All articles

PEPTIDE PREP™ PRO chelating hair complex

What is a chelator?

A chelator acts as a strong magnet—pulling metals + minerals out of the hair for more vibrant, even color, restored bounce and shine, and improved product effectiveness.

What metals does the pro chelating hair complex target?

The pro chelating hair complex targets 7 of the most common metals and minerals from the hair: calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and lead.

How does the pro chelating hair complex work?

The pro chelating hair complex is powered by a proprietary formulation that tackles the most extreme metal + mineral buildup to deliver what you need with unparalleled speed, efficiency, and accuracy. Chelation cocktail - A unique blend of 5 chelator

What makes the pro chelating hair complex special?

This innovative no-mix, spray-on demineralizing treatment is engineered for fast- paced PROs—tackling the most extreme metal + mineral buildup in just 4 minutes. No mix. No extra rinse. Now, you can demineralize hair before every service with a faste

How does it work so quickly?

It works so quickly due to our unique blend of 5 chelators with a range of metal attractions. They work together to bind and remove the 7 most common metals + minerals from hair in just 4 minutes. Our antioxidant peptide (carsonine) blocks oxidative

How often do I use it on my clients?

Use the pro chelating hair complex before each and every salon service, including:

Will the pro chelating hair complex strip my client’s color?

No, it will not strip your client’s color. This formula was engineered for more vibrant, even color application, and to revive existing discoloration or brassy color that can be impacted by mineral + metal reactions.

How can I tell if my clients need a chelating treatment?

Every client needs a chelating treatment, because chances are high that they have some level of mineral + metal buildup. Regardless of your client’s hair condition, water quality, lifestyle, or desired services, they can benefit from a chelating trea

Does it work on clients with dirty hair?

Yes, it does work on clients with dirty hair. We’ve seen great results using the pro chelating hair complex on unwashed hair. While excessively dirty hair may interfere, for most clients, clean hair is not necessary for the treatment to work.

Why do we need the pro chelating hair complex in the salon, and why isn’t it for home-use?

The pro chelating hair complex is a stronger, more targeted approach to chelating that’s designed for professional use. It requires no mixing or extra rinse, and it works in just 4 minutes. Now, you can demineralize hair before every service with a f

Can I use the pro chelating hair complex on the scalp too?

No, we do not recommend using the pro chelating hair complex on the scalp—it’s intended to use on hair only. If you happen to get it on the skin, this dermatologist-tested formula shouldn’t cause any skin sensitivity, even with repeated applications.

Could I use the pro chelating hair complex on beard hair?

Yes, you can use the PRO chelating hair complex on beard hair. Metals and minerals can affect all hair, especially chemically damaged hair. If metal + mineral buildup is suspected, you can follow the standalone treatment steps as usual.

Why does it go on dry hair instead of wet or damp hair?

It goes on dry hair to save you time. Our proprietary formula is engineered with enough water to start the cuticle swelling process without having to wet the hair first. For maximum efficacy, using this on dry hair will ensure it collects metals + mi

Does it remove any product buildup?

Yes, the pro chelating hair complex will help remove some product buildup but is engineered to focus on removing metal + mineral ions from buildup. For targeted product buildup removal we suggest using K18 detox shampoo after to also remove 99% of pr

Why should I use the pro chelating hair complex before a color service?

Use the pro chelating hair complex before a color service to remove mineral + metal buildup that can cause chemical and color services to go awry—think breakage, discoloration, inconsistent results, and in the most extreme cases smoking foils and hai

Can I use this after lightener as well?

No, we recommend using the pro chelating hair complex before your lightener to ensure a clean hair base and an even lift. While removing metal + mineral buildup is great for hair health, you get the best benefits when used to prep your client’s hair

Do I have to change my developer or processing time?

No, you do not have to change your developer or processing time. The pro chelating hair complex is clinically proven to not interfere with bleach or lightener lifting*, and won’t impact lightener lift or processing time*. *k18hairpro.com/disclaimers

Can I use the pro chelating hair complex on keratin-treated hair?

Not immediately, we recommend waiting 2 weeks post-keratin service to have a chelating treatment.

Does the pro chelating hair complex work on locs?

Yes, the pro chelating hair complex does work on locs. Use before your service, or as a standalone treatment as follows:

Should I use the pro chelating hair complex before a texture service?

Yes, use the pro chelating hair complex before a texture service to restore your client’s natural texture + bounce. It draws out even hard-to-budge mineral deposits that cause buildup and weigh hair down. 97% agreed permed hair had more consistent cu

How would I use it before a relaxer service?

*For cases of extreme mineral buildup, process K18 pro chelating hair complex for up to 10 minutes, then rinse and shampoo with K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ detox shampoo. Dry hair as needed, then proceed with the instructions.

Can I use the PRO chelating hair complex on extensions?

Yes, here’s how to use the pro chelating hair complex with extensions. On natural hair (prior to installation):. Using K18 on extensions alone or on clients with previously installed extensions:. K18 is suitable for use on all human hair extensions (

Is the pro chelating hair complex safe to use on extensions and wefts?

Yes, the pro chelating hair complex is safe to use on all human hair extensions—including tape-in, k-tip, hand tied, clip-in, sew-in, etc.

How do I use it before a keratin service?

*For cases of extreme mineral buildup, process K18 pro chelating hair complex for up to 10 minutes, then rinse and shampoo with K18 PEPTIDE PREP™ detox shampoo. Dry hair as needed, then proceed with the instructions. Wait 3-4 shampoos post-treatment

What if I forget to apply the pro chelating hair complex before a service?

You can apply it afterward without impacting your client’s color or chemical result, but you will see your best results using the pro chelating hair complex before a service.

What’s the difference between K18 detox shampoo and the pro chelating hair complex?

The difference is in what kind of buildup each formula was designed to target. Our PEPTIDE PREP™ detox shampoo was engineered to tackle tough buildup primarily from products, oil, and dirt. Our pro chelating hair complex was engineered to target meta

When should I use K18 detox shampoo and the pro chelating hair complex?

For best results, use the pro chelating hair complex before services and the detox shampoo after. You can use the detox shampoo before styling in-salon and recommend clients to use weekly for at-home resets. The pro chelating hair complex will be a h

Do I have to use K18 detox shampoo with the pro chelating hair complex?

Nope, you don’t have to use K18 detox shampoo with the pro chelating hair complex. But since they were created to work together, this demineralizing hair treatment works best with our PEPTIDE PREP™ detox shampoo to remove 99% product buildup, 95% seb

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, it is gluten-free.

What are the pro chelating hair complex ingredients?

Water (Aqua) (Eau), Polysorbate 20, Carnosine, Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Gluconate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Gluconolactone, Sodium Carboxymethyl Inulin, Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract, Lac