When you first hear the words “hair botox,” it’s easy to picture a syringe full of filler being injected into someone’s scalp. But, trust us, that visual couldn’t be further from the truth. “It’s way less invasive than it sounds and there are zero needles/injections involved,” explains Samantha Lagaipa, a hairstylist who specializes in hair botox and founder of Bask Hair, in Montreal, Canada. “It’s completely understandable due to the treatment’s name, but don’t be afraid—it’s completely worth it!”
So, what even is it? And, why is it called hair botox when there is no actual botox involved? These were just a few of the questions we had about the buzzy new hair treatment that everyone seems to be talking about lately. Naturally, we turned to Lagaipa to clue us in on absolutely everything we need to know about hair botox. Ahead, she breaks down what the treatment is, what its benefits are, why stylists should offer it as a service, and much more.
So, What Exactly is Hair Botox?
The use of the word “botox” where this treatment is concerned can definitely cause some confusion, but “hair botox” is simply a catchy term to refer to a deep conditioning treatment that coats hair fibers with a filler (generally a cocktail of ingredients like caviar oil, antioxidants, vitamin B5, vitamine E, and collagen complex). According to Lagaipa, the treatment works by filling in any broken or thin areas on each hair strand to make hair appear fuller and more lustrous. “You can think of it as a high-octane deep conditioner that leaves hair looking fuller, healthier, and smoother,” she says.
And, while hair botox may seem similar to a keratin treatment, Lagaipa says that there is a key point of difference—mainly, hair botox does not release formaldehyde.
What Are the Benefits and Side Effects of Hair Botox?
Similar to the way that traditional botox can make skin smoother and glowier, hair botox can help smooth frizz, add a boost of shine, and transform even the most damaged hair into healthier, stronger strands. “It thickens your hair due to the protein and collagen that is being added to every single strand of your hair,” explains Lagaipa. “It’s especially great for women that have frizzy and/or strongly textured hair. Some of my clients also say that it cuts their blowdry time in almost half.” She adds, “In my opinion, there’s nothing like it and the best part about it is that it’s not heat activated. So, you can come right out of the shower, or if you’re stuck in humidity, your hair won’t frizz up.”
Lagaipa also notes that hair botox won’t ruin your curl pattern. “The fact that it keeps your curls was the main reason why I had done it in the first place,” she says. “I am a firm believer that any treatment that goes against your natural hair wave/curl, would not be good for the client. With time, straightening treatments end up harming the hair drastically, So again, hair botox is the perfect alternative.”
As far as potential side effects, Lagaipa says that there aren’t any serious ones to note. “Out of my experience, and throughout the years of me doing this treatment, I’ve seen zero side effects,” she says. “And I say this with confidence, because once the treatment is completely eliminated from the hair, after months of washing, it doesn’t leave the hair in a weird, unhealthy state. Once the treatment is gone, your hair bounces back to its natural texture.”
However, she does stress that pregnant women will want to avoid getting any hair botox treatments. “For any soon-to-be moms out there that are pregnant, you can’t do it while being pregnant due to the ingredients. I would highly not recommend doing [hair botox] while you’re pregnant.”
Is Hair Botox Suitable for All Hair Types?
While all hair types are certainly good candidates for hair botox, Lagaipa says that the best candidates are those with very damaged hair or very frizzy and textured hair. “Just because the treatment is there to smooth out, shine, and eliminate frizz within the hair,” she explains.
Lagaipa does add that somebody that does either highlights or balayage every three to four months would also make a great candidate. “With time we all know how bleach tends to attack our hair,” she says. “No matter how much Olaplex you use, sometimes your hair just can’t keep up. So, doing hair botox two to three times a year is a lifesaver.”
How Long Does Hair Botox Last?
As a semi-permanent treatment, hair botox results generally last between three to four months. According to Lagaipa, “It all depends on how often you wash your hair during the week and which kinds of shampoos and products you use.” She adds, “I always advise my clients that they would need to have a shampoo that is sulfate-free and that doesn’t have too much protein in it, only because too much protein can harm the hair as well. You would think double the protein (hair botox paired with a protein shampoo), for example would make your hair even stronger. But, no, that duo can make your hair damaged, dry and possibly break off, so that part is also crucial.”
What Typically Happens At a Hair Botox Appointment?
For hair botox treatments, Lagaipa says beginning every appointment with a consultation is key. “I explain to the client how the product works and the benefits,” she says. From there, the stylist will wash the hair, generally with a clarifying shampoo, to eliminate any of the residue or previous products that have been left on the hair. “We then proceed to drying the hair up to 60-70% and apply the hair botox treatment all throughout the hair,” she explains. “We wait about 45 minutes, rinse out the product, and we begin to start the blow drying and straightening process with the hair. And voila, healthy hair!”
How Much Should Stylists Charge For Hair Botox Services?
While the cost of a hair botox treatment will generally depend on a number of different factors—ranging from the client’s hair length to the stylist’s skill level—Lagaipa recommends stylists change anywhere from $150 to $300. “I am a firm believer of not charging somebody what I wouldn’t pay for,” she says. “I think the price comes with a value because it’s a great treatment, it’s not harmful for the client, and I promise that he or she will love it.”
Why Should Stylists Offer Hair Botox As a Service?
A stylist always wants what’s best for their clients and when it comes to helping them achieve shinier, stronger hair, you likely won’t find a better treatment than hair botox. “You need to remember as a hairdresser that most of your clients don’t know what’s best for their hair and don’t have the same hair knowledge as you,” says Lagaipa, who’s been offering hair botox services for the last five years. “So, to be there to guide them in the right direction to make the healthiest decision, I think is extremely important. It’s a great add-on to any service!”
For more of Samantha’s tips and tricks on hair botox treatments, be sure to follow @samanthalagaipa on Instagram.
