Honestly, I tried ”their” way of using it instead of conditoner and hair felt dry and yet oily at the same time. Now I just shampoo and condition my hit as usual and put a small amount in as a leave in while hair is still wet, and it works WONDERS! I know it shouldnt because of the whole ”conditioner closed the cuticles” but it really works, so Just thought I’d throw it out there. Also makes it such less of a hassle.
@@louiseosterlund2924 this is super interesting!! I agree, it needs some finagling for me too but I still prefer olaplex over it. I have a little left - I think I’m going to try this! Thank you SO much!!
A lot of my work and career revolves around skin and hair cosmetics whether that may be formulation, pH levels, ingredients, sustainability, efficacy, ect. I obviously don’t know your hair but from what you have explained, it just sounds like you need moisture. This would explain why Olaplex works and K18 may not. While they are both fortifying, the only thing they have in common is amino acids IMO. K18 is focused more around peptides and protein, which in itself sounds like the same thing, however proteins can make the hair feel a little ‘gritty’ or ‘hard’. While Olaplex on the other hand works on amino acids and pH, and as far as Redken’s ABC line, that one focuses on moisture, a little bit of protein and mostly pH. If you have a swollen, lifted cuticle, that is not the same as damaged hair, which explains why you like Olaplex N°8. I think you would benefit from just moisture. One that I think you would like is Redken’s Acidic Bonding Moisture Concentrate. It is a professional product but it’s not that hard to get and it is a generous size. It’s all about lowering the pH of your hair while also packing a tone of moisture. If not that, I think you would like Olaplex 4-in-1 which is way cheaper per millilitre than Olaplex N°8 as it’s the same just better. Though because you would benefit from moisture products, I would consider using a clarifying shampoo every month. Not just any, but try one that is actually formulated to be higher pH such as Malibu Undo-Goo or Paul Mitchel Shampoo Three. These will intentionally lift the cuticle to remove build up. I think you would also enjoy things like glosses, such as Redken Shades EQ which literally makes such a big difference. Where K18 shines is when you have had a really big hit of damage such as chemical services (example: a round of lightening) and when the hair really fragile and is breaking from mid lengths. If you really want to experiment with K18, rather than applying one or two pumps, apply a few more than you normally would, and make sure you’re applying it to damp hair as the cuticle is open when the hair is wet, and after the 4 minutes, apply Redken’s Acidic Bonding Conditioner, then rinse it out. Why I say to use the Redken ABC conditioner on top is to really lower the pH while also delivering moisture. I would normally do this with their pH sealer, though that’s another professional product but anything that’s really low level pH will ensure smoothness and manageability. As long as you’re rinsing everything out properly, it should be fine. If you really want to simplify it though, I would just use the Redken Acidic Bonding Intensive Treatment (or just use Olaplex N°3, whichever you like better), then use Redken’s Acidic Bonding Shampoo, and then Olaplex N°8. I think you’ll find that your hair will feel way better. Only use K18 if your hair really needs it, just remember it does have protein in it and not everyone needs protein.
Hi, first of all, thank you SO much for taking the time to make such a detailed comment!! You’re very right, my hair loves and craves moisture and always has, even since I was young! I am very protein sensitive and have always had to find some great products that accommodate my picky needy hair. I actually just gave the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate a try and while it was good, I still prefer Olaplex. If you watched my first impressions with k18, I explain that I recently had a terrible salon experience where my hair is breaking off at the top and mid lengths due to over processing, hence this hair journey taking a different turn and trying these products. I do usually clarify but I love the input of trying a more high quality clarifier so I’m going to put your recommendations on my list!! I have done a gloss in the past with color and found it did help a little! Maybe I’ll have to try a clear gloss, thanks so much for the idea! I also LOVE your idea of trying k18 and the ABC in conjunction, maybe that’s what my hair needs!!! I really appreciate your thoroughness and your comment, it’s helpful for sure!!! Thanks again!!
@@KindlyChristina you’re very welcome! I didn’t know about your salon experience… not good at all. I’m wondering whether if it’s breaking off so high up that it was a foil technique they did. If it was, it could have just been left in too long? And still, with breakage, being that it is more at the mid lengths, I think there would be no point in using K18 as I would be more trying to protect the length rather than prevent the length of that makes sense… has anyone recommend just using hair oil? It’s one of those things that really do help protect the ends of your hair where it has been broken off and would just benefit in general as it’s another moisture product. You might find that you need something thicker than Olaplex N°7, again, something with more silicones in it. Redken do a nice one, the one from Oribe is beautiful if you want to splurge, and another good one is from Kerastase as it’s quite big for how much it is. You might find that you’ll like Aveda’s Botanical Repair line. It’s a little bit like Olaplex N°8 how it uses more lipid based ingredients and lowering the pH much like Redken. Just a thought but you don’t NEED it. I think what you’re doing now is really good, and as long as you’re protecting your hair with nice leave-ins that are thick enough for your hair type with oils and moisture, it’s all about patience at this point and trying your best not to put tension on your hair (shampooing, brushing, and any type of mechanical and/or physical tension are some of the things we do on a regular basis and don’t really think about). Olaplex in general is quite dense and heavy which is a good thing your case, but the only thing I would replace is the shampoo N°4 as it’s pH is a 6-7 so keep using Redken’s shampoo. If you end up getting your hands on Redken’s Acidic Bonding Moisture Concentrate, I think you’ll absolutely ADORE IT! I like how you used N°8 as a leave-in too actually. There’s nothing wrong with that and I have had good feedback that it has worked as a leave-in for people I have recommended it too. You’ll find a place for K18 some day, so I would keep it just encase you do need it some day. You’re doing a very good job tbh so keep it up. Patience is key! 😂
@@advisemethis so in terms of my breakage it definitely has been traumatic for me 😭 the full story is in my initial k18 video but essentially I went to a trusted professional and she totally botched my bleach and bleached over it and seriously over processed my hair. I have been on a healthy hair journey for a long time now and all my progress was gone so quickly. What was supposed to be 10 small foils max turned into more bleach and over processing than I had hoped and it’s been bringing up my hair PTSD. At this point, it’s kind of like you said, I’m just trying to preserve whatever I have left. I’ve noticed my strands are very uneven, healthy in certain parts and frail and thin in others because of this. I actually used to use a jojoba hair oil and haven’t in a while, maybe that could be a key factor in helping my hair! When my hair was first damaged which prompted a full cut and start over and then I started this long hair journey, I used oribe products. I liked them but they were just SO expensive but it’s been a long time since I’ve used anything oribe so maybe it’s time to give it a go again? And perhaps it’s not as expensive as I remember. I think you’re on point, it’s just a patience game at this point and that can be the hardest part but comments like yours give me hope and make the waiting feel a little less difficult! I’ll have to see about a better shampoo! In terms of the acidic bonding concentrate, I really did like it! However, I didn’t find it was any better than my olaplex products, but maybe that’s another product that I need to give more time too :) Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out and your detailed responses and support!! I can tell you know what you’re doing and i’m taking notes and adding to my future purchase lists! Thank you SOOO much!
