Is a Botox Hair Treatment Worth It?

The word Botox isn’t usually associated with haircare. You find it in conversations about wrinkles and — believe it or not — managing migraines, lazy eyes, and teeth grinding. Lately, however, the internet has been going wild over Botox hair treatments, which promise healthy, glossy locks in an instant. The catch? It doesn’t even contain Botox!

Everyone wants shiny, cascading hair that looks straight out of a shampoo commercial, and the simplest way to achieve it is with a Botox hair treatment.

However, despite its moniker, Botox hair treatment doesn’t actually use the botulinum toxin. As Botox does for skin aging, its catchy name alludes to how it revives youthful qualities in hair, like smoothness, resilience, and shine. It can repair split ends and dull hair, making it a helluva treatment for those who like experimenting with their hair color. People with fine hair also love its volumizing effect.

Since hair Botox is not a patented system, it has no set formula. Some brands mix protein bases with oils and pH balancers, which can help soothe scalp irritation, while others use protein fibers like collagen or keratin to fill in the damaged areas. One important distinction is, unlike straightening procedures that expose the hair to harsh chemicals, hair Botox is safe for all hair types, including textured hair (looking at you, curly queens!).

Every Botox hair treatment begins with washing the hair to open the cuticles. Once the hair is damp, the stylist applies the “Botox” formula and massages the scalp. Depending on hair length and porosity, the process can last up to 90 minutes. You could liken the procedure to a hair cream bath but with more visible and long-lasting results (up to four months).

While effects may differ with every product or salon, it is a worthwhile treatment if you’re willing to spare some moolah.

The hefty price of a Botox hair treatment makes it a splurge for many. While a professional salon procedure yields more lasting results than DIY, you can use hair masks to keep your hair in good condition until your next bonus.

The biggest misconception about hair care is that all shampoos work the same way. News flash: every shampoo formula targets a specific hair problem. Your best friend’s go-to product may not work well on you. When choosing a shampoo, look for one that addresses your hair’s needs and your hair goals.

If you want Rapunzel-like hair, your best bet is a shampoo with biotin and aloe vera. Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo checks all these boxes. It also prevents hair breakage and helps your strands grow thicker.

What if your hair withstands heat-styling almost every day? Say bye to dry hair and oily scalp with Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Shampoo. It’s packed with vitamin C, keratin, and almond oil to repair and soften your hair.

The two main components of a Botox hair treatment are proteins and vitamins. Therefore, you want a hair mask that nourishes your hair with the same ingredients. Dove Advanced Keratin Treatment Mask is an excellent alternative to hair Botox. This product has Nutri-Keratin Repair Actives, vitamin complex, and niacinamide to lock in moisture and fortify your hair’s barrier. Use it twice a week to progressively repair and protect your damaged hair.

Sorry to all hot shower stans, but hair cuticles are very heat sensitive. While warm water opens the follicles and stimulates blood flow, cold water ensures all the good stuff from your shampoo and hair mask stays inside the cuticles. So, turn the knob to the right when rinsing the suds off your hair.

Interested in trying the Botox hair treatment? Talk to your go-to stylist to ensure you’re getting the right procedure for your hair’s needs (and the most bang for your buck). Moreover, invest in a good aftercare regimen to keep your hair strong, soft, and shiny between salon visits.