Hair Botox Vs Keratin: Which Is Right For You?

When it comes to the hair botox Vs keratin debate, both treatments have their own unique benefits. That being said, they do have some similarities. In this article, we will examine the differences between the two treatments.

hair botox vs hair keratin

Hair botox is a chemical-free deep conditioning treatment. It coats the surface of the hair, filling in split ends and taming frizz. A keratin treatment is a smoothing process using chemicals (usually formaldehyde). It can also tame frizz, but it is mainly a straightening treatment.

What Is Hair Botox?

In spite of its name, hair botox does not actually contain any botox (botulinum toxins).

This treatment is a good choice if you want to avoid harsh chemicals. It repairs damaged and broken hair fibers, caused by heat or stress.

Using a combination of ingredients like caviar oil, B5, E vitamins, and collagen complex, this treatment adds moisture to the hair.

It has anti-aging properties in that it fills in gaps in hair fibers. Results are immediate- you should notice more shine, extra softness, and reduced frizz straight away.

What Is Keratin?

A keratin treatment (also known as a Brazilian blow-dry) uses chemicals to smooth hair and get rid of frizz.

It fills in the porosity of your hair and returns protein that has been lost over time or due to chemical processing.

Many of the treatments use the chemical formaldehyde as one of their ingredients.

Also Read: What Happens If You Don’t Wash Out Keratin After A Treatment

Hair Botox vs. Keratin – What Are The Differences?

Hair Botox vs. Keratin – What Are The Differences

While hair botox and keratin treatments have a few similarities such as they both reduce frizz and result in smooth hair with a high shine, there are a few differences in the treatments to be aware of.

Main Aims

The main aim of hair botox is to nourish and revitalize damaged hair and scalp.

Keratin’s main aim is to give you straighter and more manageable hair, reducing styling time.

Application Process

For hair botox application, your hair will be washed (not conditioned) with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any residue and open your hair cuticles.

Following this, the hair botox treatment will be applied and left on for around 45 minutes.

It is then washed off with a low level or sulfate-free shampoo, blow-dried, and sealed with straighteners. The whole process takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

A keratin treatment is applied to damp hair after shampooing.

It is then blow-dried and sections are straightened to activate the product, after which it is washed out and restyled leaving you with smooth shiny hair. This application process takes 1-3 hours.

Anti-aging And Hair Loss Reduction Properties

A 2010 study in Canada found hair botox to be a viable treatment for hair loss among its participants.

It discovered that hair count increased by 18% among those taking part. Hair loss was significantly reduced by 39% on average.

The anti-aging properties of hair botox mean that it helps fill in any of the gaps in your hair’s natural fiber, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

How They Work

Hair botox is a combination of essential nutrients like vitamins and amino acids that penetrate the hair cuticle to replenish hair from the inside out.

Gaps and breakages in the hair shaft are filled and lost protein is restored.

A keratin treatment works by spreading the active keratin molecules on the surface of the hair. It does not penetrate the cuticle as the molecules of keratin are too large.

Health

Formaldehyde is a chemical found in traditional keratin products and is released during the straightening stage of the process. 

Formaldehyde fumes can be harmful to the client and stylist.

Hair Botox, on the other hand, has no such risks. There are no toxic vapors emitted from the product.

Also Read: The Best Hair Dyes For Keratin Treated Hair

Which Treatment Is Best For Your Hair?

Hair botox is suitable for all hair types, however, hair that is prone to frizz, dry, dull, or fine will gain most from it.

To repair hair but keep its naturally occurring texture, hair botox is the way forward.

Your hair will benefit from additional shine and softness, but it won’t make your hair straight. Great for those of you who want to retain your waves and curls!

Keratin treatments have optimum benefit for those with thick, curly hair, prone to frizz.

These treatments leave the hair more manageable and easier to style.

To use a treatment like this on fine hair, would mean weighing down the hair, as opposed to hair botox, which adds volume to fine hair.

If you’re aiming for smooth, straight, shiny hair then a Keratin treatment is for you.

Any Side Effects To Either Treatment?

Hair Botox vs. Keratin

Hair botox is free from harmful chemicals and there are few adverse reactions. There is a risk that the treatment will cause the scalp to produce more oil than usual.

The treatment is not recommended for expectant mothers.

Keratin treatments can cause irritation to the skin and eyes due to chemical content.

The most prominent chemical in a keratin treatment is formaldehyde, a carcinogen that can have long-lasting harmful effects.

However, many stylists now use keratin treatments that are free from formaldehyde. Long-term exposure to the treatment can result in hair that is dry and brittle leading to breakage.

Again, this treatment is not recommended for expectant mothers.

Can The Treatments Be Applied At Home?

Hair botox can be applied at home relatively easily and takes about an hour.

A keratin treatment is much trickier to do at home. You can’t wash your hair for 3 days after application and the process can take up to 4 hours.

 It is recommended that a keratin treatment be carried out by a professional stylist in a salon.

How Much Do The Treatments Cost?

The cost of a hair botox treatment can range from $150 to $300 and upward.

This depends on if you buy the ingredients to use at home or have the treatment done professionally at a salon.

A keratin treatment can cost anything from $250 to $500. If it seems a little pricey, bear in mind the time you will save in not having to spend so much of it styling your hair. Something to think about!

How Long Does The Result Last?

Both treatments offer results that are semi-permanent.

The effects of hair botox usually last anywhere between 1 and 4 months.

With keratin, the effects can last between 2 and 6 months, depending on your hair type and the products you use after the treatment.

In the case of both treatments, it is recommended that you use a shampoo low in or free from sulfates to prolong the lifespan of the treatment.

There you have it. Both hair botox and keratin treatments have benefits, but the one you choose will depend on what result you want for your hair. Whichever one you opt for, you will be left with soft shiny hair and reduced frizz.

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