@@KindlyChristina I would start by getting some knowledge on what the hair structure is for that we have 2 main parts, the cuticle and the cortex which is made up of certain nutrients such as ceramides, fatty acids and carbohydrates, amino acids (aka keratin), hydrogen bonds, disulphide bonds. Our hair lives at a acidic level of about 5, but when you lower that to about 3, our hair becomes much stronger and healthier. Olaplex will work on lowering that pH at the cortex, and also giving the cuticle moisture, especially when using something such as N°8 as it’s like a ceramide lipid barrier treatment for the cuticle. This will give you flexibility, smoothness, and strength. Though the only thing from Olaplex that is different from everything else is N° 1 & 2 and N°0 & 3. Everything else you can find in other products so don’t feel like you have to have everything from the brand, they just capitalised on the ones that actually do work. The shampoo, conditioner, leave-ins while great, aren’t necessary and will not repair. I would have N°3 if anything. When it comes to shampoo, you could really go with any but anything that is of a pH of 3 to 4 will be good as it will naturally want to reduce and cleanse away any mineral deposits such as copper, hard water, ect, making those hydrogen bonds stronger and the cuticle smoother. Because you have the Redken Acidic shampoo, just use that, though another good one would be K18 detox shampoo as it’s a pH of 3.5. When it comes to conditioners, I find them redundant as treatment masks will always do a better job and they are naturally always going to be very low pH too. Something like Moroccan Oil Weightless Mask is good, but because you have Olaplex N°8, that’s a pH of about 4 so that’s more than fine and it will smooth the cuticle because of those ceramides. As far as leave-ins, the Pureology 21 Multi Benefit Spray is good, and you would probably benefit from something like Oribe’s Gloss. Oribe is a great brand but it’s very cosmetic, meaning that it will always feel great and look great. Like makeup for the hair. It does have benefits but it does come at a price. There are so many good things out there. The jojoba oil you mentioned would be great because it’s a natural-moisturising-factor, so therefore falls under those ‘lipids’ and would go great for you as your hair seems to love ceramides. Your hair would love panthenol too.x You have some really good products at home. So keep piling your hair, stay away from too much mechanical use, and let it be. Think of it like whenever we have a rash… the more we touch it, the worse it gets, even if it’s to apply a cream or something. You just have the treat it and wait. I know the feeling too and it sucks that you went though that but don’t let that get you down because there are so many ways to fix it. Thank gos for Google and TH-cam! Back when I was doing my hair a lot, I didn’t have those resources and we didn’t even have Olaplex or anything like it. Honestly though, if your hair loves moisture, I would go get a really cheap jojoba oil or some sort of oil with silicone in it to just moisturise your hair even if it’s 3 times a day! The less you wash it the better, but when you do, start with the highest pH product whether that might be a clarifying shampoo or whatever, and work your way down to the lowest. If you run out of Redken ABC line and you’re finding it’s a little expensive, go get Matrix Unbreak My Blonde line. L’Oréal is the umbrella company for both and all they did was repackage the Redken ABC line into the Matrix UMB line, you’ll see that the ingredients are nearly exactly the same word-for-word and it’s like half the price. When you do find you want to splurge though, the absolute first thing I would be getting is Redken’s Acidic Moisture Concentrate 10% Glycerin and Redken’s Acidic pH Sealer. You’ll thank yourself for it and it will last you so long. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it really easy but if you need help finding it or getting it with trade, I should be able to show you how to get around it.
Thanks for your info lovely. I wonder if k18 works best on damaged hair? Yours is gorgeous and looks so healthy. I bought it too for my virgin hair which is also healthy but didn`t notice much difference except it becoming greasy really fast. I think you are right about the protein being drying coz wavy hair needs moisture more, and it causes like a seesaw effect offsetting your moisture balance. You are beautiful by the way and your hair is too!
Hi! I’m sure k18 does work best on damaged hair. You’d be surprised, it has taken a lot of work for my hair to seem healthy and in some ways it is but I have quite a bit of breakage and split ends for sure from bleach damage. Lots of dryness too! I think the alcohol really has effected my hair mixed with the protein. I hope any of my tips are able to help you too! thanks so much for your comment ✨💗
@@KindlyChristina Your welcome hun, yes alcohol is very drying, will try your hints and tips and wash it out from now on. Sorry to hear you had breakage and damage. I had to stop bleaching coz mine snapped off loads about 7 years ago its scary lol. Looks like your doing the right things with it, looks really nice now.
