Unlike traditional masks, K18 Molecular Hair Repair Mask doesn’t need rinsing out, and instead it’s best applied to towel-dried, freshly-shampooed hair. How much you use depends on the length and thickness of your hair. Shorter, finer hair types should just use one pump, and for longer, thicker hair types, two pumps should be enough. Just remember less is always more – I definitely learnt the hard way with my first few uses.
Then, before you apply it, spend a couple of minutes working the product into your hand to form a thick white paste – it’s important that you don’t put it into your hair until it’s reached that sort of consistency. Once it’s ready to apply, start at the ends of your hair and pat the paste on, working upwards towards the mid-lengths and then to the root. Leave it to work its magic for around four minutes and then you can brush your hair through before applying your usual styling products and drying as normal.
The other thing to note is that you should use it in this way for between four and six washes (depending how damaged your hair is) and then you can drop down to once or twice a month, or as and when you feel like your hair needs a treatment.
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask review: GLAMOUR Road Test
OK, I’m gonna be honest with you here: it took me a while to get the hang of exactly how to use this mask. The first few times I did feel like my hair felt drier than ever, but I think that was a combination of me not really knowing what the best practice was and using (way) too much product. So for that reason alone I’ll say it one more time: less is definitely more.
It’s also vital to spend a few minutes turning the formula into a white paste. I haven’t looked back since learning that, and now I know that, I do genuinely think there is a huge improvement in the overall health and particularly the strength of my hair. Plus, and I’m not sure if I’ve imagined it, but I think I’m less prone to split ends, too, which is kind of a miracle for somebody like me who heat styles her hair to within an inch of its life.
I also like that my K18 wash days are actually shorter than usual, which comes thanks to being able to skip conditioner in the shower and then spending the four or five minutes waiting for the mask to absorb applying body moisturiser. Did somebody say two birds, one stone?
K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask review: The Final Verdict
Overall, I do think this treatment is a great investment. It’s expensive, yes, but it’s worth it, and one tube should last a lot longer than your average conditioner – plus it’s working so much harder. You also have to remember it’s working on a much deeper level than other bond-building products, and yes, it might take some getting used to, but I promise it’s so worth it in the end.
I now use it once or twice a month to maintain the results I’ve already achieved, and I’ve even got my mum into using it too (no mean feat, believe me).
After more hair reviews? Read our Shark SpeedStyle review, Shark FlexStyle review, Shark SmoothStyle review and Dyson Aiwrap review.