The Rebond Life: Know More About Chemically Straightened Hair
Do you have chemically straightened hair? Then you can probably relate to this list!
Having chemically straightened hair or rebonded hair is not easy! It takes a lot of time and effort and patience and so much more! To get straighter hair, women either get a hair rebonding treatment or a thair relaxing treatment.
Hair rebonding involves using different formulas to change your hair’s natural structure and then restructure it to make it straight. The effect usually lasts about 6 to 12 months, so a lot of girls who wish to have straight hair have their hair rebonded regularly. On the other hand, hair relaxing doesn’t completely straighten your hair. Rather, it softens kinks and curls to make them more manageable.
Whatever process you choose, one thing is for sure: The process involved in achieving that beautiful, straight hair through chemical straightening is a lot of work. If you’re thinking of getting a hair rebonding or a hair relaxing treatment or learning how to take care of rebonded hair, keep on reading.
Both treatments use chemicals to give you straighter hair. However, hair relaxing doesn’t completely straighten your hair. The process typically involves an alkaline chemical like sodium hydroxide (lye) to break down the bonds in your hair. As a result, your curls and kinks get softened, leaving you with straighter-looking hair.
On the other hand, hair rebonding breaks down the bonds of your hair and resets them using a flat iron to make your hair straight. Hair rebonding is also called Japanese straightening or thermal reconditioning. The process takes longer than hair relaxing (and is also usually more expensive), but the result is completely straight hair once the treatment is done.
The rebonding process takes at least six hours. It is a long wait, but it has to be done for the treatment to become effective. To beat boredom, bring your favorite book with you, or watch your favorite series on your phone while waiting.
You can only wash your rebonded hair three days after the treatment (a.ka. the longest three days of a rebond girl’s life). Washing your hair before the three-day mark is a big no-no. When you rebond your hair, you alter your hair’s structure, and it needs time for this to settle. Getting your hair wet sooner than three days may undo the treatment you just had and leave you with not-so-good results.
We recommend TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo. It is formulated with KERA10 Protein Complex that goes up to 10 layers deep into your hair to repair internal damage. It also gives your hair 10 salon benefits in one wash, like making it smooth, soft, and shiny, as well as detangling and strengthening it. This shampoo also has anti-frizz and anti-humidity formulation, so you can rock smooth tresses no matter the weather.
Like washing hair, this is also a big no right after your treatment. You also can’t tuck your hair behind your ears Tying your hair or tucking it behind your ears will leave marks on your newly rebonded hair, so just let your hair fall neatly on the sides of your face and refrain from touching it.
It can last at least six months, depending on the quality of the hair rebonding treatment you got. After six months, you’ll need to go back to the salon for a touch-up so the new hair that has grown will look as straight as the rebonded portion.
Technically, you can get it anytime. However, do remember that you won’t be able to wash your hair for three days after the treatment. Therefore, it’s not advisable to have your hair rebonded during the summer months when it’s scorching hot and you’re bound to sweat a lot. You also can’t tie your hair with literally anything for three months (unless you want a weird curve appearing somewhere in the middle of your straight hair—which by the way, will never go away). Schedule your rebonding treatment during cooler months like December or January so you won’t feel uncomfortable after the treatment.
Whether you like to admit it or not, your chemically straightened hair is now weakened. Your hair care arsenal now needs an upgrade to cater to your hair nourishing needs. Stock up on conditioners and hair masks that replenish moisture so your hair won’t become extremely dry in the long run. Switching to damage-repair shampoos and conditioners can also help make your hair healthy-looking and make it more resilient to future damage.
Use TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Serum Conditioner. Aside from being formulated with KERA10 Protein Complex, this conditioner also has oleo serum, so your hair gets extra nourishment and moisture. Use this after shampooing your hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo for best results.
Things to Know When Getting Chemically Straightened Hair
What is the difference between hair rebonding and hair relaxing?
Both treatments use chemicals to give you straighter hair. However, hair relaxing doesn’t completely straighten your hair. The process typically involves an alkaline chemical like sodium hydroxide (lye) to break down the bonds in your hair. As a result, your curls and kinks get softened, leaving you with straighter-looking hair.
On the other hand, hair rebonding breaks down the bonds of your hair and resets them using a flat iron to make your hair straight. Hair rebonding is also called Japanese straightening or thermal reconditioning. The process takes longer than hair relaxing (and is also usually more expensive), but the result is completely straight hair once the treatment is done.
How long does the hair rebonding process last?
