Hair Rebonding: Products Used, Benefits, Side Effects & Procedure

Do you want to transform your frizzy, unmanageable hair into sleek, straight hair? Before you do, it is essential to be aware of the positives and negatives of breaking your natural hair bonds.

In this article, we discuss what exactly happens to your hair during rebonding and how to take care of rebonded hair using natural, Ayurvedic methods. Read on to learn more.

What Is Hair Rebonding?

Hair rebonding is a popular chemical treatment for straightening or smoothening your hair semi-permanently.

Hair rebonding tames down frizzy, wavy curls into glossy, sleek, and straight hair strands. It helps transform your hair into a different style or shape by using chemicals to break the natural bonds in your hair shafts and rearranging them to form new bonds.

Essentially, rebonding breaks the natural cell structure of your hair to restructure it. [1]

Is Rebonding Good For Hair?

Hair rebonding can damage your hair. The chemicals and heat applied during the process can take a toll on your hair and negatively impact hair growth.

A hair fiber consists of three essential components: the cuticle, the cortex, and the medulla. In the view of cosmetology, the beauty of your hair depends on the condition of the cuticle. Haircare products and treatments initially target the cuticle to change your hair's appearance and texture. [2]

Your hair structure depends on your hair follicle's shape, which cannot be changed by rebonding. Hence, your hair returns to its original form a few months after rebonding.

Does Hair Rebonding Cause Hair Loss?

Hair rebonding causes hair loss and hair breakage. [3] The reason behind this is that it breaks down the natural cell bonding of keratin molecules and rebuilds them into straight bundles. The resistive layer of your scalp is also damaged, and the hair follicles lose their natural power of replenishment.

Benefits Of Hair Rebonding

The most appealing benefit of hair rebonding is that you are always ready with straight and manageable hair. It also provides longer-lasting results, which spare you the hassles of everyday styling. Your hair also looks much smoother and shinier.

What Is The Process Of Hair Rebonding?

Step 1: Your hairstylist will wash your hair using a mild shampoo and blow-dry it.

Step 2: Your hair will then be brushed to remove any tangles and is divided into several sections, depending on your hair's volume.

Step 3: While ensuring your hair is kept straight, a relaxer is applied to all the sections of your hair using plastic boards.

Step 4: For normal to wavy hair, the cream is left on for about 30 minutes. For dry, frizzy, and extremely curly hair, it is left on for longer.

Step 5: Depending on your hair's condition and texture, your stylist will steam your hair for about 30-40 minutes.

Step 6: Your hair is rinsed and blow-dried.

Step 7: A keratin lotion is applied to your hair, after which your hair is divided into sections again.

Step 8: A neutralizer is applied to all the sections of your hair, which stabilizes the newly structured bonds.

Step 9: It is left on for another 30 minutes and then rinsed off.

Step 10: After blow-drying your hair, a serum will be applied to restore nourishment in your hair fibers and is straightened using a flat iron.

How To Do Hair Rebonding Naturally?

A. Coconut Milk And Lemon Juice

Coconut milk is rich in vitamin E that softens your hair and gives it a silky texture. The saturated fats in coconut also contain emollients that can restore the balance of alkaline acids in your scalp. Lemon juice adds luster to your hair with a straightening effect.

1. Mix lemon juice with fresh coconut milk

2. Refrigerate the mixture overnight

3. Apply it on your hair from the roots to the tips. Leave it on for 30-45 minutes.

4. Wash it off with a herbal shampoo and lukewarm water

5. For best results, repeat the treatment once a week.

B. Hot Oil Treatment

Hot oil therapy enhances your hair's absorption of oil, making it look straight and soft.

1. Massage coconut oil into your scalp and apply it to your hair strands.

2. Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze out any excess water.

3. Wrap your hair with the towel and allow it to sit on your head for five minutes.

4. Repeat the process 3-4 times.

5. Wash your hair using a mild herbal shampoo.

6. Follow this process once or twice a week.

C. Milk And Honey

Your hair strand is composed of a protein called keratin. Milk contains multiple proteins that strengthen your hair. It also contains healthy fats that protect your scalp. Honey acts as a moisturizer and gives shine to your hair.

