Scalp Botox: Why Some Women Are Getting It
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The lengths to which women will go to practically fossilize a blowout knows no bounds. Now, says dermatologist Dr. Francesca Fusco, some are even using Botox to keep their hair looking good. At a recent beauty event, Fusconoted that these women are Botoxing their scalps. It’s not to prevent wrinkles, though—they’re doing it so they can attend SoulCycle without getting their hair sweaty.
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But isn’t getting 100+ units of Botox—the amount necessary to shoot up an entire scalp—much more spendy than indulging in additional $40-a-shot DryBar sessions? Should we really use the chemical equivalent of a sweat straitjacket just because we’re vain about our hair? We caught up with both Dr. Fusco and Dr. Neal Schultz, NYC dermatologist and BeautyRx creator, to discuss this off-label use of the injectable.
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First, it’s important to note that Botox can keep perspiration under control. Many people get Botox injected into their hands and armpits to address a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). The results last a minimum of three months. Dr. Schultz says Botox on the scalp will be similarly effective, but results vary depending on the sweating pattern and volume. “If you just inject the frontal hairline, you’ll still sweat behind that area, [and] most likely sweat enough to mess up your hair,” he says. Pain, swelling, and bruising will likely ensue. “Scalp injections should hurt more than facial Botox injections because the scalp is thicker,” Schultz warns.
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Overall, Schultz says “the cost/benefit ratio isn’t going to make sense, considering the lack of ability to stop enough sweating to make a real difference.” Fusco has not injected an entire scalp for purposes of decreasing sweating, but she does note that “several women whose foreheads I have injected happily report decreased sweating at the hairline and temples.”
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If you’re not ready to inject (your scalp, anyway), Fusco advises simply shampooing as often as you spin. “Use a formulation that is indicated for scalp and hair, like the Clear line,” she says. It’s a misconception that frequent shampooing can stimulate oil production, she adds: “Oil production is largely hormonal and does not work on a feedback system.”
Essentially, it comes down to washing your hair after working out or getting the occasional Botox injection. The choice is yours.
