Hair relaxing and rebonding are both chemical processes used to straighten hair, but they differ in their methods, ingredients, and the extent of their effects. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences:
Hair Relaxing
Purpose
- Permanent Straightening: Hair relaxing is designed to permanently straighten curly or wavy hair by breaking and reforming the hair's chemical bonds.
Process
- 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, typically containing sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine hydroxide (no-lye), 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.
- Styling:
- Blow-Drying and Flat Ironing: The hair is often blow-dried and then flat-ironed to ensure it is completely straight and the new bonds are set.
Effects
- Permanent: The results are permanent, meaning the hair will remain straight until new growth occurs. Touch-ups are required every 8-12 weeks to maintain the straightened look.
- Potentially Damaging: Hair relaxing can be more damaging to the hair compared to other straightening methods, as the strong chemicals can weaken the hair structure and cause dryness and brittleness.
Ingredients
- Sodium Hydroxide (Lye): A strong alkali that breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair.
- Guanidine Hydroxide (No-Lye): A milder alternative to lye, but still effective in breaking the disulfide bonds.
Rebonding
Purpose
- Permanent Straightening: Rebonding is also designed to permanently straighten curly or wavy hair by breaking and reforming the hair's chemical bonds, similar to hair relaxing. However, rebonding is often used to correct previous bad hair straightening jobs or to achieve a more natural-looking straightening effect.
Process
- 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 at high temperatures to ensure the hair is completely straight and the new bonds are set. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, straight result.
Effects
- Permanent: The results are permanent, meaning the hair will remain straight until new growth occurs. Touch-ups are required every 8-12 weeks to maintain the straightened look.
- Potentially Damaging: Like hair relaxing, rebonding can be more damaging to the hair compared to other straightening methods, as the strong chemicals can weaken the hair structure and cause dryness and brittleness.
Ingredients
- Thioglycolic Acid: A strong chemical that breaks the disulfide bonds in the hair.
- Sodium Hydroxide or Ammonium Thioglycolate: Other strong chemicals used to relax and straighten the hair.
Key Differences
- Purpose and Usage:
- Hair Relaxing: Primarily used to permanently straighten curly or wavy hair. It is a more straightforward process and is commonly used for initial straightening.
- Rebonding: Often used to correct previous bad hair straightening jobs or to achieve a more natural-looking straightening effect. It can also be used to straighten hair that has been previously relaxed but has become damaged or uneven.
- Chemicals Used:
- Hair Relaxing: Typically uses sodium hydroxide (lye) or guanidine hydroxide (no-lye).
- Rebonding: Uses thioglycolic acid or other strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide or ammonium thioglycolate.
- Heat Activation:
- Hair Relaxing: May involve blow-drying and flat-ironing, but the primary focus is on the chemical process.
- Rebonding: Involves flat-ironing at high temperatures to ensure the hair is completely straight and the new bonds are set.
- Damage Potential:
- Hair Relaxing: Can be very damaging to the hair, especially if not done correctly or if the hair is already damaged.
- Rebonding: Also has the potential to be very damaging, and the additional heat from flat-ironing can further weaken the hair.
- Post-Treatment Care:
- Both: Clients are typically advised not to wash their hair for 2-3 days after the treatment to allow the new bonds to set. Using gentle, moisturizing products is recommended to maintain the health of the hair. Excessive heat styling should be avoided to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Both hair relaxing and rebonding are effective methods for permanently straightening hair, but they differ in their specific applications and the chemicals used. Hair relaxing is a more straightforward process for initial straightening, while rebonding is often used for correction and achieving a more natural look. Both processes can be damaging to the hair, so it's crucial to choose a reputable salon and experienced stylist to minimize potential side effects and ensure the best results. Always follow post-treatment care instructions to maintain the health and appearance of your hair.