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There has been a big buzz around the K18 haircare brand since it launched. It’s all about science-backed solutions for your hair and they seem to be shaking up the haircare industry. So naturally, when I got my hands on the new K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo, I couldn’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype. Here’s what you need to know.
What is K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo?
K18’s AirWash is not your average dry shampoo because first off, it’s not dry! This is a liquid formula that’s designed to refresh hair and scalp without buildup.
The formula uses K18’s patented peptide technology to keep hair healthier while delivering that just-washed feel:
- Aerosol-free dry shampoo formula
- Comes in an eco-friendly pump bottle
- Nozzle dispenses a fine, lightweight powder
- Works to clean and revive hair
- Uses newly patented odorBIND smart-release biotechnology
- Clinically eliminates odours
- Reduces oil
- Supports a healthy scalp and balances sebum
- Leaves hair feeling and looking clean
- Claims to keep working for up to 3 days
- Highly concentrated so you can go longer in between washes
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Translucent, porous microbeads – absorbs excessive oil without buildup, or visible residue for up to 3 days
odorBIND™ smart-release biotechnology – actually recognises and captures odour-causing sweat and oil molecules and eliminates them. It then replaces the odour with a subtle, fragrance.
Biotech-derived mediterranean microalgae – to balance scalp and control excess oil production over time.
How To Use It
This dry shampoo is pretty easy to use. All you have to do is shake it up really well, and then spritz it into the roots from about 10 to 15cm away. Next, massage it in and brush through. Done!
I use about three pumps per section because I have thick hair. If you have fine hair, I think one pump would be ample.
My Review
I have been giving the K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo formula a go for about a month, and I have to say, it is pretty impressive. The fact that it’s a liquid formulation of a dry shampoo is very interesting. It does initially make the hair feel slightly damp, but it is never wet enough to mess up the style, and it dries down super fast, almost as if it was never there.
I really like it because it makes my hair feel much cleaner, without adding any texture, and its effects are pretty long lasting. It is really effective at absorbing oil and it doesn’t leave a white cast in the hair, even though if you spray it on skin, it does dry to a white powder.
It’s easy to run my fingers through my hair after it’s applied, especially if I don’t use too much, and it feels like there’s nothing in my hair at all. If it does have a texture, it’s because I’ve used too much. As I said in the How to Use section above, I use about three sprays per section as I have thick hair. One spray per section will suffice if you have fine hair.
K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo provides subtle volume but is definitely more of a cleansing product than a styling one. So if you’re looking for something to add shape and movement, you probably want a dry shampoo that’s more of a texture spray, like the Oribe Dry Shampoo*.
Having been using this for about a month, I think that this bottle will probably last longer than an aerosol dry shampoo, which is good to know, because at £48 a bottle, it’s really expensive!
Packaging and Application
The matte white bottle with minimalist black branding feels modern and kind of clinically luxurious. It has a pump spray and I find that the nozzle can get a little build up, so it best to try and keep that clear to ensure the finest of mists.
Application is nice and precise and it’s easy to target the roots without spraying product everywhere. When I applied it, the powder felt incredibly fine – almost weightless. You can easily massage it into the scalp without any chalky residue or white cast. If you have dark roots like mine, you know how crucial this is!
How Does It Perform?
The first thing I noticed after using the AirWash was how clean my hair felt. Not just less oily, but genuinely refreshed. It’s not often you can say that about a dry shampoo. The product absorbed oil beautifully while leaving my hair soft and touchable – no stiff or gritty texture in sight. As I said above, not over-applying is key for a weightless feel.
I like how this feels on my scalp. It actually feels like pretty much nothing on my scalp and doesn’t feel chalky or gritty.
Who is K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo For?
If you’re someone who stretches time between washes, this product should work really well for you. It’s perfect for those days when your hair feels a bit lackluster but doesn’t necessarily need a full wash. And because it’s so lightweight, it’s a great option for all hair types – even finer strands that tend to get weighed down easily.
K18 Airwash Dry Shampoo Before & After Video
Here’s quick before and after demo on unwashed and flat hat hair!
Will it cause buildup or white cast?
AirWash is designed to not leave buildup or white cast behind and it uses translucent microbeads to absorb oil. That said, less is more, so go slowly and only add more if you need it.
Will K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo clog scalp pores?
K18 have formulated this product without scalp-clogging ingredients to minimise excess buildup.
Does is double as a styling product?
I’d say this is purely a dry shampoo. It will add subtle volume but it’s not a styling product.
If K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is damp when it is applied, will it ruin my style?
I have found that although this is a liquid formula, it only feels damp for a short time and it doesn’t interfere with how my hair is styled.
Final Thoughts
The K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is going to be great if your hair gets greasy really easily, especially if you have fine hair. While it does come at a much higher price point than most alternatives, I think the benefits for a serious dry shampoo user could make it worth the money. I truly think it will be down to the individual.
Where to buy it
The K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo is £48 and available now via the links below:
