You may have heard people talking about hair botox in passing, saying it’s the anti-aging treatment for hair and that it can make a damaged head of hair go from dull and lifeless to lush and full.
But is that actually true, or is it just the newest scam on the hair market? Well, you can decide after reading this article. I’ll tell you all you need to know about this hair treatment, from what it is to how it works and what it can do for your hair.
So, let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?
What Is Hair Botox?
Despite its name, hair botox is a completely different thing from normal botox.
For one, it doesn’t even have botulinum toxin, which is the chemical that stops your face muscles from moving, and thus wrinkles from developing. Moreover, hair botox isn’t injected into your body like normal botox.
So, why is it called hair botox?
Well, the only reason why “botox” made its way into the name is due to the fact that hair botox smoothens your hair, just as ordinary botox injections smoothen your face. However, when it comes down to it, hair botox more resembles a deep conditioning treatment for your strands than anything.
How Does Hair Botox Work Its Magic?
To put it simply, hair botox makes your hair feel smoother by coating your hair stands with a filler. As such, any thin, broken, or damaged hair fibers will be filled in, and your hair will ultimately look fuller, shinier, and more satin-like.
Moreover, just as any other deep conditioning treatment, hair botox will moisturize your hair, which is essential for maintaining your hair’s elasticity and preventing breakage.
Basically, just think of hair botox as a deep conditioner on steroids. It’ll nourish and repair your hair fibers unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, making your locks appear smoother and more hydrated.
Best of all, you’ll have stronger, healthier hair with less frizz and flyaways, which will ultimately make managing your locks so much easier.
What Is Hair Botox Made of?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a set list of ingredients for hair botox. Each company makes its own concoction and labels it “hair botox.”
Still, most hair botox treatments contain natural ingredients like caviar oil, argan oil, collagen complex, BONT-L peptide, antioxidants, as well as biotin, vitamin E, and vitamin B5. Some companies may also use a chemical called Intra-Cylane to fill your hair strands with small, flexible fibers.
So, if you’re looking to buy a hair botox treatment, make sure the product has these ingredients, or else you’re probably being ripped off.
The Difference Between Hair Botox Treatments and Keratin Treatment
So, you now know that hair botox is used to achieve smooth, lustrous locks through its nourishing ingredients. Then, what makes it different from keratin treatments, which are also used for the same results?
Well, it all comes down to the chemical formaldehyde.
Essentially, many keratin treatments, also known as Brazilian Blowouts, use formaldehyde to straighten hair and make it smoother.
In case you’re wondering, yes, formaldehyde is the same chemical that’s used to preserve dead bodies. On living people, though, it’ll lock your hair shaft into a straight position, thereby reducing frizz and getting that silky smooth hair you see in the commercials.
Unfortunately, though, formaldehyde can cause eye and skin irritation in some individuals. Some even experience follicle damage in the long term. Most importantly, it’s been identified as a carcinogen, and who wants to risk cancer just to get straight hair?
Now, I’m not saying chemical treatments are altogether bad. They have been shown to strengthen the hair strands and reduce frizz, and many people who struggle with their curly hair absolutely love it.
However, why choose the dangerous route when you can achieve the same thing with hair botox? Unlike keratin treatments, hair botox works by virtue of its nourishing ingredients and hydrating elements.
As such, using this product will never put your health at risk, nor will your curl pattern be compromised. And after just one application, you’ll get strong, smooth, and frizz-free hair strands that last for months.
Who Would Benefit the Most From a Hair Botox Treatment?
Honestly, all hair types will benefit from a hair botox treatment. Whether you’ve got pin-straight, fine hair, or thick, curly hair, your hair will love all the vitamins and hydration that the treatment has to offer.
However, those with split ends, frizzy hair, thinning hair, or color-treated hair will see and feel the most results. Basically, aging hair that’s started to lose its elasticity will also spring to life with a botox hair treatment.
How Is Hair Botox Applied to the Hair?
Just as you would apply any conditioning agent, the first thing you should do is wash your hair. However, you have to use a clarifying shampoo to open and prepare your hair cuticles for the treatment.
Once you’ve rinsed out the shampoo, start applying the hair botox treatment to your wet hair, starting from the roots and moving gradually towards the tips. Make sure to avoid your scalp to prevent any possible skin irritation.
When finished with the application, put your hair in a plastic cap, and wait for the botox treatment to do its thing.
Typically, you leave the conditioning treatment for 20-30 minutes; however, some can require up to 90 minutes to show their best effect. So, make sure you look at the instructions written on your product to be on the safe side.
Anyways, once the time is up, you can now proceed to wash out the treatment. Then, let your hair dry as you normally would, and you’ll notice the effects immediately.
And remember, you don’t have to go to a hair salon to get the treatment. Most stylists will follow the exact same procedure I’ve mentioned above. The only difference is that they’ll style your hair after the session. This is to make the difference more noticeable, but as long as you can work a flat iron, you can do the same at home.
Note: Some stylists recommend applying botox treatments after completely drying the hair. Others recommend applying it to wet hair. Either way, you’ll get comparable results, so choose whichever way you like more.
Hair Botox Aftercare
To maintain your newly-acquired smooth and shiny hair, you should avoid getting your hair wet for at least three days. Accordingly, going for a dip or doing any physical exercise that causes excessive sweating is absolutely out of the question.
Moreover, you should use a paraben- and sulfate-free shampoo to avoid drying out your hair. If you do all that, you can have beautiful, frizz-free hair for 2-4 months.
How Much Does a Hair Botox Treatment Cost?
Typically, botox hair treatment will be around $100-$150 if you decide to do it yourself at home.
However, it can go up to $350 at a hair salon as they usually carry the more expensive hair smoothing products, not to mention the cost of labor.
Still, you can always ask the salons in your area how much they do the treatment for. If it’s within your budget and you want to make sure your hair is getting the best treatment possible, then, by all means, make an appointment and pamper yourself.
FAQS
Does Hair Botox Help With Hair Loss?
While a scalp injection of botulinum has been shown to reduce hair loss, hair botox has no such effects. It merely gives the appearance that the hair is fuller by coating the hair strands and giving them the moisture they need.
Can You Color Your Hair After Getting a Botox Hair Treatment?
It’s better that you don’t dye your hair for at least two weeks after getting hair botox. If you don’t wait this two-week period, the effects of the treatment will be severely compromised.
Where Should You Buy Hair Botox?
If you want to know where to get a high-quality product, then you should ask a hairstylist for her recommendations. She’ll know which brands are the real deal and which are totally useless.
Conclusion
With hair botox, you can restore your hair health without having to resort to any harsh chemicals. Wondrously, this product repairs damaged hair and makes it look fresh and healthy after just one session.
Not only does it fill and coat the hair shaft to make your hair look fuller, but it also delivers numerous vitamins and moisturizing elements to the hair cuticle, thereby preventing frizz and making your hair much silkier.
So, if you want to get a botox hair treatment, then go right ahead. Every hair type will benefit from it, and unlike a Brazilian blowout, you won’t have to worry about losing your curls (or your life).