Scalp Botox (Hair-Wash Extension)

Botulinum toxin type A is injected superficially across the scalp in a grid pattern at 1–2cm intervals using fine 30–32 gauge needles. The toxin diffuses into the surrounding eccrine sweat glands and blocks acetylcholine release at the neuro-glandular junction, preventing sweat production for 4–6 months. The treatment is targeted to the superficial scalp tissue — the same plane as for hyperhidrosis treatment — and does not affect hair follicles or the underlying muscle. Total dose ranges from 100 units (small treatment area, light hair) to 250 units (full scalp, dense hair, heavy sweater).

Session takes 30–45 minutes. Numbing is typically not used (scalp injections are quick and tolerable for most). Mild stinging at each injection site, similar to hair-coloring sensation. Immediately after: small bumps at each injection site, fully resolved within 30–60 minutes. Results onset: 5–7 days, full effect at 2 weeks. Hair washing intervals start to extend within 1 week. Lasts 4–6 months; typical maintenance schedule is twice a year (spring and fall).

Scalp Botox for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) has been an off-label dermatology procedure since the early 2000s, but the rebranding as a hair-extension / blowout-preserving aesthetic treatment is genuinely a 2024–25 phenomenon, popularized by celebrity stylists and dermatologists in NYC, LA, and Miami. The mechanism is identical to underarm Botox for hyperhidrosis: botulinum toxin injected superficially across the scalp blocks the acetylcholine signaling at the eccrine sweat glands, dramatically reducing sweat production for 4–6 months. The reason this matters for hair: scalp sweat is the #1 reason between-wash time is limited — sweat oxidizes, mixes with sebum, and creates the greasy second-day-hair effect. With scalp Botox, women who normally wash every 2 days are reporting 5–7 day intervals; women in humid climates or who do intensive cardio are getting their first manageable summer in years. The treatment also provides relief for menopausal night sweats on the scalp. Honest assessment: the procedure is real, the results are real, and the safety profile (when injected by a board-certified dermatologist) is well-established from 20+ years of medical hyperhidrosis use. It is expensive — typically requires 100–200 units of Botox per scalp treatment — but for the right patient (oily scalp, intense workout schedule, frequent professional styling), the math actually works out.