Meet the hair botox treatment—no, we aren’t talking about a new injectable. But you know that tried-and-true actual Botox, which promises a pause on the formation of fine lines via neuromodulation, lending to smooth, luminous skin? There’s now a treatment that will give you smooth, silky, luminous hair, thus the treatment’s catchy name.
“’Hair botox’ is a term used to describe a hair treatment that aims to rejuvenate and restore the health and appearance of the hair,” explains NHS dermatologist Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa. And no, it has nothing to do with actual Botox. “The treatment started in Brazil,” says celebrity hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, whose clients include Amal Clooney Gigi Hadid, and Joey King. “It’s a fantastic treatment for anybody with frizzy or textured hair, but it also works for Caucasian hair because it boosts the natural protein in the hair, adding strength.”
While the concept of hair botox may sound too buzzy too be true, but the process is actually a fairly accessible means of achieving hydrated, glossy, luscious hair via an intentional cocktail of hair-enhancing ingredients—no injections required.
What Is Hair Botox?
#Hairbotox has long been racking up views on TikTok, thanks largely to the clickbait-y misnomer itself. “It’s a marketing term, and not a medical procedure involving the use of botulinum toxin,” explains Fabusiwa, adding that a more fitting definition would be “a deep conditioning treatment that can help to replenish lost moisture, repair damaged hair, and reduce frizz.”
One commonality between real botox and hair botox is the smoothing after-effect. For hair, that comes through the concept of filling gaps in the strand, temporarily mending split ends, and improving texture in the process. “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,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. “This can help make your hair look healthier and thicker while also providing strength and protection from future damage.”
What Are the Benefits of Hair Botox?
Hair botox products can help you achieve the lustrous lengths of your daydreams, even (or especially) if your hair is particularly weathered. “[Hair botox] is often used as a solution for individuals with dry, brittle, and damaged hair,” says Fabusiwa. While the treatments can be executed in-salon, hair botox is essentially a deep conditioning hair mask and can be easily carried off at home with the right products.
Hair botox may sound like magic in a bottle (a sure side effect of the name), but the products should be part of a holistic effort to care for your hair. “While hair botox treatments can provide temporary improvements in the appearance and condition of the hair, it’s important to note that they do not alter the structure of the hair permanently,” says Fabusiwa. “Results may vary depending on the individual’s hair type, extent of damage, and the specific product used.”
How Does Hair Botox Work?
Hair botox offers hair an infusion of fullness and shine via blends of smoothing and soothing ingredients. “The specific ingredients used in hair botox products may vary among different brands and formulations,” says Fabusiwa, who lists hyaluronic acid, keratin, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, and collagen as common inclusions.
