A typical Botox treatment is known for removing/preventing frown lines, but did you know that some women are now requesting this treatment on their scalp to help prolong their blowouts? Botox can help block perspiration, and in the case of enhancing a blowout, I can see why this could be helpful. Now you can attend SoulCycle without worrying about the sweat.
How does scalp botox work?
According to New York dermatologist, Patricia Wexler, “the improved hair quality is a benefit of Botox’s effect on the sweat glands.
It works exactly like injections for hyperhidrosis, it inhibits the eccrine glands specifically.”
Reduced perspiration on the scalp means less frizz and less frequent hair washing.
And “though the cost of the procedure is quite hefty, many patients have said it was well worth it,” according to Dr. Wexler.
RELATED: “I Sweat Through My Scalp”: Exercise & Black Hair Care
Botox for sweat, especially sweating of the scalp, is considered an ‘off-label’ use.
The FDA has only officially approved Botox as a solution for frown lines and crow’s feet.
However, it has been used as a solution for sweating in the armpits, palms and feet for years.
“When we first started using Botox, patients who were getting it on the forehead said it was helping with sweating too, and while it sounds crazy to inject something into your head, dermatologists have been performing Botox scalp injections to help with migraines for years, says Soheil Simzar, M.D., a dermatologist based in Los Angeles.
The actual procedure works by making superficial injections throughout the scalp with an extremely tiny needle.
The amount of injections and placement of them depends on the patient and how badly they sweat.
A full treatment may require anywhere from 100 to 150 injections per session.
According to Dr. Simzar, “since the scalp doesn’t have many nerve endings, it doesn’t hurt as much as it would to get Botox on, say, your face or armpits. In fact, it doesn’t even require numbing the area first.”
RELATED: 5 Ways To Detox Your Scalp For Healthier Hair
Is this treatment right for you?
In addition to preventing your hair from sweating out, you may also consider getting botox if you experience the following:
- Split ends
- Hair breakage
- Dull and dry hair
- Damaged hair
- Frizzy hair
- If you wish to straighten your hair
What are the benefits?
Because hair botox is a non-chemical deep conditioning treatment, it can:
- Strengthen your hair by replenishing hair fibres and repairing damaged hair
- Eliminate frizz
- Protect your scalp against psoriasis, dandruff, or other scalp conditions
- Prevents hair loss, hair thinning, and split-end problems
- Reduce hair damage post rebonding, strengthening, or smoothing
- Add volume to hair
The treatment can temporarily deactivate the sweat glands from six to 12 months, making it the longest-lasting Botox treatment yet! So next time you sweat out that blowout, you may consider this cosmetic option.
Hair botox is a safe treatment. However, your hair will go through certain changes post-botox treatment that you may or may not be aware of. So before you make your decision, it is important to do your own research, weigh its pros and cons, and discuss with your doctor before opting for botox treatment.