Keratin treatments and rebonding are both popular hair smoothing techniques, but they differ significantly in their methods, ingredients, and effects. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences:

Keratin Treatment

Purpose

• Smoothing and Reducing Frizz: Keratin treatments are primarily designed to smooth the hair, reduce frizz, and make it more manageable. They do not permanently change the hair structure.

Process

1. 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.

1. Application:

• Keratin Solution: A keratin-rich solution is applied to the hair, usually strand by strand, to ensure even distribution. This solution often contains keratin and sometimes formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents to help the keratin bond with the hair.
• Comb Through: The solution is combed through the hair to ensure it reaches all parts of the hair shaft.

1. 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.

1. 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.

Effects

• Temporary: The results typically last 3-6 months, after which the hair gradually returns to its natural state.
• Non-Damaging: Keratin treatments are generally less damaging to the hair compared to rebonding, as they do not chemically alter the hair structure.

Ingredients

• Keratin: A protein that helps smooth and strengthen the hair.
• Formaldehyde or Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents: Used to help the keratin bond with the hair, though many products now offer formaldehyde-free options.

Rebonding

Purpose

• Permanent Straightening: Rebonding is designed to permanently straighten curly or wavy hair by breaking and reforming the hair's chemical bonds.

Process

1. 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.

1. Chemical Application:

• 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.
• Neutralizing Solution: After the relaxing solution has processed, a neutralizing solution is applied to stop the chemical reaction and set the hair in a straight position.

1. Heat Activation:

• Flat Ironing: The hair is flat-ironed to ensure the hair is completely straight and the new bonds are set.

1. 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.

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: Rebonding can be more damaging to the hair compared to keratin treatments, 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.

Summary

• Keratin Treatment:
• Purpose: Smoothing and reducing frizz.
• Process: Application of a keratin solution followed by heat activation.
• Effects: Temporary (3-6 months), less damaging.
• Ingredients: Keratin, formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents.
• Rebonding:
• Purpose: Permanent straightening.
• Process: Application of strong chemical solutions followed by heat activation.
• Effects: Permanent, potentially more damaging.
• Ingredients: Thioglycolic acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonium thioglycolate.

Choosing the Right Treatment

• For Smoothing and Manageability: If you want to reduce frizz and make your hair more manageable without permanently altering its structure, a keratin treatment is a good choice.
• For Permanent Straightening: If you want to permanently straighten curly or wavy hair, rebonding is the more suitable option, but be aware of the potential for more damage and the need for regular touch-ups.

Always consult with a professional stylist to determine which treatment is best for your hair type and goals.