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DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo

Retail size of our color-safe, protective shampoo to maintain hair health + strength
Rated 4.6 out of 5
Based on 226 reviews

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 cleanse
  • microbiome-friendly
  • pH-optimized

Professional Only

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more to know

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

Key benefits

Safe but powerful cleansing: Plant-derived surfactants deliver safe but effective high-power cleansing to breakdown 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

How to use

For your services

  1. Use for higher frequency washing like multiple wash services or clients with less buildup.
  2. Massage into hair, focusing on scalp.
  3. Thoroughly rinse.
  4. Repeat as needed.

PRO TIP: pair with the DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner for clients that need added softening + conditioning post K18 treatment mask. Shampoo, towel-dry and apply the PRO leave-in molecular repair hair mask. Wait 4 minutes. Apply DAMAGE SHIELD conditioner and rinse thoroughly.

For client 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

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

DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner

Rated 4.7 out of 5
Based on 81 reviews
Smoothing conditioner detangles + protects from daily damage View DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner 8.5oz (WHOLESALE) product Log In / REGISTER

molecular repair hair oil

Rated 4.8 out of 5
Based on 263 reviews
Weightless oil that strengthens, repairs damage + reduces frizz View Molecular Repair Hair Oil (WHOLESALE) product Log In / REGISTER

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.


have questions?

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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 client’s 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 the healthiest hair from daily damage.

When do I use the DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo?

Use this gentle shampoo for higher frequency washing like multiple wash services or clients with less buildup. 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 client’s 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.

the DAMAGE SHIELD difference

DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo’s optimized pH reduces excess cuticle swelling during washing—preventing damage that causes dullness, frizz + tangling.

PRO to PRO

See how PRO stylists maintain hair health with DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo. 

Learn how dimensional color specialist Tabitha Dueñas gently uses DAMAGE SHIELD shampoo in a multi-wash lightening service.
See how natural/curly hair and color specialist Marcel Henriquez gently cleanses curls and coils.

certified microbiome-friendly formula

Engineered with hair’s optimal pH levels in mind, this everyday cleanse keeps your clients’ scalp microbiome balanced for strong, smooth + healthy hair.

want to learn more?

Explore DAMAGE SHIELD tips, tricks, and science deep dives on the blog.

reviews

average rating 4.6 out of 5
Based on 226 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    190 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    14 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    9 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    4 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    9 Reviews
90% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Customer photos and videos
226 Reviews
Reviewed by Jenn C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
35 - 44
Hair Concern
  • Color-care
  • Dryness
My Results
  • Stronger Hair
  • Smoother Hair
  • Soft Touchable Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Damage shield

Would like it even more if you offered refills to cut down on plastic.

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review! I will forward your feedback to our team.

Reviewed by Eliana C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
25 - 34
Client Hair Concerns
  • Chemical Damage
  • Color Care
  • Dryness
  • Split Ends
  • Fragile/Brittle Hair
Client Hair Types
  • Fine/Thin
Client Results
  • Bouncy Hair
  • Stronger hair
  • Visible Difference
  • Less Breakage
  • Soft Touchable Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Phenomenal

My hair has never been this healthy and strong!! I used to use matrix but I’m never going back!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review!

Reviewed by Charmane H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
55 - 64
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
Hair Type
  • Thick/Coarse
My Results
  • Cleaner, fresher hair
  • Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Awesome!!!

It’s my first time using it, but I’m impressed.

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review!

Reviewed by stephanie p.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
25 - 34
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
  • Heat damage
Hair Type
  • Fine/Thin
My Results
  • Soft Touchable Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Love!!

Love it!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you Stephanie!

Reviewed by Fabiola N.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
35 - 44
Hair Concern
  • Heat damage
  • Frizz
  • Split-Ends
  • Dryness
  • Color-care
Hair Type
  • Medium Density
  • Straight/Wavy
My Results
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
  • Shinier Hair
  • Less Frizz
  • Cleaner, fresher hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Fresh Clean Hair

I really enjoy using this shampoo. I was using Olapex products before I tried this out and I’ve converted. I feel that my hair takes really well to this shampoo and all the gunk and residue is removed with this product. Also I have color treated hair and my color seems to last longer now that I wash with this. Definitely a must try!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you Fabiola! We appreciate your 5 star review!

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