Hair Botox: What It’s For, How to Apply & FAQ

What is it:

Hair botox is an intensive hair treatment that hydrates, fills and adds shine to hair strands. It gives hair a more pleasing appearance, without frizz or split ends. Although it is known as botox, it does not contain any botulin toxin. It is referred to as hair botox because it rejuvenates the hair and corrects damage, just like injectable botox can. 

Hair botox is done using products that help to nourish and hydrate the hair to prevent fallout and breaking. These products are usually rich in protein and vitamins, and although they are not used specifically for straightening the hair, some contain chemicals that lead to a straighter appearance. 

Hair botox products can be found online or at beauty supply stores. Prices may vary depending the brand and product quality.

What it’s for

Hair botox is used to strengthen hair strands, which can make it more flexible and silky-looking. Hair botox formulas contain vitamins and proteins thar are essential for hair health. 

This treatment can be done on any hair type, but it is most recommended for damaged, weak and broken hair. Hair stylists will often advise hair botox treatments for clients who frequently straighten their hair or chemically treat their hair. 

Some common hair botox products are sold by Cadiveu (with their Plastica de Argila line), L’Oreal (the Fiberceutic products), and Forever Liss (the Argan Oil collection).

How to apply at home 

To apply a hair botox treatment at home, start by:

1. Washing your hair twice with a cleansing shampoo, or with a shampoo included in your hair botox kit. 
2. Remove excess water from your hair with a blowdryer, aiming for about 70% dryness. 
3. Divide your hair in several evenly-split sections. 
4. Massage the hair botox product into the hair, from the root to ends, making sure to keep your hair straight and combing the product through each individual section. 
5. Keep the product in your hair for about 20 minutes. You do not need to cover your hair. 
6. Wash your hair thoroughly. 
7. Dry your hair with a blow dryer and comb, and finish off by straightening your hair if preferred. 

Hair botox results can last between 20 to 30 days, depending on the product used. For better results, you may need to apply the hair botox twice in the same month. 

Before buying and using a hair botox product, be sure to review the substances in the ingredients, as some may contain low amounts of formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, which are not recommended. 

Frequently asked questions

The following is a list that outlines the most common questions people have about hair botox: 

1. Does hair botox contain formaldehyde? 

The objective of hair botox is to hydrate and strengthen your hair. It generally contains compounds that noursh your hair, and typically does not have formaldehyde. However, some hair botox product may contain small amounts of formaldehyde, which can additionally help to straighten your hair.

The FDA cautions against the use of cosmetic products containing formaldehyde, which can be listed in the ingredient list as its liquid form. formalin or methylene glycol. Although it is not a banned substance, it can only be sold in small quantities, and users are advised to used sparingly, as it releases a colorless and odorless gas when heated that is a known human carcinogen. 

2. Can hair products straighten your hair? 

The majority of hair botox products do not contain formaldehyde or other chemical substances that alter hair follicle structure. Therefore, hair botox generally does not straighten hair like progressive straightening might. However, hair can appear straighter due to increased hydration, which can decrease overall hair volume. 

Hair can only become straighter if hair botox products contain formaldehyde. These will often leave the hair with a strong odor and/or cause a burning sensation on the scalp. 

3. How does your hair look after washing it? 

After applying botox and following the procedure guidelines, you should maintain and cleansing and hydration routine for your hair. After wash your hair with shampoo and using a conditioner or hair mask, allow to your hair to dry naturally. You hair will not be completely straight, but it should have a beautiful, more natural appearance with less frizz and volume.

4. How long does it last?

Hair botox duration can vary from person to person, although some people may start to notice effects waning after about 30 days. People with dryer, more voluminous hair may need more frequent applications, every 15 to 30 days. 

5. Who should use hair botox?

Hair botox is recommended for anyone over 12 that desires more hydrated hair. It is important to read your product’s ingredient list carefully, however, as some products may contain formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, which are not recommended.