The Not So Hidden Dangers Of Hair Rebonding

There are many so called salon hair treatments on the market that are actually extremely harmful for your hair and scalp. Sadly, they don't appear to be going away any time soon, and if your natural hair is tricky to  manage, they can seem all too tempting.

One of these, hair rebonding, is particularly harmful to your hair. Called so because it involves the chemical bonds in your hair being broken, rearranged and bonded back again permanently using extremely strong chemicals, it is one of the most harmful things you can do to your locks and can result in hair loss.

The Rebonding Process

First, perming lotion is added to hair to break the bonds, and after it has been washed off the hair is straightened using an electric styling device. A neutraliser is then used to reset the bonds and then stabilise the hair.

It is important to note that hair is irreversibly changed after  this process, and because they have been treated with chemicals, hair shafts become weak and break very easily. This means that the smallest pressure on the hair, for instance from tying it back with a hair band, can cause damage. A further consideration is that regular touch ups are required due to new hair growth.

Damaged Hair, Damaged Scalp?

Because of the nature of the chemicals, burns on the scalp can occur if the chemicals are left on for too long, or if a straightening device is used at a temperature over 180ºc. Whilst rebonding is preferred to other methods of straightening hair due to the fact that it leaves hair reasonably soft, the risks are much higher.

If you decide to go ahead with this treatment, it is highly advisable not to try it at home and to check that the professional who carries out the procedure is experienced and not using cheap chemicals.

Road To Recovery

If you have previously used rebonding or are currently using it and have noticed that your hair is suffering, we can help. If follicles have scarred, new hair cannot be grown through, but if poor quality hair is still growing, there is every chance that a hair loss treatment programme that includes minoxidil can help. Minoxidil is approved by the FDA and licensed by the MHRA to treat hair loss, and can be tailored in strength by a hair loss specialist to suit your exact needs.