Backed by science and loved by pros - the viral K18 hair mask has finally landed at Prep, and we're happy to report that it's definitely worth the hype! This celebrated leave-in molecular repair hair mask targets damage on a deep level, traveling to the innermost layers of the hair shaft to renew it's core strength and elasticity. Read on for more details about how to use this mask and why we love it.
How to use it:
It may feel unnatural to shampoo your hair and then skip the conditioner, but that is what's required for the K18 mask the really do it's thing. Coating the hair in conditioner blocks the peptide from being able to penetrate fully. With that in mind follow these steps to achieve healthy hair:
Shampoo, rinse, skip conditioner, and then towel dry thoroughly. K18 is an after-shower treatment that you apply to damp hair.
Apply K18 to your hair. Begin with 1 pump and add more as needed depending on the length, thickness, and condition of your hair. Only add more as needed - this is a highly concentrated formula. Work evenly into hair, one pump at a time, from ends to roots. See the dosage chart to make sure you're using the right amount.
Let the mask sit for 4 minutes to activate. Brush your teeth, meditate, have a coffee - whatever floats your boat.
Do NOT rinse out. This is a leave-in mask so no need to hop back in the shower. You are now free to style as usual. You can apply any product you want after K18 has had 4 minutes to work its magic, even a leave-in conditioner! Air dry if you air dry, heat style if you heat style, either way your hair is going to be happy.
For best results, use for the first 4-6 consecutive washes following a service, and then every 3-4 washes as needed to maintain hair strength.
How it works:
The building blocks that maintain hair's integrity and elasticity are called polypeptide chains, also know as keratin. Chemical services, thermal and mechanical styling, and over-washing are among the long list of culprits that are weakening and breaking our hair every day. The result - visibly damaged hair, split ends, frizz, and dullness to name a few!
After 10 years of research and lab testing the K18 team managed to locate and isolate a single sequence that can help significantly repair hair and mitigate all that damage for restored, healthy, and altogether lush hair. K18's patented peptide effectively fills in the broken polypeptide chain, reconnecting and bonding it. The patented peptide is essentially replicating the polypeptide chains, and hair accepts this artificial repair as natural.
Why we love it:
Here at Prep we love a mask - Olaplex, Gloss Me, and pretty much any treatment from Kevin Murphy or Amika are the favourites of our stylists. Hydrating, moisturizing, strengthening, and of course repairing, are among the benefits we're all looking for in a mask. K18 offers all of them with a heavy focus on repair. Here's some other key benefits:
- This mask is a leave-in, so no hopping in and out of the shower. Traditional hair masks require 10-30 miuntes on your head before you have to rinse them out. K18 is applied post shower with a 4 minute activation period, and no rinse out required!
- The formula is highly concentrated which means that you only need to use the smallest amount to get the maximum effect.
- K18 is super lightweight, which is really important in a leave-in of any kind. Especially beneficial for those with fine, thinning or damaged hair.
Want to give K18 a try? Click below to shop sample sizes and more of the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask!