The application process for both keratin treatments and rebonding involves several steps, but the specifics differ due to the nature of each treatment. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each treatment is applied:
Keratin Treatment Application
- Preparation:
- Cleansing: The hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove oils, residues, and product buildup. This ensures that the keratin solution can penetrate the hair shaft effectively.
- Towel Drying: The hair is towel-dried to a damp state, which is optimal for the application of the keratin solution.
- Application of Keratin Solution:
- Sectioning: The hair is divided into sections for even application.
- Applying the Solution: A keratin-rich solution is applied to the hair, usually strand by strand, ensuring that the entire hair shaft is coated. This solution often contains keratin and sometimes formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents to help the keratin bond with the hair.
- Combing Through: The solution is combed through the hair to ensure it reaches all parts of the hair shaft and is evenly distributed.
- Heat Activation:
- Flat Ironing: The hair is flat-ironed at high temperatures (usually around 380-450°F or 193-232°C) to seal the keratin into the hair cuticles. This step is crucial for the treatment to be effective and long-lasting. The stylist will typically go over each section multiple times to ensure thorough sealing.
- Post-Treatment Care:
- No Washing: Clients are typically advised not to wash their hair for 2-3 days after the treatment to allow the keratin to fully bond with the hair.
- Special Shampoos and Conditioners: Using sulfate-free and silicone-free products is recommended to maintain the treatment's effects.
- Avoiding Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling should be avoided for a period to prevent damaging the treated hair.
Rebonding Application
- Preparation:
- Cleansing: The hair is washed with a clarifying shampoo to remove oils and product buildup.
- Towel Drying: The hair is towel-dried to a damp state.
- Application of Relaxing Solution:
- Sectioning: The hair is divided into sections for even application.
- Applying the Relaxing Solution: A strong chemical solution containing thioglycolic acid or another relaxer is applied to the hair to break the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft. This solution is left on the hair for a specified period, usually 20-30 minutes, to allow the chemicals to work.
- Combing Through: The solution is combed through the hair to ensure even distribution and to help the chemicals penetrate the hair shaft.
- Rinsing and Neutralizing:
- Rinsing: The hair is thoroughly rinsed to remove the relaxing solution.
- Applying Neutralizing Solution: A neutralizing solution is applied to stop the chemical reaction and set the hair in a straight position. This solution is left on the hair for a specified period, usually 15-20 minutes.
- Heat Activation:
- Flat Ironing: The hair is flat-ironed to ensure the hair is completely straight and the new bonds are set. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, straight result.
- Post-Treatment Care:
- No Washing: Clients are typically advised not to wash their hair for 2-3 days after the treatment to allow the new bonds to set.
- Special Shampoos and Conditioners: Using gentle, moisturizing products is recommended to maintain the health of the hair.
- Avoiding Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling should be avoided to prevent damage.
Key Differences in Application
- Chemicals Used:
- Keratin Treatment: Uses a keratin-rich solution, sometimes with formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents.
- Rebonding: Uses strong chemicals like thioglycolic acid or sodium hydroxide to break and reform the hair's chemical bonds.
- Duration of Application:
- Keratin Treatment: The process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the length and thickness of the hair.
- Rebonding: The process can take 2-4 hours, as it involves more steps and a longer processing time for the chemicals to work.
- Heat Activation:
- Keratin Treatment: High heat is used to seal the keratin into the hair cuticles.
- Rebonding: High heat is used to set the hair in a straight position after the chemical bonds have been reformed.
Post-Treatment Care
- Keratin Treatment:
- No Washing: Avoid washing the hair for 2-3 days.
- Special Products: Use sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools.
- Rebonding:
- No Washing: Avoid washing the hair for 2-3 days.
- Special Products: Use gentle, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Minimize the use of heat styling tools to prevent damage.
By understanding the application process for both keratin treatments and rebonding, you can better prepare for the treatment and follow the necessary aftercare instructions to achieve the best results. Always consult with a professional stylist to ensure the treatment is applied correctly and safely.