The beauty industry has become increasingly crowded, with everything from millennial-driven brands offering fresh product drops to established names and indie labels promising “natural and organic” options. Amidst this ever-growing landscape, finding products that truly stand out can be a challenge.
To help you make sense of this busy beauty world, WH beauty editor Perdita Nouril is here to share her insights on the latest releases through her column, Beauty Dispatch. In this edition, she tests K18’s new Air Wash Dry Shampoo—a product that could reshape your approach to dry shampoo.
The Divide on Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo has earned a reputation as either a haircare hero or a frustrating product. Fans love it for its ability to absorb grease quickly, refresh blow-dried hair, and save time between washes. However, critics point to issues like the white residue and buildup that can clog hair follicles.
Over the years, dry shampoo formulations have improved significantly, with brands like Living Proof and Olaplex making notable strides. Yet, most dry shampoos still come in either powder or aerosol forms—until now.
K18’s Innovation: Air Wash Dry Shampoo
K18, known for their popular haircare mask featuring the K18 peptide—a molecule that works deep within the hair fiber to repair damage—has turned their attention to dry shampoo. The brand has created Air Wash, a non-aerosol dry shampoo designed to absorb excess oil, hydrate hair, and eliminate odors without causing buildup.
This innovative formula avoids the use of traditional aerosol sprays, which can result in uneven application. Instead, K18 uses translucent microbeads made from minerals to absorb oil, ensuring no white residue is left behind. The result? A dry shampoo that works for all hair types, textures, and colors.
Additionally, the formula doesn’t mask odors; it actively neutralizes them. K18’s bioscientists used natural odor-detection systems and synthetic biology to create a molecule that traps and eliminates odor-causing bacteria. Even more impressive, the product is plastic-free, a conscious step away from the microplastics found in some other dry shampoos.
Perdita’s Honest Review of K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo
As someone with fine hair, I’ve faced my share of struggles with volume and texture—especially after postpartum hair loss. Although dry shampoos and root-lifting powders have long been part of my routine, K18’s Air Wash stands out for its exceptional performance.
At first, I was skeptical because it’s non-aerosol, which means the first few spritzes leave my hair feeling damp. However, the product dries quickly, transforming into an almost invisible powder that blends seamlessly into my hair. The best part? It doesn’t feel gritty or weigh my hair down. Instead, it absorbs grease from two days’ worth of buildup, giving my roots a noticeable lift that lasts for hours.
What sets K18’s formula apart is its ability to combine the benefits of both dry shampoo and root-lifting powder. Other products I’ve tried either don’t offer enough volume or leave too much residue, but this one strikes the perfect balance.
The Drawbacks
There are a couple of drawbacks worth noting. First, washing out the product requires some effort. The initial application can leave residue behind, so a thorough shampooing is necessary to remove it completely. Secondly, at £48, the price is on the high side. However, a little goes a long way, and the product’s performance justifies the investment.
Conclusion
K18’s Air Wash Dry Shampoo offers something unique in the crowded world of haircare. While it’s a bit pricey, the product delivers exceptional results, providing both oil absorption and lift without the buildup. If you’re looking for a dry shampoo that goes the extra mile, this one is definitely worth trying.
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