Accessibility statement Skip to content
free returns. buy with confidence
free shipping on orders $50+*
A bottle of DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo by K18, with a white and blue label, indicating the size of 8.5 fl oz.
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
K18 healthy hair routines- treatment day routine: to repair damage daily routine: to protect against daily damage
new name same formula pH maintenance shampoo formula
cleanse for frequent everyday washing
protect against dullness, frizz + tangling
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
Mini versus full size product comparison
K18 routine guide
A bottle of DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo by K18, with a white and blue label, indicating the size of 8.5 fl oz.
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
K18 healthy hair routines- treatment day routine: to repair damage daily routine: to protect against daily damage
new name same formula pH maintenance shampoo formula
cleanse for frequent everyday washing
protect against dullness, frizz + tangling
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
Mini versus full size product comparison
K18 routine guide
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
525 Reviews

DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo

Color-safe protective shampoo maintains hair health + strength

Size:
8.5oz
Regular price $39
Regular price $0 Sale price $39
Save Infinity
Color:
8.5oz

Notify me when back in stock

A bottle of DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo by K18, with a white and blue label, indicating the size of 8.5 fl oz.

The DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (Size: 8.5oz) isn't available now, but enter your email below and we'll notify you as soon as it's back.
OR
View Full Details
description

A color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with the patented K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse while maintaining hair health and protecting hair from damage. pH-optimized formula helps reduce excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing to help prevent frizz, preserve color, and enhance shine. Scalp microbiome-friendly and gentle enough to use every time you cleanse.

gentle daily cleaning

microbiome-friendly

pH-optimized

    • How to use

      1. Safe to use every time you wash.
      2. Massage into hair, focusing on scalp.
      3. Thoroughly rinse.
      4. Repeat as needed.

      For best results, follow with DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner.

    • More to know

      Safe but powerful cleansing: Plant-derived surfactants deliver safe but effective high-power cleansing to break down and remove dirt + oil.

      Designed for damaged hair: pH-optimized formula helps prevent excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing - which helps maintain color, improve hair health and shine, and reduce frizz.

      Gentle enough to use every time you cleanse: Gentle on hair AND scalp - pH-optimized formula mimics hair’s natural pH, to reduce cuticle swelling and maintain hair health, and preserve the scalp microbiome.

    • Key benefits

      Less is more formulation delivers a superior clean without compromise:


      Optimized pH cleanses hair and scalp without over-drying.

      Certified microbiome-friendly formula       removes dirt and oil without disrupting the scalp’s natural protective barrier.

      K18PEPTIDE™ helps reduce protein loss to keep hair feeling healthy and strong.

    • Ingredients

      Water (Aqua) (Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate,
      Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate, Sodium
      Lauryl Sulfoacetate, sh-Oligopeptide-78, Panthenol, Glycerin,
      Sodium Phytate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride,
      Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid,
      Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride,
      Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citrus
      Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Citrus
      Limon Peel Oil, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes.

pairs well with
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner
full-size leave-in molecular repair hair mask
Press + and − keys to zoom, arrow keys to pan.
A bottle of DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo by K18, with a white and blue label, indicating the size of 8.5 fl oz.
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
K18 healthy hair routines- treatment day routine: to repair damage daily routine: to protect against daily damage
new name same formula pH maintenance shampoo formula
cleanse for frequent everyday washing
protect against dullness, frizz + tangling
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
Mini versus full size product comparison
K18 routine guide
A bottle of DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo by K18, with a white and blue label, indicating the size of 8.5 fl oz.
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
K18 healthy hair routines- treatment day routine: to repair damage daily routine: to protect against daily damage
new name same formula pH maintenance shampoo formula
cleanse for frequent everyday washing
protect against dullness, frizz + tangling
DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz
Mini versus full size product comparison
K18 routine guide
your protective shampoo questions, answered
Is the formula of the DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo different from the PEPTIDE PREP™ pH maintenance shampoo?

No, the formula of the DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo is not different from the PEPTIDE PREP™ pH maintenance shampoo. Just the name has changed, the formulation you know and love is the same.

What makes the DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo special?

The DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo delivers healthier hair and scalp after just one wash. Its optimized pH helps maintain the hair cuticle, preventing excess water from entering the hair, which can cause damage, dullness, frizz, and tangling. With this shampoo, your color is maintained, hair feels strong, healthy, looks smooth with less frizz, and is easier to style with less tangles. This formula moisturizes hair without weighing it down, and preserves the scalp microbiome for a healthier-feeling scalp and a gentler cleanse. Coupled with the DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner, these formulas shield your healthiest hair from daily damage.

When do I use the DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo?

This pH-balanced formula is gentle enough to use every time you cleanse, delivering healthier hair and scalp after just one wash.

Why do I need both shampoos?

You need both shampoos to deliver the most effective clean while maintaining your hair + scalp health. Detox shampoo is engineered for less frequent heavy-duty washing, and DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo (previously pH maintenance shampoo) is engineered for frequent washing.

smooth + shield all hair types

pH-optimized formula prevents frizz, dullness + tangles for everyone.

before afer
before
after
"...My hair dresser introduced me to this and I have been using it ever since! The visible difference this made with my hair...was absolutely breathtaking. Will not go back to another shampoo ever!"
- Hannah K.
Translation missing: en.before Translation missing: en.after
before
after
"I really like it, I was able to tint my hair again and it looks a little more thicker."
- Estefania M.
before afer
before
after
"I thought the shampoo really added to the performance of the rest of the products. I didn’t expect to see much of a difference but I really did...I have had so many people comment on how much better my hair looks."
- Michelle F.
before afer
before
after
"...It seems to be working, I do notice less damage and shedding"
- Olympia R.
clinically proven cleanse
91%
said hair looks healthier*
91%
said hair doesn’t feel weighed down*
Powered by K18PEPTIDE™

Biomimetic peptide helps reduce protein loss to help keep hair feeling healthy and strong.

