Keratin, hair botox and nanoplasty are the three treatments people ask us about most — and they're constantly confused with one another. They overlap (all three leave hair smoother and shinier), but they solve different problems. Here's how to tell which one your hair actually needs.
The one-line difference
- Keratin — smooths and de-frizzes. Best for managing frizzy, wavy or coloured hair.
- Hair botox — repairs and hydrates. Best for damaged, dry, over-processed hair.
- Nanoplasty — straightens, gently. Best for a sleek, formaldehyde-free finish, especially on curly or Afro hair.
Side-by-side comparison
| Keratin | Hair botox | Nanoplasty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Smooth + cut frizz | Deep repair + hydrate | Straighten + smooth |
| Best for | Frizzy, wavy, coloured hair | Damaged, dry, dull hair | Curly/Afro hair; sleek finish |
| Straightening | Relaxes, keeps movement | Minimal | Strongest of the three |
| Repair | Some | Most | Some |
| Lasts | 3–6 months | 2–4 months | 3–6 months |
| Formaldehyde-free? | Yes (at OK Beauty) | Yes | Yes — by design |
| From (Belfast) | £85 | £75 | £120 |
How to choose, by goal
"I just want my frizz gone." Go for keratin. It's the classic anti-frizz smoothing treatment and keeps natural movement — a longer-lasting blow-dry. New to it? Start with what a keratin treatment is.
"My hair feels fried and straw-like." Your hair needs repair before smoothing. Hair botox rebuilds and rehydrates damaged strands; for severe damage, a reconstruction treatment first is ideal.
"I want it properly straight, and I have curly or Afro hair." Nanoplasty gives the smoothest, most natural straight finish and is formaldehyde-free, which makes it a popular modern alternative to old-style Brazilian smoothing.
What about safety?
All three are safe when a formaldehyde-free product is used. The old safety worries about smoothing treatments come from formaldehyde-releasing formulas, which some products still contain (FDA). We use formaldehyde-free products across all three — read more in is a keratin treatment safe?
Cost
Prices depend on hair length and the treatment. At OK Beauty Hair, hair botox starts from £75, keratin from £85 and nanoplasty from £120 — see the full price list.
Still not sure?
That's normal — the right choice depends on your hair's condition and your goal. Book a consultation in Belfast or Carrickfergus and we'll recommend the treatment (or combination) that suits your hair best.
