Hair Botox is not real Botox and it doesn't stop hair loss (but actual Botox does)
A silly marketing name is causing a lot of confusion
Have you seen a product or service called "hair Botox"? If so, you might assume two things:
This product contains Botox
This product will reverse hair loss
NEITHER of these are true. So-called "hair Botox" has NOTHING to do with Botox, and it most certainly will not do anything about hair loss. As such, it may be one of the most dishonestly named products ever marketed.
This website covers the use of actual Botox to stop hair loss, and therefore it is important that we clarify the difference between Botox for hair loss and so-called "hair Botox". To learn more, keep reading.
What is real Botox and how does it stop hair loss?
Botox is short for botulinum toxin. It is a neurotoxin that temporarily disables muscles by blocking nerve impulses. As the muscles go slack, the constant straining and creasing of the skin surrounding them is relieved. This is why Botox is used to prevent wrinkles. The effect of Botox can last for several months.
Botox has a number of secret applications beyond preventing wrinkles, including the amelioration of neck and lower back pain and the prevention of hair loss. Botox works against male pattern baldness because hair loss is caused by muscle tension around the scalp that cuts off blood flow to hair follicles. By relieving that tension, Botox can stop hair loss.
What is “hair Botox” and what is it for?
So-called “hair Botox” is a generic term for a deep conditioning treatment intended to give hair a more lustrous look. It is typically marketed to women with long hair.
Botox is actually a trademarked product owned by Allergan, but surprisingly several other companies use the term “hair Botox” on their hair conditioning products and these products do not include any Botox, nor any other neurotoxin, in them. Rather it is a misleading label for one of several hair conditioners including but not limited to:
L’Oreal Professional’s Fiberceutic
Majestic Hair Botox
Kerazon Hair Botox
So-called “hair Botox” is only meant to act on hair strands themselves, improving their appearance without meaningfully affecting the health of the underlying scalp and follicles.
This treatment is marketed as a way to undo cosmetic damage to hair caused by straighteners, curlers, combs, shampoo, sunlight, and hot water. This wear and tear may lead to frizzy, ratty hair. So-called “hair Botox” claims to physically repair that damage thereby making the hair look better.
How does “hair Botox” work?
There is no one formula for so-called “hair Botox” as the term refers to any deep conditioner that repairs hair damage. Common ingredients include:
caviar oil
antioxidants
vitamin B5
vitamin E
collagen complexes
The primary mechanism of action of “hair Botox” is that it contains collagen which fills in the cracks and holes in hair strands. Hair is made of protein and collagen is a protein. Collagen will bind to the hair and seal damage in hair the same way that wood putty seals damage in wood.
Additionally, the various oils in “hair Botox” moisturize the hair fibers, keeping them from drying out which is itself a cause of damage, while the vitamins and antioxidants are there to stop oxidative stress from damaging the hair follicles.
Does it work?
For improving the appearance of hair and making it look healthier and shinier, the answer is "possibly". Keep in mind that there are many different products calling themselves “hair Botox” and results may vary from one product to another.
But, does it work for hair loss?
We can confidently say that, unlike real Botox, so-called “hair Botox” does not do anything to stop hair loss. While oxidative stress may play a small role in damaging hair follicles, the antioxidants in deep conditioning formulas do absolutely nothing to stop TGF-β1 or the effects it has on hair roots, and that’s really what counts with hair loss.
That said, it MIGHT help to conceal hair loss to a limited degree as it may fatten up the strands of hair on your head, making bald spots appear less prominent. But don’t expect miracles.
How long do the effects last?
You can expect peak benefits to last two months, and possibly up to four months. This means you’ll need to get this treatment 3-6 times per year.
Can I do it at home?
So-called “hair Botox” is available for purchase to use at home but it is also offered as a service at many salons.
How much does it cost?
Depending on which product, and whether you do it at home or get it done professionally, the price will vary between $100-300 per treatment. So, you might spend up to $1800 per year on so-called “hair Botox” but more likely around $700 or so.
How does “hair Botox” differ from keratin treatment?
Keratin treatment is another topical treatment that smooths hair and reduces frizz, however “hair Botox” bills itself as more natural and free of any harmful chemicals. Keratin treatments may contain formaldehyde in order to lock hair strands into a straight position. This blunt force approach is effective but formaldehyde is a carcinogen, and not everyone will want to risk getting cancer just to have shiny hair. "Hair Botox" may cost up to twice as much as keratin treatment.
Does "hair Botox" have any side effects or drawbacks?
Some sources say that you should avoid any activities that cause sweating for up to three days following the treatment. That could be a hassle if you are highly active. The only other drawback is the impact on your wallet.
Is so-called "hair Botox" worth getting?
Once again it is important to reiterate that "hair Botox" will not do anything to stop hair loss the way actual Botox will. If you are going to spend a substantial amount of money as a man with pattern hair loss, that money should go to actual Botox. However, provided that you have already taken measures to stop or reverse your hair loss, such as Botox, microneedling, and PRP, you would still benefit from a deep conditioning for your hair, especially if your hair is longer or wavy.
We are not qualified to tell you which deep conditioning treatment you should get, although the ones that call themselves "hair Botox" tend to avoid unfriendly ingredients like formaldehyde.
Learn more
We are building a library of resources on hair loss science, especially that relating to the use of Botox (real Botox!) to stop hair loss. Check in regularly because we are always adding new content.