Return policy comparison · 2026
K18 vs Ulike
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
K18
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Ulike
B
3.0 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Ulike's B (3.0/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
K18Ulike
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 | Ulike | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 90 days (direct website purchases only) | 100 days (used per instructions for 1+ month, original packaging) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None stated separately from the return shipping fee deduction |
| Return shipping | — | Customer pays return shipping; a standard return shipping fee is deducted from the refund under the Money-Back Guarantee |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Products bought at partner salons (must go back to that salon, not K18 directly) | Clearance or final sale items, products missing accessories/manuals/cables, items with physical damage or misuse, stained products |
| Watch-out items | — | The Money-Back Guarantee requires at least one month of documented use per the instructions before a return is accepted, so returns requested in the first few weeks are typically declined |
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.
Ulike tip
Ulike requires proof you actually used the device for a month before honoring the guarantee, so keep every accessory and the original box - a single missing cable can void the refund on this $200+ device.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, K18 or Ulike?
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Ulike's B (3.0/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus customer pays return shipping.
What is K18's return window?
K18's return window is 90 days (direct website purchases only).
What is Ulike's return window?
Ulike's return window is 100 days (used per instructions for 1+ month, original packaging).
Does K18 or Ulike offer free returns?
K18: Yes. Ulike: No - fee deducted.