Return policy comparison · 2026
K18 vs Qathu
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
K18
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Qathu
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Qathu's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
K18Qathu
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
| K18 | Qathu | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (direct website purchases only) | 14 days (right of withdrawal, change of mind) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - customer pays return shipping |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | — | Customer covers return shipping and any customs/import charges for change-of-mind returns; defective or damaged items are returned at the seller's expense with a prepaid label and no cost to the customer. |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Products bought at partner salons (must go back to that salon, not K18 directly) | Sealed cosmetics and skin-contact products once the hygiene seal is broken; deductions may apply if a product shows handling beyond what's needed to try it on/test it |
| 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.
Qathu tip
If your order arrives damaged, refuse delivery or note it in writing with the courier and email photos within 48 hours — that timely report is what protects your right to a seller-paid, no-cost return instead of a customer-paid one.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, K18 or Qathu?
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Qathu's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is K18's return window?
K18's return window is 90 days (direct website purchases only).
What is Qathu's return window?
Qathu's return window is 14 days (right of withdrawal, change of mind).
Does K18 or Qathu offer free returns?
K18: Yes. Qathu: No - customer pays return shipping.