The history of Botox for hair
Keratin straightening appeared in Brazil in 2003.
Despite the stunning effect, from the very beginning it had one unpleasant effect: the process of pulling and straightening hair was accompanied by the release of formaldehyde, which burns the mucous membranes, causes sneezing and coughing. The first clients of Brazilian beauty salons, which offered to straighten stubborn curls for a long time, began to leave negative reviews and complain about allergies and an unbearable tear effect. The amount of formaldehyde in the first formulations was uncontrollably large, so research in this area continued. Over time, the norm for the content of this substance in keratin compositions has become within the range of 1.7-2.4%. In 2014, there was a new breakthrough in cosmetology - a unique composition appeared, now known as “Botox for hair”. Before that, Botox, or botulinum toxin, was known primarily as a toxic substance that causes muscle paralysis, and then became famous as a means to smooth out facial wrinkles. The use of toxic substances in medicine and cosmetology is not a new thing. In strictly controlled doses, they can bring great benefits to humans. Therefore, botulinum toxin was put at the service of health and beauty.
What is it and how does it affect curls?
This service came to us from the Asian market and has become quite widely used in Russia. After all, the procedure has a very unusual name, which arouses great interest among women. Despite its novelty, Botox has already become a favorite among many of our compatriots .
What does the Botox procedure do for curls, what do they become after it? The main goal here is recovery. This procedure has nothing in common with botulinum toxin, but its effect is quite comparable to a “beauty injection” - we get smoothing. After the first procedure, the hair becomes shiny, gains volume and becomes healthier in appearance.
Composition of hair botox products
Of all the known types of Botox, two are used in cosmetology: A for facial rejuvenation and C for hair. However, there is very little of it in the compositions called Botox for hair. In them, it acts as a secondary conductor - a substance that enhances the reaction of cells to signals coming from the outside. It is able to deliver nutrients and restorative substances to the inner layers of the hair lying under the keratin scales.
Botox C smooths hair, Botox A smooths wrinkles.
Many hair formulations simply do not contain it - the bright, slightly shocking name implies an effect similar to the effect of botulinum toxin on wrinkles: smoothing the hair and filling it with vitality. Instead of Botox, the product may contain another conductor, the main thing is that it facilitates the penetration of the components into the cortex - the middle layer of the hair, from where it will not be washed out so easily. Thanks to them, hair cells integrate substances coming from outside into their structure, it is restored, becomes noticeably denser, thicker and acquires long-lost shine.
For example, L'Oreal's Fiberceutic uses a substance called Intra-Cylane, or aminopropyltriethoxysilane. This is a patented substance that can fill the hair with flexible and soft fibers. This “sol-gel” technology involves the penetration of a substance into the hair in solution, followed by polymerization during the drying process. Another popular product, Majestic Hair Botox, contains caviar oil, vitamins B5, E and collagen complex, replacing Botox. The Inoar Professional - BotoHAIR KIT line also does not contain any botulinum toxin. Inoar products contain hydroxypropyltrimonium guarate, a natural conditioner that makes combing easier, hydrolyzed wheat, soy, oat proteins, keratin, nutrient extract, collagen, parabens and silicones. Together they significantly improve the appearance of the hair.
Photo
In order to get a more complete idea of what the procedure is, as well as the possible consequences for your hair, look at the photos of curls before and after it.
You will find additional information regarding this procedure in these articles:
- Hair Botox products - which company is better to choose?
- Botox shampoo for hair - tips for choosing.
- The nuances of using masks before and after Botox.
- What is cold Botox?
- How to properly wash your hair before and after the restoration procedure?
- What is the difference between hair Botox and keratin straightening or lamination?
Which is better: keratin or botox for hair?
The concepts are confused by some manufacturers trying to reach the maximum audience. There are two fundamental differences between Botox and keratin straightening:
- Botox formulations do not contain formaldehyde;
- Botox is aimed at filling and restoring the hair, and not at mirror straightening.