@@bunnylover2164 wow so sorry to hear about your breakage way back! i understand the stopping bleaching, that’s me right now! thanks for all your kind comments 💗
I appreciated the review of redken acidic that you did, I was one of the people that requested it. After you didn’t love it and thinking about how acid takes the color out of your hair I’m gonna skip it. I’ve tried apple cider vinegar on my hair before, not fun lol I got a bottle of olaplex 0 at Walgreens recently and have been trying it out and find that it all comes out of my hair after just rinsing with hot bath water. I have really coarse, highly porous hair and I’m hoping k18 will be a little more semi-permanent solution to the frizz. Also at Walgreens I picked up Hask Argan oil 5 in one 1 leave in spray. I used to use pure Argan oil that was really thick and I think they used a viscosity modifier to thin it out and it makes a nice finishing spray, kind of reminds me of “dry oils” which were popular for a time in the hair care world. I also saw that garnier at target has a silicone and oil free leave in/heat protector type of thing that I’d like to compare it to. Don’t know if you would be interested in those.
Happy to help!! I appreciate any input so I can tailor content that my subscribers need or want so I’m always happy to try and consider suggestions!! I’ve actually never tried straight apple cider vinegar on my hair (only products that had trace amounts of it in it). Also I didn’t even know walgreens has olaplex products now!! I’m going to have to stop by one some time!! I hope k18 can be what your hair needs. It’s expensive but if it works for you, then it’s worth it so I hope it does! I haven’t tried pure argan oil but i used to used jojoba and it worked really well. I’ve been thinking of doing those treatments again. I definitely will take your input and keep it in mind for future videos, thank you so much for your comment and input, I soooo appreciate it!!!
Thanks for your video. I think where many go wrong is they assume alcohols are all bad in a product. Many alcohols are made and mixed with other elements in the conditioner/treatment to get into the hair and do its magic. I will also say that these kinds of products seem to have more of an effect on damaged hair - yours does not look that damaged. They are not 'conditioners.' You have to follow up with a good moisturizing mask. I am not a big K18 freak or fan, but I notice is does have an affect on my hair; sometimes I only notice it after it has been rinsed out.
i am SO sorry for the delay on this response! I really appreciate all your input and will consider it for the future! thank you so much for your comment! ✨💗
Hey I’m watching these videos in your playlist and I’m really enjoyed watching your experience and talking about your worries with K18. But I do have question. So when you used k18, did you only wash you hair once a week? Or did you wash your hair multiple times per week and skip using k18 every so often?
Hi! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the series! I washed probably 2 times per week and used k18 consecutively. In hindsight, that was way too much for my hair and I should have broken it up more. I have since tested k18 more occasionally and still come up with the same results, accepting it has way too much alcohol in it for my hair. I find I have better results with olaplex products personally! I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!
thanks for your input! After a very long journey with k18, it is just too drying with the alcohols in it. For me it HAS to be washed out. I tried doing that method you mentioned and it made my hair really dry. But I appreciate your comment a ton! Thank you!
@@KindlyChristina you are very welcome 🤗 I know for me I had beautiful waist length hair I e wanted to go platinum blonde and let’s just say I had to get it cut to my shoulders hahaha I’ve found k18 to be drying for her too but when used with ever pure from L’Oréal Paris bonding repair treatment my hair felt loads better
Sounds like you figured out STC - squish to condish. Basically allows the moisture to be better absorbed in your hair and usually the more water the better. If you're craving a sugary drink try iced tea with frozen fruits instead of ice. It's a game changer! (I like the cold infusion ones) Yupp definitely use more water for moisture absorption! There are a few methods that utilize this function. There's something called the Ultimate Hydration and Bowl Method which is an application technique which just makes you constantly stick your head in a bowl of water to keep adding water back in and helps with detangling when using conditioner. Key is not using too too much water that your rinsing out product, it's more for even distribution. Another one is something called wet plopping. You take a shower cap and while your hair is dripping wet with conditioner you put your hair in the shower cap for say 5-20 minutes to really let the conditioner soak. (Would recommend putting a towel over the shower cap to not let any drip down your neck.) Some combine it with a heated shower cap as heat can help open up the cuticle for it to be absorbed. These are just various methods that use water for hydration and moisture retention. There's definitely more methods out there I'm sure. You aren't alone in the taking off from my school. I'm taking a year off before going back to travel,give myself a break, finally breathe and pursue other passions of mine. Remember being a kid and thinking the adults had it all figured out? And then you yourself become an adult and realize wait no one actually does. Growing up is simply realizing everyone is pretending to know what they're doing. I finished my K18 bottle and probably will repurchase it next year. Prepoo and deep conditioning work best on my hair so will continue to do that until then. Good luck to your almost 1000 subscribers just under 100 to go!
ahhh yes!! I remember i used to STC in high school but haven’t in so long, what a game changer!! also love the idea of substituting ice for fruit, especially with iced tea, this could be my new go to!!!!! I’ve heard of the bowl method but never truly tried it. Might be great for a future video?! do you do the bowl method in the shower or more as a hair refresh? also i love plopping! I used to try it but in a different method so I’ll have to try your recommended way! All the input is so helpful, seriously thank YOU for taking the time to share it!!! I also love that you’re also taking time off for you and your passions, honestly is such a great reminder that i’m not alone and knowing there’s others who feel similar!! I hope your time off is wonderful and exactly what you needed. I agree 1000% , we all are just little kids in adult bodies with more responsibilities and resources…. it doesn’t mean there’s a set way or path to life and we all are on our own journey’s♥️ also maybe k18 will have some black friday deals?! if they do, i might consider restocking one time, I’m so glad you’ve had such a good experience with it!!! and thank you,,, ahhh it’s crazy to think i’m so close to my subscriber goal 🥹 thanks for always being an awesome part of my channel!
