N ormally, no hair treatments come without their share of pitfalls. Case in point hair rebonding can give you a silky straight mane that you have been dreaming about forever! However, before opting for a hair rebonding procedure, you might want to arm yourself about the disadvantages so that you could decide for yourself whether it’s worth the hullabaloo! For starters, in a few cases, it has led to hair falling off in clumps baldness to dry and brittle hair.

So if you’re planning to opt, I’d suggest that you read up thoroughly about what you’re getting yourself into.

What Is Hair Rebonding?

Hair Rebonding is a chemical treatment that relaxes your hair and makes the curls turn straight in the process. This is the ideal technique for getting sleek straight mane especially if you have frizzy and unmanageable hair.

The effects of rebonding last for a long time and it considerably tames down frizzy hair. The protein molecules present between the bonds in the hair gives it characteristic. Every type of hair has a natural bond that gives it its physical quality – curly or wavy. This technique uses chemicals to change this natural bond to make it straight.

Unlike straightening your hair with a straightener, rebonding chemically breaks down natural bonds in the hair and re-arranges them to form new bonds for straight hair. In short, it is a permanent procedure that breaks the natural cell structure of your hair and re-structures it. A neutralizer is used to re-bond the structure of the hair, giving you the desired texture and shape.

Once the hair is straightened, regular touch-ups are required in 3 months or 6 months, depending upon the growth of your natural hair.

Rebonding Procedure

The technique of Hair Rebonding utilizes two chemicals namely cream relaxant and neutralizer. Before the use of these, the hair is prepared for the lengthy procedure by washing thoroughly with a mild shampoo and blow-drying in the medium setting (Conditioner is used at a later stage).

• The hair is combed and neatly divided into several sections depending upon its volume.
• Following this, the cream relaxant or softener is first applied on each section of the hair separately while keeping it held straight and is allowed to set while it breaks the natural bond of the hair.
• Thin plastic boards are utilized to assure that the cream is applied to each and every strand of the hair. For normal to wavy hair, the cream is ideally left for 30 minutes whereas, for dry, frizzy and excessively curly hair, it can be left for longer. Although keeping it on for too long could damage the hair.
• After this, steam the hair for 30-40 minutes depending upon its texture and general condition. Follow with a thorough rinse and blow-dry.
• Next, a Keratin lotion is applied to smooth any curls that may be left. Once the hair is satisfactorily straight, it is parted again.
• This step is followed by applying the neutralizer which re-structures and stabilises the bonds to form fresh ones that give your hair a sleek and straight look.
• The neutralizer is left on the hair for another 30 minutes and then the hair is rinsed and blow-dried one last time.
• To restore the nourishment in the hair, a serum is applied carefully all over.
• Finally, the hair is straightening out with an iron. It is advised not to wash the hair for at least three days after the rebonding procedure for best results.

Side-Effects of Rebonding

• After Rebounding, your hair requires utmost care and maintenance since it becomes fragile after the treatment. For the first month, the hair cannot be tied or tucked behind the ears or else it might cause damage.
• The heat from all the chemicals used in the procedure could be damaging to the scalp and could even burn it. The damage could be long-lasting if the temperature of the metal plates used is higher than required or if the chemicals are kept for a longer time than required.
• Regular touch-ups need to be done to maintain the texture and quality of the hair after the procedure.
• Toxic chemicals are used which may cause hair loss and the hair gets weaker after every touch-up.
• Since it is a permanent procedure, the effects are long-lasting and there is no turning back to your natural hair once it is done.

Precautions And Care To Be Taken

The following precautions need to be taken to maintain your hair after Rebonding:

• Use a shampoo specific for straight hair and use a conditioner after every hair wash.
• Apply a serum after towel drying your hair to ensure that it is shiny and doesn’t get frizzy.
• Regular oiling of hair is required for natural nourishment and the use of natural home-made hair masques once a week is advisable such as olive oil with an egg, aloe vera gel or curd.
• Steaming once a fortnight is suggested for healthy-looking hair or you could even wrap your hair around a warm wet towel for deep conditioning.
• Consume a balanced, nutritious diet composing of nuts and sprouts.
• Use homemade hair masks to deep condition your hair.
• Do not tie your hair immediately after the procedure or wear any hair accessories minimum for a week.
• Ensure that you wear a shower cap while bathing during the first week after the treatment to avoid any water from falling on your hair.