When the word botox is mentioned, hair is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. With age, however, our hair loses its elasticity and fullness, just as our skin does. Hair botox refers to the process of filling the hair to help reduce frizz and turn back the clock.
Now I know what you’re thinking but, rest assured when it comes to hair botox, there are no needles involved. It is a deep conditioning treatment that gets its name as it fills the hair, just as botox fills the skin to reduce wrinkles. Hair botox treatment does not actually contain Onabotulinum Toxin A (Botox).
Discover how hair botox works and how it can give you smoother, shinier and healthier looking hair.
How Does Hair Botox Work?
Hair botox works by coating the individual fibres of your hair to repair thin or broken strands. It is a deep conditioning treatment that can help to restore your hair using proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and lipids, whilst reducing the need for harsh chemicals. It results in a smooth and more youthful overall appearance.
During a hair botox appointment, your hair will first be washed with a clarifying shampoo that helps to remove any residue from the strands and open the hair cuticles. Opening the hair cuticles is key to allow the hair botox treatment to work effectively.
The hair botox will then be applied to the hair and massaged in to ensure every strand is properly coated. The treatment will be left on your hair, typically for around 45 minutes however, in some salons, this may range up to 90 minutes. The treatment will then be washed off with a sulphate-free shampoo, dried and sealed with straighteners to allow the treatment to fully penetrate the hair.
Once completed, you should be able to immediately see the results of your treatment. Hair will be silky-smooth and shiny.
The Difference Between Botox Hair Treatment and Keratin Treatment
You may have heard of keratin treatment before; it promises similar outcomes to hair botox but, there is one big difference.
Keratin treatments use chemicals in order to smooth frizz. They typically contain formaldehyde which can irritate those with sensitive scalps. Keratin treatment also straightens the hair as it works, whereas hair botox simply hydrates and smoothes the hair.
There are formaldehyde-free, sensitive options available however, the key difference is that hair botox does not use chemical reactions in order to achieve a sleek finish.
Is Hair Botox Suitable for You?
As hair botox does not use harsh chemicals, it is suitable for almost anyone. It is the ideal choice if you have a sensitive scalp, and can therefore not have keratin treatment on your hair.
You will see the most benefit if you suffer from split ends, frizzy, dry or dull hair. Keratin treatments are often used by those with thick curly hair but hair botox can be used on any hair type.
How Long Does Botox for Hair Last?
Hair botox is a semi-permanent hair treatment that usually lasts between 2 and 4 months. The length of time will vary from person to person and steps should be taken to help prolong the treatment.
Hair Botox Aftercare
After having hair botox you should only use paraben and sulphate-free shampoo. This helps to ensure that the deep conditioning effects are not stripped from the hair to keep it looking full, fresh and healthy for longer.
We recommend Neal and Wolf shampoo. We use it in the salon for our hair extension clients to ensure that their new hair stays looking salon-fresh!
How Much Does Hair Botox Cost?
The cost of hair botox will depend on where you go but treatments can cost up to a few hundred pounds. You can buy cheaper at-home treatments however, you are unlikely to see the same results you would at a salon, and could potentially irritate your scalp if not applied correctly.
Where is it Available?
You can buy at-home hair botox treatments online however, we would always recommend visiting a salon. Hair botox is a specialised treatment so is not widely available. You may have to do some research into which salons near you offer botox for hair.
Whilst we do not offer hair botox at The Hair Alchemist, we can still help you to get the thick and healthy-looking hair of your dreams.
Our Russian hair extensions are super smooth and sleek, so you can get the hair botox look whilst also adding volume, thickness and length!
Get in touch to book your free consultation appointment.