Image of conditioner: protects hair from damage for up to 3 days*, weightlessly detangles hair, maintains hair health for all hair types, fortifies, softens + smooths, enhancers hairs natural shine, vegan, cruelty-free + plastic net zero

Image of conditioner: protects hair from 3 types of damage for up to 3 days*, environmental aggressors, UV rays, mechanical styling

Grey curly hair before and after results using k18.

dark coily hair before + after styling with k18 hair products.

Red curly hair before and after results using k18.

Bleach blonde hair before and after results using k18.

Image of hair strand graphic: why hair needs a shield, damage happens every day from: uv rays, mechanical styling, environmental aggressors, damage happens at every level

Image of hair strand graphic: damage protection from the inside out, outside: ceramic blend + biotech-produced polysaccharide. Inside: K18PEPTIDETM

Image of K18 routine: K18 healthy hair routines, when you need to repair damage (detox shampoo + leave-in mask, when you need to protect against daily damage (pH shampoo + conditioner)

Image of models: shield you healthiest hair against daily damage

Image of model: weightlessly soften, smooth + detangle hair without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz

Mini versus full size product comparison

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

421 Reviews

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner

Name: DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
Brand: K18Hair
SKU: K18-40055
Price: 39.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (421 reviews)

Color-safe protective conditioner maintains hair health + strength

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz $39.00

Description

A nourishing, protective conditioner that helps shield hair from daily damage to help maintain hair health and improve smoothness and shine. Engineered to weightlessly soften and detangle while the K18PEPTIDE™ helps replenish hair during washing.

protects from damage for up to 3 days from:

UV rays
mechanical styling
environmental aggressors

how to use

Apply a small amount of DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and build as needed.
Rinse thoroughly.
For best results, use after shampooing with DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo.

more to know

Clinically proven to provide conditioning protection against damage from UV rays, mechanical styling, and environmental aggressors for up to 3 days*. Fortifies, softens, and detangles hair.

Defends against damage: Conditioning protection against damage from UV rays, environmental aggressors, and daily mechanical styling for up to 3 days.
Maintains hair health: Fortifies hair’s exterior lipid barriers to make hair more resilient and resistant to damage. K18PEPTIDE™ replenishes protein lost during washing.
Enhances hair’s natural shine: pH-optimized formula minimizes excess cuticle swelling during washing to help keep hair smooth and maximize shine.
Softens, smooths, and detangles: Without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time and weigh hair down.

*Disclaimers

key benefits

Biotech-Produced Polysaccharide acts as a biomimetic shield to protect hair against pollution and environmental aggressors.
Fortifying Ceramide Blend seals damage sites in the hair cuticle—smoothing and protecting hair from further damage.
K18PEPTIDE™ replenishes protein lost during washing.

ingredients

Water (Aqua) (Eau), Isopropyl Palmitate, Stearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Isopentyldiol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, sh-Oligopeptide-78, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Phospholipids, Jojoba Esters, Calcium Gluconate, Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Ceramide NP, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyquaternium-16, Stearalkonium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Gluconolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydroxycitronellal.

pairs well with

DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

420 Reviews

Color-safe protective shampoo maintains hair health + strength

K18 molecular repair hair oil

4.8

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars

835 Reviews

Weightless oil that strengthens, repairs damage + reduces frizz

Description

your protective conditioner questions, answered

Can I use the conditioner instead of the mask?

The mask and conditioner serve two different purposes. The K18 mask reverses damage in 4 minutes, while the K18 conditioner protects hair from daily damage for up to 3 days*. We recommend using the K18 mask first, waiting 4 minutes, then using conditioner for additional softening and detangling benefits between K18 mask days. *Disclaimers

Will the K18 conditioner cause buildup on hair?

No, the K18 conditioner will not cause buildup on hair. The highly concentrated, lightweight gel formula means a little goes a long way. Use less than you typically would with a traditional conditioner, and build as needed.

Will the K18 conditioner weigh hair down?

No, the K18 conditioner will not weigh hair down. This highly concentrated, lightweight gel formula softens, smooths, and detangles without film-forming silicones or waxes that can build up over time.

Does the K18 conditioner need to be reapplied for continued UV protection?

No, you do not need to reapply the K18 conditioner for continued UV protection. This product is clinically proven to protect hair against damage from UV rays for up to 3 days*. *Disclaimers

Does the K18 conditioner have SPF?

No, the K18 conditioner does not have SPF. The biotech-produced polysaccharide and fortifying ceramide blend help minimize the drying and damaging effects of UV rays on the hair's cuticle. This prevents hair from becoming rough, brittle, weak, and prone to breakage from UV damage for up to 3 days*. *Disclaimers

clinically proven protection

days of conditioning protection against damage from UV rays, mechanical styling + environmental aggressors*

agreed hair didn’t feel weighed down*

agreed hair felt softer*

Acts as a biomimetic shield to protect hair BEFORE daily damage occurs—preventing damage, dullness + frizz.