New subscriber I'm having the same thing with the k-18 with bleached hair as well I'm going to try what you tried I don't have curly hair but definitely the k18 is very hard to use without conditioner while getting out of the shower my hair is in a huge knot in the back I have over processed hair I have used the redken acidic bonding shampoo conditioner but not lately since my hair has been a mess I thought about using the matrix unbreak my blonde it has a higher acidic making it more or less tangly it is so hard to even get a brush or comb through my hair with the k18 I'm starting to think it's not worth it this is my second bottle olaplex has always been my go-to I do still have the shampoo and conditioner of olaplex I've used up the number three not sure where to go from here I'm going to try and do some of the things that you are doing most definitely love your channel already hoping I can find a remedy for this madness in my hair she literally left the bleach in my hair for 3 hours it's so streaky I do not like it and she didn't even put a gloss on it and it's right here at Christmas she said that she would gloss it later haven't heard nothing back yet My hair is white she told me not to use a purple shampoo I don't know what I was thinking I should have never left that salon without a gloss of redken shades EQ because my cuticle is wide open now I don't know what to do any expert opinion would be so helpful she told me definitely do not use purple shampoo because I would have gray hair anyone can help me please?
Hi! I totally get your experience with K18. Since this series I’ve tried it a few more times since I had some left over and it’s just not good in my opinion. I’m the same, olaplex products really are my go-to when I can afford it. I am SO sorry to hear about your over-processed hair… I had a similar experience about 7 years ago and it scarred me. If your hair is anything like mine, you NEED a gloss and a toner. I don’t care what that hair dresser says. If she did your hair that bad, I wouldn’t trust anything else she says. I know it might sound not fun, but you may need to go to a professional to get it fixed. That might include getting color added just to give your hair *something* to cling to. It’s going to cost more money which is not fun but, even a free consultation with another professional (with good reviews) might be worth doing. I am SO sorry to hear about your experience. I’d say, skip trying k18 for now and hear what another stylist recommends. You don’t want to overwhelm your hair and cause it more stress if you can avoid it. Praying for you!
@@KindlyChristina thank you so much God bless you too and yes I should have never left That's salon without a gloss or red can shades EQ of some sort but it was late she started bleaching my hair at 3:00 and we didn't start rinsing until 7:00 I didn't realize the time but she's specifically told me do not use purple shampoo unless I want gray hair I wish I could show you pictures and thank you for the advice I promised myself as I was on my healthy hair journey I would never get bleach again but now I'm on a hair recovery journey in my hair just started growing out the perfect length which she had to cut twice You're not going to believe what it costed me $500 well total I tipped her 125 dollars so 500 total but anyway over Christmas we were talking she was supposed to get me into tone my hair down cuz when I put my hair back in a ponytail it looks like I have complete gray hair and the ends don't even match the top so at this point I don't know Yes I probably need to go see someone else I'm meeting my children tonight my adult children for dinner Christmas dinner at a restaurant so I'm trying to figure something quickly for today maybe a conditioner with a little color 🩵🩵🩵🩵 thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me thank you so much again and God bless 🙏💜 Merry Christmas hopefully I'll find a solution and I can get back with you 🙏💜
@@wendy8561 Of course! God bless you, sister! I get it completely and the struggle. Getting your hair done, especially bleach, can be SO expensive. It can be a hard lesson learned so I feel this fully. Definitely grab some color depositing conditioner. I hope you have a beautiful holiday with your family ♥️ so much love and may God bless and protect you today and throughout the new year! ♥️
@@KindlyChristina thank you sweetheart you are such a doll I'm 52 years old and have thyroid issues as well so the hair fall is real I'm now watching your other video your hair is so beautiful I'm so glad that you're going back to your regular hair shampoo conditioner and silicones my hair definitely needs some silicone I don't get why some people hate silicones but my hair absolutely loves them and there is a time and a place to detox your hair maybe once a month but I think I'm going to start definitely using Kristen ess she's got a whole line of products I seen in another one of your videos or maybe this one that is so wonderful so off to Target I go lol and as well I need to get the yellow back into my hair on top I really didn't even have any gray very few she bleached my hair till it was solid white which I would have liked if it was even and toned I do believe but still thinking on what conditioner I can use to deposit some color back into my hair I'm sorry I'm all over the place with this message but thank you again and God bless you and your family this Christmas and continue to bless you I am so happy I found your channel thank you again PS my dinner is at 7:00 so let's hope I can get this taken care of with some type of semi-permanent deal 💜🙏 talk to you soon thanks again doll you are gorgeous
So using Clarifying shampoo helped?? I don’t really use that many products usually a bumble and bumble leave in and a oil.. plan on using them 4 mins after I use my K18 today.. what shampoo did you use?
I think a clarifying shampoo is good for a fresh start but i don’t use them too frequently as they can really dry out my hair. I’m not quite sure what shampoo I used but I generally use Garnier fructis sleek and shine or the kristin ess hydrating curl shampoo for a sulphate/silicon free option!! I would say if your hair is prone to drying out, definitely let the k18 sit for 4 mins, then wash it out to get the alcohol out of your hair. Hope this helps!! thanks for you comment and happy to answer any other questions ♥️♥️
I think you are trying way too hard to like K18 😂 Not everyone likes it and not everyone has to like it. Maybe it depends on the individuals hair and what it needs.
I know these videos are not necessarily giving the true timing of when you wash your hair but why does it seem like you wash your hair everyday? Do you?... and yes, I saw the ring but... you're married? You look like twelve... 😄. Whatever you're doing or not doing to your skin keep doing or not doing it. Maybe it's the unnatural sugar abstinence.
Thanks for your input! I typically wash my hair every 2 to 4 days depending on the time of year, weather, etc. And yep, happily married! I joke all the time that I look super young, i’m hoping as I age, looking twelve will be a super power 😂 thanks for the comment!
Honestly, I tried ”their” way of using it instead of conditoner and hair felt dry and yet oily at the same time.
Now I just shampoo and condition my hit as usual and put a small amount in as a leave in while hair is still wet, and it works WONDERS!
I know it shouldnt because of the whole ”conditioner closed the cuticles” but it really works, so Just thought I’d throw it out there. Also makes it such less of a hassle.
@@louiseosterlund2924 this is super interesting!! I agree, it needs some finagling for me too but I still prefer olaplex over it. I have a little left - I think I’m going to try this! Thank you SO much!!
