Medical expert of the article
New publications
Botox for hair at home: myths, reality and practical care
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Salon hair treatments such as Botox promise to rejuvenate and revitalize our hair, but can be too expensive or time-consuming for regular visits. As a result, many are looking for ways to achieve similar results in the comfort of their own homes. But how feasible is this and what actually constitutes "botox" for hair?
What is botox for hair?
To begin with, Botox for hair does not include botulinum toxin, known for its use in aesthetic medicine. The name was borrowed for its similar rejuvenating effect. In salon conditions, it is a deeply moisturizing procedure in which the hair is treated with a special composition with keratin, vitamins and proteins that fills in the damage and returns the hair to its natural softness and shine.
Is it possible to perform Botox for hair at home?
The essence of the Botox procedure for hair is to saturate them with nutrients. At home, this can be accomplished through the use of specialized cosmetics containing similar components as professional blends. Some brands offer "hair botox kits" that can be used at home.
How to perform hair botox at home?
The procedure can be divided into several steps:
- Preparation: Washing the head with a deep cleansing shampoo to remove styling residue and open the hair cuticle.
- Application: Apply the deeply nourishing mask along the entire length of the hair. To enhance the effect, you can slightly heat the hair with a hairdryer.
- Maturation: The composition is left on the hair for the recommended time, which can vary from 20 minutes to several hours.
- Rinse off: Thoroughly rinse off the mask with warm water.
- Finish: Apply a moisturizing conditioner or balm.
The pros of homemade botox for hair:
- Savings: A home treatment will cost significantly less than salon Botox.
- Convenience: You can have the procedure at a time that is convenient for you.
- Control: You have full control over the composition of the products used and the duration of their effects.
Minuses of homemade botox for hair:
- Effectiveness: Home remedies can be less powerful compared to professional products.
- Result: Not guaranteed salon level results.
- Risk: There is a possibility of misapplication of the product and hair damage.
Important safety points:
Before using any home Botox product, it is important to perform a sensitivity test to rule out allergic reactions. It is also important to follow the instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended exposure time.
Duration of the result of home Botox
Compared to salon treatments, the result of home hair Botox can last a little less time, on average from a few weeks to a month. This depends on the type of hair, the products used and the frequency of scalp washing.
Additional tips for maintaining results
To prolong the effects of homemade botox for hair:
- Avoid frequent use of shampoos with sulfates, which can leach nutrients from the hair.
- Limit heat styling. If styling is necessary, use heat protectants.
- Apply moisturizing and nourishing masks regularly to keep your hair hydrated.
- Use silk or satin pillow covers to reduce hair friction while sleeping, which can cause hair damage and loss of shine.
Alternative home treatments
If for some reason home hair botox is not suitable, you can consider other hair care options:
- Masks based on natural oils: Coconut, argan, olive and castor oils are excellent moisturizers.
- Protein Masks: Using protein products will help strengthen the hair structure.
- Moisturizing with aloe vera: Aloe vera gel can be used as a moisturizing and soothing ingredient for the scalp and hair.
Possible risks and how to minimize them
Even home treatments require care. Before applying any new product, always perform a patch test to prevent allergic reactions. Do not exceed the recommended exposure time of masks and active formulations to avoid oversaturation of the hair.
Personalized care after Botox
Personalized care after a Botox hair treatment is important to maintain and prolong its effects. Given that each person's hair is unique, care should be tailored to individual needs. Here are some general recommendations that can be adapted to your specific needs:
1. Choosing a shampoo and conditioner
- For sensitive scalps: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos that do not irritate the scalp.
- For colored hair: Choose products specially formulated for colored hair to preserve color.
- For dry or damaged hair: Use moisturizing and repairing shampoos and conditioners.
2. Deep moisturizing
- Hair Masks: Apply nourishing masks regularly to keep your hair moisturized and nourished.
- Leave-in conditioners or serums: These will help retain moisture and improve hair texture.
3. Protection against heat
- Heat protectants: Always use before styling hair with heat (blow dryer, iron, flat iron).
- Limit heat styling: Try to use stylers less to avoid additional damage to your hair.
4. Regular haircut
- Keeping your ends healthy: Regular trimming will help get rid of split ends and keep your hair in good condition.
5. Protection against external factors
- Sun protection for hair: Use products with UV protection to prevent fading and sun damage.
- Protection from chlorinated and salt water: Wear a swim cap and rinse hair thoroughly after bathing.
6. Nutrition and healthy lifestyle
- Healthy diet: A nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals promotes healthy hair.
- Adequate water intake: Hydration is not only important for the body, but also for healthy hair.
7. Individual characteristics
- Hair and scalp specifics: Depending on your hair and scalp type, you may need specific care. For example, for oily hair, choose products that control sebum production.
Remember, a consultation with a professional hair stylist or trichologist can help you develop a care plan that is perfect for your hair type and condition after a Botox treatment.
Using homemade ingredients
To maintain the results of home botox, you can use natural ingredients such as egg masks or avocado masks, which contain vitamins and fatty acids that help moisturize the hair. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural conditioner that closes the hair cuticle and enhances shine.
Botox for hair at home is an attempt to mimic professional salon treatments using affordable ingredients. It is important to understand that homemade recipes may not have the same effect as specialized products, but they can help improve the overall condition of the hair, making it smoother and shinier.
Here are a few recipes you can try at home:
Recipe #1: Moisturizing mask with egg and honey
Ingredients:
- 1 egg (yolk for dry hair, white for oily hair)
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil for extra nutrition)
Preparation and application:
- Mix the egg, honey and oil until the mixture is smooth.
