What is K18 and Is it Worth $75?

Damaged hair girlies may be used to holy grail bond-builders like Olaplex, but there's a new product that claims to work better and faster. A favorite among beauty influencers, the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is the name on everyone's lips. Clocking in a 75 bucks, it begs the question, "But do I actually need it?"

Here's the rundown on K18 and why it may or may not qualify as your next beauty splurge.

1. It's a bond builder

Chemical treatments and heat damage kills the bonds that support healthy hair. While most work with the hair's cuticle for a smoother appearance, K18 claims to work more deeply, replicating these polypeptide chains. (Hence why the brand refers to itself as biometric hair care, meaning "mimicking biochemical processes," according to Allure.)

2. Olaplex vs. K18 is kind of apples and oranges

Olaplex uses maleic acid to repair bonds while K18 is based on peptides already found in the hair. There have been no studies comparing the two, so it would have to come down to testing each to determine what your hair prefers.

3. It's a mask and a leave-in

K18 works differently from other treatments in that you apply it after shampooing, evenly distribute, wait four minutes, then move on to styling. No rinsing, no waiting under the dryer.

If this sounds up your alley, grab a bottle from Sephora or straight from K18hair.com.

Drop a comment with a review if you have one?