A lot of my work and career revolves around skin and hair cosmetics whether that may be formulation, pH levels, ingredients, sustainability, efficacy, ect.
I obviously don’t know your hair but from what you have explained, it just sounds like you need moisture. This would explain why Olaplex works and K18 may not. While they are both fortifying, the only thing they have in common is amino acids IMO. K18 is focused more around peptides and protein, which in itself sounds like the same thing, however proteins can make the hair feel a little ‘gritty’ or ‘hard’. While Olaplex on the other hand works on amino acids and pH, and as far as Redken’s ABC line, that one focuses on moisture, a little bit of protein and mostly pH. If you have a swollen, lifted cuticle, that is not the same as damaged hair, which explains why you like Olaplex N°8.
I think you would benefit from just moisture. One that I think you would like is Redken’s Acidic Bonding Moisture Concentrate. It is a professional product but it’s not that hard to get and it is a generous size. It’s all about lowering the pH of your hair while also packing a tone of moisture. If not that, I think you would like Olaplex 4-in-1 which is way cheaper per millilitre than Olaplex N°8 as it’s the same just better. Though because you would benefit from moisture products, I would consider using a clarifying shampoo every month. Not just any, but try one that is actually formulated to be higher pH such as Malibu Undo-Goo or Paul Mitchel Shampoo Three. These will intentionally lift the cuticle to remove build up. I think you would also enjoy things like glosses, such as Redken Shades EQ which literally makes such a big difference.
Where K18 shines is when you have had a really big hit of damage such as chemical services (example: a round of lightening) and when the hair really fragile and is breaking from mid lengths.
If you really want to experiment with K18, rather than applying one or two pumps, apply a few more than you normally would, and make sure you’re applying it to damp hair as the cuticle is open when the hair is wet, and after the 4 minutes, apply Redken’s Acidic Bonding Conditioner, then rinse it out. Why I say to use the Redken ABC conditioner on top is to really lower the pH while also delivering moisture. I would normally do this with their pH sealer, though that’s another professional product but anything that’s really low level pH will ensure smoothness and manageability. As long as you’re rinsing everything out properly, it should be fine.
If you really want to simplify it though, I would just use the Redken Acidic Bonding Intensive Treatment (or just use Olaplex N°3, whichever you like better), then use Redken’s Acidic Bonding Shampoo, and then Olaplex N°8. I think you’ll find that your hair will feel way better.
Only use K18 if your hair really needs it, just remember it does have protein in it and not everyone needs protein.
Hi, first of all, thank you SO much for taking the time to make such a detailed comment!! You’re very right, my hair loves and craves moisture and always has, even since I was young! I am very protein sensitive and have always had to find some great products that accommodate my picky needy hair. I actually just gave the Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate a try and while it was good, I still prefer Olaplex. If you watched my first impressions with k18, I explain that I recently had a terrible salon experience where my hair is breaking off at the top and mid lengths due to over processing, hence this hair journey taking a different turn and trying these products. I do usually clarify but I love the input of trying a more high quality clarifier so I’m going to put your recommendations on my list!! I have done a gloss in the past with color and found it did help a little! Maybe I’ll have to try a clear gloss, thanks so much for the idea! I also LOVE your idea of trying k18 and the ABC in conjunction, maybe that’s what my hair needs!!! I really appreciate your thoroughness and your comment, it’s helpful for sure!!! Thanks again!!
@@KindlyChristina you’re very welcome! I didn’t know about your salon experience… not good at all. I’m wondering whether if it’s breaking off so high up that it was a foil technique they did. If it was, it could have just been left in too long? And still, with breakage, being that it is more at the mid lengths, I think there would be no point in using K18 as I would be more trying to protect the length rather than prevent the length of that makes sense… has anyone recommend just using hair oil? It’s one of those things that really do help protect the ends of your hair where it has been broken off and would just benefit in general as it’s another moisture product. You might find that you need something thicker than Olaplex N°7, again, something with more silicones in it. Redken do a nice one, the one from Oribe is beautiful if you want to splurge, and another good one is from Kerastase as it’s quite big for how much it is. You might find that you’ll like Aveda’s Botanical Repair line. It’s a little bit like Olaplex N°8 how it uses more lipid based ingredients and lowering the pH much like Redken. Just a thought but you don’t NEED it. I think what you’re doing now is really good, and as long as you’re protecting your hair with nice leave-ins that are thick enough for your hair type with oils and moisture, it’s all about patience at this point and trying your best not to put tension on your hair (shampooing, brushing, and any type of mechanical and/or physical tension are some of the things we do on a regular basis and don’t really think about).
Olaplex in general is quite dense and heavy which is a good thing your case, but the only thing I would replace is the shampoo N°4 as it’s pH is a 6-7 so keep using Redken’s shampoo. If you end up getting your hands on Redken’s Acidic Bonding Moisture Concentrate, I think you’ll absolutely ADORE IT! I like how you used N°8 as a leave-in too actually. There’s nothing wrong with that and I have had good feedback that it has worked as a leave-in for people I have recommended it too.
You’ll find a place for K18 some day, so I would keep it just encase you do need it some day. You’re doing a very good job tbh so keep it up. Patience is key! 😂
@Carine C i know right 🥹 he’s literally the best!!!
