K18 DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner 53 ml, rinse-off

Product description

K18 DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner is the rinse-off conditioner of the K18 wash routine, here in the 53 ml size. It goes on mid-lengths to ends after the shampoo and is rinsed out. The brand describes it as pH-optimised, softening and detangling, and made without film-forming silicones or wax. It also comes in 250 ml and 930 ml.

Protective Conditioner at a glance

What it is: the rinse-off conditioner of the K18 wash routine
Use after: the DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Shampoo
Apply: mid-lengths to ends, then rinse
Silicones: no film-forming silicones or wax, as the brand describes it
pH-optimised: yes, in the brand's description
Format: 53 ml

What the ingredient list shows

Water opens the list, followed by Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol and Isopentyldiol. Behentrimonium Chloride is sixth and sh-Oligopeptide-78 ninth; two plant oils, sweet almond and jojoba, sit at 11 and 12. Fragrance (Parfum) and one named allergen close the list. What the stylist controls is placement: foam it between the hands, keep it to the lengths and ends, rinse it all out.

Key ingredients

From the ingredient list

Behentrimonium Chloride: entry 6
sh-Oligopeptide-78: entry 9, the peptide of the formula
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil: entry 11, nut-derived
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil: entry 12
Ceramide NP: entry 17
Polyquaternium-16: entry 19

What to expect

The brand describes softer, detangled lengths from a pH-optimised formula that keeps the hair in good condition. According to K18, it also helps prevent protein loss during the wash and protects the hair for up to 3 days against UV rays and daily styling. The few seconds of foaming between the hands matter most: they spread a small amount evenly from mid-lengths to ends before the rinse.

Who it is for

Salons closing the K18 wash routine with a rinse-off step.
Home users after the pH Protective Shampoo, which the directions pair it with.
Anyone who avoids film-forming silicones and wax: the brand describes this formula as made without either.

Who it is not for

Anyone allergic to nuts: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil is on the list.
Anyone sensitive to Hydroxycitronellal, the fragrance allergen on the list.
Anyone looking for a leave-in: this conditioner is rinsed out.

How to use

Steps 5 to 7 are the conditioner's own; steps 1 to 4 are the shampoo that comes before it. Below is the published routine, translated from Dutch, in full.

Method A: the published routine

First wet the hair.
Then apply the Maintenance Shampoo and massage it into the scalp and roots.
Leave it on for a while and then rinse it out thoroughly.
Repeat until the hair is completely free of product residue.
Then put the desired amount of Protective Conditioner on your fingertips and rub your hands together for a few seconds so that the conditioner foams a little.
Apply it from the middle to the ends of the hair.
Rinse it out thoroughly and enjoy smooth, improved hair.

Optional step: the mask between steps 4 and 5

Extra tip: between step 4 and 5 you can use the Molecular Hair Mask for extra hydration! These steps go as follows:

Do not use the conditioner yet and towel-dry the hair.
Apply 1-3 pumps of the K18 molecular hair mask.
Wait 4 minutes. Do not rinse yet.
Then carry on with the step-by-step plan

Where it fits in the K18 range

The directions pair the conditioner with the shampoo now sold as the K18 DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Shampoo; they still use its earlier name, Maintenance Shampoo. Between shampoo and conditioner they allow the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask as an optional step. The range's other shampoo is the K18 Peptide Prep™ Detox Shampoo.

Complete and maintain the system

K18 DAMAGE SHIELD pH Protective Shampoo 250 ml: before, the shampoo the directions pair it with
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask 150 ml: optional, between shampoo and conditioner, per the same directions

Frequently asked questions

Does the K18 conditioner contain silicones?

The brand describes it as made without film-forming silicones or wax.

How do I apply it?

Put the amount you need on your fingertips and rub your hands together for a few seconds so it foams a little. Apply from the middle of the lengths to the ends, then rinse thoroughly.

Can I use it with the K18 leave-in mask?

Yes. The directions allow the mask between shampoo and conditioner: towel-dry the hair, apply the mask, wait 4 minutes, then go on with the conditioner and rinse.

Does it contain nut oil?

Yes. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil is entry 11 on its list.

Which fragrance allergen does it contain?

Hydroxycitronellal is the one fragrance allergen named on its list.

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Precautions for use

Care
Applies to: shampoo, conditioner, masks, treatments, leave-in, oils, serums, non-aerosol heat protectants and scalp care.

For external use only, on hair and scalp, as directed.
Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse immediately with water if contact occurs.
Do not use on an irritated or damaged scalp, or in case of a known allergy to one of the ingredients.
Stop and rinse out if redness, itching or irritation occurs.
Salon sizes marked for professional use are applied by a hairdresser only.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not swallow.
Store closed, cool and dry, away from sunlight. After opening, use within the period shown on the pack.

Always read the label and the instructions of the product itself.