1. Mix one tablespoon of honey in a small cup of milk.

2. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.

3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.

4. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and herbal shampoo.

D. Olive Oil And Eggs

Your hair follicles produce oils similar to the structure of olive oil. A massage with olive oil restores your hair nourishment as it contains hydroxytyrosol, and vitamin E. Egg alone gives your hair an ultimate silky texture if you use it once a week.

1. Mix two eggs with six tablespoons of olive oil.

2. Apply the mask evenly on your hair strands.

3. Put on a shower cap to wrap your hair. Leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing it with water.

4. Follow with a mild shampoo.

E. Bananas

A banana hair mask can make your hair silky and glossy while restoring hair fiber strength. Bananas nourish your hair with potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and protein. They also improve hair elasticity to prevent breakage.

1. Make a thick, smooth paste using a ripe banana and three tablespoons of almond oil.

2. Apply the pack evenly from the roots to the tips of your hair strands.

3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.

4. Rinse with water and wash using a mild shampoo.

Types Of Hair Rebonding

1. Hair Straightening

Hair straightening uses chemicals that can turn even the roughest and most unmanageable hair into soft, straight hair. However, your hair may appear flat and dull due to reduced density. If you already have thin hair, it can look very sleek and fragile after straightening.

Once new hair starts growing, it will not be straight. The difference in the hair on the roots and the straightened hair will become more evident. Thus, your hair will need root touch-ups every few months.

2. Hair Smoothening

Hair smoothening does not require the application of harsh chemicals and excess heat on the hair, making it a safe way of rebonding your hair. In this treatment, the flat iron is set at a lower temperature. It is ideal if you want to prevent scalp damage.

When new hair grows, the difference is not very noticeable as smoothened hair is neither too flat nor straight. Your hair feels more manageable and looks natural.

3. Keratin Treatment

Keratin is a protein that constitutes 91% of your hair. Chemical treatments damage your hair's keratin bonds. Keratin treatments add a layer of the protein to make your hair healthier and manageable. [4]

There are two types of keratin hair rebonding:

A. Brazilian Blowout

It uses chemicals, including formaldehyde, that makes your hair frizz-free and soft, while making it more manageable and easy to style. It lasts up to 3 months.

B. Smoothing Treatments

Keratin nourishes the hair and adds shine without changing its texture. Smoothening therapies do not use formaldehyde, making them a safer alternative. They usually last for six months.

4. Volume Rebonding

Volume rebonding helps your hair obtain more volume and fullness. It allows certain parts of the hair to be permed or slightly curled to enhance your natural look. It has a more natural effect on your hair.

5. Volume Body Perm

Volume body perm uses emollient chemicals and heat, making it suitable for thin and damaged hair. You can undergo this treatment frequently to increase your hair's volume. It is not like conventional hair treatments that use strong chemicals or excessive heat.

How To Take Care Of Hair After Rebonding?

Your hair is exposed to extensive heat and harsh chemicals during hair rebonding. It needs proper care and attention to prevent hair loss and breakage as it takes time to settle into its new structure. [5]

Here's what you should keep in mind:

• Avoid tying or wrapping your hair before your first wash.
• To avoid creases in your straight hair - don't ever tuck your hair behind your ears for at least a month after the treatment.
• Go to bed with loose hair. Comb it and spread it evenly on your bed upwards your head. Do not let your hair lose its shape.
• Don't wash your hair or don't rinse with water for three days after getting the treatment.
• Comb your hair only with a wide-toothed brush, especially after hair wash.
• Avoid blow-drying your hair with hot air.
• Do not color your hair for at least six months.

Vedix Tip: Wash your hair with cold water to help it retain moisture after rebonding.

Ayurvedic Ways To Avoid Hair Loss After Rebonding

There are special shampoos and hair conditioners that you can use after hair rebonding. The use of chemical-based products may be suitable for hair that is conventionally treated. However, the results are based on statistical manipulation that gives you temporary satisfaction.

Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix, says, "Ayurvedic wisdom dictates undergoing these treatments when your hair is strong enough to handle the cellular stress the chemicals exert. Choosing the winter months over summer and monsoon may help impart constitutional strength to overcome the stressors. Preparing and strengthening your hair roots with Shirodhara, Thalapothichil, and Nasya, before the chemical treatment may help in damage control later."

