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, leading to smooth, luminous skin? There’s now a treatment that will give you smooth, silky, luminous hair, thus the 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 National Health Service dermatologist 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 to be true, 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.
#Hairbotox has long been racking up views on TikTok, thanks largely to the clickbait-y misnomer. “It’s a marketing term and not a medical procedure involving the use of botulinum toxin,” explains Dr. 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 aftereffect. 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 hair treatment that conditions and coats hair with fillers like keratin and collagen to repair damaged and broken hair fibers,” says board-certified dermatologist 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 dreams, 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 Dr. 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 Dr. 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 Dr. Fabusiwa, who lists hyaluronic acid, keratin, vitamin E, vitamin B5, and collagen as common inclusions.
The products tend to center on keratin and collagen. Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in the hair, with the botox form taking things up a notch. “Hair botox products often contain hydrolyzed keratin, which is a form of keratin that has been broken down into smaller particles,” says Dr. Fabusiwa. “Hydrolyzed keratin can help to strengthen and repair damaged hair by filling in gaps in the hair shaft.”
Collagen, also a protein, plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and strength of various tissues in the body, including the hair. “Collagen can help to strengthen the hair shaft, increase its elasticity, and enhance its moisture-retaining capabilities,” says Dr. Fabusiwa. “By replenishing collagen in the hair, it may contribute to reducing breakage, improving hair texture, and promoting overall hair health.”
Add to that hyaluronic acid—which helps attract and retain moisture, lending to elasticity and appearance—caviar oil (“rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that can help to moisturize and improve hair texture,” says Dr. Henry), and protective and nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, and you have a conditioning treatment designed to pump up the volume on each and every strand of your hair.
Lastly, look for plant extracts. “Various plant extracts—such as aloe vera, green tea, or chamomile—may be included in hair botox products for their soothing, antioxidant, or anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. Fabusiwa, adding that these ingredients can increase hydration, improve texture, reduce frizz, and make styling an easier feat.
How Does Hair Botox Compare to Other Treatments?
“Because hair botox goes deeper into the hair shaft than a keratin treatment, it lasts longer,” says Giannetos. “It locks in all the protein your hair is missing and needs.” Don’t forget about after-care, too. Giannetos suggests the Hair Filler Strength Serum from Garnier, which is made with vitamin C and will help maintain the effects for even longer. So why not transform your next DIY spa day into a salon session too? You’re just one mask away from hair-centric plumpness—and sure, you can call it botox if you need to.