The rebonding process takes at least six hours. It is a long wait, but it has to be done for the treatment to become effective. To beat boredom, bring your favorite book with you, or watch your favorite series on your phone while waiting.
When can I wash my hair again after rebonding?
You can only wash your rebonded hair three days after the treatment (aka the longest three days of a rebond girl’s life). Washing your hair before the three-day mark is a big no-no. When you rebond your hair, you alter your hair’s structure, and it needs time for this to settle. Getting your hair wet sooner than three days may undo the treatment you just had and leave you with not-so-good results.
How to count three days after rebonding? Just set an alarm 72 hours after your hair rebonding session ends. Not washing your hair for three days may be difficult and uncomfortable, especially with the heat and humidity. To somehow ease your discomfort, refrain from activities that will make you sweat so your hair and scalp won’t get greasy and sticky.
Which shampoo should I use after rebonding?
When you can finally wash your hair after three days, use a gentle shampoo for rebonded hair—one that’s designed for salon-treated hair to avoid damage, dryness, and dullness.
We recommend TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo. It is formulated with KERA10 Protein Complex that goes up to 10 layers deep into your hair to repair internal damage. It also gives your hair 10 salon benefits in one wash, like making it smooth, soft, and shiny, as well as detangling and strengthening it. This shampoo also has anti-frizz and anti-humidity formulation, so you can rock smooth tresses no matter the weather.
Can I tie my hair after a rebonding treatment?
Like washing hair, this is also a big no right after your treatment. You also can’t tuck your hair behind your ears Tying your hair or tucking it behind your ears will leave marks on your newly rebonded hair, so just let your hair fall neatly on the sides of your face and refrain from touching it.
How long does the effect of the rebonding treatment last?
It can last at least six months, depending on the quality of the hair rebonding treatment you got. After six months, you’ll need to go back to the salon for a touch-up so the new hair that has grown will look as straight as the rebonded portion.
When is the best time to get a hair rebonding treatment?
Technically, you can get it anytime. However, do remember that you won’t be able to wash your hair for three days after the hair rebonding treatment. Therefore, it’s not advisable to have your hair rebonded during the summer months when it’s scorching hot and you’re bound to sweat a lot. You also can’t tie your hair with literally anything for three months (unless you want a weird curve appearing somewhere in the middle of your straight hair—which by the way, will never go away). Schedule your rebonding treatment during cooler months like December or January so you won’t feel uncomfortable after the treatment.
How should I take care of my rebonded hair?
Whether you like to admit it or not, your chemically straightened hair is now weakened. Your hair care arsenal now needs an upgrade to cater to your hair nourishing needs. Stock up on conditioners and hair masks that replenish moisture so your hair won’t become extremely dry in the long run. Switching to damage-repair shampoos and conditioners can also help make your hair healthy-looking and make it more resilient to future damage.
Editor’s tip: Give lots of TLC to your chemically-treated hair by using Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Repair & Shine Treatment Crème. This potent crème deeply penetrates each strand to make your hair healthy and beautiful. It helps revive damaged hair, tame frizz, and restore shine to dull and dry hair.
What conditioner should I use for my chemically straightened hair?
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Hair conditioner is your best friend now. After a hair rebonding treatment, conditioning it every time you wash it becomes even more important so your hair won’t dry out and end up looking as stiff as a walis. You also need hair products that will fix and protect your hair from damage and repair it from within.
We recommend these conditioners for rebonded hair:
1. TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Serum Conditioner
There’s no more need to worry about the damage hair rebonding can do to your hair. Aside from being formulated with KERA10 Protein Complex, this conditioner also has oleo serum, so your hair gets extra nourishment and moisture. Use this after shampooing your hair with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo for best results.
2. Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Straight Ultra Conditioner
Keep your rebonded hair sleek and straight with this conditioner. It has keratin relaxers to calm frizz, keratin serum to revive damaged strands, and keratin essence to restore shine to dull hair.
3. Dove Keratin Repair 1 Minute Serum Conditioner
For hair that’s been damaged by various chemical treatments, coloring, or frequent heat-styling, use Dove Intense Repair 1 Minute Serum Conditioner. It has keratin-infused capsules that go deep into your hair to repair it from within. It leaves your hair healthy-looking, beautiful, and more resilient to damage.
Seriously, the struggle is real. But girls with chemically straightened hair will agree: It’s worth it! If you want pin-straight hair, try hair rebonding. But whatever you choose—whether you chemically straighten your hair, keep your curls, or get other treatments—as long as it will make you feel good afterward, go for it!