@@advisemethis so in terms of my breakage it definitely has been traumatic for me 😭 the full story is in my initial k18 video but essentially I went to a trusted professional and she totally botched my bleach and bleached over it and seriously over processed my hair. I have been on a healthy hair journey for a long time now and all my progress was gone so quickly. What was supposed to be 10 small foils max turned into more bleach and over processing than I had hoped and it’s been bringing up my hair PTSD. At this point, it’s kind of like you said, I’m just trying to preserve whatever I have left. I’ve noticed my strands are very uneven, healthy in certain parts and frail and thin in others because of this. I actually used to use a jojoba hair oil and haven’t in a while, maybe that could be a key factor in helping my hair! When my hair was first damaged which prompted a full cut and start over and then I started this long hair journey, I used oribe products. I liked them but they were just SO expensive but it’s been a long time since I’ve used anything oribe so maybe it’s time to give it a go again? And perhaps it’s not as expensive as I remember. I think you’re on point, it’s just a patience game at this point and that can be the hardest part but comments like yours give me hope and make the waiting feel a little less difficult! I’ll have to see about a better shampoo! In terms of the acidic bonding concentrate, I really did like it! However, I didn’t find it was any better than my olaplex products, but maybe that’s another product that I need to give more time too :) Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out and your detailed responses and support!! I can tell you know what you’re doing and i’m taking notes and adding to my future purchase lists! Thank you SOOO much!
@@KindlyChristina I would start by getting some knowledge on what the hair structure is for that we have 2 main parts, the cuticle and the cortex which is made up of certain nutrients such as ceramides, fatty acids and carbohydrates, amino acids (aka keratin), hydrogen bonds, disulphide bonds. Our hair lives at a acidic level of about 5, but when you lower that to about 3, our hair becomes much stronger and healthier. Olaplex will work on lowering that pH at the cortex, and also giving the cuticle moisture, especially when using something such as N°8 as it’s like a ceramide lipid barrier treatment for the cuticle. This will give you flexibility, smoothness, and strength. Though the only thing from Olaplex that is different from everything else is N° 1 & 2 and N°0 & 3. Everything else you can find in other products so don’t feel like you have to have everything from the brand, they just capitalised on the ones that actually do work. The shampoo, conditioner, leave-ins while great, aren’t necessary and will not repair.
I would have N°3 if anything. When it comes to shampoo, you could really go with any but anything that is of a pH of 3 to 4 will be good as it will naturally want to reduce and cleanse away any mineral deposits such as copper, hard water, ect, making those hydrogen bonds stronger and the cuticle smoother. Because you have the Redken Acidic shampoo, just use that, though another good one would be K18 detox shampoo as it’s a pH of 3.5. When it comes to conditioners, I find them redundant as treatment masks will always do a better job and they are naturally always going to be very low pH too. Something like Moroccan Oil Weightless Mask is good, but because you have Olaplex N°8, that’s a pH of about 4 so that’s more than fine and it will smooth the cuticle because of those ceramides. As far as leave-ins, the Pureology 21 Multi Benefit Spray is good, and you would probably benefit from something like Oribe’s Gloss. Oribe is a great brand but it’s very cosmetic, meaning that it will always feel great and look great. Like makeup for the hair. It does have benefits but it does come at a price.
There are so many good things out there. The jojoba oil you mentioned would be great because it’s a natural-moisturising-factor, so therefore falls under those ‘lipids’ and would go great for you as your hair seems to love ceramides. Your hair would love panthenol too.x
You have some really good products at home. So keep piling your hair, stay away from too much mechanical use, and let it be. Think of it like whenever we have a rash… the more we touch it, the worse it gets, even if it’s to apply a cream or something. You just have the treat it and wait. I know the feeling too and it sucks that you went though that but don’t let that get you down because there are so many ways to fix it. Thank gos for Google and TH-cam! Back when I was doing my hair a lot, I didn’t have those resources and we didn’t even have Olaplex or anything like it.
Honestly though, if your hair loves moisture, I would go get a really cheap jojoba oil or some sort of oil with silicone in it to just moisturise your hair even if it’s 3 times a day! The less you wash it the better, but when you do, start with the highest pH product whether that might be a clarifying shampoo or whatever, and work your way down to the lowest.
If you run out of Redken ABC line and you’re finding it’s a little expensive, go get Matrix Unbreak My Blonde line. L’Oréal is the umbrella company for both and all they did was repackage the Redken ABC line into the Matrix UMB line, you’ll see that the ingredients are nearly exactly the same word-for-word and it’s like half the price.
When you do find you want to splurge though, the absolute first thing I would be getting is Redken’s Acidic Moisture Concentrate 10% Glycerin and Redken’s Acidic pH Sealer. You’ll thank yourself for it and it will last you so long. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it really easy but if you need help finding it or getting it with trade, I should be able to show you how to get around it.
Thanks for your info lovely. I wonder if k18 works best on damaged hair? Yours is gorgeous and looks so healthy. I bought it too for my virgin hair which is also healthy but didn`t notice much difference except it becoming greasy really fast. I think you are right about the protein being drying coz wavy hair needs moisture more, and it causes like a seesaw effect offsetting your moisture balance. You are beautiful by the way and your hair is too!
Hi! I’m sure k18 does work best on damaged hair. You’d be surprised, it has taken a lot of work for my hair to seem healthy and in some ways it is but I have quite a bit of breakage and split ends for sure from bleach damage. Lots of dryness too! I think the alcohol really has effected my hair mixed with the protein. I hope any of my tips are able to help you too! thanks so much for your comment ✨💗
@@KindlyChristina Your welcome hun, yes alcohol is very drying, will try your hints and tips and wash it out from now on. Sorry to hear you had breakage and damage. I had to stop bleaching coz mine snapped off loads about 7 years ago its scary lol. Looks like your doing the right things with it, looks really nice now.
@@bunnylover2164 wow so sorry to hear about your breakage way back! i understand the stopping bleaching, that’s me right now! thanks for all your kind comments 💗
@@KindlyChristina ❤xxx
My hair was damaged but k18 make it worse
I appreciated the review of redken acidic that you did, I was one of the people that requested it. After you didn’t love it and thinking about how acid takes the color out of your hair I’m gonna skip it. I’ve tried apple cider vinegar on my hair before, not fun lol I got a bottle of olaplex 0 at Walgreens recently and have been trying it out and find that it all comes out of my hair after just rinsing with hot bath water. I have really coarse, highly porous hair and I’m hoping k18 will be a little more semi-permanent solution to the frizz. Also at Walgreens I picked up Hask Argan oil 5 in one 1 leave in spray. I used to use pure Argan oil that was really thick and I think they used a viscosity modifier to thin it out and it makes a nice finishing spray, kind of reminds me of “dry oils” which were popular for a time in the hair care world. I also saw that garnier at target has a silicone and oil free leave in/heat protector type of thing that I’d like to compare it to. Don’t know if you would be interested in those.