An undeniable advantage of Botox is that it does not require the use of an iron.
The components of Botox formulations are not capable of rearranging keratin molecules, which can only be achieved using aldehydes or alkaline perms/straightening agents.
Botox preserves frizz
Botox is indicated for hair:
- with split ends;
- very thin ones that lack volume or shine;
- damaged;
- discolored;
- curly;
- rare;
- which need to be smoothed out.
It is ideal for girls who do not want to straighten their beautiful curls and lose volume.
Botox is a godsend for blondes with a yellow tint - it removes yellowness, making the color more natural and noble.
Keratin is indicated for hair:
- thick;
- fluffy;
- painted;
- curly, requiring straightening;
- dark;
- damaged;
- dim.
Shampoo removes all substances that enter the hair from the external environment.
Both procedures begin with thoroughly washing the hair with a special shampoo. It degreases them and lifts the keratin scales so that the next composition can penetrate as deeply as possible. Next, the hair is dried by 50-80%, after which the main composition is applied for 30-90 minutes. Botox formulations can be two-component: serum and sealing treatment. After rinsing off the treatment, the hair is dried and, if desired, styled with an iron. A product like Honma Tokio requires that you straighten your hair with an iron. But it is more gentle than in the case of keratin, because the main condition is to iron each strand up to 8 times. Another disadvantage of keratin straightening is that you cannot wash your hair immediately after the procedure. And then you have to walk around with this mixture on your head for several days, trying to prevent the formation of creases, which then cannot be removed.
Is it safe to carry out the procedure at home?
Is Botox harmful to hair if you carry out this procedure yourself at home? This question also haunts modern girls. Today, if desired, you can purchase a suitable cosmetic product yourself.
In order not to be disappointed in the procedure and not to worsen the condition of the hair, it must be carried out wisely and strictly following all recommendations. This will avoid damage from Botox to your hair.
But in order to minimize the risk of damage and side effects, the product should be purchased only in trusted brand stores and if you have any doubts, be sure to consult with sellers who will tell you which product is best to choose.
In order for the procedure to be carried out correctly and the expected effect to be achieved, it is also very important to completely read the instructions supplied with the drug.
Contraindications to Botox and lamination procedures
Since Botox formulations do not contain harmful substances, the only contraindication to such a procedure can be poor health. When it comes to keratin straightening, there are many more restrictions. It should not be performed during pregnancy, not only because of the potentially dangerous inhalation of formaldehyde fumes, but also because of the duration of the procedure.
So, which is better: keratin or Botox? If you want to achieve long-lasting hair straightening with a mirror shine, you cannot do without keratin straightening. Botox is not able to rebuild keratin molecules. But if the goal is to carefully restore the hair structure itself, restoring its strength from within, preference should be given to the Botox procedure.
Reviews from doctors
Many hairdressers agree that Botox, when used correctly, will not ruin your hair. It is important to select the composition according to the individual characteristics of the client’s hair, choose the right duration of exposure and the amount of the drug.
Marianna, 37 years old hairdresser: “I’ve been giving my girls Botox for several years now. The hair after it is gorgeous, smooth, flowing. I use only Italian medicine, I order from the official distributor. Is Botox harmful to hair, in my opinion no. But I always evaluate the condition of the strands. If they are thin and severely damaged, I suggest treating them with other means. And then Botox, for fixation.”
Mila, 32 years old, trichologist: “Clients often ask whether it’s worth doing Botox for their hair. I always say yes. This way you will give the strands a rest and protect them from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation or frost and wind. Of course, I take into account the structure and type of hair when choosing a product and the initial state of the strands. As a trichologist, I will say that there is nothing wrong with Botox, but it is also a drug.”
You can listen to what else trichologists say about hair procedures in the video:
Important! Reviews from doctors about Botox for hair are neutral. Trichologists do not consider it as a drug that can truly restore damaged and weakened strands. But experts do not see any harm from a well-applied, high-quality composition.
