Hair rebonding is a popular hair straightening treatment that gives you sleek, smooth hair. However, the process involves the use of strong chemicals and heat, which can lead to significant hair damage if not properly managed. If you’re experiencing damage after rebonding, you may be wondering how to restore your hair’s health and vitality. This article will provide you with practical steps to repair damaged hair after rebonding, ensuring it remains strong, shiny, and healthy.
Understanding Hair Damage After Rebonding
1. What Is Hair Rebonding?
Hair rebonding is a chemical treatment that breaks down the natural bonds in your hair and restructures them to achieve straight, smooth locks. The process involves using a relaxant to break the bonds, followed by a neutralizer to reform the bonds in a straight pattern.
2. How Does Rebonding Damage Hair?
The rebonding process can be harsh on hair due to the intense chemicals and heat used. This can lead to various forms of damage, including:
Dryness: The chemicals strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
Breakage: Weak hair strands may break easily due to the weakening of the hair shaft.
Frizz: Paradoxically, hair may become frizzy if not properly cared for after rebonding.
Split Ends: The hair’s cuticles can be damaged, leading to split ends.
Understanding the types of damage that can occur helps in identifying the right treatment and care methods.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Damaged Hair After Rebonding
1. Deep Conditioning Treatments
a. Use a Rich, Moisturizing Conditioner
After rebonding, your hair needs moisture more than ever. Using a rich, moisturizing conditioner will help restore the lost hydration and make your hair feel softer and smoother.
How to Use: Apply the conditioner after every wash, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft.
b. Invest in a Deep Conditioning Mask
A deep conditioning mask can provide intense hydration and nourishment to damaged hair. Look for masks that contain ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and shea butter, which are known for their repairing properties.
How to Use: Use a deep conditioning mask once or twice a week. Apply it to damp hair, leave it on for 20-30 minutes (you can wrap your hair in a warm towel to enhance the effects), and then rinse thoroughly.
2. Protein Treatments
a. Why Protein Is Important
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. Rebonding can break down this protein structure, leaving your hair weak and prone to breakage. Protein treatments can help rebuild the protein structure and strengthen your hair.
Types of Protein Treatments: Look for products that contain hydrolyzed keratin, silk proteins, or collagen. These treatments can be found in the form of masks, conditioners, or leave-in products.
How to Use: Depending on the severity of the damage, you can use a protein treatment once a week or once every two weeks. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.
3. Regular Trimming
a. The Importance of Trimming
Trimming your hair regularly is crucial for removing split ends and preventing further damage. It also helps in maintaining the overall health and appearance of your hair.
How Often to Trim: Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks. This will help keep your hair looking healthy and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft.
4. Avoiding Heat and Chemical Exposure
a. Reduce Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can exacerbate damage to already weakened hair. It’s best to minimize their use while your hair is recovering.
Alternative Styling Methods: Instead of heat styling, consider air-drying your hair or using heatless styling techniques such as braiding or twisting your hair while it’s damp to achieve waves or curls.
b. Avoid Chemical Treatments
Avoid any further chemical treatments, such as coloring or perming, until your hair has fully recovered. These treatments can further weaken your hair and lead to additional damage.
5. Gentle Hair Care Practices
a. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to further dryness and damage. Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo can help maintain the moisture balance in your hair.
How to Use: Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo two to three times a week to avoid over-washing and drying out your hair.
b. Be Gentle When Detangling
Detangling damaged hair can be tricky, as it’s more prone to breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently remove knots and tangles.
How to Detangle: Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Always detangle your hair when it’s damp and use a leave-in conditioner to make the process easier.
6. Hair Oils and Serums
a. Use Nourishing Hair Oils
Oils can provide much-needed moisture and nourishment to damaged hair. Some of the best oils for hair repair include argan oil, coconut oil, and olive oil.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of oil to your hair, focusing on the ends. You can use it as a leave-in treatment or apply it before shampooing for deep conditioning.
b. Apply a Repairing Serum
Hair serums can help protect your hair from environmental damage and provide a smooth, shiny finish. Look for serums that contain ingredients like silicone or dimethicone, which can create a protective barrier around the hair shaft.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of serum to damp or dry hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends.
7. Protecting Your Hair While Sleeping
a. Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to breakage and frizz. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce this friction and protect your hair while you sleep.
Benefits of Silk or Satin: These materials are gentle on your hair and help maintain moisture levels, reducing the risk of dryness and split ends.
b. Tie Your Hair in a Loose Braid
If you have long hair, consider tying it in a loose braid before bed. This can help prevent tangling and breakage during the night.
8. Healthy Diet and Hydration
a. Eat a Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your hair. Ensure you’re consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, E, and biotin, which are essential for hair health.
Foods to Include: Incorporate foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, and fatty fish into your diet to support hair growth and repair.
b. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy hair. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
Tip: Carry a water bottle with you and aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Long-Term Care for Rebonded Hair
1. Regular Conditioning Treatments
Even after your hair has recovered, it’s important to continue using deep conditioning treatments regularly. This will help maintain the health and strength of your hair over time.
2. Protecting Your Hair from Sun and Pollution
Environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution can cause further damage to your hair. Wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray when spending time outdoors.
3. Avoiding Over-Manipulation
Minimize the amount of styling and manipulation you do to your hair. The less you touch and style your hair, the less likely it is to become damaged.
4. Regular Scalp Care
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a scalp massage brush to remove buildup and stimulate blood circulation to the hair follicles.
When to Seek Professional Help
1. Consulting a Hair Specialist
If your hair damage is severe or you’re not seeing improvement with at-home treatments, it may be time to consult a hair specialist or dermatologist. They can recommend professional treatments, such as keratin treatments or Olaplex, that can help repair your hair.
2. Consider Professional Treatments
Professional treatments can provide deeper nourishment and repair than at-home products. Treatments like keratin or protein treatments can help rebuild the hair’s structure and restore its health.
See also: Can Hairdressers Fix Damaged Hair: Things You Need To Know
Conclusion
Fixing damaged hair after rebonding requires a combination of proper care, the right products, and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can restore your hair’s health and enjoy smooth, shiny locks once again. Remember that consistency is key—regular conditioning, avoiding heat, and maintaining a healthy diet will all contribute to the recovery of your hair.
Rebonding can give you the straight hair you desire, but it’s important to care for your hair properly to avoid and repair any damage. With the right approach, you can maintain beautiful, healthy hair long after your rebonding treatment.
