We all have heard of Botox for forehead wrinkles, sweaty armpits, or migraines for the quick fix, but what is Hair Botox? No needles needed for this treatment – it’s a smoothing, hydrating, and strengthening deep conditioning treatment that doesn’t involve injections at all.
Hair botox is an umbrella term used in some salons as a new way to market professional deep-conditioning treatments, which can help smooth, hydrate, and strengthen your hair, especially after a heat or color treatment.
Why is it called “botox”?
Because these conditioning treatments can leave your hair somewhat smoother and softer, similar to the softening effects of Botox injections for your fine lines (again, the name is all a marketing move).
Since hair botox isn’t really “a thing”—i.e., an actual product from a manufacturer—there isn’t one specific formula with a set list of ingredients and verified claims. That means the treatment you receive will entirely depend on the salon you visit and the formulas they already use. This also means it’s impossible to really evaluate the pros and cons of trying hair botox, because the formula (and its effects) can vary so greatly.
Hair botox (aka professional deep-conditioning treatments) is fairly similar to the deep conditioner you already have in your shower. Although, again, it’s impossible to know the exact ingredients in the salon treatment you may receive, it’s almost guaranteed to have a strengthening and damage-repairing protein base (like keratin, soy, and wheat), along with moisturizing and sealing oils, like jojoba oil, argan oil, and macadamia oil.
Which is better- Keratin or hair botox?
Neither keratin nor hair botox is necessarily “better,” because each depends on your hair goals and needs. Both keratin treatments and hair botox can leave your hair feeling softer, smoother, and a bit glossier, but with different strengths and permanency. Keratin treatments contain a chemical complex to help smooth your hair, while deep-conditioning treatments work to add nutrients to your hair cuticle.
Basically, keratin treatments (which last up to three months) are great for lightly smoothing out your hair and amping up its shine, while deep-conditioning treatments (which don’t really have a measurable efficacy period) help strengthen and moisturize your hair without straightening out your curl or wave pattern.
Is hair botox good for your hair?
Yes, hair botox is good for your hair, just like all deep-conditioning treatments — both at home and in the salon — are good for your hair. Most professional smoothing treatments (like keratin or relaxers) require high heat to activate the formula, which can contribute to damage, but hair botox doesn’t require anything but itself to help strengthen your hair, decrease frizz and breakage, and boost shine.
How often should one do hair botox?
This depends on your budget and your hair’s needs (like if you’re constantly damaging it with bleach and heat tools, or if you have naturally dry, high-porosity hair). But in general, opt for deep-conditioning treatments three to four times a year to help keep their healthy and soft.
Want shinier, stronger hair? You might love the results of a hair botox treatment since there’s no such thing as too much TLC for your hair. Still, if you can’t get to a salon, or you just don’t want to spend the money, you can always incorporate a deep conditioner into your routine every other week for added smoothness and strength. Good hair days ahead!