EXPLORE THE SCIENCE

how to use

1. Apply a small amount of DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner from mid-lengths to ends and build as needed.
2. Thoroughly rinse.

For best results, use after shampooing with DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo.

learn more on our blog

Trichologist Angela Onuoha explains what causes daily hair damage

Trichologist Angela Onuoha breaks down what causes daily hair damage, and how these culprits cause hair breakage, frizz, and dull color. The soluti...

When Should I Use K18 Conditioner vs. Mask?

Damage repair or daily protection? Here’s the guide to finding the perfect K18 healthy hair routine.

FUNdamentals 16: You can still use conditioner

You know what's fun? When your product works. We'll be breaking down key info + recommendations to help you get the most out of K18.

FUNdamentals 09: Skipping conditioner makes me nervous

You know what's fun? When your product works. We'll be breaking down key info + recommendations to help you get the most out of K18.

FUNdamentals 02: Masks + conditioners vs. K18

You know what's fun? When your product works. We'll be breaking down key info + recommendations weekly to help you get the most out of K18 We’re ...

Myth Busting 04: Conditioners

We get it, skipping conditioner feels wrong. Especially when it’s been a post-shampoo ritual for as long as you can remember. We’re not here to cau...

feel what's possible with K18

See how K18 unlocks our community's expression

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

Based on 421 reviews

Reviews Summary

Customers say this shampoo and conditioner transforms their hair after just a few uses. Many reviews mention noticeable improvements in softness, shine, and manageability. Users with curly hair report better moisture retention and less frizz, while those with fine hair appreciate that it doesn't weigh their hair down. Frequent comments address how a small amount of product creates rich lather and goes a long way. Many note they can extend time between washes while maintaining clean, fresh-looking hair. Reviews highlight the products' effectiveness for detangling and creating smoother, more manageable results.

Write a Review (Opens in a new window)

421 reviews

Sort

Erika G.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
I recommend this product
Age 25 - 34
Hair Concern Chemical damage, Split-Ends
Hair Type Curly/Coily, Medium Density, Thick/Coarse
My Results Stronger Hair, Less Breakage, Soft Touchable Hair, Shinier Hair, Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Yesterday
LOVE!
The Damage Shield protective conditioner has become my favorite conditioner! My hair feels so soft, NOT tangled, and clean after! I have A LOT of THICK and BLEACHED hair so not every conditioner works for my hair. I have noticed an improvement in my hair health, shine, and shedding since the combined use of K18 products. 10/10 recommend this conditioner!
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
Yesterday
Thank you so much for your amazing review, Erika! Your 10/10 recommendation means the world to us! 🙌
Beckie H.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo and conditioner sample
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 week ago
New shampoo and conditioner in my house today!
My hair has always been thin and poker straight and after using this amazing product, I’m a happy camper
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
2 days ago
We're so thrilled to hear that the DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo and conditioner sample is making you such a happy camper, Beckie! It's wonderful that it's working so well for your thin, straight hair. Thanks for the amazing 5-star review!
Stacy F.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo and conditioner sample
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 month ago
Truly Transformative
My hair was thoroughly cleansed and moisturized while feeling light and fresh. The scent wasn’t overwhelming - it smells so light and clean like a spa. The best part is that my curls aren’t matted together during the shampoo process.
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
1 month ago
Thank you for sharing your experience, Stacy! We’re thrilled to hear your hair felt clean, moisturized, and fresh without any heaviness. Glad the scent and curl care hit the mark for you!
Ashlee D.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
mini DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 1.8oz
I recommend this product
Age 18 - 24
Hair Concern Heat damage, Frizz, Fragile/brittle hair
Hair Type Fine/Thin, Curly/Coily
My Results Smoother Hair, Stronger Hair, Less Breakage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 months ago
Love this!
I am new to K18 and I am so glad that I gave this conditioner a shot! It works WONDERS! It’s great for slightly damaged hair like, and my curls loved the slip! It was also a plus for me because it is pretty much unscented!
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
2 months ago
Love that your curls enjoyed the slip! Thanks for the wonderful 5-star review!
Petrea A.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
I recommend this product
Age 35 - 44
Hair Concern Heat damage
Hair Type Medium Density, Straight/Wavy
My Results Smoother Hair
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 months ago
Conditioner
Love this conditioner, doesnt leave my hair heavy or greasy
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
2 months ago
Thank you for your 5-star review! No heavy feeling here!