Welcome back to our “TikTok made me buy it” article series, where we try to figure out whether the beauty products that became viral on the platform are truly worth the hype.
Our second victim is the K18 molecular repair hair mask that has been causing quite a stir among haircare aficionados for quite some time now. We’ll be looking deeper into its formula, the effects it promises to deliver, and will try to figure out if it is really worth the money.
@lindseymariecolor_ Did you know this? After bleaching my hair twice last week, @K18 Hair is bringing my hair back to life 🙌🏼 theres a lynk to order on my page ❤️ #hairproducts #k18 #hairtok #hairstylist ♬ original sound - Lindseymariecolor
First of all, let’s try to figure out the difference between a hair mask and a molecular repair hair mask.
Sephora
One of the world’s leading beauty retailers offering skincare, makeup, fragrances, body and hair care, tools, treatments, and accessories.
KLIPshop
Leading online UK retailer, specializing in a diverse range of beauty products, including hair care, styling, skincare, makeup, and fragrances.
Revolution Beauty
Revolution Beauty, a UK-based beauty retailer, champions affordable high-quality products, believing beauty should be accessible to all.
What’s the difference between a hair mask and a molecular repair hair mask?
Let’s talk about the hair itself for a little bit, before we dig deeper into figuring out masks and molecular repair products. It’ll come in handy later on, trust us.
So, here it goes – every hair on your body has its tiny follicle (or root) with tiny blood vessels feeding it to keep it growing. Once the hair is outside your skin, the cells within the strand aren’t alive anymore. Because your strands are actually dead cells that cannot “heal,” in steps the various hair care products to lessen the environmental or treatment damage your hair might be experiencing.
While none of the products can make your hair “alive” (since they weren’t so once they came out of the surface of your skin), they can definitely help in making it look and feel better.
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Now, let’s go back to the differences between hair masks and molecular repair products:
- A hair mask is not meant to heal your strands from within. They are products that give a high dose of nourishment and hydration to your hair, making them feel and look instantly better. However, the effects are only cosmetic and usually don’t last for a very long time.
- A molecular repair hair mask works on your hair from within and is focused on repairing the broken bonds inside your hair. Most of the time, you won’t be able to instantly feel its effects on your hair, but with regular use you’ll see your hair regaining its elasticity and shine.
In summary, bond building treatments mend and strengthen the hair strands from inside, whilst hair masks provide deep conditioning and hydration to improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.
Hair masks to try out:
AlfaParf Milano Semi Di Lino Reparative Mask
An excellent nourishing and repairing mask for damaged hair.
GISOU Honey Infused Hair Mask
Works wonders in softening your hair and smells like heaven.
Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Hair Masque
A super nourishing mask for even the driest strands.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Ultra Nourishing Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
An inexpensive, yet very powerful product for dry and damaged hair.
What are the active ingredients in the K18 molecular repair mask?
Now the we know the differences between hair masks and molecular repair masks, let’s take a look at the active ingredients in the K18 molecular repair mask and see what they actually do to your hair.
Here are the K18 mask ingredients:
Water (Aqua) (Eau), Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetyl Esters, Behentrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate 20,sh-Oligopeptide-78 (K18PEPTIDE™), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Isopropyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Geraniol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Alcohol.
We see the usual alcohols used to preserve the formulation from spoiling, a bit of fragrance (which might cause allergies for some), wheat protein which is great in nourishing the hair, and one specific ingredient you might’ve never seen before – Polysorbate 20,sh-Oligopeptide-78 (K18PEPTIDE™). Let’s take a look at it:
Polysorbate 20,sh-Oligopeptide-78 or K18PEPTIDE™ is a biotech-developed peptide that mimics hair’s structure to reverse damage by reconnecting polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds broken during damage from bleach and color, chemical services, and heat. Basically, a wonder ingredient that supposedly reverses any kind of damage experienced by your hair!
How does the K18 molecular repair hair mask work?
