HAIR BOTOX VS KERATIN TREATMENT: What's the difference ?

In the world of hair care, two names often come up: hair botox and keratin treatment. Frequently confused, these two treatments actually have very different goals, compositions, and effects. If you’re unsure which one to choose, this article will help you make the right decision based on your hair type and your expectations.

WHAT IS HAIR BOTOX ?

Hair botox is an intense restorative treatment designed to bring damaged, dry, or weakened hair back to life.

Despite its name, it contains no botulinum toxin. It’s named for its “plumping” and regenerating effect, similar to skin botox.

COMPOSITION OF HAIR BOTOX

This treatment is generally made of a rich cocktail of nourishing and hydrating ingredients: keratin, proteins, vitamins (especially A, E, and B5), collagen, amino acids, and sometimes hyaluronic acid. The formula aims to fill in cracks in the hair fiber, strengthen the lengths, and protect the hair from external aggressions (heat, pollution, coloring, etc.).

WHAT IS IT FOR ? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS ?

Hair botox is primarily used to repair and revitalize hair. It helps to:

• Rehydrate dry lengths

• Reduce breakage and split ends

• Restore shine, softness, and flexibility

• Extend the life of color treatments

• Tame hair without straightening it

• Allow other hair services to be done on the same day

This treatment does not alter the natural structure of the hair. Your curls or waves are preserved but appear more defined, supple, and shiny.

WHO IS IT RECOMMENDED FOR ?

This treatment is particularly suited to damaged, brittle, dehydrated, dull, porous hair that’s been sensitized by chemical processes (coloring, bleaching, perming, etc.) or sun exposure.

It is also ideal for curly, coily, or kinky hair that needs care without sacrificing natural texture.

Fine or lifeless hair can also benefit, as it adds volume without weighing the hair down.

WHAT HAIR BOTOX DOES NOT DO

It’s important to remember that botox does not straighten hair. It should not be confused with a keratin straightening treatment. Its role is purely restorative, even if the result may give the appearance of smoother hair due to deep repair.

HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK ? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST ?

The treatment begins with a clarifying shampoo to open the hair cuticle. The botox is then applied strand by strand and left to sit for about 40 to 60 minutes. Depending on the protocol, a rinse may be done. The service ends with a blow-dry, sometimes followed by a light pass of the straightener to seal in the active ingredients.

Total salon time: around 3 to 3.5 hours.

Results are visible immediately: hair looks shinier, softer, and noticeably healthier.

The effect lasts 4 to 12 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair, your hair type, and the products you use for maintenance. Use sulfate- and paraben-free products (avoid drugstore shampoos). We recommend the Olaplex or Royal Botox ranges, available in our shop.

Service strats at $200 at BAE Studio.

WHAT IS KERATIN ?

Keratin is a natural protein that makes up 95% of the hair’s structure. Over time and through exposure to external stress (heat, pollution, chemicals), keratin depletes, causing dull, brittle, or unmanageable hair.

COMPOSITION OF A KERATIN TREATMENT

The treatment is mainly composed of hydrolyzed keratin, combined with fixing agents (often amino acids or plant-based proteins). These ingredients penetrate the hair fiber, fill in gaps, and are sealed in using heat from a flat iron.

WHAT IS A KERATIN TREATMENT FOR ?

• To deeply nourish and reinforce the hair with a high dose of keratin

• To tame, smooth, and relax the hair fiber for a silky, frizz-free result

• To reduce volume and make styling easier

• To offer a long-lasting straightening effect that lasts several months with proper care

This treatment significantly reduces daily styling time, as hair remains naturally tamed even without blow-drying.

WHO IS IT IDEAL FOR ?

• People with normal to thick, frizzy, puffy, or voluminous hair

• Those looking for a long-lasting smoothing effect

• Women wanting to reduce styling time, do fewer blow-dries, or ditch the straightener

• Curly or wavy hair that becomeshard to manage due to frizz or humidity

KERATIN : WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING

Keratin permanently alters the shape of the hair, which can eliminate curls for a while.

It is therefore not recommended for those who want to maintain their curls or natural texture.

This treatment is not a relaxer anddoes not damage hair if applied correctly. However, it’s important to go to a professional, as too much heat or poorly formulated products can weaken the fiber.

Also, wait at least 4 weeks before doing any new coloring or bleaching treatment afterward.

HOW DOES THE TREATMENT WORK ? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST ?

• Begins with a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup and open the cuticles

• Hair is dried to about 70%

• Keratin is applied strand by strand

• After a 20 to 40 minute setting time (depending on hair texture and condition), the hair is blow-dried

• A high-temperature flat iron (230°C) is used, strand by strand, to seal the keratin

• Hair is then rinsed with clear water, and a sealing treatment is applied to wet hair (no rinse)

• Blow-dry and flat iron again

Total salon time: between 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on hair length and density

Results are visible immediately: hair is smooth, shiny, manageable, and healthy-looking.

The straightening effect is permanent until new growth appears.

Use a sulfate- and paraben-free routine (avoid drugstore shampoos) and adopt a professional care routine like Olaplex or Royal Botox, available in our shop.

📝 IN A NUTSHELL

Written by Tatiana Bouledras