There are three natural ways to prolong the lustrousness of your rebonded hair:

A. Essential Oils

Use essential oils by mixing them with a carrier oil. Massage your scalp with the herbal solution to boost the health of your hair cuticle. It can improve blood circulation in your hair follicles to replenish hair growth while conditioning your hair strands.

Lavender, peppermint, and rosemary are a few essential oils for enhancing your hair's beauty and growth.

1. Mix 10 ml of your preferred essential oil with 20 ml of carrier oil like coconut, almond, or olive oil.

2. Apply it to your hair one hour before your shower. Leave it overnight for the best results.

3. Repeat it twice a week to deeply nourish your roots.

B. Herbal Shampoo

Herbs contain minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties by nature. Shampoos made of herbal extracts are organic and have a gentle, soothing effect on your scalp. The moisturizing agents in herbs also cure scalp dryness and strengthen the elasticity of your hair fibers.

Hibiscus, dried amla, shikakai, reetha, neem, and aloe vera are a few beneficial ingredients that you can find in a herbal shampoo.

1. Take enough shampoo and dilute it in a mug of water. Never apply shampoo directly as its concentrated form can make your hair rough.

2.Don't rub your hair with your palms to wash it. Your fingertips are enough.

3. Gently squeeze excess water from your hair using your hands.

4. Apply a herbal hair conditioner and rinse after three minutes.

5. Rinse your hair using cold water.

6. Never rub your hair with a thick towel. Instead, gently pat dry it with a thin muslin cloth.

Vedix offers a customized Ayurvedic hair care routine based on your unique hair type and dosha level. It includes a herbal oil, shampoo, and serum.

C. Herbal Hair Cream

Hair cream is an excellent addition to your daily hair care routine. It conditions and nourishes your hair. Almond oil, amla extract, shikakai extract, brahmi extract, bhringraj extract, soy protein are a few ingredients found in herbal hair creams.

When your hair is almost dry after washing, apply some leave-in hair cream or 2-3 drops of Ayurvedic serum to your hair strands.

What Are The Side Effects Of Rebonding Hair?

1. The cuticle has a covalent bonding with a mono-molecular layer of fatty acids. Chemical straighteners remove this protective layer, allowing humidity to penetrate the hair shaft, which reduces hair shine and makes it frizzy.

2. It breaks your hair's natural disulfide bonds that carry keratin molecules.

3. It reduces minerals like amino acids and sulfur in your hair follicles.

4. The high pH value of chemicals opens the cuticle and penetrates the chemical into it.

5. It damages your hair by reducing its natural moisture-retaining capacity, making your hair dry and fragile.

6. It results in the formation of split ends, and your hair becomes duller in the long run.

7. Your hair starts losing density and falls out. Discoloration begins slowly.

8. Your hair becomes difficult to manage once the effects of the treatment wear off. Repeating the procedure leads to hair breakage, scalp, and hair disorders.

Is It Safe To Do Hair Rebonding During Pregnancy?

It is not safe to get hair rebonding treatment during pregnancy. The chemicals used in the procedure can penetrate your scalp and reach your bloodstream. It may harm the fetus. Also, the hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy don't support changes in your hair texture.

How Long Does Hair Rebonding Last?

Hair rebonding usually lasts for six months if you take proper care of it. The newly grown hair takes the original form of your hair structure, after which you will need to get root touch-ups.

However, You can follow natural treatments at home to maintain the look of your straight hair. You can repeat the hair bonding procedure every six months if your hair can withstand it.

What Is The Difference Between Hair Straightening And Hair Rebonding?

Straightening is temporary. You can do it by yourself at home using a hair straightener or a flat iron. It generally doesn't last for more than a couple of days.

Hair rebonding is a semi-permanent treatment. It uses chemicals and excess heat on your hair, breaking the natural bonds of your hair fibers. It lasts for up to six months with the right care.

The Last Word

Women with unmanageable, rough and wavy hair are usually enthusiastic about rebonding their naturally beautiful curls into straight hair. However, you should be familiar with both its benefits and drawbacks to make a more informed decision.

Know Your Dosha Now