A flowing cascade of shiny hair, like that of a magazine cover model, has long seemed an unattainable dream for many girls. No matter how you care for hair that is fluffy or curly from birth, you won’t be able to achieve a stunning effect with the means at hand. But a few years ago, beauty salons began offering keratin hair straightening procedures, which helped achieve the desired effect. However, the beauty industry has not stood still: quite recently a new service has appeared - hair Botox, designed to restore not only the external, but also the internal beauty of curls.
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%.
Validity
It is logical to compare two drugs with different mechanisms of action, but similar in results, from the point of view of the duration of the effect they create, then it will be clearer which is better to inject.
Botox or hyaluronic acid remain in tissues for approximately the same period. After introducing botulinum toxin into the muscles, the result will be noticeable after approximately two weeks, when the upper layer of the epidermis is worn off, and will last for 6-8 months.
How long hyaluronic acid will remain in the tissues depends on the thickness of the gel. The composition for biorevitalization, characterized by a minimum density, will moisturize the skin for two months, and filler for contouring will preserve the result for up to a year.
It is important to understand that the stated boundaries do not apply to all fillers; they can only be applicable to preparations based on hyaluronic acid. But a significant difference between the two products, which will partially answer the question “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better?, is the fact that over time resistance to “Botox” develops
That is why it is not recommended to start injecting it too early, so that by the age of 45-50 you do not encounter the problem of the body’s lack of sensitivity to any permissible dosages of botulinum toxin
But a significant difference between the two products, which will partially answer the question “Botox” or hyaluronic acid: which is better?, is the fact that over time, resistance to “Botox” develops. That is why it is not recommended to start injecting it too early, so that by the age of 45-50 you do not encounter the problem of the body’s lack of sensitivity to any permissible dosages of botulinum toxin.
Hyaluronic acid can be injected in any quantity and with any frequency; the result of the injection will depend only on the quality of the drug and the professionalism of the specialist, and not on the age of the patient or the number of similar procedures he has performed previously.
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.
Is Botox dangerous?
Almost every drug includes some kind of poison. Botox is a diluted solution of botulinum toxin. In the form of injections, the toxin enters the body in minute quantities. In this case, Botox is injected selectively into certain muscles. The drug acts in the upper layers of the skin and does not penetrate into the body. Any cosmetologist will tell you that Botox is safe, as it has been used all over the world for over twenty years. But it is worth emphasizing: the procedure must be carried out by a certified specialist with experience working with the drug. Then the results will be excellent and your health will not suffer.
Beauty injections
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 keeps frizz at bay
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.
About drugs
When choosing a drug for botulinum therapy, you need to take into account that the differences between are expressed in:
- production technologies;
- dosage;
- quality of cleansing;
- additional components;
- features and shelf life;
- cost.
Let's consider what is better - Botox or Botulax, how these products work and what is included in the composition.
Botox
Manufacturer: Allergan (USA). Release form: glass bottle 100 units. Validity period: 6 months.
A classic botulinum toxin preparation, widely used in cosmetology and medicine. Safe and effective. Control is carried out by the FDA (an organization that monitors the quality of food and medicine in the United States). In Russia, the product has been used since 2000.
Contains components:
- botulinum toxin type A (hemagglutinin) - blocks impulses and performs muscle relaxation;
- human serum albumin - replenishes protein deficiency and provides adequate tissue nutrition;
- sodium chloride is an auxiliary ingredient necessary for the dissolution and comfortable administration of the medications included in the drug.
Optimal storage conditions are -2°-18°C. Should be stored in the freezer at -5°C or below.
Botulax
Manufacturer: Hugel Inc. (South Korea) Release form: glass bottle 50/100 units. Validity period: 4-6 months.
A relaxant with peripheral effects, which contains a highly concentrated protein of a neurotoxic type. The substance is stabilized by auxiliary components. In Russia, the product was registered in 2020. The official distributor is Martinex.
The composition of the Korean analogue is presented:
- class A protein neurotoxin;
- whey water-soluble simple proteins;
- sodium salt of hydrochloric acid.
The diluted drug is stored for 24 hours at a temperature of 2° to 8°C, it is very sensitive to heat.
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.
Is it safe to carry out the procedure yourself?
Since Botox is just a beneficial serum, it is very difficult to harm your hair when applied externally at home. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in a salon mainly because it is more convenient, takes less time and gives a better result.
- If you decide to do Botox at home, first of all, you need to choose a high-quality serum.
- You should not save money - preference should be given to professional brands that offer good Botox kits intended specifically for home use. Typically, such kits include not only the main and fixing serums, but also a syringe for applying the mixture, cleansing shampoo, and sometimes shampoo for further care.
- During the procedure, you must carefully follow the instructions from the manufacturer. You can’t skip any steps or keep the serum too little or too long. Even if this does not cause harm, it will negate the whole essence of the procedure, and there will be no benefit from it.
If you follow the rules, Botox for hair at home is completely safe to use. In the worst case, minor mistakes will lead to the procedure giving a weak and unnoticeable result and not bringing much benefit.
Technique of the procedure
Botox is injected using thin sterile needles under the skin in the frontal area. Pinpoint injections can treat overactive muscle tissue.
In case of increased sensitivity, the forehead area is numbed. There is no risk of damage to the body by the drug due to its effect only on connective tissue.
The duration of Botox injection is about 10 minutes. Changes in the forehead area will be noticeable already on the second day, and the final result can be seen by the end of the second week.
The effect of tightened skin lasts mainly from 3 to 7 months, but this depends on the individual characteristics of the client.
Before injections, you should not take alcohol or antibiotics, and it is also recommended to give up cigarettes and coffee.
