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The K18 Haircare Routine: Which Products to Use and When

Not sure which K18 products you need or what order to use them in? The K18 routine is actually much simpler than it might seem.

The range is designed around three simple steps: cleanse, repair and style. You don't need to use every product every time you wash your hair. The most important thing is knowing when to use the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask and when to use your K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner.

Here's your simple K18 routine.

Step 1: Shampoo

Start with clean, damp hair.

For regular washing, use K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo to gently cleanse away dirt, oil and everyday buildup.

If your hair is feeling heavy, sticky or has a lot of product buildup, use K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo instead for a deeper cleanse.

Once you've shampooed, gently towel dry your hair.

Step 2: Choose Your Treatment

This is where your routine changes depending on whether you're using the K18 mask.

Using the K18 Mask? Skip conditioner.
Apply K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask to clean, damp hair. Start with 1 to 3 pumps and work through the hair, focusing on the areas that need it most. Wait 4 minutes, then you're ready to style. Don't rinse the mask out or apply conditioner.

Not using the K18 Mask?
Use K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner. Simply shampoo, then follow with your K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner before styling.

The easiest way to remember it is:
K18 Mask = Skip Conditioner.
No K18 Mask = Use K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner.

For best results, use the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask for 4 to 6 washes following a salon service, such as colouring, bleaching or other chemical treatments. After those initial 4 to 6 washes, continue using the mask as needed to maintain your hair's condition and help manage ongoing damage.

Step 3: Style + Control Frizz

Once you've finished your treatment, you're ready to style.

The K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil can be used on damp hair before heat styling, on dry hair for extra shine and frizz control, or both.

Start with just 1 to 3 drops and add more if needed.

If you regularly use heated styling tools, the oil also provides heat protection, making it an easy addition to your styling routine.

Your K18 Routine at a Glance

Every wash:
Start with your K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo. Use K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo instead when your hair needs a deeper cleanse.

K18 mask wash:
Shampoo, towel dry, apply the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, then wait 4 minutes before styling. Skip conditioner.

Non mask wash:
Shampoo, then use K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner before styling.

For styling:
Apply K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil to damp hair before heat styling, or to dry hair for added shine and frizz control.

Not sure which K18 products are right for your hair? Our experienced salon professionals can help you find the right routine for your hair type, condition and styling needs. You can also take advantage of our free online hair consultation, where we'll create a personalised haircare plan with recommended products and expert care advice tailored to your hair type, concerns and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About the K18 Haircare Routine

What order should I use K18 products?

Start with shampoo, then choose either the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask or K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner. Finish with styling products such as K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil. When using the K18 mask, always apply it after shampooing and towel drying, then wait 4 minutes before styling.

Can I use K18 mask and conditioner together?

No. K18 recommends skipping conditioner when using the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. Shampoo your hair, towel dry it, apply the mask and wait 4 minutes before styling. On washes when you are not using the mask, you can use K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner after shampooing.

How often should I use the K18 hair mask?

After a colouring, bleaching or other chemical service, use the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask for 4 to 6 consecutive washes. After this initial period, you can continue using the mask as needed to help maintain your hair's condition and manage ongoing damage.

Do you shampoo before using K18?

Yes. The K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask should be applied to clean, damp hair after shampooing. Towel dry your hair first, then apply 1 to 3 pumps of the mask through the areas that need it most.

How long do you leave K18 mask in your hair?

Leave the K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask in your hair for 4 minutes before styling. The mask is a leave in treatment, so you should not rinse it out after the 4 minute waiting period.

Can I use K18 every time I wash my hair?

You can use K18 as part of your regular haircare routine, but you do not need to use the mask every time you wash your hair. After the recommended 4 to 6 consecutive washes following a chemical service, use the mask as needed to maintain your hair's condition. On other washes, use your K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner instead.

Can I use K18 hair oil with the K18 mask?

Yes. K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil can be used after the K18 mask has had 4 minutes to work. Apply 1 to 3 drops to damp hair before heat styling, or use it on dry hair for added shine and frizz control.

Which K18 products do I need for damaged hair?

The products you need depend on your hair's condition and your routine. A simple K18 routine can include K18 Damage Shield pH Protective Shampoo for cleansing, K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Hair Mask for repair, K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner on non mask washes, and K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil for styling, shine and frizz control.

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