What is Hair Botox? A Doctor Explains The Hype
A Doctors Shares If Botox® For Hair Growth Is Worth The Price
We’re all familiar with the on-label cosmetic use of Botox® (botulinum toxin type A); reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing facial muscles. However, off-label use of “Hair Botox” is rising in popularity because users believe it helps promote hair growth while reducing excessive scalp sweating.
But what does Hair Botox entail and is it worth the expensive upkeep? We break it down below.
What Is Hair Botox & What Does It Do?
There are actually two definitions of Hair Botox, here they are explained:
- There is Hair Botox’s proper form: Botox scalp injections are believed to reduce sweating and treat hair loss by relaxing scalp muscles, potentially increasing blood flow and oxygen to hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth.
- Then there is the marketing buzzphrase “Hair Botox”: Refers to a needless, topical, over-the-counter boost of hair products applied (not injected) to the scalp to repair and smooth hair.
- This type of treatment typically refers to products containing ingredients like collagen, proteins, hyaluronic acid and vitamins designed to reverse signs of aging in the hair.
In this article—with the help of Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Havens Cary of Reszko Dermatology—we’re talking about scalp-injected Botox and whether or not the neurotoxins can lead to long, luscious locks. Read on for more information.
What To Know About the Scalp Injection Process:
When a neurotoxin is used off-label to treat androgenic alopecia (aka pattern balding), it is injected intramuscularly (into the muscle tissue) in the scalp. The entire process takes about 10 minutes and many patients report it causes minimal discomfort describing the injections as a “quick pinch.” The treatment can only be performed by licensed professionals (like medical doctors, nurses, board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons).
Related: Can Ozempic cause hair loss? Read more here.
Who Should Get Hair Botox?
According to Dr. Cary, the best Hair Botox patient plans to use the injection treatment in addition to tried and true topical treatments like minoxidil or oral prescriptions like finasteride. “While Botox in androgenic alopecia has shown promise in smaller studies, there have yet to be larger controlled studies to prove superior efficacy to other treatments currently on the market,” says Dr. Cary.
“In addition, because repeated injections are required to maintain its effect, Botox treatment of androgenic alopecia can be very expensive,” Cary continues. “Botox would be best as an adjunctive treatment to patients that have already maximized medical management of androgenic alopecia.”
How Much Do Scalp Injections Cost?
The cost of scalp-injected Botox can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Geographic location
- Provider experience
- Price per unit ($16 is the average price per unit in the U.S.)
- Total units injected per session (120 to 150 units is the average per session)
- Scalp-injected Botox lasts an average of eight months so repetitive treatments are needed to maintain results
Is Hair Botox Worth the Price? What to Know:
Considering the expensive upkeep, there are many other more affordable treatments for hair loss. “Topical minoxidil represents a more economical treatment for hair loss,” shares Dr. Cary. “While rosemary oil has demonstrated milder results in some studies for the patient wishing for a ‘natural’ treatment.”
In addition to minoxidil and rosemary oil, consider these other topical scalp treatments:
- Rene Furterer Triphasic Reactional Serum
- Surface Hair Awaken Scalp Elixir
- BosleyMD™ Healthy Hair and Scalp Follicle Energizer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health, treatments, or medical conditions.
