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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 216 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

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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 4.6 out of 5
Based on 71 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 253 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 216 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    180 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
216 Reviews
Reviewed by Darlene S.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
65+
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
Hair Type
  • Curly/Coily
My Results
  • Smoother Hair
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Grey Transition

Going through a grey transition, which is very damaging to your hai. My hair felt like straw after the first bleaching and after using he K18 shampoo and Molecular repair it was softer and manageable

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you Darlene for your review!

Reviewed by Katiuska G.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
55 - 64
Hair Concern
  • Color-care
Hair Type
  • Medium Density
  • Straight/Wavy
My Results
  • Stronger Hair
  • Defined Curl/Wave Pattern
  • Smoother Hair
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Cleaner, fresher hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

I love this and all line K18

The shampoo leaves my hair so clean no damage

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review!

Reviewed by Hannah K.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
18 - 24
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
  • Heat damage
  • Color-care
  • Fragile/brittle hair
  • Split-Ends
Hair Type
  • Fine/Thin
  • Straight/Wavy
My Results
  • Less Breakage
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Shinier Hair
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

My holy grail!!

This was what I first started out using when I bought K18, my hair dresser introduced me to it and I have been using it ever since! The visible difference this made with my hair even before the conditioner was made was absolutely breathtaking. Will not go back to another shampoo ever!

My before and afters are below! You can tell which is which 🤭

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review Hannah!

Reviewed by Felicia T.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
25 - 34
Client Hair Concerns
  • Chemical Damage
  • Heat Damage
  • Dryness
  • Frizz
  • Color Care
Client Hair Types
  • Thick/Coarse
  • Medium Density
Client Results
  • Stronger hair
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
  • Shinier Hair
  • Less Frizz
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Surprisingly moisturizing

I love it! It’s surprisingly moisturizing. It doesn’t leave my hair dry like other shampoos do.

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you Felicia for your review!

Reviewed by christie h.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
55 - 64
Hair Type
  • Fine/Thin
My Results
  • Stronger Hair
  • Less Breakage
  • Shinier Hair
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Ok product

I can’t give this five stars because I feel like it is stripping my hair color faster than my usual shampoo. Having said that it does seem to clean well and has less residue as I have hard water in my area.

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review Christie!

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