Botox A Hair Loss Remedy?

By Alison Ashler


If you thought that Botox injections could be used for nothing more than fine lines and wrinkles, then think again. Ever since Botox has been used as a 'quick fix' for cosmetic purposes, its applications have expanded rapidly and now involve migraine treatments and even the management of itching in patients with burns.

To add to these, Botox injections now apparently help manage baldness. There is not a lot of evidence for this, but it's worth examining the reasons why botox injections help patients with baldness.

Why does hair loss occur?

Hair loss is a natural process of ageing. When we age, the hair thins and the roots lose their strength. The cause is a significant reduction on the protein content (keratin) within the hair fibres. The nutrients (which includes vitamins and minerals) delivered to the hair follicle via the bloodstream affect the thickness and concentration of keratin in the hair follicle. Any lack of these nutrients makes the hair follicle brittle and thin.

With hair loss is not just due to ageing but can occur in a condition called alopecia areata, a genetic condition. Male pattern baldness occurs due to testosterone.

To ensure hair does not become thin, or to slow down the actual process of hair thinning and baldness, there are a number of different ways that scalp health can be looked after.

How does Botox help thinning hair?

Botox injections into the scalp are believed to relax the muscles, enhance blood flow and increase the delivery of nutrients to the hair. But, it has been noted that it only works when the hair follicle still has some evidence of 'life' in it and is not completely destroyed.

The question arises as to whether or not Botox is actually essential to manage thinning hair. These days, there are treatments available that contain the medical compound Minoxidil which is known to stimulate hair growth. In addition to that, there is evidence to suggest that vitamin supplements and having a nutritious diet along with avoiding the excessive use of hair care products can in fact maintain health of the hair.

Is there another 'Botox for hair'?

One product that claims to maintain hair health and prevent thinning of the hair is a fish protein called AminoMar C. This protein has been called the 'Botox for hair'. It is in no way related to Botox injections and so far is just a label that has been offered for this form of treatment.

So is it effective?

Strong supporting evidence is lacking. There have been only anecdotal results, and none supported by science. A number of newspapers recently reported the benefits of the alternative 'botox for hair' fish protein, which seems to have become popular recently.

Botox for hair loss and thinning hair does not appear to be an effective treatment as such. Healthy hair is a result of a proper diet that includes adequate amounts of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, as well as a good hair maintenance program to maintain moisture with a minimum amount of chemical products.




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