Hair rebonding is a popular treatment for men and women who want sleek, straight hair. If you overlook certain precautionary steps, however, you can end up with unsatisfactory results or damaged hair.
In this guide, we’ll explore what hair rebonding entails and common mistakes to avoid for a successful hair rebonding experience.
What is hair rebonding?
Hair rebonding is a chemical treatment that alters the structure of your hair, transforming curly or wavy hair into straight locks. A relaxant is applied to break down the natural bonds in your hair, followed by a neutraliser to reseal the bonds in a straight position. The result is smooth, straight hair that lasts several months, depending on hair type and maintenance.
Mistakes to avoid
If you don’t follow certain best practices, however, your rebonding experience might be less than ideal. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
Skipping hair assessment
A thorough hair assessment is essential before proceeding with rebonding. Your stylist should evaluate your hair type, texture, and overall integrity to determine the most suitable approach. Skipping this step increases the risk of damage or uneven results.
Inadequate pre-treatment care
Properly preparing your hair before the rebonding process can significantly impact the results. Avoid colouring or chemically treating your hair in the weeks leading up to the appointment, as this can weaken the hair shaft and affect the rebonding process.
Poor post-treatment care
Following your stylist’s instructions for post-treatment care after hair rebonding is crucial. This may include using specific shampoos and conditioners designed for chemically treated hair, avoiding excessive heat styling, and minimising exposure to chlorine and saltwater.
Improper washing
After hair rebonding, your hair requires a gentler washing protocol. First, you may not want to wash your hair immediately after the procedure when your hair is vulnerable to damage. Wait a few days so that your hair can fully reap the benefits of the rebonding chemicals.
When you do wash your hair, you may want to opt for cold water instead of warm or hot water. The latter can sap moisture from your hair, causing damaged and dry hair.
Styling carelessly
Just as you shouldn’t wash your hair too quickly after a rebonding treatment, you should hold off on styling for a day or two. During rebonding, your hair undergoes heat treatment and using a blow dryer soon after could cause excessive stress.
Going for another chemical treatment too quickly
During rebonding your hair is exposed to various chemicals. These can give your hair the sheen you desire. However, adding more chemicals to the mix through another treatment might be too much for your hair to handle in a short time. You should wait a few months before perming or dying your hair.
Ignoring maintenance and follow-Up
While you should be careful about how you wash, style and treat your hair after rebonding, it doesn’t mean you should avoid maintenance treatments. You should speak to your stylist and schedule appropriately timed follow-up appointments. These are important to prevent frizz, breakage and premature reversion to your natural hair texture.
Attempting DIY rebonding
While DIY hair treatments may seem convenient, attempting to rebond your hair at home is highly discouraged. Professional stylists undergo extensive training and have access to professional-grade products that ensure safe and effective results. DIY attempts can result in irreparable damage to your hair and scalp.
Types of Hair Rebonding
Hair rebonding techniques have evolved, offering variations to suit different hair types and preferences.
Classic rebonding
Classic rebonding, or thermal rebonding, is the traditional method widely practised in salons worldwide. This technique involves applying a chemical relaxant to break down the hair’s natural bonds, followed by straightening with a flat iron heated to high temperatures.
The heat helps to seal the newly formed bonds, resulting in straight, smooth hair. This type of rebonding is ideal for moderately curly or wavy hair.
Soft rebonding
Soft rebonding is a gentler alternative to classic rebonding, suitable for individuals with finer or more delicate hair types. This technique utilises milder chemical solutions and lower heat settings to achieve straightness while maintaining the hair’s natural softness and flexibility.
Soft rebonding is popular among those looking for straight hair with a smoother, more natural appearance. It helps prevent excessive damage or dryness often associated with harsher rebonding methods, making it a preferred choice for individuals with sensitive or fragile hair.
Volume rebonding
Volume rebonding adds body and volume to straightened hair, giving it a fuller and more voluminous look. This technique combines the sleekness of traditional rebonding with specialised treatments to enhance the hair’s natural volume and texture.
Unlike conventional rebonding, which aims for flat, straight hair, volume rebonding focuses on creating lift and movement, especially at the roots. Volume rebonding techniques may involve adjusting the hair’s cuticle layer to promote lift and volume or incorporating specialised products to enhance thickness and texture.
Straight, soft and voluminous hair with rebonding in Singapore
You can achieve sleek, straight hair without compromising its health and integrity by avoiding the common mistakes shared in this article and choosing a reputable salon and stylist.
At TrichoLab, we factor each individual’s hair health and type for all treatments.Book an appointment to learn more about our hair rebonding services.
