Thinning hair, breakage and hair loss are all common experiences for men — in fact, male pattern baldness is particularly common among Caucasian men, affecting roughly 1 in 5 men in their 20s, 1 in 3 men in their 30s and nearly 1 in 2 men in their 40s [1].
If you're dealing with weak hair that is prone to breakage, you might be wondering what products are worth spending your dosh on; it can often be difficult to tell which ones will actually work.
The latest of these products is hair Botox, a trending treatment that sounds much more complicated than it really is. If you're intrigued by the name, read on for our guide on what hair Botox is, how it works and other ways to strengthen your hair and treat hair loss.
What is hair Botox?
To start with, hair Botox has nothing to do with skin Botox (also known as botulinum toxin A, the neurotoxic protein injected into the skin for cosmetic purposes).
In fact, the difference between hair Botox and regular Botox is that there are no toxins or injections involved in hair Botox at all. Instead, it is a marketing term used to convey that the hair treatment has a similar effect on the hair as Botox has on the skin: it smooths, fills and improves the overall appearance of each hair strand.
In a nutshell, hair Botox is a deep conditioning treatment that helps to restore damaged hair. It contains a cocktail of nourishing ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, glyoxylic acid, collagen and ceramides which together form a protective coating on the hair.
This protective barrier makes the hair look stronger, shinier and less frizzy, while also seeking to prevent dehydration and breakage.
What happens in a hair Botox treatment?
Each strand of hair (or hair fibre) is made up of 3 concentric layers. The first is the medulla or open area at the fibre's centre. Next, the cortex surrounds the medulla and is the primary source of mechanical strength and colour of the hair.
Finally, the cuticle is the outer covering of the hair and consists of several layers of flat, thin cells (keratinocytes) laid out and overlapping one another.
Over-styling, exposure to heat, chemical processing, and other treatments and habits can strip the hair of its moisture and natural oils, which can result in long-term damage.
Often, this process of damage will result in the outer hair cuticle lifting and becoming worn so the overlapping cells no longer lie flat (also referred to as having split ends). Hair Botox helps treat this by coating the hair fibres with fillers, which cover up the broken patches and give your hair a smoother, fuller and more glossy appearance.
Hair Botox begins with shampoo, which helps open your hair cuticles for the Botox treatment. The treatment is applied to the full length of the hair and left on for anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on hair length and how frizzy and/or curly your hair is.
The treatment may be done by a stylist at the salon or by yourself at home. Most hair Botox masks contain collagen, which is what sets them apart from a traditional deep-conditioning hair mask, thanks to its lasting effect on your hair texture.
Is hair Botox good for your hair?
Although hair Botox is not considered a chemical treatment, any cosmetic product can have risks and benefits. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) only assesses products cosmetic products that make therapeutic claims, so most hair Botox treatments would not fall into this category.
However, ingredients in cosmetic products are regulated under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019, so we can be confident that any hair Botox treatment commercially available in Australia is safe to use.
Whether a particular product is good for your hair is a whole other question. Most hair Botox products have a moisturising and protective effect, so they're unlikely to do any damage, but they may not be compatible with your unique hair texture. It's always a smart idea to read product labels and ask your hairstylist before trying a new hair product.
Ultimately, the best way to maintain healthy hair is through a combination of proper haircare practices, including regular washing, conditioning, and protecting the hair from heat and environmental damage.
A balanced diet also contributes to the overall health of your hair. Depending on your individual hair and lifestyle, hair Botox may form part of your hair routine.
How long does hair Botox last?
The effectiveness of hair Botox can vary depending on the specific products used and individual hair types. Some people may experience incredible results, but others may not notice a significant difference over the long term.
For most, hair Botox will last between 2 and 4 months depending on the original condition of your hair, the quality of the hair mask treatment and how often you wash your hair.
The treatment is considered safe for all hair types but can weigh down extremely fine hair. Regularly using a pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner post-treatment will help maintain the results for as long as possible.
If you find one that works for you, hair Botox treatments generally should be applied 3-4 times a year for best results.
Does Botox help with hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is genetics, known as androgenetic alopecia. Other major causes are hormone-related (like thyroid problems), stress, dieting and vitamin deficiency.
Not surprisingly, there is no evidence that intensive hair conditioning treatments such as hair Botox are effective in treating hair loss. As far as we know, hair Botox acts as a deep conditioning treatment but does not affect the growth rate of the hair strands.
However, a pilot study found injections of botulinum toxin A (traditional Botox) in the scalp to be a safe and effective treatment of androgenic alopecia [2]. This is because hair loss is believed to be related to blood flow in the scalp.
Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin relaxes the muscles in the scalp, thereby increasing blood flow and reducing hair loss. The research on the use of Botox injections for hair loss is still in the early stages, so more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety [3].
How to treat hair loss
If you're not ready to go down the needle route, there are other non-invasive ways to treat hair loss. And, here at Pilot, we can help you do that with our clinical hair loss treatment,which improves the delivery of vital nutrients to the follicles, while also blocking the hormone which impacts hair growth.
While hair loss or breakage can be disheartening, it is treatable and the earlier you jump on it, the better. In fact, patients who began treatment between the ages of 20-40 experienced 60% more hair density compared to those who started between 41-60 [4].
If you're after other options for improving your health hair health, we have you covered with Pilot’s Hair Growth Booster Kit, which includes Biotin Hair Gummies, Pilot's Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner and a Derma Roller. These treatments are designed to support hair growth.
Hair Botox has gained significant popularity in recent months. If you're struggling with hair loss, it is probably not the right treatment for you. But if you're interested in improving your hair's appearance, it is a relatively quick, affordable, non-invasive and hassle-free option.
By deeply nourishing and repairing each hair strand, hair Botox offers smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking hair.
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