I Froze My Hair For Science: My Honest Verdict
Is cryotherapy for hair another marketing ploy, or is it hair magic?
Expert Hair.TOXX Review: Does Hair Cryotherapy Work? | The Beauty Ed® mentee Paloma tests the Hair.TOXX cryotherapy treatment at Haug London Haus. Featuring a deep dive into sub-zero hair science, avocado butter and hyaluronic acid ingredients, and real results for shine and frizz reduction. A real life verdict on the world’s first cold-plate hair treatment.
While my past few adventures with The Beauty Ed® have led me to gyms, I am extremely happy to report that my most recent press appointment was at Haug London Haus, where I was invited to try out a new hair treatment - an environment I happen to be MUCH more comfortable in.
I was trying out the world’s first cryotherapy for hair. Now, I know what you’re thinking: after my whole cold plunging debacle, I must have a penchant for the cold, but I really don’t. And spoiler alert: you do not feel the cold at all…and my hair looked fabulous at the end.
Some quick Hair.TOXX benefits:
Reduces frizz
Increases shine
Does not use heat
Strengthens hair at cuticle
What more could you possibly ask for?
The experience
I ventured into Fitzrovia on one of those sunny, early-Spring days that make you feel really grateful to live in London. Haug London Haus is tucked away behind New Oxford Street so you already know the location is fab to do some window (or real) shopping afterwards.
When I arrived for my Hair.TOXX appointment, I was told Katie was doing my hair - she was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable on all things cryotherapy and we chatted all things hair throughout the session which made it fly by.
‼️ I’ll keep this next part brief so as not to bombard you with the science:
We started with a double shampoo, which is more of a luxurious experience than you’d expect. We chose a clarifying one to really prep my hair for the treatment.
Then, Katie applied the Hair.TOXX mask to my wet hair, section by section, to ensure literally every single strand was coated. The mask is packed full of super-ingredients like avocado butter, hyaluronic acid and açai berry, which all contribute to healthy, moisturised and shiny locks (the most intriguing part of the invite was the promise of getting my hair up to 264% shinier - a bold claim, but I’m listening). The ingredients also help combat the wear and tear of daily life, like pollution, heat damage and London’s hard water.
Once Katie applied the mask all over, the cryotherapy began. Cryotherapy has been loved by wellness fanatics for quite some time, and in this case, it quickly freezes the mask’s benefits into your hair.
The tool looks like a hair straightener - one plate is coated with a thin layer of frost and the other with LED lights to activate the ingredients. They pass through each section of hair, again not missing a single strand.
Once your hair is successfully frozen, they rinse out the mask and finish the appointment with a blow-dry.
The whole appointment lasts around 45 minutes - most hair masks have to sit in your hair for at least an hour to be able to see a difference so this is definitely time effective. They even sent me home with a bag of Hair.TOXX goodies to maintain the treatment!
Post treatment (AKA, “someone please compliment my new hair”)
The day after my appointment, I had uni, and the first thing one of my friends said to me was “You’ve done something to your hair!”
For journalistic purposes, I made her tell me what exactly she noticed. She said it looked really shiny and even thought I had dyed it - proof that the treatment adds life back into your hair, and really, can you ask for more? Naturally, I launched into a whole explanation of my hair appointment.
Is Hair.TOXX worth it?
A treatment like this one costs £140, with the effects lasting up to five weeks, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in how my hair feels. I will say, my hair is naturally straight and not prone to frizziness, but since the treatment, I’ve washed my hair three times, and the effects haven’t worn off. It’s definitely smoother, softer and more hydrated.
That said, it’s definitely more of a treat-yourself moment than a regular essential. If you’ve already got fabulous hair, you might not see a change drastic enough to justify the price.
My Final Verdict
I did wonder if this was yet another marketing ploy, and was worried I’d be underwhelmed. But (unfortunately for your bank account), I’d definitely recommend this treatment if you're looking for something to add life back to dull, frizzy hair.
I’m thinking it’s the perfect treatment before an event, after too much heat or dye-job damage, or when your hair / life feels like it needs a reset.
xx P
Disclaimer: This was a gifted treatment from Haug London Haus, but all opinions are my own!
Hair.TOXX is slowly rolling out to salons in the UK and US. Visit their website to find your nearest Hair.TOXX salon.
Thinking of trying? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments ♡