Keratin vs organic straightening vs hair botox: which is best?

Quick answer: Keratin tames frizz and softens waves; organic straightening aims for a sleeker, longer-lasting straight result with new-generation formulas; and hair botox is a repairing treatment that adds shine and body without really straightening. At Fusion Beauty in Sant Antoni, Barcelona, Brazilian keratin costs €95/125/145/165, organic straightening with a cut €95–145 (Ybera Paris lines from €140) and hair botox €95–155.

What each treatment actually does

All three are often sold as "smoothing treatments", but they have different goals. One controls frizz, one genuinely changes the shape of the hair, and the third repairs it. Choosing well depends on your hair type, how much change you want and the current condition of your hair fibre.

Brazilian keratin. A protein-based product is applied to clean hair, dried in and sealed with a flat iron. The result is more manageable hair with far less frizz and a much faster blow-dry. On wavy hair it can leave it almost straight; on tight curls it tends to relax rather than fully straighten. It is the classic choice against humidity.

Organic straightening. New-generation treatments, such as those from Ybera Paris, formulated with plant-derived actives and acids that realign the fibre for a more defined, longer-lasting straight finish. At Fusion Beauty we use different lines depending on the hair: Black Diva for more resistant hair, Discovery as a versatile option and Fashion Stylist designed for blondes and lightened hair. It is always worth asking about the exact product composition.

Hair botox. Despite the name, it contains no botulinum toxin. It is an intensive hydrating and repairing treatment that fills the fibre, seals the cuticle and adds shine and softness. It reduces frizz a little but does not straighten: your wave or curl remains. Ideal for dry, porous hair or hair stressed by bleaching.

Comparison table

How long results last depends heavily on how often you wash, the shampoo you use and your hair's porosity.

Which one should you choose?

• Your main issue is frizz and Barcelona humidity: keratin. It keeps movement and cuts drying time dramatically.
• You want genuinely straight hair for months: organic straightening. If you are blonde or have lightened hair, ask about Fashion Stylist.
• Your hair is dry, broken or dull and you want to keep your waves: hair botox.
• Your hair is badly damaged by bleach: it is sometimes better to repair first with hair botox and consider straightening later.
• You want colour and straightening: plan the order with your stylist; a gap of a few days between services is usually recommended.

Caution: some straightening products can release vapours when heat is applied. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have respiratory or skin sensitivities, check with your doctor first and ask the salon about the product's composition.

Aftercare and longevity

• Follow your stylist's advice on when to wash for the first time; it varies by product.
• Use sulphate-free, salt-free shampoo: it clearly extends the result.
• Avoid tight ponytails and hair clips that leave marks for the first few days.
• Blow-dry with a heat protectant; use the flat iron only if you need it.
• Rinse with fresh water after the pool or the sea.
• Repeat hair botox every few weeks if you want an ongoing repairing effect.

How to choose a salon in Barcelona

1. Ask which brand and line they will use and why it suits your hair.
2. Make sure they assess the condition of your hair beforehand.
3. Check whether the price includes cut, wash and styling.
4. Check the salon is well ventilated.
5. Read genuine reviews from clients with your hair type.

At Fusion Beauty

At Fusion Beauty, Carrer de Floridablanca 73 in Sant Antoni since 2009, Adolfo specialises in straightening and hair treatments and assesses your hair before recommending a service. We are rated 4.8★ on Google (1,439 reviews) and 4.9★ on Booksy. Learn more about keratin, Ybera Paris organic straightening, hair botox and our other hair treatments, or see the full price list.

Frequently asked questions