Return policy comparison · 2026
K18 vs Viviscal
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
K18
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Viviscal
B-
2.9 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Viviscal's B- (2.9/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
K18Viviscal
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 | Viviscal | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (direct website purchases only) | 30 days (unused, original packaging) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | — |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | — | Not specified in the published policy |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Products bought at partner salons (must go back to that salon, not K18 directly) | Products purchased at retail stores must be returned to the original store, not through the website |
| 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.
Viviscal tip
If you bought a bottle at a pharmacy or retail counter rather than viviscal.com, the online returns team can't process it - you're stuck going back to wherever you actually paid for it.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, K18 or Viviscal?
K18 has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Viviscal's B- (2.9/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is K18's return window?
K18's return window is 90 days (direct website purchases only).
What is Viviscal's return window?
Viviscal's return window is 30 days (unused, original packaging).
Does K18 or Viviscal offer free returns?
K18: Yes. Viviscal: see full policy.