Hair Botox vs Keratin Treatments: Which One Is Right for Your Hair Goals?

If you've been looking into ways to tame frizzy hair, add shine, or bring life back to tired, damaged hair, you've probably come across two popular options: hair botox and keratin treatments. Both promise smoother, healthier looking results, but they work in very different ways and suit different hair goals.

At GLAMHAIR Studio, our London based hair salon, we offer both treatments and regularly help clients decide which treatment is right for them. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make an informed choice between hair botox or keratin treatment before your appointment.

What Is Hair Botox?

Despite the name, a hair botox treatment has nothing to do with actual Botox injections. It's a deep conditioning treatment that works by filling in gaps in the hair shaft with proteins, vitamins, and amino acids. Think of it as intensive repair work for your hair fibres.

Hair botox is particularly effective for hair that's become dry and damaged from heat styling, colouring, or environmental exposure. The treatment works by coating and penetrating the hair cuticles, helping to repair broken hair fibers from the inside out. It doesn't alter the hair structure or change your natural hair texture. Instead, it restores what's been lost, leaving you with softer, shinier, and more manageable hair.

The effects of hair botox typically last around two to four months depending on your hair type and how often you wash your hair. Because hair botox doesn't contain harsh chemicals, it's generally considered the gentler option and is suitable for most hair types, including fine hair and colour treated hair.

Understanding Keratin Treatments

A keratin treatment, sometimes called a keratin hair treatment or Brazilian blowout, takes a different approach. Rather than simply conditioning, this chemical treatment infuses your hair with keratin protein, the same protein that makes up the structure of your hair naturally. The process involves applying a keratin solution and then sealing it in with a flat iron at high heat.

The key difference is that a keratin treatment can genuinely straighten your hair and alter the hair's natural pattern. If you have curly or wavy hair and want straighter hair that's easier to style, this is typically where people go for keratin. Keratin treatments last longer too, usually between three and six months, which makes them appealing if you want a longer term solution.

It's worth knowing that keratin treatments often contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing chemicals, which is what allows them to restructure the hair. At GLAMHAIR Studio, we're transparent about the products we use and always discuss this with clients beforehand that’s why is important to mention we use formaldehyde free option. The  results may not be quite as dramatic or long lasting but is a clean product and without any damaging or harmful effects.

Key Differences Between Hair Botox and Keratin Treatments

Now that we've covered each treatment individually, let's look at the hair botox vs keratin comparison side by side.

Purpose and results. Hair botox is primarily a repair and conditioning treatment. It won't straighten your hair or change your curl pattern. It's designed to give your hair a healthier appearance, reduce frizz, and add shine. A keratin treatment, on the other hand, can actively smooth and straighten your hair, making it a more transformative option for those who want to change their style.

How each treatment works on the hair. Hair botox coats the hair strands and fills in damaged areas without altering the hair structure. Keratin treatments penetrate the hair more deeply, using heat to bond keratin protein to the hair shaft, which can permanently alter the hair until it grows out.

Chemical content. One of the most significant differences between hair botox and keratin treatments is the chemical makeup. Hair botox doesn't typically contain formaldehyde or other harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for those concerned about chemical exposure. Keratin treatments often contain formaldehyde or similar compounds, though formaldehyde free versions exist at GLAMHAIR.

Longevity. Keratin treatments last considerably longer, typically three to six months compared to two to four months for hair botox. However, the effects of both treatments fade gradually, so you won't experience a sudden change.

Suitability. Hair botox suits almost every hair type. Whether you have curly hair, wavy hair, or straight hair that's looking a bit lifeless, it can help. Keratin treatments are better suited to those with frizzy hair, curly or wavy hair who specifically want smooth hair or straighter results.

Hair Botox and Keratin Treatment: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between hair botox and keratin treatment really comes down to your specific hair needs and what you're hoping to achieve.

Choose hair botox if you want to repair your hair without changing its natural shape. If your hair is damaged, dull, or prone to breakage, a botox hair treatment will help restore moisture and strength. It's also the better option if you have fine hair that might be weighed down by heavier treatments, or if you prefer to avoid chemical treatments altogether. Hair botox is also a solid choice for anyone who wants to keep their natural hair texture, whether that's curls, waves, or anything in between, while simply making their hair more manageable and healthy looking.

Go for keratin if your main concern is frizz control and you want to straighten your hair or make your hair significantly smoother. If you spend a lot of time blow drying and straightening unmanageable hair each morning, a keratin treatment can dramatically cut down your styling time. It's a stronger treatment that delivers more visible smoothing results, which is why many people with very curly or thick, frizzy hair prefer it.

Hair Care After Your Treatment

Regardless of whether you opt for hair botox or keratin, looking after your hair properly afterwards will help your results last longer.

For both treatments, it's best to use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner, as sulphates can strip the treatment from your hair more quickly. Avoid washing your hair too frequently. Two to three times a week is usually ideal. When you do wash, apply conditioner mainly to the mid

lengths and ends rather than the roots.

With a keratin treatment specifically, you'll usually need to wait 48 to 72 hours before you wash your hair or tie it up. During this time, avoid getting your hair damp or tucking it behind your ears, as this can create kinks while the treatment sets. Your stylist will give you specific aftercare instructions.

For hair botox, the aftercare is generally less restrictive. You can usually wash your hair sooner and there are fewer rules about how you style it in the days following treatment.

In both cases, minimising heat styling where possible will help extend the life of your treatment. When you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant.

How to Decide Which Treatment Is Right for You

If you're still not sure whether keratin or hair botox is the better fit, here's a simple way to think about it. Ask yourself what your primary goal is.

If you want healthier, shinier hair without changing its shape, hair botox is your answer. If you want to dramatically reduce frizz and achieve smoother, straighter results, a keratin treatment is likely the better option.

Your hair type matters too. Hair botox works well across the board, but keratin treatments tend to give the most noticeable results on thicker, coarser, or very frizzy hair. For natural hair that you want to keep as close to its original hair texture as possible, hair botox is usually the way forward.

Of course, the best way to decide which treatment suits your hair is to come in for a consultation. At GLAMHAIR Studio, we'll assess your hair, discuss your hair goals, and recommend the treatment that will give you the results you're after. Every head of hair is different, and what works brilliantly for one person might not be the ideal choice for another.

Book Your Consultation at GLAMHAIR Studio

Whether you're leaning towards hair botox, a keratin treatment, or you're still weighing up your options, we'd love to help. Our team at GLAMHAIR Studio in London has extensive experience with both treatments and can guide you towards the right choice for your hair.

Get in touch to book a consultation and take the first step towards healthier, more manageable hair.