Hair Botox vs Keratin: Which Is Right for Your Hair?

Hair Botox and keratin are the two smoothing treatments clients ask me about most, and they are often confused. Both reduce frizz, but they work differently and give a different result. This guide explains the difference so you can choose with confidence.

Side-by-side comparison

	Hair Botox	Keratin smoothing
What it does	Conditions and coats the hair for shine and frizz reduction	Restructures the hair for a straighter finish
Finish	Softer, more natural	Straighter, sleeker
Typical duration	Around 8–12 weeks	Up to 4–5 months
Best for	Dry, dull or damaged hair	Frizzy, unruly or coarse hair
Price at Hair By Sana Rais	£100 (with Nanoplasty)	From £80

What is Hair Botox?

Despite the name, Hair Botox has nothing to do with injectable Botox. There are no needles. It is a topical, deep-conditioning treatment that coats each strand and fills rough or damaged areas of the hair shaft, leaving hair smoother, softer and easier to manage.

What is keratin smoothing?

Keratin smoothing works into the hair shaft to reshape it, giving a straighter, more frizz-resistant finish and cutting down blow-dry time. It changes the hair’s texture more than Hair Botox does, which is why it lasts longer.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose Hair Botox if your hair feels dry, dull or damaged, you like your natural texture and want it healthier-looking, or you want a lower-commitment treatment.
• Choose keratin if frizz is your main problem, you want straighter hair and faster styling, or you want results that last several months.
• Not sure? That is normal. A consultation about your hair type, colour history and the result you want is the best way to decide.

Coloured, bleached or curly hair

Both treatments are usually suitable for coloured hair, but I always check your colour and chemical history first. Recently bleached or heavily processed hair may need a different approach. For new clients, a patch test is needed at least 48 hours before colour or chemical treatments.

Want to know more? Read how much Hair Botox costs in the UK or how long Hair Botox lasts, or see all hair services.

Related services and areas

• Hair Botox treatment at home (£100)
• Keratin treatment at home (from £80)
• Mobile hairdresser in Leyton and Leytonstone
• Read next: Hair Botox on coloured and curly hair

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Hair Botox and keratin?

Hair Botox is a deep-conditioning treatment that coats and fills the hair shaft for softness, shine and less frizz. Keratin smoothing restructures the hair for a straighter, sleeker finish that usually lasts longer.

Which lasts longer, Hair Botox or keratin?

Keratin usually lasts longer, typically up to 4 to 5 months. Hair Botox typically lasts around 8 to 12 weeks.

Which is better for damaged hair?

Hair Botox is often a good choice for dry, dull or damaged hair that needs conditioning. Heavily processed hair always needs a consultation first.

Can I have Hair Botox or keratin on coloured hair?

Usually yes, subject to a consultation about your colour and chemical history.