What Is Hair Botox? Experts Explain the Treatment.

If you regularly get Botox treatments, you are probably a fan of how it can smooth out wrinkles and give you a more youthful appearance. But what if we told you there was something called hair Botox? Don’t be fooled; it’s not the same thing being injected into your skin, but the trendy name sure is catchy!

Just as skincare patients look to injectables to refresh their appearance, hair Botox applies that same methodology to the strands on our heads. “Hair botox can be an excellent option for those seeking to rejuvenate their hair without the harsh chemicals found in some other treatments,” saysDr. Morgan Rabach, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical. “It’s a blend of nourishing ingredients that provide hydration, smoothness, and shine, making it particularly appealing for those with damaged or frizzy hair.”

Ahead, find everything there is to know about hair Botox according to the experts, and learn if this treatment is right for you.

What Is Hair Botox?

“Hair Botox is a trendy term used to describe treatments that ‘inject’ ingredients into the hair to make it smooth, similar to how Botox is injected into the skin to smooth out wrinkles,” explains Dr. Christina Han, a board-certified dermatologist based in Vancouver and the medical director at XYON.

Dr. Rabach echos, explaining that “unlike traditional Botox, which is a neurotoxin used for cosmetic procedures, hair Botox contains a blend of nourishing ingredients such as vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and natural oils. The treatment aims to fill in the gaps in the hair cuticle, resulting in smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking hair.” In other words, the term is used to describe a deep conditioning treatment that restores damaged hair.

The Process

Even though it’s called hair botox, this treatment is not performed in a medical office. Typically, this treatment is done in a specialized salon, not in a medical office like traditional Botox injections for wrinkles,” Dr. Han shares. “It’s important to visit a reputable salon that offers this treatment.” The actual appointment will likely take up to 90 minutes. Dr. Rabach says the treatment consists of shampooing the hair, application of the product, processing time, possibly heat activation, and then blow drying and styling the hair.

The Benefits

If you find yourself wondering if hair Botox actually works, the answer is a resounding yes! The name sounds rather invasive, but it’s actually a treatment that’s not too complicated and has loads of benefits.

Hydration

If your hair is severely dehydrated or brittle, hair Botox can aid with hydration. “Hair botox is often infused with oils that hydrate the hair, giving it a healthy shine,” says Dr. Han, noting that caviar oil is a common ingredient used within the treatment for its moisturizing benefits. Similarly, Dr. Rabach calls out hyaluronic acid as another popular ingredient. “The formulation often includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water,” she says. “This helps to plump the hair, reduce breakage, and enhance elasticity.”

Minimize Frizz

Another standout benefit of hair Botox is that it can minimize frizz. “The treatment smooths the hair cuticle, which helps to prevent humidity from penetrating the strands,” explains Dr. Rabach. “This results in smoother hair that is easier to style and maintain, especially in humid conditions. Many users find that their hair remains more manageable and less prone to flyways.”

Protection

While not every hair Botox treatment is the same, most contain some form of antioxidants, which aids in protecting the hair against environmental stressors. “Hair Botox often contains vitamin E, which can be particularly useful for those who apply heat to their hair or are exposed to the elements, like sun and pollution,” says Dr. Han.

Adds Shine

If you have lackluster or dull-looking hair and are looking for a solution, hair Botox might be able to help. “The ingredients in hair Botox treatments are designed to add shine to the hair,” says Dr. Rabach. “As the treatment fills in gaps in the cuticle, it reflects light more effectively, resulting in a glossy finish. This added shine can make hair look healthier and more vibrant, even if the hair was previously dull and lifeless.”

Repairs

Countless factors can contribute to hair damage, whether it be daily use of hot tools or regular salon visits. Luckily, hair Botox has reparative properties. “Hair Botox contains proteins such as collagen and B vitamins that help repair the hair’s structural integrity,” Dr. Han shares. “Ingredients like keratin are infused to repair damage caused by chemicals, dyes, heat, and environmental stressors.”

Who Should Consider Hair Botox?

Pretty much anyone could be a candidate for hair botox, but the experts specifically recommend it for those who are dealing with dry or damaged hair. “Anyone who applies heat, chemicals, or dyes to their hair will likely see improved texture and shine, resulting in healthier-looking hair with less breakage over time,” shares Dr. Han. Dr. Rabach agrees, adding it’s great for “people that feel like their hair is overly dry, damaged, or want to improve its shine and luster.”

Alternatives to Hair Botox

Deep Conditioning Masks

If you’d rather try something at home to treat your hair before diving into the world of hair botox, we suggest going for a deep conditioning mask. “T[his alternative] can deliver similar results, with keratin being a common ingredient,” says Dr. Han. “However, deep conditioning masks often contain more chemicals and preservatives, making the effects short-term compared to hair botox.”

Keratin Treatments

A keratin treatment (or a Brazilian blowout), is a salon treatment that’s more widely known. “Keratin treatments smooth and straighten hair by infusing it with keratin, a protein that makes up the hair structure,” Dr. Rabach explains. “While keratin provides similar frizz control and shine, the treatment often contains formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals, which can be a concern for some individuals.”

The Final Takeaway

Overall, hair Botox is a great treatment for those looking to repair and hydrate their hair. Not only does it provide hair with loads of amazing benefits, but it’s also relatively safe to use. While it’s not going to magically reverse damage from things like dye, hot tools, and hair products with harsh ingredients, it is a great stepping stool to transform your hair into the healthiest version ever.