- Apply the mask to damp hair, distributing evenly throughout the length.
- Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes, wearing a shower cap or wrapping your head with a towel.
- Rinse the mask thoroughly with warm water and shampoo your hair.
Recipe #2: Revitalizing Mask with Avocado
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil for fragrance and extra care
Preparation and application:
- Mashed potato avocado into a puree and mix with olive oil and essential oil.
- Apply the mask to damp hair from roots to ends.
- Leave it on your hair for 30 minutes, then rinse and wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Recipe #3: Nourishing mask with banana
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of thick natural yogurt
Preparation and application:
- Mashed potato a banana until mashed and mix it with honey and yogurt.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off the mask with warm water and wash your head with shampoo.
Recipe #4: Strengthening mask with gelatin
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of flavorless gelatin
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of your favorite essential oil
Preparation and application:
- Dissolve the gelatin in warm water and let it swell.
- Add vinegar and essential oil.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off the mask with warm water and wash your hair thoroughly.
General tips for applying homemade masks:
- Make sure your hair is clean and damp before applying the masks.
- Always perform a sensitivity test to avoid allergic reactions.
- For maximum effect, after applying the mask, cover your hair with a shower cap and wrap with a towel to create extra heat.
- Masks should be washed off with warm but not hot water to prevent the proteins in some ingredients from "cooking".
- Regular use of these masks can help improve the appearance and condition of your hair, but they are not a substitute for complete care and balanced nutrition.
Regular assessment of hair condition
After home Botox, it is recommended that you regularly assess the condition of your hair. This will allow you to make adjustments to your care regimen and provide your hair with what it needs at that moment.
The role of the professional council
Don't hesitate to seek professional advice, even if you decide to perform Botox treatments at home. A hairdresser or trichologist can provide valuable advice on how to care for your hair and suggest which home remedies will be most effective.
Rational approach to care
Remember that overuse of any care product can backfire, such as weighing hair down or making it quickly dirty. Find a balance between nourishing treatments and light care that allows your hair to breathe.
The role of diet in maintaining the effects of Botox for hair
The effectiveness of home masks for hair botox can be greatly enhanced by proper nutrition. Including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, biotin, zinc and B vitamins in your diet helps to strengthen your hair from within. Foods like nuts, seeds, salmon, eggs and green leafy vegetables should be a stable part of your daily menu.
Proper combing and styling
After applying home hair botox masks, it is also important to pay attention to mechanical factors such as combing and styling. The use of wide-toothed combs and gentle modes of styling devices helps to avoid additional damage to the hair and contributes to the longevity of the care effect.
Regular monitoring of hair condition
Even with regular use of homemade hair botox masks, it is a good idea to regularly analyze the condition of your hair to spot any changes or needs for additional care in time. This may include changes in texture, moisture levels, and the overall appearance of your hair.
Additional hair care treatments
To complement the effects of home Botox, you can also consider other treatments such as ozone therapy, hair mesotherapy or laser treatments that are performed at medical centers or beauty salons. These treatments can improve blood flow to the scalp and promote better hair growth.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors that affect hair health should not be overlooked. For example, wearing a hat to protect from the sun, using water filters to reduce exposure to hard water, and minimizing hair contact with chlorinated pool water can significantly improve hair health.
Approach to selecting care products
Choosing products to maintain the effect of home Botox, give preference to those that do not contain aggressive surfactants, silicones and paraffins, which can accumulate on the hair and worsen their condition.
Hair Botox kits
Hair Botox kits are designed to provide you with the ability to perform a Botox procedure at home. They usually include all the necessary ingredients and tools for the procedure. Here is what is usually contained in such kits:
The main components of the hair botox kit:
- Deep Cleansing Shampoo: Designed to prepare the hair for the treatment by opening the cuticles for better penetration of the active ingredients.
- Botox Mask/Serum: This is a basic product that contains active ingredients such as keratin, collagen, vitamins and proteins that revitalize and nourish the hair.
- Sealing Balm: Used after a Botox mask to "seal" nutrients inside the hair and smooth the cuticle.
- Gloves: To protect your hands during the procedure.
- Application brush: For evenly distributing the mask or serum over the entire length of the hair.
- Instructions for use: Detailed guide with instructions on application time and technique.
- Thermal cap or towel: Sometimes included to create the extra heat needed to activate the formulation.
Popular brands of hair botox kits:
- Inoar: A Brazilian company known for its keratin and botox hair therapies.
- Nutree Professional: Manufacturer offering a variety of kits for Brazilian keratin hair straightening and Botox.
- Prismax: This brand offers hair botox kits that promise to moisturize and restore hair.
Hair Botox Kit Application:
When using a home botox kit, it is important to strictly follow the instructions as improper application may not have the desired effect or may even harm your hair. The process usually involves the following steps:
- Washing your hair with a deep cleansing shampoo.
- Application of the botox mask on damp but not wet hair.
- Keeping the mask on the hair for a certain amount of time, sometimes under heat.
- Thoroughly rinse off the mask and apply a sealing balm.
- Dry hair with a blow dryer and use a flat iron if necessary to activate the composition.
Important points:
Before using any chemical products on your hair, always conduct a patch test to avoid allergic reactions. Also, if you have any doubts or are new to such procedures, consider having a Botox hair treatment first at a salon under the guidance of a professional.
Home Botox for hair is an affordable method to improve the appearance of hair, restore and strengthen it. However, to maintain healthy hair, it is important to approach this process responsibly, taking into account all recommendations and precautions. Regular and gentle care, balanced nutrition and protection of hair from external damaging factors will help to achieve not only cosmetic improvement, but also long-term health of your locks.