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

optimized pH is gentle on damaged hair, certified microbiome-friendly formula is gentle on scalp, formulated with K18PEPTIDE(TM) to maintain hair health, helps reduce frizz, and tangles + promotes shine, made for all hair types + protects color, vegan, cruelty-free + plastic net-zero

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

protect against dullness, frizz + tangling

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz

Mini versus full size product comparison

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

420 Reviews

DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo

Name: DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
Brand: K18Hair
SKU: K18-40125
Price: 39.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (420 reviews)

Color-safe protective shampoo maintains hair health + strength

DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz $39.00

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

Safe to use every time you wash.
Massage into hair, focusing on scalp.
Thoroughly rinse.
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.

pairs well with

full-size leave-in molecular repair hair mask

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

8,356 Reviews

4-minute leave-in treatment to reverse hair damage

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner

4.7

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars

421 Reviews

Color-safe protective conditioner maintains hair health + strength

Description

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

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.

before

after

"I really like it, I was able to tint my hair again and it looks a little more thicker."
- Estefania M.

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

after

"...It seems to be working, I do notice less damage and shedding"
- Olympia R.

clinically proven cleanse

said hair looks healthier*

said hair feels smoother*

said hair doesn’t feel weighed down*

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

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.

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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 420 reviews

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.

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420 reviews

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Johnna W.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
I recommend this product
Age 55 - 64
Hair Concern Frizz, Fragile/brittle hair, Dryness
Hair Type Straight/Wavy
My Results Less Frizz, Bouncy Hair, Visible Difference, Stronger Hair, Less Breakage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
1 month ago
Great recommendation from my stylist
My stylist told me that K18 was the best on the market. I ordered it and have been using it for a few weeks now. I can already tell my hair is stronger and feels healthier. Less frizzy when it air dries. I'm a loyal customer now!
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
1 month ago
Thank you so much for this wonderful review, Johnna! We're absolutely thrilled that your stylist recommended DAMAGE SHIELD and that you're already seeing such amazing results - stronger, healthier hair with less frizz is exactly what we love to hear!
Ashlee D.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
mini DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 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, Cleaner, fresher hair, Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 months ago
Five stars are well deserved!
I’m going to have to get the bigger bottle for this because the shampoo is excellent! I love how it’s unscented/lightly scented and has my hair feeling cleansed but soft!
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
2 months ago
So happy to hear you're loving the mini DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo and how it leaves your hair feeling cleansed but soft, Ashlee! Thanks for the wonderful 5-star review!
Sona S.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
mini DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 1.8oz
I recommend this product
Age 25 - 34
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
5 months ago
Pretty good value and doesn't overstrip
Got the mini set and both lasted me awhile. Were really effective in my hair and I have very thick, curly hair.
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
4 months ago
Great cleanse and highly concentrated. Thank you Sona!
Brenda F.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
I recommend this product
Age 55 - 64
Hair Concern Chemical damage, Frizz
Hair Type Thick/Coarse
My Results Less Frizz, Smoother Hair, Less Breakage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
7 months ago
K-18 damage shield is incredible, shampoo and conditioner are both great on my hair, I will be using them from now on!!
I have used their products before and was very pleased but never tried the shampoo till now, it makes my hair feel wonderful after each use!
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
7 months ago
Great addition to your routine! Thank you Brenda!
Nour r.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
I recommend this product
Age 35 - 44
Hair Concern Frizz, Fragile/brittle hair, Split-Ends, Dryness, Extending time between washes
Hair Type Fine/Thin
My Results Less Frizz, Bouncy Hair, Less Breakage, Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
9 months ago
I’ve been using this for the past 2 to 3 days
I’ve been using this for the past2 3 days and I see very good improvement after 2 to 3 days of using it. My hair feels a little bit softer. I’m much better manageable.
Was this helpful?
K
K18Hair
9 months ago
We all love manageable hair! Thank you Nour!