Happy to help!! I appreciate any input so I can tailor content that my subscribers need or want so I’m always happy to try and consider suggestions!! I’ve actually never tried straight apple cider vinegar on my hair (only products that had trace amounts of it in it). Also I didn’t even know walgreens has olaplex products now!! I’m going to have to stop by one some time!! I hope k18 can be what your hair needs. It’s expensive but if it works for you, then it’s worth it so I hope it does! I haven’t tried pure argan oil but i used to used jojoba and it worked really well. I’ve been thinking of doing those treatments again. I definitely will take your input and keep it in mind for future videos, thank you so much for your comment and input, I soooo appreciate it!!!
Thanks for your video. I think where many go wrong is they assume alcohols are all bad in a product. Many alcohols are made and mixed with other elements in the conditioner/treatment to get into the hair and do its magic. I will also say that these kinds of products seem to have more of an effect on damaged hair - yours does not look that damaged. They are not 'conditioners.' You have to follow up with a good moisturizing mask. I am not a big K18 freak or fan, but I notice is does have an affect on my hair; sometimes I only notice it after it has been rinsed out.
i am SO sorry for the delay on this response! I really appreciate all your input and will consider it for the future! thank you so much for your comment! ✨💗
Hey I’m watching these videos in your playlist and I’m really enjoyed watching your experience and talking about your worries with K18. But I do have question. So when you used k18, did you only wash you hair once a week? Or did you wash your hair multiple times per week and skip using k18 every so often?
Hi! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the series! I washed probably 2 times per week and used k18 consecutively. In hindsight, that was way too much for my hair and I should have broken it up more. I have since tested k18 more occasionally and still come up with the same results, accepting it has way too much alcohol in it for my hair. I find I have better results with olaplex products personally! I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!
@@KindlyChristina thank you! This does help a lot
@@CherryBerry383 so glad to hear it friend 🤍
Don’t rinse it out in 4 min and go put conditioner in just keep it in and put in leave in conditioner
thanks for your input! After a very long journey with k18, it is just too drying with the alcohols in it. For me it HAS to be washed out. I tried doing that method you mentioned and it made my hair really dry. But I appreciate your comment a ton! Thank you!
@@KindlyChristina you are very welcome 🤗
I know for me I had beautiful waist length hair I e wanted to go platinum blonde and let’s just say I had to get it cut to my shoulders hahaha
I’ve found k18 to be drying for her too but when used with ever pure from L’Oréal Paris bonding repair treatment my hair felt loads better
@@abbazabba5289 Oh wow, I’m so sorry for your loss 😭 I will definitely have to look into trying that, I appreciate the recommendation so much!
Sounds like you figured out STC - squish to condish. Basically allows the moisture to be better absorbed in your hair and usually the more water the better.
If you're craving a sugary drink try iced tea with frozen fruits instead of ice. It's a game changer! (I like the cold infusion ones)
Yupp definitely use more water for moisture absorption! There are a few methods that utilize this function. There's something called the Ultimate Hydration and Bowl Method which is an application technique which just makes you constantly stick your head in a bowl of water to keep adding water back in and helps with detangling when using conditioner. Key is not using too too much water that your rinsing out product, it's more for even distribution. Another one is something called wet plopping. You take a shower cap and while your hair is dripping wet with conditioner you put your hair in the shower cap for say 5-20 minutes to really let the conditioner soak. (Would recommend putting a towel over the shower cap to not let any drip down your neck.) Some combine it with a heated shower cap as heat can help open up the cuticle for it to be absorbed.
These are just various methods that use water for hydration and moisture retention. There's definitely more methods out there I'm sure.
You aren't alone in the taking off from my school. I'm taking a year off before going back to travel,give myself a break, finally breathe and pursue other passions of mine.
Remember being a kid and thinking the adults had it all figured out? And then you yourself become an adult and realize wait no one actually does. Growing up is simply realizing everyone is pretending to know what they're doing.
I finished my K18 bottle and probably will repurchase it next year. Prepoo and deep conditioning work best on my hair so will continue to do that until then.
Good luck to your almost 1000 subscribers just under 100 to go!
ahhh yes!! I remember i used to STC in high school but haven’t in so long, what a game changer!! also love the idea of substituting ice for fruit, especially with iced tea, this could be my new go to!!!!! I’ve heard of the bowl method but never truly tried it. Might be great for a future video?! do you do the bowl method in the shower or more as a hair refresh? also i love plopping! I used to try it but in a different method so I’ll have to try your recommended way! All the input is so helpful, seriously thank YOU for taking the time to share it!!! I also love that you’re also taking time off for you and your passions, honestly is such a great reminder that i’m not alone and knowing there’s others who feel similar!! I hope your time off is wonderful and exactly what you needed. I agree 1000% , we all are just little kids in adult bodies with more responsibilities and resources…. it doesn’t mean there’s a set way or path to life and we all are on our own journey’s♥️ also maybe k18 will have some black friday deals?! if they do, i might consider restocking one time, I’m so glad you’ve had such a good experience with it!!! and thank you,,, ahhh it’s crazy to think i’m so close to my subscriber goal 🥹 thanks for always being an awesome part of my channel!
