All About K18 Biomimetic Hairscience at Crimson 

K18’s Biomimetic Hairscience is now available at Crimson Hair Studio! K18’s slogan “where biotech meets haircare” is true to their product line that reverses damage to restore hair’s actual polypeptide bonds. Peptides are made out of amino acids which help stitch broken hair bonds back together.  K18 penetrates into hair’s deepest layers to reach the core polypeptide (or keratin) chains, and is just the right size and composition to reconnect broken chains. K18 isn’t your typical thick deep conditioner; the leave-in treatment, which won the Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022, actually shows hair health improving with use.

K18 Peptide is a patented molecular breakthrough clinically proven to reverse hair damage in 4 minutes, with no extra rinsing!

Because it works on a molecular level, the K18 product line is approved for all hair types that require healing from deep damage from overprocessing, environmental impact, and heat improving hair’s strength and elasticity, including curly and coily hair; curly hair that has been seriously over processed will even revert back to their optimum curl.  Check out this survey from “The Cut”, ‘We Tried K18’s Viral Hair Mask on 7 Different Hair Types’ – all 7 people rated the product Absolutely Need.

Benefits of K18

– Clinically proven to reverse hair damage from: Bleach, Color, Chemical Services, Heat, Environmental

– Restores strength, softness, smoothness, and bounce

– Immediate and progressive results

– Vegan, color-safe, cruelty-free

Science of K18

K18 Co-Founder and CEO of K18, Suveen Sahib spent a decade in the lab scanning all amino acid sequences across the entire keratin genome that makes up human hair.  Then, he discovered one unique sequence (a bioactive peptide) that renews damaged hair back to its pre-damaged, youthful state. 

Crimson Hair Studio Owner Jen is excited to introduce these revolutionary products to the healthy hair community:  “K18 uses Biomimetic Science which is the practice of learning from and mimicking nature, in this case, the natural structure of keratin amino acids.  The K18 peptide is recognized as natural by the hair and repairs the innermost layers, reconnecting and replicating the structure of the broken polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds within each hair.  It’s fascinating!  This  newly patented technology renews and rebuilds healthy hair structure.  Over time, your hair looks and feels as though it was never processed, especially when the whole line is used as directed!” 

FAQ for the K18 Line

Cleanse Hair and Skip Regular Conditioners When Using K18.

Conditioners coat the outside of the hair shaft to give the feel and appearance of repair of damage, but this also causes a build-up layer that makes it harder for the K18 peptide to penetrate.  Hair that is clarified, or at least cleansed, gives free path for the peptide to absorb.

Similarly, buildup from other product sit on hair, so cleansing ensures K18 reaches the polypeptide/keratin chains.

Products in the K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Line, available at Crimson Hair Studio

There are a limited number of products in the K18 line, simplifying the process.  Learn the benefits and steps to each product below.

Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo

Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Molecular Repair Hair Oil

In the Professional Line, there is also a Peptide Prep PRO Chelating Hair Complex and Pro Molecular Repair Hair Mist, which we will be featuring in our backbar promotions.

How To Use Each Product in the K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Line

Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

A color-safe, clarifying shampoo fortified with the K18 peptide that deeply cleanses the hair and scalp to gently detoxify from product & heavy metal buildup.

• pH-optimized
• Clears excess buildup
• 17 ingredients, including: patented peptide, activated charcoal to absorb toxins, and salicylic acid to clear sebum buildup
• No fillers or deposits left behind leaving the cleanest canvas for maximum K18 Molecular Repair Leave-in Treatment results
• Uniquely targets metals present in tap and hard water

How to Use

1. Swap out your regular shampoo for this power wash 1x weekly or as needed
2. Massage into hair and scalp to remove excess buildup
3. Thoroughly rinse

Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo

A color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo designed for regular use of damaged hair. The formula mimics hair’s natural pH, which reduces cuticle swelling, maintains hair health, and preserves the scalp microbiome.

• Gentle enough on hair and scalp to use every time you cleanse 
• pH optimized
• The Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo effectively cleanses while maintaining hair health, reducing frizz and tangles, preserving color and enhancing shine
• Plant-derived surfactants deliver safe, effective cleansing of dirt and oil

How to Use

1. Gentle enough to use every time you wash
2. Massage into hair, focusing on scalp
3. Thoroughly rinse

Molecular Repair Hair Mask

The K18 4-minute leave-in treatment reverses hair damage on the molecular level, with immediate and compounding results.

