Dull hair, rough locks, breaking ends: when the fiber tires, the mirror quickly becomes unforgiving. For several seasons, a promise has been coming back to Instagram and TikTok, that of hair botox. Its name intrigues and suggests the idea of a spectacular facelift for the hair.
Despite this term borrowed from aesthetic medicine, botox treatment for hair has nothing to do with botulinum toxin injections. This is a deep treatment, based on keratin and hyaluronic acid, which promises to plump and coat the fiber. It remains to understand what it is for and what the promise is worth.
Hair Botox: principle of care and hair concerned
In the salon, hair botox is presented as a concentrated treatment based on keratin, hyaluronic acid, sometimes collagen and vegetable oils. This cocktail fills in porous areas, smoothes the cuticle, calms frizz and revives color. Unlike Brazilian straightening, it does not modify the structure: it coats and softens, without making the curls disappear.
This treatment is mainly aimed at hair damaged by repeated coloring, bleaching, straightening, blow-drying and straightening plates. Dull, dry, tangled hair gains suppleness and shine. On already healthy hair, the interest will be lighter, a boost of softness and discipline.
Botox treatment for hair: in the salon or at home
In the salon, the session begins with two shampoos, then the hairdresser applies the product strand by strand and leaves it on for around twenty minutes under gentle heat. Then come a light rinse and blow-dry at low temperature to set the treatment. Pros recommend waiting 24 to 48 hours before shampooing for the first time and avoiding heating appliances during this time.
Homemade hair botox kits, sold online, use this protocol in a simplified version: shampoo, partial drying, application strand by strand, exposure time, then blow-drying. Their concentration of active ingredients remains lower than that of salons, the result often resembles a very nourishing mask, with a light smoothing effect and shorter hold.
Duration, price and maintenance of hair botox
The effects of a hair botox treatment last between one and three months, depending on the formula chosen and the frequency of washing. Lasts around 2 to 3 months if you avoid harsh shampoos. In the salon, it costs between €100 and €200 depending on the length; a home kit often costs around thirty euros.
This result has limits: the treatment does not permanently repair damaged hair and can weigh down very fine hair, with the impression of loss of volume. You have to look at the composition, some formulas, especially outside Europe, may contain formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, controversial smoothing agents. To prolong the benefits, pros recommend a very gentle routine:
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo;
- Space out washes, limit heat and plaques, keep a weekly moisturizing mask.