Explore the Science Explore the Science
how to use

Safe to use every time you wash.

1. Massage into hair, focusing on scalp.
2. Thoroughly rinse.
3. Repeat as needed.
For best results, follow with DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner.

learn more on our blog
Trichologist Angela Onuoha explains what causes daily hair damage
/ people
Trichologist Angela Onuoha explains what causes daily hair damage
Trichologist Angela Onuoha breaks down what causes daily hair damage, and how...
about Trichologist Angela Onuoha explains what causes daily hair damage
FUNdamentals 38: Wait, what shampoo should I use?
/ products
FUNdamentals 38: Wait, what shampoo should I use?
Your guide to the perfect cleanse on wash day.  
about FUNdamentals 38: Wait, what shampoo should I use?
FUNdamentals 23: Your Shampoo Questions, Answered.
/ products
FUNdamentals 23: Your Shampoo Questions, Answered.
You know what's FUN-damental? When your product works. We'll be breaking down...
about FUNdamentals 23: Your Shampoo Questions, Answered.
FUNdamentals 21: Our shampoos are color-safe, here’s how...
/ products
FUNdamentals 21: Our shampoos are color-safe, here’s how...
You know what's fun? When your product works. We'll be breaking down key info...
about FUNdamentals 21: Our shampoos are color-safe, here’s how...
FUNdamentals 20: Which shampoo do I use?
/ products
FUNdamentals 20: Which shampoo do I use?
You know what's fun? When your product works. We'll be breaking down key info...
about FUNdamentals 20: Which shampoo do I use?
View All Shop all new arrivals
feel what's possible with K18

See how K18 unlocks our community's expression

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 525 reviews
94%would recommend these products
Reviews Summary
Customers say this shampoo transforms damaged and dry hair into softer, more manageable locks. Many reviews mention noticeable improvements in texture and manageability after just a few washes. Users with curly, straight, and color-treated hair report less frizz and improved shine. The shampoo cleanses thoroughly without stripping moisture. Several reviewers note it helps reduce tangles and makes styling easier. While most praise its effectiveness, some mention the premium price point.
Customers Talked About
Write a Review (Opens in a new window)
525 reviews
  • Stacy S.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
    I recommend this product
    Age 45 - 54
    Hair Concern Color-care, Chemical damage
    Hair Type Curly/Coily
    My Results Less Frizz, Visible Difference, Less Breakage, Smoother Hair, Defined Curl/Wave Pattern
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 hour ago
    Less shedding

    My colored hair has experienced less shedding…still moisturized. My colored curls are thriving!

    Was this helpful?
    K Profile picture for K18Hair
    K18Hair
    36 minutes ago

    Thank you so much for the love! 💙 We're thrilled to hear that Damage Shield is helping reduce shedding while keeping your colored curls moisturized and thriving! ✨

  • Cathleen S.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Jumbo DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo
    I recommend this product
    Age 55 - 64
    Hair Concern Chemical damage, Frizz, Heat damage, Color-care, Dryness
    Hair Type Thick/Coarse
    My Results Less Frizz, Less Breakage, Soft Touchable Hair, Visible Difference, Smoother Hair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    K18 shampoo

    Excellent product line. Definitely helps my hair with less fizziness and adds softness. I’ve been using it for a couple of years. Goes well with the detox shampoo, mask and conditioner.

    Was this helpful?
    K Profile picture for K18Hair
    K18Hair
    Yesterday

    Thank you so much for the love! 💙 We're thrilled to hear you've been enjoying the Jumbo DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo for a couple of years and love how it works with your full routine! ✨

  • Vicki c.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Jumbo DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo
    I recommend this product
    Age 55 - 64
    Hair Concern Heat damage
    Hair Type Thick/Coarse
    My Results Smoother Hair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Much better control

    My frizz is so much better.

    Was this helpful?
    K Profile picture for K18Hair
    K18Hair
    Yesterday

    Thank you so much for the love! 💙 We're thrilled to hear the Jumbo DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo is giving you better frizz control. We're so happy it's working for you! ✨

  • Sharon C.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    Jumbo DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo
    I recommend this product
    Age 65+
    Hair Concern Chemical damage, Color-care, Dryness
    Hair Type Medium Density
    My Results Stronger Hair, Soft Touchable Hair, Cleaner, fresher hair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    Perfect shampoo

    I love this shampoo, from the fresh scent, to the way it helps my hair feel better and stronder.

    Was this helpful?
    K Profile picture for K18Hair
    K18Hair
    Yesterday

    Thank you so much for the love! 💙 We're thrilled to hear you're loving the Jumbo DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo and enjoying that fresh scent! ✨

  • Sharonette B.
    Verified Buyer
    Reviewing
    mini DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 1.8oz
    I recommend this product
    Age 45 - 54
    Hair Concern Dryness, Split-Ends
    Hair Type Medium Density
    My Results Less Breakage, Shinier Hair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    4 days ago
    Damage repair

    It's small but I was trying it out and I like it so far, does the job

    Was this helpful?
    K Profile picture for K18Hair
    K18Hair
    4 days ago

    Thank you so much for the love! 💙 We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the mini DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo and that it's doing the job for you! ✨

*Disclaimers

10