As we’ve discussed before, the K18 mask works by penetrating the inner layers of the hair and repairing broken and damaged bonds from within. And here’s what it promises to do as stated on the official K18 page:
- Takes damage repair further – reconnects both polypeptide chains (and as a result, also reconnects disulfide bonds) for strength along the length + width of the hair – offering comprehensive, lasting damage repair;
- Restores hair from even extreme damage – by working at the innermost layer of the hair, core strength and elasticity are renewed for strong, smooth, bouncy hair;
- Delivers immediate and lasting results – hair is repaired from the first use and lasts past your next wash, for ongoing reparative benefits;
- Simplified repair – convenient, leave-in formula works in just 4 minutes, with no extra rinse required;
- Works on all hair types – because K18PEPTIDE™ works on a molecular level (where all hair is the same), this product is effective on all hair types.
Which, to us, sounds like one of those “holy grail” products! However, some reviewers stress on the point that this mask truly works the best with truly damaged hair and if your hair is simply dry, you might not benefit from the K18 mask as much. And because it is quite a costly product, our suggestion would be to weigh this factor before purchasing.
How to use the K18 molecular repair mask?
The usage of the K18 mask is pretty simple, however, you should definitely stick to the rules here to get the best results. Here’s how to use it:
Shampoo your hair. After shampooing, do not apply any kind of conditioners and towel-dry your hair.
Apply the K18 mask. The producer recommends to use 1 to 3 pumps of the products, depending on the length of your hair. What’s unusual, is that you are supposed to work it starting with your ends and working it into your roots.
Let it sit. Wait for about 4 minutes and do not rinse after.
Voila! Comb your hair, add any styling products of your choice, and dry your hair.
It’s recommended to use the K18 mask 4 to 6 times after a salon visit, and then using it as needed. Most users agree that once a week is quite enough.
Another thing with the K18 mask is less is more. A lot of reviewers who used too much of the product felt their hair turning to straw-like texture; if that happens to you, no need to worry—next time you’re using the product, use a smaller amount of it and you’ll be good to go.
@lindsaysilb If you’ve been wondering how to use K18 the *correct* way… I found the answer. #k18results #hairtok #hairhacks #k18review #k18hair @k18hair ♬ original sound - Lindsay Silberman
Is K18 actually good for your hair?
While the things the K18 mask promises to do might sound a bit on the verge of science fiction, you’ll be glad to hear that dermatologists actually confirm its effectiveness.
It turns out that the K18 Peptide (the main active ingredient) does a good job in mimicking the hair’s own keratin to boost moisture and promote thicker hair. Also, the patented peptide does indeed repair broken keratin chains in your hair.
And although some might be concerned by the alcohols in the K18’s formulation—they are known to be a drying agent—in this case the combination of them allows the peptide to penetrate deep into your hair. Which is, in fact, a very good thing!
In summary, the K18 molecular repair mask is actually good for your hair, especially if it is seriously damaged!
What do people say about K18?
Well, you’ve probably heard its praises a million times before reading this article; it’s been the talk of the town for quite some time now! However, a good social proof of a product’s effectiveness is always worth its weight in gold (or, in this case, golden strands), so we’ve found more of them on Sephora:
So, while people do comment on the product’s steep price, it seems that most of them do agree that the K18 molecular hair repair mask is an absolute game-changer in their routines.
Our verdict
After digging deeper into its formulation, effectiveness, and the results, we have to agree that the K18 mask is worthy of being called a “holy grail” hair care product. So, it’s a yes from us.
K18 molecular hair repair mask dupes and alternatives
Chances are, you’d still like to keep your options open with the bond repairing products that promise to fix your hair. That’s why, we’ve also added some alternatives for you to look at before you dive into the deep end with the K18 mask.
Olaplex Hair Perfector No3
Before there was K18, the Olaplex products paved the way for bond repairing hair care products. And although it requires a bit more of an effort in using the Olaplex products, they are still a firm fan favorite to repair damaged hair.
Revolution Haircare Plex 3 Bond Restore Treatment
With a price as good as this and with so many great reviews, this Bond Restore Treatment is definitely worth a shot. Even if you’re on a budget.
Elvital Paris Bond Repair Pre-Shampoo
Again, a product that promises to heal your broken bonds for a fraction of the price. That said, people say that it works the best when used with other Bond Repair products from Elvital.
