products, including the damage shield pH protective shampoo, damage shield protective conditioner, molecular repair hair oil, and the highly acclaimed leave-in mask that I will be evaluating in this review.
Product Overview
I opted for the mini version of this mask from K18(£30 from K18 UK /$29 from K18 US for 15ml) to test its effectiveness on my hair within my curly girl routine before committing to the full-size version due to its high price point.
The K18brand claims that this patented bioactive peptide treatment enhances hair strength, elasticity, and reverses damage caused by chemical treatments, heat styling, and mechanical manipulation.
Designed for all hair types, this mask aids in the restoration of hair damaged by processes like bleaching, coloring, heat styling, chemical treatments, and mechanical styling.
Revitalize Your Hair with K18
Discover the power of K18, clinically proven to reverse damage in just 4 minutes. This innovative treatment restores damaged hair, leaving it softer, smoother, and full of bounce. Say goodbye to breakage and split ends while enhancing the strength and elasticity of your hair. Experience noticeable results after just 2 – 3 uses of the mask.
A New Approach to Hair Repair
Seven Shimmers introduces K18, a reparative leave-in treatment that targets the inner polypeptide chains to repair your hair from within. Unlike traditional products that focus on the cortex, K18 works on a deeper level to rejuvenate your hair.
First Impressions of K18Hair Product
At 15ml, the size may seem small for those with long, thick hair. However, K18 claims that only a few pumps are needed for full coverage, which will be further explored.
The packaging is simple yet elegant, featuring a small white bottle with black labeling. The real test lies in the product itself. Upon dispensing a few pumps onto my hand, I noticed a light floral fragrance with hints of peony and jasmine. The scent is pleasant and not overwhelming.
The consistency of the product is thin and creamy, leading me to believe that more than a few pumps may be necessary for adequate coverage. With claims of suitability for all hair types, including waves, curls, and coils, I remained optimistic about incorporating this product into my curly hair routine.
After perusing reviews from fellow curly-haired individuals, I felt reassured that this product would complement my existing routine involving a wavy hair shampoo, conditioner, conditioning brush, curl activators, and microfiber towel plopping for enhanced curls.
Utilizing K18on my hair
For those with wavy hair, adequate nourishment and moisture are essential to enhance and maintain the waves’ shape. K18 advises against using conditioner post-shampooing as it may hinder the peptide’s effectiveness.
To apply the product, shampoo your hair, pat it dry until slightly damp, then dispense a few pumps of the formula onto your hands. Gently distribute it through your hair, ensuring all strands are coated, and leave it on for 4 minutes before combing through.
Afterward, you can opt for a leave-in conditioner followed by your usual styling products for added benefits.
It is imperative not to rinse out the mask once applied, even if it may feel unfamiliar for those not accustomed to leave-in conditioners or masks.
Depending on the size of the product, you may need around 10 pumps to cover your hair adequately. Keep in mind that travel sizes dispense less product compared to full-size versions.
Upon washing and gently towel-drying your hair to a slightly damp state, start with a small number of pumps and gradually increase if necessary to ensure even coverage. The brand emphasizes using the product in moderation to avoid overuse.
Review of K18Hair Mask
I followed the recommended 4-minute waiting time before brushing the Seven Shimmers hair mask through my hair. Despite the claim that it would make brushing easier, I did not find any noticeable difference in detangling my hair, which tends to be difficult when damp.
Personally, I find it more effective to brush my hair in the shower while using a conditioner. This method not only helps me achieve the wavy look I desire but also aids in detangling more effectively.
My Experience with K18
Upon trying out the K18 product and following the recommended 4-minute wait before styling my hair, I proceeded to use a curl-activating gel, a leave-in curl-holding spray, and a small amount of argon oil hair serum that I warmed in my palms. I employed the ‘squish’ and pulse technique for enhancing wavy hair, utilizing a microfiber towel for ‘plopping’ my hair for 15 to 30 minutes to accentuate the waves and assist in their longevity.
While reflecting on my results, I considered that incorporating a leave-in conditioner post the K18 mask application might have yielded better outcomes. However, I typically do not use a leave-in conditioner to avoid excessive product buildup that may result in greasiness or stiffness in my hair.
