Hair Rebonding

I had my hair "rebonded" to make it straighter and shinier.  Hair rebonding involves restructuring the hair using chemicals to maintain the straightness. It's also known as thermal reconditioning. This procedure was developed by the Japanese, and has gained popularity worldwide. In Singapore, the prices for hair straightening using this method have dropped, in part thanks to the dying down of the craze (to be replaced by digital perming!). Nonetheless, it continues to have its fans because of the final product achieved – sleek, glossy, fuss-free hair. The term ‘hair rebonding’ is often perceived as permanent hair straightening. It is not limited to straight hair though. These days, the same method is used, albeit with different machines, to create luscious curls (ceramic and digital perming). It is advisable to go to a trained hair professional for this procedure because many things can go wrong in the process. If not done correctly, hair may end up frizzy, dry and in the worst case scenario, burnt! Before you even do this, consult with your stylist to find out if your hair is suitable for such a permanent hair straightening process. People who have had their hair coloured recently might not be advised to do this (or at least, not so soon) as it puts undue stress on the tresses.

There are three basic steps to rebonding the hair:

Step 1: Softening the bonds with a chemical cream

Step 2: Establishing the straightness with a hair iron

Step 3: Neutralising the chemical effect with another cream

A protein solution is applied to protect against the harsh effects of the chemicals before the chemical cream is thoroughly worked through the hair. The cream has sodium hydroxide as the main active ingredient, reacting with the sulphur bonds in the hair to disassociate the bonds. After the hair is suitably softened by the chemical reaction, the hair is shampooed and rinsed. It is then blown dry thoroughly and a straightening hair iron (the best being a ceramic one) is used to make the hair as straight as possible. This is done meticulously, with the hair stylist clipping up the hair and ironing it in sections. The hair is then allowed to cool and a neutralising cream is applied, to lower the pH level of the hair, as well as to give it oxygen (I am not sure how this is actually achieved, though). In my hair stylist’s terms, this is also known as a protective treatment. After this cream has set in for about fifteen minutes, the hair is washed and blown dry once more. It is then ironed again and a trim is given to neaten the hairdo. Voila! ~ Beautifully straight, silky, healthy-looking hair!

To maintain the glossiness and straightness, the hair after care is important:

1. Do not wash the hair for 48 to 72 hours after the rebonding process for the chemical process to stabilise.

2. Do not clip or tie up the hair. Hair should not be tucked behind the ears either. Should you accidentally do this, wet the hair immediately and comb it straight.

3. Wash the hair with an appropriate shampoo and apply a suitable conditioner. It is advisable to use those specially formulated for rebonded hair. While the hair might look healthy, we must not forget that the look was achieved with chemicals and thus have the attendant harsh chemical effects inflicted upon it.

4. For added protection and shine, apply a protective serum to the hair.

I spent four hours in the salon – I read a lot of magazines and chatted with my sister to kill time. I was told that the rebonding would last 6 months but of course it will still depend on how you take care of your hair.