• This is the power peptide delivery product – your hair will be healed
• Less is more – use only 1 – 3 pumps of product
• Wait the full 4 minutes before combing, styling, adding products
• Use for 4-6 shampoos consecutively for progressive results
• DO NOT use conditioner before applying K18 Mask
• DO NOT rinse

How to Use

1. Clarify with K18 or Shampoo before use  
2. Do not condition
3. Thoroughly towel-dry
4. Begin with 1 pump and add more as needed
5. Rub product between hands until it turns white or opaque
6. Work product through your hair starting on the ends and then working up to the root
7. Apply all over, 1 pump at a time. Maximum recommended usage is 3 pumps.
8. Let sit for 4 minutes. Do not rinse out.
9. Comb, add product and style as usual after 4 minutes
10. Use after 4-6 consecutive washes, then as needed

Molecular Repair Hair Oil

The latest addition to the K18 line is a biotech-engineered, weightless oil that is clinically proven to strengthen, repair damage, improve shine up to 104%, and reduces frizz  for 24 hours.

Molecular Repair Hair Oil works on two levels of the hair fiber to fight frizz.

• The K18 peptide targets deeper frizz-causing damage, which repairs and strengthens the innermost layer of hair
• Natural oils like avocado and sunflower oil improve hair surface.  Hemisqualane and squalane nourish while smoothing frizz and flyaways, enhancing vibrancy and shine
• 78% reduction in split ends
• 450°F (232°C) heat protection

How to Use

Use on damp hair for: strengthening benefits and to reduce frizz during air-dry or protect from styling

Use on dry hair to: smooth frizz and flyaways, as a finisher to add shine

Highly concentrated formula. Start with 1-3 drops and build as needed.

Pro Tip –

Layer Molecular Repair Hair Oil with the K18 Molecular Repair Mask: Use the mask first on clean, damp hair, then wait 4 minutes. Apply the molecular repair hair oil, and wait 4 minutes for maximum strengthening results.

Repair Clients’ Hair DURING A Color Service:
Crimson Hair Studio $50 In-Salon Treatment + Take Home Hair Mask 

Starting May 2023, we will be offering an in-salon package, which includes a completely customized K18 add-on backbar treatment using the products in the exclusive professional line to optimize your service while protecting and repairing!  Then, as our gift to your hair, you will TAKE HOME a Molecular Hair Mask to use until your next service.  The $50 in-salon treatment will feature professional-grade K18, meaning we have access to, and are all specially trained in, the top of the line hair science not available for retail purchase without a license.  

This is an example of how we will be using this full hair repair process:

• Your Stylist may begin by spraying professional-grade K18 Peptide Prep Pro Chelating Hair Complex to reduce metal and mineral buildup or Pro Molecular Repair Hair Mist on your dry hair. The spray will sit for 4 minutes.
• You will then proceed through your color and treatment services as usual. 
• At the bowl, you will be shampooed using Peptide Prep pH Maintenance Shampoo to ensure your hair is balanced and not holding onto any product.
• No regular conditioner will be used!
• Before applying the toner, we will apply Pro Molecular Repair Hair Mask (no rinsing needed! let sit 4 minutes!) and tone right on top of it.
• Last, we will apply Pro Molecular Repair Mask AGAIN on towel-dried hair before blow-drying.
• THEN you get to take home a bottle of Pro Molecular Repair Mask, which will be amazing for your hair until your next services. There are both immediate and compounding results with this product’s healing powers.

K18 Promo Take Home Hair Mask Pro-Tips and Reminders

• The take home mask itself has a $29 value!
• Don’t Forget – Less is more – use only 1 – 3 pumps of Molecular Repair Mask.  And wait the full 4 minutes before combing, styling, or adding other products.

• PRO-TIP – Treat your hair to extra healing and pick up the Molecular Repair Oil to layer; all retail products are 20% off everyday!

“My clients hair is actually improved with this aftercare routine.  When a client is more likely to return with healthier hair, my job is all the more beautiful and the product sale more natural.  The benefits of this revolutionary product have been demonstrated!” says Crimson Owner Jen.  

Author: Dena Merlino