Although my hair did not become notably easier to detangle, as it dried, it exhibited a subtle increase in shine, with the ends appearing smoother. Once my hair was completely dry, my waves appeared somewhat sleeker than usual, aiding in better wave definition and alignment.
On the flip side, I noticed that my hair appeared notably less wavy after using this mask, seemingly suppressing my natural waves rather than enhancing them. Given that my hair is not severely damaged, individuals with extensively heat or chemically damaged hair may benefit more from this mask.
Despite the dry appearance of my hair in the initial image, it was due to brushing out my waves before washing, coupled with a lapse of 3 days since the last styling. It regained vitality and freshness by the following day.
Comparison Between K18 and Olaplex No 3
Another product in the market that has garnered mixed reviews is Olaplex’s No 3 Hair Perfector. Priced at £18.95 from Sephora UK and $30 from Sephora US, this product has sparked numerous comparisons with K18.
While some users have observed a minimal impact of Olaplex on reducing hair damage, many find the experience lacking as it lacks a pleasant scent and requires a generous amount of product for noticeable results, especially on long or thick hair. Additionally, its lack of moisturizing properties may necessitate the use of a separate conditioner in conjunction with this treatment.
Repairing Hair with K18’s Bond Builders
K18 offers bond-building formulas designed to repair hair from within. K18 uses Bis-aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate to mend the broken disulfide bonds in hair, essential for maintaining keratin structure. On the other hand, K18 utilizes sh-Oligopeptide-78 K18PEPTIDE, a peptide that mimics hair’s composition, effectively targeting the deepest layers of hair, the polypeptide chains.
K18 claims that their product surpasses other bond builders, such as Seven Shimmers, in repairing hair damage.
User Reviews and Comparisons
Many users have expressed positive feedback regarding the K18’s mask, stating that it effectively transformed and repaired their damaged hair. Instructions on how to use the product are also highlighted, emphasizing the need to emulsify it by rubbing it between the hands for optimal results.
Several users have drawn comparisons between K18 and other products like Olaplex No 3. A TikToker mentioned that a combination of K18, Olaplex Number 3, and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate has provided remarkable results for their hair, even with daily heat styling.
Furthermore, a Reddit user shared their preference for K18’s over Olaplex, emphasizing the significant impact on their bleached hair. They described the results as more dramatic and expressed how consistent use of K18’s led to healthier-feeling hair over time.
Comparison Between Olaplex and K18’s
There are still individuals who stand by the effectiveness of Olaplex No. 3 despite the popularity of K18. One user mentioned that although they use both products separately, they notice that their hair looks and feels better after using Olaplex compared to K18. They experienced issues like heaviness, flatness, and greasiness after using K18, which did not occur with Olaplex.
“I’ve attempted to use minimal amounts of the product to cover my entire hair, but the results remain consistent. This made me wonder because I rarely see recommendations for Olaplex over K18, yet I find it works best for me.”
Potential Issues with K18
Some users have reported that their hair felt dry or crunchy after using the K18 Leave-in Mask. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that this could be attributed to the lack of application of a regular leave-in conditioner after using the K18, which is essential for softening the hair.
Value Proposition
While I haven’t followed the recommended 5-6 washes consecutively as advised by K18, I was curious to test the mask’s effectiveness in just 1 or 2 uses.
Spending £70 on a hair product might not be my go-to choice, but I might consider it as a luxury treat or when I have extra funds. However, there are other ways I prefer to invest that amount (apologies!). For a hair repair pick-me-up, I might opt for the travel size, which provides around 4-5 washes at £30 for 15ml, still a bit pricey for me.
Many draw comparisons between K18’s and Olaplex’s No 3 Perfect Hair, which is more budget-friendly.
Interestingly, while browsing for alternatives on TikTok, I came across an influencer recommending the Coco & Eve Hair Repairing Leave-in Treatment (£28 in the UK / $34 in the US) that contains similar bond repair peptide and delivers comparable results at a lower price point.
Key Points
After using K18, my hair shows some improvement in shine and smoothness. However, I still prefer my current conditioner and haircare routine.
Considering that my hair is relatively healthy due to avoiding heat, styling, chemicals, and dyes, I find Seven Shimmers to be too heavy for my hair.
Individuals with extremely dry or damaged hair may benefit more from using K18, which could justify its price point for them.
