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Why are women injecting Botox into their scalps?

Some women are turning to Botox to fix this common hair problem from its roots.
/ Source: TODAY

Anyone who's paid up to $50 for a salon blowout knows how frustrating it can be when sweat gets in the way of perfectly straight, glossy hair.

That's why some women are turning to Botox to minimize perspiration at the hairline and wait longer in between washes. Dr. George Aglialoro, founder and medical director of N4 Med Spa and Salon in New York City, told TODAY.com he recently had two patients request Botox injections in their scalps so they could go to SoulCycle and work up a sweat without ruining their hair.

"We tried it, and so far it's working for them," he said, pointing out that Botox has long been used in the underarms as a treatment for hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating.

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"It made sense to me that you can also use it in the scalp," Dr. Aglialoro said. "[Botox] helps paralyze the muscle that squeezes out the sweat."

Botox for blowouts is hardly commonplace, but it's a growing trend in New York City and Los Angeles, where many doctors say they offer the treatment. Yet it's a pricey way to preserve your hair — Dr. Aglialoro said the procedure, in which he uses 100 units of Botox, costs around $1,100.

Woman blow-dry
Women are getting Botox injections to preserve their hairdos.Shutterstock

However, not every doctor is on board. Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY.com she's heard of Botox to stop scalp sweating but wouldn't recommend — or perform — the treatment.

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"Look, I'm one of the biggest Botox users in the country. I believe in this drug, I think it's amazing and powerful and reliable, but in this case, it's not something I would do," Dr. Day told TODAY.com.

She said that while Botox is approved by the FDA for hyperhidrosis, many of the people getting the treatment to keep their hair dry don't suffer from that condition.

"Hyperhydrosis is a pathological condition based on anxiety," Dr. Day said. "Sometimes you have it on your scalp, but that's not common. When you're sweating on your scalp, because of exercise and movement, that sweat is normal and healthy and productive."

Until the FDA steps in, the verdict is still out on Botox for blowouts. In the meantime, there's always dry shampoo.