gradient: the hair expression magazine is our chance to showcase your hair artistry made possible by K18PEPTIDE™. This K18-patented peptide uniquely clicks into hair’s keratin structure to repair damage from lightener, color + chemical services, and heat* for every client, color, style, texture, and service.

Using holistic haircare solutions that pick up where hair’s biology leaves off, stylists like you are able to push services further than ever before, delivering hair like new* for every client—no matter what you put it through.

This year’s issue is packed with hair transformations from all over the world—hand-picked by guest editors Kendra Alia, Daniel Moon, Ashlee Norman, and Devante Turnbull, who know firsthand what’s possible with K18.

Keep reading for expert advice from the industry’s top hair artists—from how they found their niche to what tools they keep on-hand at all times. If you like what you see, find more in the full issue.

what hair like new* means to you

The theme of this year’s issue is hair like new*, no matter what you put it through. We asked our four guest editors what the ability to execute transformations on strong, healthy hair means to them. Here’s what they said:

Hair can be transformative. It helps [clients] break free from the misconception that any change will lead to damage and encourages them to be more creative and adventurous. This sense of freedom keeps them returning to the salon, and they become more willing to explore new styles—which, as a stylist, is exactly what you want,” says Kendra Alia. “To me, this feeling embodies the concept of hair like new. It symbolizes the endless possibilities that come with a fresh start.”

“For my clients, vivid color is the completion of their identity, and I find joy in helping them go out into the world in their truest expression. We take seriously our power to transform our clients with the utmost care,” says Daniel Moon. “I’ve learned that you can get to the intended goal much more safely with K18. It’s allowed me to trust in the process—stripping hair down before building it back up again—knowing that I have a proven system to repair hair after intense damage. This is hair like new.”

“K18 is powerful not only because it works (I’ve witnessed it perform some truly miraculous repairs), but also because it protects the integrity of PROs like me and challenges me to keep trying new things without fear of damage, creating hair like new with confidence on a fresh, healthy canvas,” says Ashlee Norman.

“Hair like new means fresh. It means elevated. It means standing out. It means inspiring someone. Oh my gosh, who did your hair? Oh my gosh, what was the process? Hair like new feels healthy. It’s shiny and timeless. It turns heads and is beautiful,” says Devante Turnbull. “I hope that’s what people take away from this issue of gradient. I hope they see that behind all of the incredible looks shown that healthy hair is the true star. The secret sauce that makes everything pop.”

what’s always inside their kits?