
There’s no shortage of hair care products that can help smooth frizz, add shine or make hair look fuller. But not many people can say they do all three at the same time – especially in the long term. However, a popular salon hair treatment may be the key to all of the above and then some: hair bOTOX. Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve needles.
Similar to how wrinkle reducers like Xeomin or Botox Cosmetic can smooth out fine lines on the skin in a matter of months, hair Botox can be used as a semi-permanent deep conditioner to smooth hair for roughly the same amount of time. Otherwise, the two treatments are very different; in fact, Hair Botox is actually more relevant to another popular treatment. “It’s very similar to the keratin treatment, except it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals,” explains Cedric, senior stylist and owner of Cedric Salon at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York.
To learn more about this popular treatment, we got the scoop from Cedric and two other hairdressing experts. Next, they’ll go into detail about what Botox is, who should use it and how much it costs.
What exactly is Hair BOTOX?
For the uninitiated, it’s not as invasive as it sounds. According to Cedric, hair botox “provides deep conditioning and applies fillers like keratin to the hair to fill in the broken areas.” This process helps make the hair look fuller and thicker.
So that injection-inspired name? Just effective marketing. “There’s no needle,” Cedric says. That said, don’t be alarmed if syringes show up at your appointment. “Some brands do use fake ‘needles’ to put products in their hair, but it’s just for show,” Cedric explains.
According to Jessica Page, a hairstylist, hair educator and instructor based in Bountiful, Utah, the name may also reference the anti-aging properties of the treatment for hair. “Unlike facial injections, hair bOTOX simply uses a deep treatment to repair damage and prolong hair health. The treatment reduces the effects of hair aging,” Page says. It’s also important to note that there’s not just one type of hair bOTOX; different formulations are available for different hair types and textures. “Which treatment you use will determine the ingredients that contribute to healthy hair,” says Page.
What are the benefits of hair bOTOX?
Although hair botox formulations vary, they are similar in that they infuse hair with a host of nourishing and strengthening ingredients. “The treatment contains vitamins like B5, which delivers oxygen to the scalp for healthy hair, and natural fatty acids like omega-3 for volumizing hair,” says Raven Urtado, a hair stylist at Maxine’s Salon in Chicago.
Think of it as a high-octane deep conditioner that leaves hair looking fuller, healthier and smoother. “Some of the benefits include repairing internal and external damage, repelling humidity, improving color and reducing the effects of hair aging,” says Page.
While this sounds similar to a keratin treatment on paper, there are some key differences. Namely, hair bOTOX does not release formaldehyde – which the CDC defines as a known carcinogen – at the time of application. “The difference between Hair BOTOX and conventional keratin treatments is that Hair BOTOX is non-chemical and more of a conditioning treatment that restores and repairs dry, damaged hair and volumizes and brings it back to life,” Hurtado said. “Keratin treatments contain more chemicals to make hair smoother, looser and frizz-free.”
Is Hair BOTOX safe for all hair types?
Yes, almost everyone can benefit from hair botox. “This treatment works for all hair types and is best for people who want more shine and less frizz,” says Cedric. “It’s especially good for damaged hair because it smoothes and strengthens it.”
Again, the main reason some stylists (and clients) may prefer hair botox over keratin treatments is the chemical composition of the product itself. hurtado says it’s also safe for pregnant clients, adding that “it’s non-chemical, so you’re not inhaling fumes.”
How long does Hair BOTOX last?
Hair BOTOX is semi-permanent. “The effects can last up to two to four months, depending on how often you wash your hair,” says Urtado. To help extend the life of the treatment, she also recommends using a hair mask once a week to maintain moisture and smoothness.
How Much Does Hair BOTOX Cost?
In addition to its many other benefits, hair bOTOX is also somewhat cheaper than keratin treatments (which can cost as much as $400). Depending on where you go, “the cost ranges from $25 to $150, depending on the product used,” says Page, adding that it may be offered as an add-on to the salon or as a primary service.