New subscriber I'm having the same thing with the k-18 with bleached hair as well I'm going to try what you tried I don't have curly hair but definitely the k18 is very hard to use without conditioner while getting out of the shower my hair is in a huge knot in the back I have over processed hair I have used the redken acidic bonding shampoo conditioner but not lately since my hair has been a mess I thought about using the matrix unbreak my blonde it has a higher acidic making it more or less tangly it is so hard to even get a brush or comb through my hair with the k18 I'm starting to think it's not worth it this is my second bottle olaplex has always been my go-to I do still have the shampoo and conditioner of olaplex I've used up the number three not sure where to go from here I'm going to try and do some of the things that you are doing most definitely love your channel already hoping I can find a remedy for this madness in my hair she literally left the bleach in my hair for 3 hours it's so streaky I do not like it and she didn't even put a gloss on it and it's right here at Christmas she said that she would gloss it later haven't heard nothing back yet My hair is white she told me not to use a purple shampoo I don't know what I was thinking I should have never left that salon without a gloss of redken shades EQ because my cuticle is wide open now I don't know what to do any expert opinion would be so helpful she told me definitely do not use purple shampoo because I would have gray hair anyone can help me please?
Hi! I totally get your experience with K18. Since this series I’ve tried it a few more times since I had some left over and it’s just not good in my opinion. I’m the same, olaplex products really are my go-to when I can afford it. I am SO sorry to hear about your over-processed hair… I had a similar experience about 7 years ago and it scarred me. If your hair is anything like mine, you NEED a gloss and a toner. I don’t care what that hair dresser says. If she did your hair that bad, I wouldn’t trust anything else she says. I know it might sound not fun, but you may need to go to a professional to get it fixed. That might include getting color added just to give your hair *something* to cling to. It’s going to cost more money which is not fun but, even a free consultation with another professional (with good reviews) might be worth doing. I am SO sorry to hear about your experience. I’d say, skip trying k18 for now and hear what another stylist recommends. You don’t want to overwhelm your hair and cause it more stress if you can avoid it. Praying for you!
also thanks for your sub 🥹🫶🏽
@@KindlyChristina thank you so much God bless you too and yes I should have never left That's salon without a gloss or red can shades EQ of some sort but it was late she started bleaching my hair at 3:00 and we didn't start rinsing until 7:00 I didn't realize the time but she's specifically told me do not use purple shampoo unless I want gray hair I wish I could show you pictures and thank you for the advice I promised myself as I was on my healthy hair journey I would never get bleach again but now I'm on a hair recovery journey in my hair just started growing out the perfect length which she had to cut twice You're not going to believe what it costed me $500 well total I tipped her 125 dollars so 500 total but anyway over Christmas we were talking she was supposed to get me into tone my hair down cuz when I put my hair back in a ponytail it looks like I have complete gray hair and the ends don't even match the top so at this point I don't know Yes I probably need to go see someone else I'm meeting my children tonight my adult children for dinner Christmas dinner at a restaurant so I'm trying to figure something quickly for today maybe a conditioner with a little color 🩵🩵🩵🩵 thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me thank you so much again and God bless 🙏💜 Merry Christmas hopefully I'll find a solution and I can get back with you 🙏💜
@@wendy8561 Of course! God bless you, sister! I get it completely and the struggle. Getting your hair done, especially bleach, can be SO expensive. It can be a hard lesson learned so I feel this fully. Definitely grab some color depositing conditioner. I hope you have a beautiful holiday with your family ♥️ so much love and may God bless and protect you today and throughout the new year! ♥️
@@KindlyChristina thank you sweetheart you are such a doll I'm 52 years old and have thyroid issues as well so the hair fall is real I'm now watching your other video your hair is so beautiful I'm so glad that you're going back to your regular hair shampoo conditioner and silicones my hair definitely needs some silicone I don't get why some people hate silicones but my hair absolutely loves them and there is a time and a place to detox your hair maybe once a month but I think I'm going to start definitely using Kristen ess she's got a whole line of products I seen in another one of your videos or maybe this one that is so wonderful so off to Target I go lol and as well I need to get the yellow back into my hair on top I really didn't even have any gray very few she bleached my hair till it was solid white which I would have liked if it was even and toned I do believe but still thinking on what conditioner I can use to deposit some color back into my hair I'm sorry I'm all over the place with this message but thank you again and God bless you and your family this Christmas and continue to bless you I am so happy I found your channel thank you again PS my dinner is at 7:00 so let's hope I can get this taken care of with some type of semi-permanent deal 💜🙏 talk to you soon thanks again doll you are gorgeous
That makes sense!
SO glad to hear! Thanks for your comment, Honey Biscuit!!!
So using Clarifying shampoo helped?? I don’t really use that many products usually a bumble and bumble leave in and a oil.. plan on using them 4 mins after I use my K18 today.. what shampoo did you use?
I think a clarifying shampoo is good for a fresh start but i don’t use them too frequently as they can really dry out my hair. I’m not quite sure what shampoo I used but I generally use Garnier fructis sleek and shine or the kristin ess hydrating curl shampoo for a sulphate/silicon free option!! I would say if your hair is prone to drying out, definitely let the k18 sit for 4 mins, then wash it out to get the alcohol out of your hair. Hope this helps!! thanks for you comment and happy to answer any other questions ♥️♥️
@@KindlyChristina I don’t use enough product I think to need one.. I’m not sure if I should use one or not.. hmm
@@lifeoflw84 you probably don’t then, i say try it and then if you feel like you could’ve had better results, get one to try in the future?
I think you are trying way too hard to like K18 😂 Not everyone likes it and not everyone has to like it. Maybe it depends on the individuals hair and what it needs.
@@Disgruntled_Canadian definitely reasonable! Thanks for the input!
I know these videos are not necessarily giving the true timing of when you wash your hair but why does it seem like you wash your hair everyday? Do you?... and yes, I saw the ring but... you're married? You look like twelve... 😄. Whatever you're doing or not doing to your skin keep doing or not doing it. Maybe it's the unnatural sugar abstinence.
Thanks for your input! I typically wash my hair every 2 to 4 days depending on the time of year, weather, etc. And yep, happily married! I joke all the time that I look super young, i’m hoping as I age, looking twelve will be a super power 😂 thanks for the comment!