Amidst the ever-changing world of cosmetics, entrepreneurs in the industry are constantly searching for new ways to revolutionize the way we approach beauty. As trends come and go, the true challenge is creating something both innovative yet timeless, groundbreaking yet practical — something Suveen Sahib, the visionary behind K18, has conquered.
With sights set on transforming the haircare sector, Sahib founded K18 to not only challenge the conventional norms of haircare but also redefine what is achievable when it comes to restoring damaged hair to its optimal state.
Through dedicated research in the biology of hair and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Sahib has unlocked the missing component in the hair-care industry, positioning himself at the forefront of the industry and paving the way for a new era of transformative hair treatments in the process.
The Origin of K18
Behind every entrepreneurial success story is a visionary who was willing to challenge the status quo and bring transformation to an industry. Sahib has maintained this approach throughout his journey to change the world of haircare — even in the beginning stages of K18.
It began as a deep passion for innovation and a profound understanding of hair science. Sahib’s growing curiosity propelled him to investigate further the details of the biophysics and biochemistry of hair.
In a podcast interview with Glossy, Sahib expounds on this deep intellectual dive. “What looks like a fiber is actually one of the most sophisticated biological composites. And, the solutions to our caring for a hair do not lie outside of hair, [but instead] they lie inside of the hair.”
As he continued to unravel the secret of maintaining healthy, vibrant hair, Sahib honed his expertise on creating a solution to a common problem faced by countless individuals: damaged hair.
By studying chemical treatments, heat styling, and the many environmental factors that affect the biochemistry of hair, Sahib was inspired to address the issue of weak and brittle hair through a restorative solution that repairs, revives, and restores damaged hair to its original, healthy condition.
Not Just Another Haircare Product
Of course, one look down the haircare aisle of a retail store will reveal that Sahib’s business idea wasn’t completely unprecedented. Hundreds of haircare companies claim to offer products that transform an individual’s once-dry and damaged hair to its previously luscious state.
So, what makes K18 so different?
Sahib says it best:
“K18 is different because K18 is a progressive, experienced product, like retinol. Retinal does not work if you use it once; [you have to keep using it, and it will] continue to improve your skin texture over a period of time. That’s the case with K18.”
Unlike traditional treatments that temporarily mask the damage, K18’s unique formula contains a powerful molecular bridge that repairs and reconnects broken keratin chains within the hair, actively repairing and restoring from within the hair fibers.
To deliver this outcome, Sahib created two separate products: One salon-only treatment that is used before a chemical service, and another product that is used as a progressive, at-home treatment.
Early Success and Recognition Propels the Company Forward
Launched at the height of the global pandemic in December 2020, K18’s initial results were nothing short of remarkable. As the product quickly gained recognition from experts within the industry, the company hit $75 million in sales in 2021.
As more stylists, colorists, and salon owners took notice of Sahib’s one-of-a-kind restorative hair product, K18 was swiftly cemented as a game-changing must-have within the beauty industry.
But the growth didn’t stop there. Sahib decided to go global with the launch and began offering his product in more than 50 countries. “It was the most brutal way of testing the product. [We wanted to make sure] that it worked literally across every hair type, every generation, and every [hair-care] service,” Sahib continues.
As K18 was now recognized as a haircare phenomenon, Sahib’s business rapidly expanded, and demand for his product soared. The founder went on to collaborate with renowned salons, leading beauty retailers, and even social media influencers.
In 2022, K18 garnered over $100 million in sales, much of which can be accredited to the company’s strategic TikTok marketing strategy, which included partnerships with viral beauty influencers Mikayla Nogueira and Brad Mondo.
Since then, Sahib has worked to further product development and expand his line of treatments. As K18 continues to test new molecular compositions, Sahib is harnessing the power of biotech to push the boundaries of what is possible in hair restoration.
Disrupting the Industry With Innovative Solutions
Combined with his unwavering commitment to the product and an unceasing desire to deepen his understanding of hair science, Sahib has changed the face of the haircare industry. Just as his product promises to provide, K18 has restored vitality to a once-dry and worn-out industry.
Now, K18 continues to play a pioneering and leading role in the evolution of beauty by encouraging sustainability within the industry. In collaboration with Plastic Bank, the company is taking steps to prevent ocean plastic pollution by allocating its efforts to building recycling ecosystems in coastal communities.
The company has also taken steps to engineer their highly concentrated formulas to mitigate overconsumption and design its product packaging to stay minimal and require less wasted resources. Additionally, K18 now provides a scholarship fund, which offers 12 scholarships for students who are looking to shake up the world of haircare and pave the way for the next era of the industry.
Combined, these types of initiatives have established K18 as an innovative industry leader. With a mission that hair damage can be undone for good, the company continues to push boundaries, engineer science-backed products, and inspire a haircare community of forward-thinkers.
Watch our deep dive on K18 here.