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DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo
Image of damage shield pH shampoo: pH shampoo benefits. Optimized pH is gentle on damaged hair, certified microbiome-friendly formula is gentle on scalp, formulated with K18PEPTIDE to maintain hair health, help reduce frizz, and tangles + promotes shine, made for all hair types + protects color, vegan, cruelty-free + plastic net-zero
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 DAMAGE SHIELD protective conditioner + shapoo. new name! same pH maintenance shampoo formula
cleanse - for frequent everyday washing. 91% said hair feels healthier, smoother and does not feel weighed down. Formulated with K18PEPTIDE
Illustration of hair cuticle with pH shampoo and hair cuticle without pH shampoo. protect against dullness, frizz + tangling. optimized pH, reduces excess swelling of hair cuticle, prevents damage during washing
DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
285 Reviews

DAMAGE SHIELD pH protective shampoo

Retail size of our color-safe, protective shampoo to maintain hair health + strength

Professional Only

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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 cleanse
  • microbiome-friendly
  • pH-optimized

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

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

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

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
4.7
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
120 Reviews
Smoothing conditioner detangles + protects from daily damage Log In / REGISTER
molecular repair hair oil
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
339 Reviews
Weightless oil that strengthens, repairs damage + reduces frizz 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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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.
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.
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.
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.

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 285 reviews
285 reviews
  • Taylor R.
    Verified Buyer
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    Reviewing
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    I recommend this product
    Age 25 - 34
    Hair Concern Split-Ends, Frizz, Dryness
    Hair Type Fine/Thin, Medium Density, Curly/Coily
    My Results Visible Difference, Defined Curl/Wave Pattern, Stronger Hair, Less Frizz, Bouncy Hair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    20 hours ago
    Video of curls

    This is an update from my previous review with a video of my curls out of the shower

    No more heat damage

    Look at that bounce!

    K18Hair PRO
    26 minutes ago

    We love it! Thank you for your review!

  • Estefania M.
    Verified Buyer
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    Reviewing
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    I recommend this product
    Age 25 - 34
    Hair Concern Chemical damage, Fragile/brittle hair, Dryness
    Hair Type Fine/Thin
    My Results Less Frizz, Stronger Hair, Smoother Hair, Less Breakage
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    I love it

    I really like it, I was able to tint my hair again and it looks a little more thicker

    K18Hair PRO
    2 months ago

    We appreciate your review!

  • Olympia R.
    Verified Buyer
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    Reviewing
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    I recommend this product
    Age 35 - 44
    Hair Concern Color-care, Heat damage, Chemical damage
    Hair Type Fine/Thin, Thick/Coarse
    My Results Visible Difference, Less Breakage
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Love it!

    It’s a bit pricey but it seems to be working, I do notice less damage and shedding

    K18Hair PRO
    2 months ago

    Thank you for your review! Less is more with K18!

  • Cora L.
    Verified Buyer
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    Reviewing
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    I recommend this product
    Age 25 - 34
    Hair Concern Dryness, Fragile/brittle hair, Frizz, Extending time between washes
    Hair Type Fine/Thin
    My Results Less Breakage, Stronger Hair, Smoother Hair, Soft Touchable Hair, Shinier Hair
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    So far I’m loving it

    I recently gave up Olaplex to try K18. I have straight fine hair that is bleached about once a month. That being said, this shampoo works through the hair really well and doesn’t leave it feeling tough or tangly. If anything, it feels very smooth and conditioning. I wish K18 would come out with a purple shampoo to keep up with my blonde maintenance. Maybe in the future! I’m happy using all of the K18 basics for now.

    K18Hair PRO
    3 months ago

    Thank you Cora! We will send your request to our product development team.

  • ORALIA GONZALEZ G.
    Verified Buyer
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    Reviewing
    DAMAGE SHIELD protective shampoo 8.5oz (WHOLESALE)
    I recommend this product
    Age 25 - 34
    Hair Concern Heat damage, Frizz, Color-care, Split-Ends
    Hair Type Straight/Wavy, Medium Density
    My Results Visible Difference, Stronger Hair, Smoother Hair, Cleaner, fresher hair, Oil absorbed
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    3 months ago
    Nice

    Is a good product

    K18Hair PRO
    3 months ago

    You have beautiful hair! Thank you Oralia!

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Pro Distribution Partners

Hair professionals can shop wholesale at the following distributors. Professionals within the US will also be able to shop directly from K18hair.com starting early 2021! Check back again soon for updates as we continue to expand globally.



Questions? Email us at hello@k18hair.com

Paramount Beauty Supply
USA
Salon Services Pro
USA
Salon Service Group
USA
Salonwax Pro
USA
Premier Beauty Supply
USA
Launching Soon
Ozdare - Australia
AU
 
Launching Soon
American Crew Ltd. - New Zealand
NZ
 
Launching Soon
PlayGround - Hong Kong
HK
 
Launching Soon
Session Map - Sweden
SE
 
Launching Soon
Cyprus
CY
 
Launching Soon
Belgium
BE
 
Coming Early 2021
Canada
CA
 
Coming Early 2021
Czech Republic
CZ
 
Coming Early 2021
Finland
FI
 
Coming Early 2021
France
FR
 
Coming Early 2021
Germany
DE
 
Coming Early 2021
Ireland
IR
 
Coming Early 2021
Italy
IT
 
Coming Early 2021
Netherlands
NL
 
Coming Early 2021
Norway
NO
 
Coming Early 2021
Singapore
SG
 
Coming Early 2021
Taiwan
TW
 
Coming Early 2021
UK
UK
 
Coming Early 2021
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