What is Hair Botox and Should You Try It?

Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD

If you are looking for strong, smooth, shiny hair, you may not have to look any further than hair botox. But unlike its name suggests, there are no needles—or actual Botox—involved.

Hair botox is a misnomer for any deep conditioning hair treatment that conditions and coats hair with fillers like keratin and collagen to repair damaged and broken hair fibers. This can help make your hair look healthier and thicker while also providing strength and protection from future damage.

"The term botox is used because [this treatment] can prevent 'the signs of aging' in the hair like Botox does for fine lines and wrinkles—but Botox is not being injected into the scalp," Dr. John Kahen, MD, chief hair surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Hair Restoration, told Health.

Some of the ingredients in these products are vitamin E, vitamin B5, caviar oil, antioxidants, and collagen complex. "If your hair is dehydrated, you have naturally curly hair, color your hair often, suffer from frizziness, or live in a humid climate, getting a hair botox treatment can be a lifesaver," Yvey Valcin, a stylist and founder of Yvey Salon in Seattle, told Health.

When you get a hair Botox treatment, your stylist will apply a protein-based solution to your wet hair, which will help form a protective layer around your hair strands. "This helps restore damaged or weakened strands, and it creates a barrier that protects your hair against heat damage from styling tools or environmental factors like humidity," Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, MD, a dermatologist, hair transplant expert, cosmetic surgeon, and the medical head of ClinicSpots, told Health.

If you are looking to make your hair look fuller or add shine, this chemical-free approach may be the option for you.

Related:The 21 Best Products for Frizzy Hair

Benefits of Hair Botox

Hair Botox is deeply nourishing, hydrating and can leave your hair looking smoother, shinier, and fuller. The collagen and keratin that coats hair strands during a hair Botox treatment can "fill" in damaged parts of the hair cuticles, leading to that smoother, shinier look.

Hair Botox can protect against further damage from heat styling tools or environmental factors by eliminating the need to use heat styling tools as often and protecting against frizz from humidity. Additionally, hair Botox can add softness to your hair, and helps preserve color treatments. "All of these results can last up to six months, making it a great long-term solution for maintaining your hair’s health and look," Dr. Chekuri added.

Related:The 12 Best Hair Growth Serums of 2023

Who Is Hair Botox For?

Anyone can benefit from hair Botox, but especially those with hair damage from hair coloring, heat styling, or UV ray damage. Dryer and thicker hair types might benefit from hair conditioners, as well.

Hair Botox treatments also improve your hair's overall health, add shine, and make your hair more manageable. "It is especially beneficial for those with damaged hair, as the protein-based solution helps repair any weak spots on the shafts," said Dr. Chekuri.

This type of hair treatment is also a great option for anyone who wants to reduce styling time and maintain their look longer. With hair Botox, you won’t need to use as many products or tools to keep your hair smooth and shiny.

Related:How To Air-Dry Wavy, Straight, Curly, or Coily Hair

Hair Botox vs. Other Deep Conditioners

A deep conditioner is a hair mask or booster that has some chemicals in it in order to infuse moisture into the hair follicle faster. On the other hand, hair Botox works without any harsh chemicals, but its smoothing effects may not be long-lasting.

One big difference between deep conditioners and hair Botox is collagen. "Collagen isn’t able to penetrate the hair shaft as much as [deep conditioning] treatments. Because of this, hair Botox will effectively make hair smoother and healthier, but only temporarily," said Dr. Kahen.

While both deep conditioners and hair Botox treatments have similar goals, deep conditioners are meant to be used regularly as a part of your haircare routine. Hair Botox treatments, on the other hand, provide more intense repairs and fill in weak spots on the shafts while also forming a protective layer. Ultimately, both treatments can be beneficial, depending on your individual needs and haircare goals.

"Hair Botox is for anyone wanting to restore the health of their strands while also adding shine and softness," said Dr. Chekuri. "For those looking for intense repairs or protection from heat styling tools, hair Botox might just be the perfect solution."

Related:What Causes Gray Hair in Your 20s?

A Quick Review

Hair botox is a term for a hair treatment that conditions and coats hair with fillers like keratin and collagen to repair damaged and broken hair fibers. This can help make your hair look healthier and thicker while also providing strength and protection from future damage.

Anyone can benefit from hair Botox, but especially those with hair damage from hair coloring, heat styling, or UV ray damage.

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Read the original article on Health.