What Is ‘Hair Botox’? About the Trending Deep Conditioning Treatment and How It’s Great for Women Over 50

By now, you’ve heard of Botox: the hyper-popular injection treatment used to smooth the complexion, rid skin of wrinkles and promote an overall more youthful look. You’re likely very familiar with the trend, and know it can make a huge difference in skin and aging — but you may not have heard of the “hair Botox” trend. While this hair treatment doesn’t actually involve any needles (we’re not totally sure how that would work, anyway), it does involve some serious smoothing superpowers that may just transform your hair, especially if you’re over 50. And don’t just take our word for it — keep reading for a pro hairstylist’s insights on the hair Botox trend, including what it is, its benefits and how to get a hair Botox treatment for silkier, smoother hair.

What is hair Botox and how does hair Botox work?

First things first, what exactly is hair Botox? “Hair Botox is a smoothing treatment that coats hair fibers with a filler for those looking to rejuvenate their hair without harsh chemicals,” explains Marie Nino, NYC-based hair stylist and colorist. “It fills in and repairs damaged hair, leaving it smoother, shinier and frizz-free.”

Sounds great to us! But you may be wondering, why is it referred to as Botox when there’s no actual needles involved? The answer to this is simply because of how smoothing the treatment is on hair, just like how smoothing Botox is to skin. When you consider damaged and broken hair fibers – just as you ponder wrinkles – Botox is certainly a solution.

“When you think of wrinkles, botulinum toxin A (Botox) often comes to mind as a treatment to smooth them out. Unlike skin Botox, which uses a neurotoxin to relax muscles and smooth wrinkles, ‘hair Botox’ is a deep conditioning treatment. It fills in gaps in the hair shaft, restores fullness and reduces frizz, giving your hair a smoother, more youthful appearance — no injections required,” affirms Nino.

The benefits of hair Botox

If you struggle with dry, frizzy, unruly hair, you’ll want to tune in to how exactly this treatment can change your hair for the better.

As explained, hair Botox is a type of deep conditioning treatment, just as you may have heard of keratin treatments or a Brazilian blowout. We know that deep conditioning can be a game changer for those of us with dry hair, whether from color treatments, using too much heat or just having a naturally drier texture. Deep conditioning helps to tame frizz and flyaways, and replenish strands with any lost moisture and hydration.

“It deeply nourishes and repairs damaged hair, leaving it smoother, shinier and more manageable. The treatment reduces frizz, adds volume and enhances the overall health of your hair, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to rejuvenate their locks without harsh chemicals,” suggests Nino.

Further, hair Botox is especially beneficial for women over 50. As we age, we may notice our hair thinning and may suffer from hair loss, a very common symptom of menopause (as well as other health conditions). Hair Botox can help by making hair look thicker and healthier.

“It helps to plump and fill thinning strands, giving hair a fuller, more voluminous appearance,” explains Nino. “The treatment smooths and strengthens the hair, reducing frizz and breakage, and restoring a healthy, youthful shine. It's a gentle, non-invasive way to rejuvenate aging hair and improve overall hair health.”

Hair Botox vs. standard deep conditioning

So, what’s the difference between hair Botox and a “regular” deep conditioning treatment? “It (hair Botox) starts with a shampoo to open the hair cuticles, followed by massaging the product from roots to tips. After letting it sit for 20-90 minutes, your stylist may rinse it out or leave it in while drying and straightening your hair to help it fully absorb. You’ll see immediate results with smoother, shinier hair,” says Nino.

In other words, a hair Botox treatment is a multi-step process and is left on for longer than most deep conditioners need to be left on. Further, it’s a bit “stronger” than the deep conditioning mask you may buy at the beauty store, since it’s a salon treatment.

How to do an at-home hair Botox treatment

Hair Botox is typically performed in the salon by a professional, which we and Nino recommend especially if it’s your first time getting the treatment done.

“While you can buy products to use at home, visiting a salon ensures the best application and results. The treatment typically costs between $150-$300, depending on the location,” advises Nino.

However, if you do want to get similar results at home, there are great-quality deep conditioning masks you can try to get smooth, shiny and soft hair similar to what you would get from a hair Botox treatment.

For starters, shampoo your hair, which as previously explained, helps to open the hair cuticles. We recommend using a moisturizing shampoo for added softening benefits, like Redken All Soft Shampoo.

Next, it’s time for the deep conditioning mask. Nino recommends Alfaparf Milano Smoothing Mask, made with an anti-frizz and shine complex, as well as Biotop 911 Quinoa Hair Mask, made with quinoa and sunflower seed oil to hydrate, soften and strengthen. Make sure you massage it from root to tip if you have especially dry hair. If your hair is on the oilier side, focus the deep conditioner on just the midshaft to ends. Leave on for 20-60 minutes, depending on your hair’s needs, or longer if hair is extra damaged and dry.

Finally, rinse out and style hair as normal. Hair should look and feel softer, smoother and silkier.

Tips to extend your hair Botox treatment

If you’ve just gotten a professional hair Botox treatment done in-salon, you’ll of course want it to last as long as possible. Thankfully, Nino has a few tips on how to make your hair Botox last longer and stronger.

“After a hair Botox treatment, wait at least two days before washing to maximize absorption. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and avoid frequent washing to maintain the treatment’s effects,” she recommends.

Additionally, “Apply a deep conditioning mask weekly to keep your hair smooth and strong. Limit heat styling, and always use a heat protectant. If you swim, protect your hair from chlorine and salt with a pre-swim defense product and rinse with fresh water afterward,” Nino says.

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