When you hear the word wrinkles, onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) may come to mind — a prescription medication some people use to soften lines. But what about using Botox on your hair?
Hair on your scalp loses density and resilience with age, similar to your skin. New haircare products advertise themselves as Botox for hair because they aim to plump strands, smooth texture, and curb frizz.
Does Botox for hair contain Botox?
“Botox for hair” doesn’t actually include botulinum toxin, the active component in medical Botox. The term is more of an analogy based on the outcome. Just as Botox relaxes muscles to smooth skin, “hair Botox” fills individual hair fibers to give them more body and a sleeker look.
How does hair Botox work?
Hair Botox is essentially an intensive conditioning treatment that coats hair fibers with fillers such as keratin. The formula fills in broken or thin portions along each strand, helping hair look thicker and shinier.
Ingredients vary by brand. L’Oreal Professional’s Fiberceutic uses a molecule called Intra-Cylane to infuse strands with flexible, soft fibers, creating the impression of fuller, smoother hair. Another well-known product, Majestic Hair Botox, advertises a proprietary blend including:
- caviar oil
- BONT-L peptide
- vitamin B-5
- vitamin E
- a collagen complex, which comprises the “Botox” element of the formula
Who can use Botox for hair?
Hair Botox may be suitable if you have:
- split ends
- very fine hair that lacks volume or shine
- damaged hair
- frizzy hair
- hair you want to appear straighter
Overall, hair Botox is generally considered safe for most hair types.
What happens during application?
Hair Botox involves no injections. It’s a conditioning product applied directly to the strands. You can have the treatment performed in a salon or buy the product to use at home.
The process starts with a shampoo to lift the hair cuticle and ready the strands for conditioning. The hair Botox is then worked into the hair from roots to ends. The product remains on damp hair for a period, typically between 20 and 90 minutes.
Some stylists rinse the product out before blow-drying and using a flat iron, while others leave it in during the drying and straightening step to encourage deeper penetration into the hair fibers.
Results from a hair Botox treatment are visible as soon as your hair dries.
How much does hair Botox cost?
Prices for Botox hair treatments generally range from about $150–$300 and up, depending on whether you buy products for at-home use or get a salon treatment. Costs also vary by region. If you plan a salon visit, check pricing beforehand.
How effective is hair Botox?
Hair Botox is a current trend with many at-home kits claiming authenticity. It can be hard to gauge how effective these products are or whether their ingredients are high quality.
Your best chance for consistent results is to visit a reputable salon and consult a professional stylist about the treatment. Stylists typically source products from authorized suppliers, so they’re more likely to use reliable formulas.
The effects of hair Botox are reported to last about 2–4 months, though this can vary individually. Using a low-sulfate or sulfate-free shampoo is recommended to help maintain the outcome.
Is hair Botox safe?
The treatment is regarded as safe, but as with any haircare procedure, there’s a possibility of skin irritation or an allergic reaction. To minimize risk, avoid letting the product come into direct contact with your skin.
Hair Botox vs. keratin
Keratin treatments are chemical processes that often include formaldehyde, which helps “lock” hair strands into a straighter arrangement for long-lasting smoothness. Although formaldehyde has raised safety concerns because it is a carcinogen, it does deliver enduring results.
Keratin treatments are commonly a bit cheaper to buy for home use, typically costing around $70–$100, though salon prices can reach $150 or more.
Conversely, hair Botox functions as a deep conditioning procedure without relying on chemical reactions. Botox hair treatments do not contain formaldehyde.
Takeaway
If you want smoother hair that looks fuller and more radiant, a hair Botox treatment may be a helpful option. Expect to invest a couple of hundred dollars and consider visiting a trusted salon to achieve the best outcome.
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