Botox for hair doesn’t actually contain the ingredient of botulinum toxin, which is the main ingredient of Botox. Instead, it’s a name based on how the product works. Just like Botox works by relaxing the muscles and smoothing skin, “hair Botox” works by filling in individual fibres of hair to help give it fullness and make it smooth.
How does hair Botox work?
Hair Botox is actually a deep conditioning treatment that coats hair fibres with a filler, such as keratin. The treatment fills in any broken or thin areas on each hair strand to make the hair appear more full and lustrous.
The ingredients differ depending on the product. L’Oreal Professional’s Fiberceutic uses an ingredient called Intra-Cylane to fill hair strands with flexible, soft fibres. That helps create the appearance of fuller, smoother hair. Another popular product, Majestic Hair Botox, claims to use a patented mix of:
- caviar oil
- BONT-L peptide
- vitamin B-5
- E vitamins
- collagen complex, which makes up the “Botox” part of the treatment
Who can use Botox for hair?
You can use Botox for hair if you have:
- split ends
- very fine hair, lacking volume or luster
- damaged hair
- frizzy hair
- hair that you want straightened
In general, hair Botox is considered safe for any type of hair.
What happens during application?
Botox for your hair doesn’t use injections of any kind. Instead, it’s a conditioning agent that’s applied directly to your strands of hair. You can go to a hair salon to have the treatment or purchase the products to apply at home.
The treatment begins with a shampoo to open your hair cuticles and prepare the strands for conditioning. The hair Botox is then applied to the strands by massaging the product from root to tips. The treatment is left on wet hair for a period of time, usually between 20–90 minutes.
Some stylists may choose to rinse out the product before drying and straightening your hair with a flat iron. Other stylists may leave the product on your hair while they dry and straighten your hair to help the product more fully penetrate your hair strands.
You’ll see the results of the Botox hair treatment immediate upon your hair drying.
How much does hair Botox cost?
The cost for Botox hair treatment ranges from around $150–$300 and upward, depending on if you purchase the ingredients to use at home or get the treatment done at a salon. Prices also vary by geographic location. If you’re having the treatment done at a salon, ask about the price before you make your appointment.
How effective is hair Botox?
Hair Botox is a popular trend right now, and there are many at-home versions that claim to be the real deal. It’s difficult to know how well these products work or if the ingredients are high-quality.
Your best bet to get good results would be to visit a trusted salon and ask a hairstylist there for recommendations for the treatment. Hairstylists can purchase their products from verified sellers, so they know they’re getting the best products from trusted vendors.
The effects of hair Botox are supposed to last between 2–4 months, although the exact time frame will vary from person to person. It’s recommended that you use a low-sulfate or sulfate-free shampoo to preserve the results.
Is hair Botox safe?
The product is considered safe for use, although as with any hair treatment, there is a risk for skin irritation or an allergic reaction. To reduce the risk of damaging side effects, the treatment shouldn’t come in contact with your skin.
Hair Botox vs. keratin
Keratin treatments are chemical treatments that often contain formaldehyde. The formaldehyde is used to “lock” or “freeze” hair strands into a straight position to help keep them smooth. Although the formaldehyde used in these treatments has caused some concern because formaldehyde is a carcinogen, it does produce long-lasting results.
Keratin hair treatments are typically a bit cheaper to purchase on your own. They cost between $70–$100 but may run upward of $150 or more in a salon.
Hair Botox, on the other hand, is just a conditioning treatment and it doesn’t use chemical reactions to work. Botox hair treatments don’t contain any formaldehyde.