What is a cheaper alternative to K18?

Author: Maverick Labadie  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

The Verb Bonding Mask impresses with high-quality ingredients at a masstige price, while Olaplex No. 8 Mask is renowned for its subsurface level effectiveness akin to K18. For the most budget-friendly option, the BondBar Bonding Hydration Mask offers decent quality at the lowest price.

Is there anything comparable to K18?

Looking for a wallet-friendly alternative to K18 that doesn't compromise on quality? Enter B24 Hair Mask. This revolutionary leave-in treatment offers a molecular approach to hair restoration, just like K18, but without the hefty price tag.

Why does my hair feel like straw after using K18?

There might be a coating of product, sebum, oil, or metal + mineral buildup preventing our biomimetic peptide from penetrating your hair. Try using the K18 detox shampoo to clear buildup and make sure to skip conditioner before applying the K18 mask.

What is just as good as Olaplex but cheaper?

Revolution Bond Plex is one of the hottest Olaplex dupes on the market. Does it live up to the hype? Find out in this review! Revolution Bond Plex is an affordable alternative to the pricey Olaplex treatment that offers the same benefits.

What happens when you stop using K18?

Replying to @Haneen No your results don't revert back if you stop using K18 but damage doesn't stop. So if you stop repairing it you will notice your hair looking and feeling damaged again over time. That's why we recommend continued use of the mask to maintain your hairs health.

Is This Really a Dupe For K18? You Need To Watch This!

Is Olaplex or K18 better?

“Olaplex would be best for someone who has minimal chemical damage,” says Goldstein. Think: Split ends and dryness that needs a quick convenient tune up. “K18 is a stronger product, so it would be better for someone with extensive damage from bleaching or constant heat-styling,” she adds.

Will K18 cause protein overload?

Can K18 cause protein overload? No, K18 does not cause protein overload.

Why do some people not like Olaplex?

Many customers have left negative feedback, claiming that the product did not work for them and even caused hair damage and loss. Again, we want to stress that we don't use Olaplex at our salon, but we believe in presenting the facts and letting you make your own informed decisions.

How long does it take for K18 to work?

A leave-in treatment mask that works on the molecular level to reverse hair damage in just 4 minutes. The K18PEPTIDE™ is clinically proven to repair damage from bleach + color, chemical services and heat* – with immediate and lasting results to restore strength, softness, smoothness and bounce to hair.

Why no conditioner with K18?

K18 Mask is meant to be used without conditioner. Conditioner can coat hair, making it hard for our peptide to penetrate fully. Most find they don't need an additional conditioner after using K18. If you need more hydration, you can apply conditioner or a leave-in after the initial 4-minute waiting period is over.

Is it better to put K18 on wet or dry hair?

Always apply the K18 mask to damp hair When hair is damp the cuticle is swollen open allowing the K18PEPTIDE™ to penetrate. If hair is too wet you dilute the product, if hair is too dry the peptide won't penetrate properly.

How do I get the best results from K18?

The way you apply the hair treatment is vital in getting the best results. Apply product to hair in sections, use a wide tooth comb to work product through evenly (avoid tugging or pulling your hair with your hands to remove knots). Most importantly, the K18 mask is designed to leave in for four minutes before styling.

Does K18 thicken hair?

Although the formula doesn't explicitly regrow hair, you can experience improvements if there is underlying damage. The masks and mists improve the internal hair structure using molecular technology, so thinning caused by chemical and heat damage can be treated with K18.

What is the difference between K18 at home and professional?

why PRO stylists recommend using K18 at home. The K18REPAIR™ service reverses any damage experienced during your appointment, but maintaining your hair's health in your at-home routine helps these salon results last even longer and sets hair up for future expression.

Is 4 pumps of K18 too much?

Start small. The longest and thickest or most curly-coily hair will need 3 pumps of the full-sized K18 mask at most (9 pumps of the mini K18 mask), so start with that amount. You can add more only to cover any strands you missed, up to 3 pumps of the 50ml mask and 9 pumps of the 15ml mask.

Does K18 work better than Olaplex?

Is K18 Better Than Olaplex? Comparing K18 and Olaplex depends on your hair's needs. K18 is best for internal repair, while Olaplex repairs and rebuilds disulfide bonds, making it a good option for overall strength and resilience. Both products are suitable for all hair types.

Can you overdo K18?

For most people, a little bit will go a long way, and using too much can actually weigh hair down or leave it feeling greasy. So, it's important to use just the right amount.

What is as good as Olaplex but cheaper?

10 best Olaplex alternatives Stylist's beauty team loves
  • Living Proof Triple Bond Complex. ...
  • Redken Extreme Mask Strength Builder. ...
  • Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment. ...
  • Redken Acidic Perfecting Concentrate and Kèrastase Fusio Dose.

Why is my hair falling out after using Olaplex?

So, Can Olaplex Cause Hair Loss? There is no evidence that any Olaplex products cause hair loss, despite the claims. Olaplex has science and studies on their side, and many people have experienced positive results with their products, whether that's their shampoo and conditioner or their oils.

What is the best shampoo for thinning hair?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

Is there formaldehyde in K18?

Yes, it's free from Parabens, Sulfates, Silicones, Phthalates, Sodium Chloride, Artificial Colors, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Donors. is k18 vegan & cruelty-free? Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Color-Safe, and Dermatologically Tested.

When should I stop using K18?

We recommend using this for the first 4-6 washes after noticing hair damage (breakage, split ends, dryness, dullness) or after color and chemical services in the salon. After that, switch to the daily protection routine to maintain hair health in between K18 mask days, and use the detox shampoo + K18 mask weekly.

Does K18 actually reverse damage?

"K18PEPTIDE™ is in all our products and is an incredible peptide that can reverse damage at a molecular level in the polypeptide chain, renewing strength and elasticity on all hair types," explains Jordan Alexander, Senior Director of Global Education at K18.

Previous article
Does clay make hair thicker?
Next article
Can you do a cold plunge after a sauna?