Our Take
K18's bestselling hero product and the one that made the brand famous. Applied to towel-dried hair after shampooing (skip the conditioner beforehand — it blocks the peptide), left for four minutes, then styled as normal without rinsing. The K18PEPTIDE™ reconnects broken keratin chains and disulfide bonds at the molecular level, reversing damage from bleach, colour, chemical services, and heat. Contains small amounts of drying alcohols — necessary to open the cuticle and allow the peptide to penetrate — which makes it technically CGM-modified, though it is silicone and sulphate-free. Most curly users with damaged or colour-treated hair report significantly improved elasticity, reduced breakage, and better curl definition after two to three uses. Available in a 15ml mini and 50ml full size.
Who is this for?
Our assessment — not the brand's claim
Curl Pattern
Porosity
Free From
Ingredients at a Glance
Water
Universal solvent and primary base of most hair products.
Propylene Glycol
Humectant and solvent that helps deliver ingredients into hair.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Fatty alcohol emollient and emulsifier. CGM-approved, not a drying alcohol.
K18PEPTIDE
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Protein that strengthens and moisturises hair.
Free From
Want to know more about an ingredient? Browse the ingredient glossary →
How to Use
After shampooing, towel-dry hair thoroughly — do not condition first, as conditioner blocks the peptide. Apply 1–3 pumps starting at the ends and working towards the roots. Leave for 4 minutes without rinsing. Style as normal. Use weekly or as needed — the more damaged the hair, the more dramatic the results after 2–3 uses.
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Where to Buy
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K18 Hair UK
Details
- Price tier
- premium
- Routine step
- Treat
Reviews
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