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PEPTIDE PREP™ pH maintenance shampoo

Back bar size of our color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with K18PEPTIDE™
Rated 4.6 out of 5
Based on 146 reviews

A color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with the patented K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse while maintaining hair health, reducing frizz and tangles, preserving color and enhancing shine.

  • 17 ingredients + patented peptide 17 ingredients + patented peptide
  • microbiome-friendly microbiome-friendly
  • pH-optimized 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 Stylist Use

Engineered for higher frequency washing like multi-wash services or clients with less buildup.

  1. Massage into hair, focusing on scalp.
  2. Thoroughly rinse.
  3. Repeat as needed.

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.

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, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene.

pairs well with
K18 molecular repair service (WHOLESALE)K18 molecular repair service (WHOLESALE)

K18 molecular repair service

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 1329 reviews
PRO mist + mask to reverse hair damage View K18 molecular repair service (WHOLESALE) product Log In / Register

Description

A color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with the patented K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse while maintaining hair health, reducing frizz and tangles, preserving color and enhancing shine.

the PEPTIDE PREP™ difference

Engineered for the most effective clean

PRO to PRO

Learn why PRO stylist Lautrice Thompson trusts pH maintenance shampoo for an optimized cleanse without disturbing hair.

got questions?

Get started here

What is the PEPTIDE PREP™ pH maintenance shampoo?

This is a color-safe, pH-optimized shampoo with the K18PEPTIDE™ to effectively cleanse while maintaining hair health, for hair that feels strong, smooth, and healthy.

What does the pH maintenance shampoo do?

This optimized pH shampoo (4.5-5.5) helps prevent excess swelling of the hair cuticle to help reduce frizz and tangling, preserve color, and maintain health and shine—especially important for damaged hair. An optimized pH also helps preserve the scalp microbiome and is gentle enough to use every time you cleanse.

When do I use the pH maintenance 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, and leaves a clean canvas for treatment products.

How does the pH maintenance shampoo work?

The pH maintenance shampoo is powered by plant-derived surfactants to deliver safe but effective high-power cleansing that breaks down and removes dirt + oil. Designed for damaged hair, this pH-optimized formula helps prevent excess swelling of the hair cuticle during washing—which helps maintain color, improve hair health and shine, reduce frizz, and preserve the scalp microbiome. It mimics hair’s natural pH, so this formula is gentle enough to use every time you cleanse.

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 pH maintenance shampoo is engineered for frequent washing.

microbiome-friendly

Optimized pH preserves a balanced scalp microbiome + protects hair’s natural moisture levels for a smooth hair result.

reviews
average rating 4.6 out of 5
Based on 146 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    121 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    9 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    7 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    2 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    7 Reviews
89% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Customer photos and videos
146 Reviews
Reviewed by Brooke C.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
45 - 54
Hair Concern
  • Fragile/brittle hair
Hair Type
  • Straight/Wavy
  • Fine/Thin
My Results
  • Shinier Hair
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted

Committed Customer

I have been a customer from the very beginning and use all 4 products almost exclusively. I was advised to use the Maintenance shampoo regularly, Detox monthly and Serum 4x post hair coloring. I also use the oil but have a little trouble with the distribution of the oil because it has a water like consistency. I have loved the shampoo and serum, even buying it for my adult daughter because of the great results.

Just recently, I have had to reintroduce conditioner after not using conditioner very infrequently due to brittle hair. I also have installed a hard water filter to avoid the poor hair/skin issues. Is there a sweet spot you can recommend for using conditioner in conjunction with the full line?

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review Brooke! K18 will not wash out of your hair. If you apply K18 first and let it set for 4 minutes to fully penetrate the hairs cortex. Once that time has elapsed, you can layer any hair product of your choice, rewet your hair, use conditioner and rinse out, use your heating tools and or style as usual. I've included a few links on how to properly apply K18. Please reach out with additional questions Hello@K18hair.com.
https://www.k18hair.com/blogs/consumer/k18-fundamental-5-help-its-not-working-why
https://www.k18hair.com/blogs/consumer/k18-fundamentals-01-how-much-do-i-use

Reviewed by JENIFER P.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
35 - 44
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
  • Heat damage
  • Color-care
  • Frizz
  • Dryness
Hair Type
  • Fine/Thin
  • Straight/Wavy
My Results
  • Less Frizz
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Stronger Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Loveee ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

I have everything you guys make and I absolutely love it if I don’t want to blow dry my hair I don’t have to it’s almost like a keratin treatment too!!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you for your review!

Reviewed by Carrie H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
25 - 34
Hair Concern
  • Dryness
  • Split-Ends
  • Frizz
Hair Type
  • Medium Density
  • Straight/Wavy
My Results
  • Less Frizz
  • Stronger Hair
  • Soft Touchable Hair
  • Smoother Hair
  • Defined Curl/Wave Pattern
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

New favorite

I have very long hair past my waist. I’ve had scalp buildup problems in the past and my hair has felt really heavy and unmanageable at times. I reluctantly (because of the price) tried k18 and I’ve been really impressed. My hair feels light and clean, it’s more manageable and I can go longer in between washes now without having to put my hair in a bun. I don’t even use conditioner, just the shampoo and the leave in once I’m out of the shower. The price is steep but considering you use so little and it’s so effective I say it’s absolutely a good investment and it’s worth it. The sample sized shampoo lasted me 6 months, Im sure the large bottle will last me an entire year or more. I’d say if you’re worried about the price just go for it you’ll save money in the long run and have beautiful hair.

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K18Hair PRO

We appreciate your review Carrie! Thank you!

Reviewed by Cathy H.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
45 - 54
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
  • Heat damage
  • Frizz
  • Fragile/brittle hair
  • Dryness
Hair Type
  • Thick/Coarse
My Results
  • Less Frizz
  • Visible Difference
  • Smoother Hair
  • Less Breakage
  • Soft Touchable Hair
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Real Results

My dry, course, damaged hair is being transformed with these k18 products! Worth it!

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K18Hair PRO

Thank you Cathy for your review!

Reviewed by Susie c.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age
65+
Hair Concern
  • Chemical damage
  • Dryness
Hair Type
  • Fine/Thin
My Results
  • Stronger Hair
  • Visible Difference
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted

Susea

Love all the K18 products. This says I could use this shampoo every day if needed. I’ve only used it a few times at 2-3 days in between however it’s always good to have options.

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