Hair loss is one of the biggest downsides of ageing. However, many people are unaware the phenomenon can begin well before middle age. Throughout their lives, more than 80% of men and 50% of women will experience some form of hair loss.
If you don't struggle with the problem now, you likely will in the future. The fact is panic-inducing for most people, especially as hair loss products are often ineffective, and surgical options are expensive and painful. There has got to be a solution, right?
One rumour is the popular product range of the haircare brand K18 can prevent hair loss and thinning. Inside their formula, a specific bioactive peptide called K18Peptide rebuilds the keratin chains responsible for damaged hair. What's most shocking (in a good way) is the activation time: only four minutes!
Usually, these claims would be stamped with a 'too good to be true' eye-roll. Except, K18 has garnered a reputation for excellence. Their website is filled with verified reviews, and their Instagram boasts jaw-dropping before-and-after pictures.
Could K18 really work? Follow along as we investigate their Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask and Leave-In Molecular Repair Mist. By the end of this article, we'll declare whether the hair growth claims are true or false.
What Are The Signs Of Hair Loss?
According to Mayo Clinic, people lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. This sounds like a lot of shedding, but new growth ensures no noticeable impact. It's only when the loss isn't outpaced by new growth that serious problems emerge. Here's how to check for the signs of thinning and hair loss:- Fine hair. Some people have a naturally fine texture, but sudden changes to your hair can be worrying. You can diagnose fine hair by rubbing one strand between your fingers and assessing the quality. If the answer is 'I can barely feel the strand' then fine hair may be the culprit.
- General thinning. When hair gradually becomes sparse on top of the head, it's a sign of hair loss that may worsen. It can be accompanied by receding hairlines and widening hair parts. General thinning can occur in both men and women.
- Rounder patches of hair loss. The technical term is alopecia areatam, and it's characterised by circular patches of hair loss on the scalp. The hair loss is usually temporary, and thickness returns in a few years.
There are several other causes of hair loss, and the full list can be found here. However, these three are the most common.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a normal part of ageing. Still, there are many other potential causes of baldness to consider. Before pinning all your hopes on K18, ensure there are no conflicts with the list below. You may just solve your problem for free.- Ageing. Time is the ultimate enemy of hair. There aren't many products that stop natural hair loss as the cause is often genetic, but don't let hope desert you completely.
- Hormones and medical conditions. As if hormones and medical conditions weren't tough enough, hair loss can be a common side effect.
- Medications. Occasionally, hair loss will be listed as a medicinal side effect. You can speak to your doctor about switching to a new brand if you are concerned about the state of your hair.
- Styling and chemical treatments. If you want to continue intensive styling and chemical treatments, ensure a protective product like K18 is used before or after.
- Poor nutrition. Your parents encouraged you to eat fruit and vegetables for a reason. One of the detriments of an unhealthy diet is hair loss, so pile those leafy greens onto your plate.
Can Hair Loss Be Reversed?
The answer to this question is complicated. Some experts say 'no' and others say 'yes'.
At AMR Hair & Beauty, we sit on the fence with most medical professionals. According to this article by the ABC, thinning and hair loss are difficult to reverse.
The key is to act before the hair follicle is obliterated because complete regrowth isn't possible. Thankfully, you can reduce hair loss and encourage partial regrowth in most circumstances.
Before turning to medications, try some wholesome haircare solutions. Instead of targeting hormone levels, these topical products stimulate growth using the scalp and hair. The remedy is direct without frightening side effects. So, let's see if the K18 formula is a hair loss solution.
How Does the K18 Bioactive Peptide Work?
Unlike other hair care products, K18 explains how its formula works in detail. There are no wishy-washy claims or random ingredients that sound good on the packet.
The founders of K18 worked directly with the University of Minho Biological Engineering Center for decades to discover a real solution. After scanning the human genome, they uncovered a peptide that repairs broken keratin chains and they are the primary source of damaged hair.
Keratin chains are broken in a variety of ways. There are chemical treatments that cause damage, such as bleach and hair dye. Plus, electrical and mechanical styling tools are a common cause of damage. All of these activities can mean thinning and hair loss.
Thankfully, two K18 product lines can reverse damage from everyday hair practices: Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask and Leave-In Molecular Repair Mist. Each bottle contains K18Peptide to heal the broken chains. The peptide copies natural proteins to rebuild the hair from the inside. Once used, 91% strength and 94% elasticity are regained. In just four minutes, hair is permanently improved, and the results do not wash away in the shower!
K18 sounds promising so far, but what if we told you there was more? The brand is committed to helping people, animals and the planet. That's why they're 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Additionally, their products are colour-safe, dermatologically and free from parabens, sulphates, silicons or artificial colours. Imagine if you could combat hair loss while supporting an ethical brand. it's the definition of a win-win!
Should I Use K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask Or Mist?
One of the most surprising facts about K18 is their small range. Initially they only sold a couple of products: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask and K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mist. More recently K18 have added Detox and Maintenance Shampoos to their range.
Looking at the Mask and Mist for now, which one should you use?
Both products contain the same formula. They restore, smooth and strengthen hair for a healthier overall appearance without fuss. There are only a few slight differences. Leave-In Molecular Repair Mist is applied before harsh salon services, such as chemical treatments. The mist ensures hair is strong enough to survive bleaching and hair dye without cringe-worthy damage. The instructions are relatively simple, and there are seven steps in total.
First, the hair is misted with water and sectioned before spraying each bundle 2-6 times. Leave for four minutes and allow the hair to dry before using shampoo. DO NOT use conditioner with either of these products. Finally, boost with K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Mask.
If you want to protect hair from salon damage, the mist is a perfect choice. However, it's not traditionally used as a singular product, and you will need the mask, too.
The Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask is the most popular K18 product available. It can be used as a standalone service or alongside the mist. There are only four steps, so there is no confusion about the application. To begin, simply shampoo the hair, and add the mask to towel-dried tresses. Continue adding dollops of product from the roots to the ends as needed. Leave the mask on for four minutes, and style the hair in your desired fashion.
The mask is traditionally used by the public, so this option is a great foray into K18. Let us know in the comments if you've tried the two products before and which one you preferred.
In Conclusion: Does K18 Help With Hair Loss?
After reading our summary of K18, we've uncovered some fascinating facts. K18 is a reliable hair repair brand with many fans around the world. After use, hair is left stronger, smoother, softer and healthier. Best of all, there are no messy rinsing requirements or long wait times.
However, the real question is: does K18 help with hair loss?
Although the formula doesn't explicitly regrow hair, you can experience improvements if there is underlying damage. The masks and mists improve the internal hair structure using molecular technology, so thinning caused by chemical and heat damage can be treated with K18.
Other types of hair loss are not likely to be reversed by K18. If you suffer from age-related, hormonal or medicinal side effects, there may be other alternatives.
K18 certainly has a host of other benefits, though. If you want to order any of the K18 products listed throughout the article, you can check out our K18 product range.
You can also shop at our physical stores in Sydney (Penrith & Ingleburn), Melbourne (Epping), Perth (Cannington), and Canberra (Belconnen).
