Hair rebonding, a popular salon treatment, offers sleek, straight hair that lasts for months. However, maintaining the health and vitality of rebonded hair requires diligent care and the right products. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of hair rebonding, effective post-treatment care, product recommendations, and maintenance routines to keep your hair looking its best.
Explanation of Rebonding
Hair rebonding is a chemical hair treatment that breaks down the natural structure of the hair and reforms it into a straighter form. The process involves applying a relaxant cream to soften the bonds in the hair, followed by straightening the hair with a flat iron. Finally, a neutralizer is applied to lock in the new straightened structure.
While rebonding provides smooth and straight hair, it can also cause damage to the hair shaft due to the harsh chemicals involved. The process weakens the hair’s natural structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and dryness.
Post-Treatment Care for Rebonded Hair
Immediately after a rebonding treatment, it’s crucial to follow a strict post-treatment care routine to maintain the results and minimize damage. Here are some essential tips:
1. Avoid Washing or Styling: Refrain from washing or styling your hair for at least 48 hours after the treatment to allow the bonds to set properly.
2. Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Gently comb your hair using a wide-tooth comb to detangle without causing strain or breakage.
3. Avoid Heat Styling: Steer clear of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners for the first few days to prevent further damage.
4. Avoid Tying or Pulling: Avoid tying your hair tightly or pulling it back into tight hairstyles, as this can stress the hair shaft and weaken the bonds.
5. Protect from Moisture: Keep your hair dry and avoid exposure to rain or humidity, as moisture can disrupt the rebonding process.
Product Recommendations for Rebonded Hair
Choosing the right hair bonding treatments and products is essential for maintaining the health and integrity of rebonded hair. Look for products that contain nourishing ingredients such as amino acids, proteins, and hydrators to strengthen and moisturize the hair. Here are some recommended products:
1. Bond Repair Treatments: Invest in bond repair treatments specifically designed for chemically treated hair. These treatments help to restore and strengthen the bonds in the hair shaft, reducing breakage and improving overall hair health.
2. Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on chemically treated hair. Look for products containing natural oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil to provide essential moisture and nourishment.
3. Leave-In Conditioners: Use leave-in conditioners to provide extra hydration and protection throughout the day. These lightweight formulas help to detangle hair, reduce frizz, and seal in moisture without weighing it down.
4. Hair Masks and Deep Conditioners: Treat your hair to weekly hair masks or deep conditioners to replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for products enriched with keratin, collagen, or botanical extracts to strengthen the hair from within.
5. Heat Protectants: If heat styling is unavoidable, use a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from damage caused by styling tools. Apply the product evenly throughout damp hair before blow-drying or straightening.
Shampoo and Conditioners
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners are ideal for rebonded hair as they are gentle and help maintain the integrity of the treatment. Additionally, opt for products containing natural oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil to keep the hair moisturized and nourished.
Regular Conditioning
Regular conditioning is crucial for rebonded hair to keep it hydrated and healthy. Use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask once a week to provide extra moisture and protection. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, collagen, or shea butter to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.
Avoiding Damage
To prevent damage to rebonded hair, avoid excessive heat styling and use heat protectant products when using styling tools. Additionally, protect your hair from environmental factors such as sun exposure, humidity, and pollution by wearing a hat or using protective hair products.
Salon Treatments
Professional salon treatments, such as hair spas, can help nourish and strengthen rebonded hair. These treatments often involve deep conditioning masks, scalp massages, and heat treatments to restore moisture and improve hair health.
Home Remedies
In addition to commercial products, there are several homemade treatments using natural ingredients that can benefit rebonded hair. For example, coconut oil can be used as a deep conditioning treatment to moisturize and soften the hair, while egg masks can help strengthen and repair damaged hair.
Signs of Damage
It’s essential to recognize the signs of damage to rebonded hair so that appropriate action can be taken. Signs of damage include dryness, brittleness, split ends, and excessive breakage. If you notice any of these signs, consult a professional hairstylist for advice on how to repair and restore your hair.
Maintenance Routine
Developing a regular maintenance routine is key to keeping rebonded hair looking its best. Here’s a sample routine to follow:
1. Daily Care: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to cleanse and moisturize the hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to protect against environmental damage.
2. Weekly Treatment: Once a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask or hair spa treatment to nourish and strengthen the hair.
3. Monthly Salon Visit: Schedule a monthly salon visit for a trim to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
4. Protective Styling: When heat styling, use a heat protectant spray and avoid excessive heat to prevent damage to the hair.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can maintain the health and vitality of your rebonded hair and enjoy smooth, sleek locks for months to come. Remember to listen to your hair’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly to keep it looking its best.
FAQs
How do you maintain rebonded hair?
Maintaining rebonded hair requires special care to prolong the sleek, straight look. Firstly, avoid washing your hair for at least three days after the treatment to allow the bonds to set properly. When washing, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for rebonded hair. Additionally, minimize exposure to heat styling tools and protect your hair from the sun by using a UV protectant spray or wearing a hat. Regular trims to remove split ends and touch-up treatments every 6-8 months will help maintain the smoothness.
Is it okay to use hair treatment after rebonding?
It’s generally advisable to wait at least two weeks before applying any hair treatments or chemicals after rebonding. This allows the rebonding chemicals to fully settle and ensures the integrity of your hair. After this initial period, you can use mild hair treatments, but it’s crucial to avoid those containing harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the rebonded hair and compromise its texture.
What products to use after rebonding hair?
After rebonding, opt for hair care products specifically designed for chemically treated hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that provide moisture and nourishment without weighing the hair down. Additionally, use a heat protectant serum or spray before using any heat styling tools to prevent damage. Leave-in conditioners and serums enriched with keratin or argan oil can help maintain the smoothness and shine of rebonded hair.
What oil is good for rebonded hair?
For rebonded hair, lightweight oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, or coconut oil are excellent choices. These oils provide hydration and nourishment without making the hair greasy or weighing it down. Apply a small amount of oil to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, avoiding the roots, to add shine and smoothness. Additionally, consider using a hair mask infused with these oils once a week to deeply nourish and repair the hair, keeping it healthy and manageable.
