All you need to know about hair botox

Before you back off warily, worried that hair botox conjures up images of needles to the scalp, fret not! Hair botox treatment doesn’t involve needles; it doesn’t even actually involve Botox! It’s all about getting beautifully smooth locks, but doesn’t involve any invasive skin treatments. 

Read on for the Secret Spa complete guide to hair botox. Covered is everything you need to know about hair botox, including what it is, what it can do for your hair and what to expect during and after the treatment.

From whether it contains botulinum toxin to a range of other frequently asked questions, this is all you should know about hair botox.  

What is hair botox? 

What exactly is a hair botox treatment? Hair botox therapy is used to deep condition the hair, and may also be known as a keratin treatment. This hair botox or keratin treatment can result in fuller, smoother, more lustrous locks.

Unlike botox for the face, hair botox actually doesn’t involve the use of botulinum toxin, nor injections. The name is used because of the filling and smoothing effect produced. 

Hair botox treatment benefits include less frizz and fewer flyaways. The rehydrated strands are sleeker and smoother, with less split ends. Hair botox can strengthen the hair while preventing hair thinning and loss. 

Botox hair treatment is often recommended for those with dry, heavily coloured, naturally curly hair or for those who battle the frizz on humid or damp days. This kind of botox treatment can also benefit the scalp. The added moisture helps to protect the skin on the top of the head from dandruff and other irritating scalp conditions like psoriasis. 

A hair botox session will focus on deep conditioning each and every strand. A coating of a nourishing substance like keratin will help to fill in thinning or damaged spots on each strand, resulting in a mane of hair that’s fuller, shinier and sleeker than ever before. 

Unlike many hair treatments, the basis of hair botox is actually natural – it uses Meadowfoam seed extract. The ceramides in this substance add a protective barrier to your hair. So, not only does it improve the appearance of your hair, it can help to repair damage too. If you want to avoid more harsh chemical treatments, then hair botox should be on your radar. 

The benefits of botox for hair

It can be helpful to know the benefits of botox hair treatment, especially if you’re weighing up hair botox vs relaxer. In short, botox hair straightening nourishes the hair, improving its condition rather than detracting from it. 

After a good botox treatment, every strand of hair should be thicker, stronger, smoother and more lustrous than before. Each fibre is also protected from future damage due to the coating that acts as a barrier between the hair and sources of damage, such as heat.

The botox treatment fills in any gaps where hair strands are damaged or thinner, resulting in a more voluminous mane that is super sleek. This coating also nourishes the fibres. As hair that has been botoxed is well moisturised, this helps to cut down frizz. This is because frizzy hair is actually hair that’s trying to locate and absorb more moisture. 

The sustenance that botoxed hair receives can also help to prevent split ends, plus hair loss and thinning. Even the scalp benefits from the extra moisture. This means that dandruff, psoriasis and other dry or irritating skin conditions are less likely to be a problem. 

What’s involved in hair Botox therapy?

As it doesn’t involve injections or the like, botox hair treatment doesn’t happen at a clinic. However, it’s not usually available at every salon. It’s still quite a niche treatment and you typically only find it available at specific salons. You can also buy some hair botox treatments to do yourself at home. 

The treatment starts with shampooing your hair, as usual. This opens the cuticles and ensures there is no build-up of product which can prevent you from getting the best results. During the treatment, the conditioning agent is smoothed onto your still wet hair from top to bottom. It’s then left on for a length of time, anywhere between 20 and 90 minutes. 

The product is then either left on before drying and straightening (to allow more penetration) or may be rinsed off before your hair is dried and straightened. Once your hair has been dried, the effects of the botox should immediately be visible. The semi-permanent treatment may then last for between two and four months. 

How long does hair Botox take?

How long hair Botox takes depends on the specific treatment. Some are left on for as little as 20 minutes, and some can be left on for an hour and a half. Leave additional time for shampooing as well as drying and straightening.

Hair botox treatment side effects and disadvantages

One potential hair botox treatment disadvantage is that some products may contain formaldehyde. This is used to maintain the hair’s straightness. As formaldehyde can be carcinogenic, there is some risk involved in using it. 

One other disadvantage of hair botox is that products may vary hugely in quality. This is why it’s best left in the hands of a professional hairdresser. They know just what to look for when selecting the right products. 

So how long does hair botox last? A disadvantage for some is the fact that it may only last for a couple of months, whereas for others it might last twice as long. Before having your first treatment there’s no way of knowing how long the effects will last for. 

The cost of botox hair treatments may also be seen as a drawback. On average the treatment may cost £100 to £200 or more. 

Hair botox aftercare

When can you wash your hair after a hair botox treatment? The best advice is to wait for a couple of days or more. This gives the treatment longer to penetrate each strand, thus maximising its efficacy. 

To keep your botoxed hair looking its best, hair stylists advise using only hair products that are free from sulphates. This can help ensure the results of the treatment last for as long as possible. Sulphate-free products are also better for the hair. 

A gentle, pH balanced shampoo without sulphates provides good aftercare for hair that’s been botoxed. Avoid any formulas that list sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium chloride or sodium laureth sulphate among the ingredients.  

Hair botox FAQs

What about botox hair treatment for curly hair?

Though it’s often used for straightening frizz-prone hair, curly hair can also benefit from a botox treatment. In this case the aim is normally to create smoother, more relaxed curls. 

How about hair botox for African hair?

Hair botox is good for any hair type, including Afro-Caribbean hair. In fact this type of hair can really benefit from the hydrating effects. 

Is hair botox permanent?

Hair botox is classed as semi-permanent. The effects should last for two to four months on average. 

When can I wash my hair after a hair botox treatment?

Following hair botox, it’s best to wait for two to three days before shampooing. This gives the treatment more time to penetrate the hair, making sure it is as effective and long-lasting as possible. 

Can I dye my hair after a hair botox treatment?

Hair that has already been dyed can then be given a botox treatment. If you want to dye your hair afterwards, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks to make sure the botox treatment lasts for as long as possible.

Can I do hair botox at home?

Because of the difference in the quality of products, it’s best to leave hair botox in the hands of a professional. A hairdresser will know how to get the best from both the treatment and your hair. 

Should I get hair botox treatment?

If you want to achieve smooth hair and struggle with frizz then hair botox may be the way forward. However, it’s an expensive option and you need to take care that you are comparing like with like. 

Speak to your professional hairdresser about how to achieve the look you are after and they can make full recommendations. 

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