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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 pH protective shampoo

Retail size of our color-safe, protective shampoo to maintain hair health + strength
Rated 4.7 out of 5
Based on 251 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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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

Rated 4.6 out of 5
Based on 101 reviews
Smoothing conditioner detangles + protects from daily damage Log In / REGISTER

molecular repair hair oil

Rated 4.8 out of 5
Based on 301 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

reviews

average rating 4.7 out of 5
Based on 251 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    213 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    16 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    9 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    4 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    9 Reviews
91% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Customer photos and videos
251 Reviews
Reviewed by Jill
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
55 - 64
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
  • Color-care
  • Dryness
  • Fragile/brittle hair
Hair Type
  • Medium Density
My Results
  • Less Frizz
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Love the products but HARD to get out of bottles!

Love the K18 products but it’s Really Hard to squeeze the liquids out of the HARD plastic bottles! I have to use my teeth! and the force of my jaw to get the liquid to come out. My fingers aren’t that strong, and hands are wet of course, so I can’t get any force behind my fingers to get the bottles to bend easily when I try to squeeze!! Please reconsider your packaging to make it easier to dispense your great products! TY

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K18Hair PRO

We are sorry to hear you are having a hard time getting the shampoo out of the bottles. I will forward your feedback to our product development team. Thank you for your feedback Jill!

Reviewed by Michelle W.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
45 - 54
Hair Concern
  • Color-care
  • Split-Ends
  • Heat damage
Hair Type
  • Medium Density
My Results
  • Less Frizz
  • Smoother Hair
  • Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Wow

I’m really in love with K-18 products. The shampoo leaves my hair so soft and I use less of the leave in conditioner. Great pair and I have recommended people to the products

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K18Hair PRO

We agree this a great duo with the mask. Thank you for your review Michelle!

Reviewed by Katie H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
35 - 44
Client Hair Concerns
  • Color Care
  • Frizz
  • Fragile/Brittle Hair
  • Dryness
  • Split Ends
Client Hair Types
  • Fine/Thin
  • Medium Density
  • Thick/Coarse
  • Grey Hair
Client Results
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Cleaner, fresher hair
  • Oil absorbed
  • Less Frizz
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Damage Shield shampoo

This is my staple shampoo to send home with my clients. We love that it's made with minimal ingredients and you still get a great lather. Provides a healthy scalp and hair!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review!

Reviewed by Lesa H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
45 - 54
Hair Concern
  • Fragile/brittle hair
  • Split-Ends
Hair Type
  • Fine/Thin
My Results
  • Visible Difference
  • Shinier Hair
  • Less Breakage
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Fabulous

I love the way this makes my hair feel! But also that it only takes a little bit to wash my hair! It lasts so long!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you Lesa for your review!

Reviewed by Peggy
I recommend this product
Age
65+
Hair Concern
  • Frizz
Hair Type
  • Grey Hair
My Results
  • Cleaner, fresher hair
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Less Frizz
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Loved it!

A little goes a long way. It left my hair feeling clean and soft. Great shampoo!

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K18Hair PRO

We appreciate your review Peggy!

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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