What Is Hair Botox, and Can Botox Injections Regrow Hair?

When you think about Botox, your first thought might be facial injections meant to smooth out wrinkles. But Botox isn’t just for your forehead anymore—it’s coming for your scalp, too. Sort of. 

While injecting real Botox^® (onabotulinumtoxinA) into your scalp to boost hair growth is a thing, it’s still a bit of a science experiment. “Hair Botox” treatments, on the other hand, are called such because of the effects they have on your scalp, but they don’t actually include Botox as the active ingredient.

Below, we’ve detailed what hair Botox really is (which is more like a spa day than a surgery), whether true Botox injections can actually help regrow your hair, and which one, if either, is worth your time

Despite the name, hair Botox has nothing to do with the wrinkle-smoothing injections you might associate with frozen expressions. 

There’s no botulinum toxin involved here. Instead, what’s more commonly referred to as “hair Botox” is a deep-conditioning treatment full of nourishing ingredients like proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and essential oils.

This includes keratin, the main protein in hair, which acts as a filler to damaged areas. Other common ingredients may include hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and collagen, or plant extracts like aloe vera, green tea, or chamomile.

Basically, there’s no standard formulation for what’s in it, but we do know that what’s currently referred to as hair Botox is both injection- and chemical-free.

Rather, think of hair Botox as a luxury facial for your hair, designed to coat the hair shaft and smooth out the hair cuticle. What results is shinier, softer, fuller-looking hair. 

While it can dramatically improve the appearance and texture of dry or damaged strands, it’s important to know this treatment doesn’t treat hair loss or make new hair grow. 

If you’re dealing with hair issues, a hair Botox treatment isn’t going to address the underlying cause(s). It’s all about looking like you have more hair, not actually sprouting new hair.

Hair Botox may not regrow hair, but it can make the hair you have look better. Here’s what guys can expect from this smoothing, conditioning treatment:

• Better hair texture. Dry, coarse, or chemically treated hair can feel smoother and softer after treatment, almost like it got a reset.

• Reduced frizz. Hair Botox helps tame frizz and flyaways.

• Shinier, healthier-looking hair. The protein- and vitamin-rich formula restores shine and gives dull hair a healthier, more vibrant appearance.

• Thicker appearance. By filling in gaps along the hair shaft, the treatment can make hair appear fuller and more voluminous (key word: appear).

• Stronger strands. The nourishing ingredients might help reduce breakage, making your hair more resilient over time.

Hair Botox isn’t going to bring back your runaway hairline or make new hairs sprout forth on your crown, but it may be a good option if your hair is looking tired or damaged.

Getting a hair Botox treatment is more like a salon visit than a trip to the medical clinic. You may be relieved to know that there are no needles involved. Here’s what you can typically expect during the process:

1. Hair Prep

The stylist starts by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to strip away any product buildup and open up the hair cuticle. This helps the treatment absorb more effectively.

2. Application

The hair Botox formula, which is usually a thick, creamy mixture, is applied evenly from root or mid-length to ends, depending on what your hair needs.

3. Processing Time

Once applied, the treatment sits on your hair for about 45 minutes. During this time, the ingredients work to fill in broken or frayed areas of the hair shaft and deeply condition the strands.

4. Rinse and Seal

After processing, the stylist may rinse the product out, blow-dry your hair, and even use a flat iron to help seal in the treatment for longer-lasting results.

The whole process can take a couple of hours. Results can last for three to four months with the right hair care routine.

Like any spa treatment, hair Botox comes with a price tag, which is likely to be variable depending on where you get it done. Factors like the length and thickness of your hair, where the salon is located, and how experienced your stylist is also determine cost. 

Many salons appear to offer this treatment for between $150 and $300, which may include optional add-ons. Be sure to ask about what’s included (and what’s not) so you can plan accordingly.

Again, hair Botox isn’t a medical or surgical procedure, and it doesn’t contain actual botulinum toxin or require the use of needles. It’s generally considered to be a safe procedure for most people. 

