Is K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Mask worth the hype?

When a new product gets huge hype (or any product, for that matter!), it can sometimes just put me off immediately, which I know is a bit unfair, but sometimes the hype just isn't real! I have my hair routine pretty much sorted and thought that I didn't need to try anything new, but K18 just intrigued me too much to resist giving it a go. So, is it worth the hype?

So, what's the deal with this product? They claim that it was 10 years in the making, and can get hair like new in just 4 minutes, regardless of condition, heat/colour used etc. Hmm..... I was suspicious to say the least, but when I saw that it was available in more than one size, I decided to invest in the 15ml bottle. 

It's an unusual product, not because it's a leave in conditioner - they've been around for years, but because it claims to reverse damage in just 4 minutes, with just one pump of product. So, you wash your hair as usual, and then towel dry, apply one pump (working from ends to roots), and then leave for 4 minutes, before blowdrying/styling as usual.

I've said before that I have very knotty hair, so the first time I used this, I was quite anxious as to how I'd get my brush through my hair (I use either a Tangle Teezer or Wet Brush). I tried one pump, as per the instructions, but that was nowhere near enough product for my long hair, so I tried one more, and eventually needed to use 3 pumps. I then waited 4 minutes before drying my hair. Usually, I would use shampoo, conditioner, a detangling spray, and then a heat protector or a styling spray (which is sometimes a 2-in-1 product), possibly finishing with a little oil.  So to go from that routine, to just shampoo and this, I really was putting it to the test!

This product is aimed at reversing damage, reducing breakage/split ends, to reconnect broken chains and bonds, and to restore shine. It is said that you'll see some improvement with the first use, but for best effects, use for three shampoos, and then less frequently.

I'm kinda on the fence with K18. My hair dries pretty quickly, and doesn't feel as though I've only used a leave in conditioner, plus it feels stronger, however it certainly hasn't wowed me, and I definitely get better results from my usual routine. My hair doesn't feel as sleek, or look as 'salon done' as when I use my usual products.

I can see the convenience of taking a product of this size with you on holiday, for convenience, and I may do that, but if you were to ask me if I got better results from Olaplex No3 or K18, I'd definitely say Olaplex. I'm aware that they are different products, but they have the same aim. As with all beauty products, you must remember that it's personal - I have frizzy, dry hair, so somebody with normal hair may have an entirely different experience. If I found that it worked really well, I'd be happy, because although expensive, it would still work out a lot cheaper than all of my other hair products combined.

I'll finish this bottle, but I won't be repurchasing and I don't think it's worth the hype (for my hair type).

Have you tried K18? I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.