Return policy comparison · 2026
Cadence vs K18
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Cadence) and July 24, 2026 (K18)
Cadence
C
1.9 / 5.0 · Mediocre
Winner
K18
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
The verdict
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Cadence's C (1.9/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
CadenceK18
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Cadence | K18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 30 days from delivery to initiate (then 14 days to ship to carrier) | ✓ 90 days (direct website purchases only) |
| Free returns | No - restocking fee applies (amount not specified in FAQ) | ✓ Yes |
| Restocking fee | Domestic returns subject to a restocking fee, but the FAQ does not state the dollar amount or percentage | ✓ None |
| Return shipping | Original shipping costs non-refundable; international/FPO/APO/DPO orders are final sale and customer-paid if returned | — |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Orders placed roughly 11/25-12/15 get extended returns until roughly 1/15 (exact 2026 dates not yet published) | None published |
| Non-returnable | Customized tiles, e-gift cards, hats, gift-with-purchase items, embroidered parcels, Mirage and Cobalt limited editions, all orders shipped outside the US/territories | Products bought at partner salons (must go back to that salon, not K18 directly) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
K18 tip
This generous 90-day window only covers orders placed directly on k18hair.com — if you bought it at your salon, K18 corporate won't take it back, you have to go through the salon itself.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Cadence or K18?
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Cadence's C (1.9/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Cadence's return window?
Cadence's return window is 30 days from delivery to initiate (then 14 days to ship to carrier).
What is K18's return window?
K18's return window is 90 days (direct website purchases only).
Does Cadence or K18 offer free returns?
Cadence: No - restocking fee applies (amount not specified in FAQ). K18: Yes.