That said, like any hair product application, it’s possible some guys might experience scalp irritation or have an allergic reaction to the product, especially if you tend to be more sensitive or have underlying skin conditions. 

If you’re concerned, ask your stylist about the ingredients and consider doing a patch test before the full application.

Now that we’ve cleared up what’s typically meant by hair Botox treatments, what about actual Botox injections into the scalp? 

Some small clinical trials among people with androgenetic alopecia (AGA or male pattern baldness) have found that botulinum toxin might be helpful in promoting muscle relaxation around the hair follicles, reducing tension in the scalp. This may improve oxygen delivery and blood flow to the area, which are important in hair growth. 

One 2020 study involving 63 people with AGA found that Botox injections were safe with no adverse effects, and were effective in increasing hair counts among participants—especially when combined with oral finasteride, a medication approved for treating male pattern hair loss.

After four rounds of treatment, once every three months, folks who received this combination had a hair growth success rate of about 85 percent compared to 73 percent among Botox-only participants.

Some researchers think that by promoting follicular health, these factors may reduce hair shedding. There’s also speculation that Botox inhibits dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage in androgenetic alopecia.  

However, a more recent (but also small) 2024 randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled 24-week clinical trial involving 13 men with AGA found no improvements in hair density after using Botox injections compared to a saline placebo. 

A 2023 systematic review looked beyond AGA, suggesting there’s some evidence Botox could be beneficial for other hair conditions, like alopecia areata and folliculitis decalvans—a rare condition that causes scalp scarring and hair loss. 

Furthermore, the authors noted that Botox is considered generally safe for this use but of injection-site irritation, temporary muscle weakness, or whole-body side effects (though these are rare).

If you’re looking for more than just a smoother, shinier look and actually want to slow or reverse hair loss, there are effective treatments worth exploring.

Minoxidil (Rogaine^®)

Topical minoxidil is one of the most widely used and FDA-approved treatments for male pattern baldness. Applied directly to the scalp, it works by increasing blood flow and revitalizing hair follicles. 

Minoxidil is available over the counter and works best when used consistently over several months, to help regrow hair in the vertex or crown area.

Finasteride (Propecia^®)

Finasteride is an oral prescription medication that lowers DHT levels. It has been shown to significantly reduce hair loss and even regrow hair for many men. We also offer topical finasteride and minoxidil spray, designed to be used once a day.

The catch? It may come with side effects like decreased libido or other hormonal shifts. Like any medication, it’s important to weigh the risks and consult your doctor.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT is a non-invasive option using red light or laser devices (like laser combs or helmets) to stimulate hair follicles and improve scalp circulation. 

While results vary, some men experience thicker, healthier hair over time with regular use. It’s pain-free and can be used at home, though it requires an ongoing commitment.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

In this treatment, your own blood is taken, spun to extract growth factors, and injected into your scalp. PRP may help stimulate hair growth by boosting the activity of weakened follicles. 

It’s especially popular among men who want a more natural and regenerative approach, but it can be pricey and requires multiple sessions.

Whether you're chasing shinier strands or hoping to slow a receding hairline, it’s important to know what hair Botox can (and can’t) do. 

While the cosmetic version can give your hair a visual upgrade, only actual scalp Botox injections may have potential for hair regrowth (and even that’s still being researched).

Here’s the bottom line:

• Hair Botox is a deep-conditioning treatment, not a cure for hair loss.

• Scalp Botox injections show some intriguing promise for hair regrowth but remain experimental, so we need a lot more research before it becomes an option.

• If you're dealing with real hair loss (not just annoying frizz or breakage), it’s worth considering evidence-based treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and PRP. Talk to a dermatologist or hair restoration expert to find the best approach for your needs and goals.

Have more questions about your hair? Check out our men’s hair care resources or learn about hair loss treatment options. Connect with a licensed healthcare provider by taking our free online hair quiz.