posted on: 08/28/2023
By Liz Kline
When you think of Botox, you may envision a needle poking the skin, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin and the reduction of wrinkles. But Botox can also be effective for hair—how does that work?
Hair Botox is a needle-free, deep conditioning treatment that repairs, smooths, and helps reverse damage done to the hair. The process uses keratin to fill in thin areas and repair strand breakage to create a smoother, more luxurious look and feel to the hair. But don’t be fooled by reading “keratin,” as this is not a keratin smoothing treatment. The difference between these two processes is that a keratin treatment smooths hair, flattens curl pattern, and reduces frizz. A hair Botox treatment helps repair damaged hair by resupplying the main protein that makes up our hair, keratin. This results in smoother, healthier-looking hair while maintaining the natural structure or curl pattern of hair.
When we apply chemical agents such as lighteners, relaxers, or color to our hair, the keratin protein bond is often removed, which leaves hair looking thin and damaged. So, adding keratin back into the hair and filling in gaps helps recreate the appearance of the healthy hair we may have had before any chemical treatments.
The Botox treatment lasts 3–4 months with proper at-home care. Because the process involves adding keratin back to the hair, we need to make sure not overdo it for our clients. It’s recommended that no more than 3–4 Botox treatments are done per year, with the reason being that too much of a good thing can end up being a bad thing. Unlike keratin treatments, which are rich in protein, hair Botox contains a higher concentration of moisturizing agents, which helps prevent adding too much protein to the hair. But the high concentration of moisturizing agents can cause breakage and dull-looking hair if the treatment is done too frequently. Spacing out your clients’ Botox appointments throughout the year is recommended.
However, this can be a great add-on for your chemical service clients to boost your overall ticket and give your clients that beautiful, healthy hair that will keep them coming back!
Fast facts:
What is hair Botox?
A deep conditioning treatment that repairs, smooths, and helps reverse damage done to the hair.
What’s the difference between keratin treatments and hair Botox?
A keratin treatment smooths hair, flattens curl pattern, and reduces frizz. A hair Botox treatment helps repair damaged hair by resupplying the main protein that makes up our hair, keratin. This results in smoother, healthier-looking hair while maintaining the natural structure or curl pattern of hair.
Will hair Botox dry out hair?
With proper maintenance and care—and without overdoing treatments—hair Botox will not dry out hair.
How long does hair Botox last?
3–4 months.
What is the main ingredient in hair Botox?
The protein keratin, but hair Botox also contains oils, vitamins, and concentrated moisturizing agents.
Is a needle used for hair Botox?
Needles are not used on hair, as it is a deep conditioning treatment.
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