Hair Rebonding vs. Keratin Treatment: Which Is Better?

When it comes to achieving sleek, shiny hair that stays straight for months, the choice often comes down to this debate: hair rebonding vs. keratin treatment. Both options can smooth various degrees of frizz but they do it in different ways. How do you know which one is right for you and your tresses? Keep scrolling to learn the perks and potential drawbacks of each treatment.

Hair rebonding has been around since the ’90s and remains one of the most sought-after salon treatments in the Philippines. The procedure essentially uses a combination of chemical relaxants and high heat to give each strand that stick-straight texture.

The rebonding process is intensive and done over three to eight hours. It starts by applying the straightening solution, a chemical mixture that splits and restructures the hydrogen bonds that give hair its curl, wave, and kink. 

Once the relaxant has been fully processed, your hair will be straightened with either a steaming tool or a flat iron, followed by a pH neutralizer to condition and smoothen it further. This last step stabilizes the newly formed bonds and helps restore some of your hair’s strength. 

There are two types of professional keratin treatments: those with formaldehyde and those without. The former, often marketed as Brazilian blowouts or keratin straightening treatments, use the ingredient to loosen kinks and coils. However, formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, releases a toxic fume when heated, which can irritate the eyes and skin. Prolonged exposure has also been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer.

Luckily, many salons are now using a safer alternative such as glyoxylic acid, a milder organic compound, to achieve the smoothing effect. This type of keratin treatment “fills in” porous areas, adding shine and reducing the appearance of split ends. To set the treatment, the stylist blow-dries and flat irons the hair. The heat helps activate the glyoxylic acid and seal the keratin into the strands.

The main difference between rebonding and a keratin treatment is how each method affects the hair’s structure. Rebonding chemically breaks down and reconfigures the protein bonds in the hair, so it looks uniformly (and unnaturally) straight until new growth appears. Keratin treatment, on the other hand, only smooths the cuticles and replenishes the protein that the hair has lost.

Rebonding gives dramatic and long-lasting results since it permanently alters the hair’s structure. A single session can turn even the curliest hair into perfectly straight locks that stay sleek for six to eight months. A keratin treatment isn’t strong enough to deliver the same outcome – it just softens the texture a bit and tames frizz. The smoothing effects typically fade after three to six months. That said, keratin treatments are worth considering if you want silky, smooth hair with minimal daily styling.

All chemical hair treatments have potential risks. Chemical relaxants in hair rebonding solutions make your strands more susceptible to dryness and breakage. Frequent touch-ups to straighten new growth may also cause scalp irritation.

Keratin treatments, while generally “gentler” on the strands, can lead to moisture loss when done too frequently. That’s why experts recommend doing a maximum of three sessions a year to avoid over-processing the hair. Ask your stylist about the specific ingredients in the keratin solution to be on the safe side. If they don’t offer a formaldehyde-free treatment, cancel your appointment.

The cardinal rule of any hair straightening procedure is to leave the strands untouched for at least three days after the treatment. Allow the chemicals to set fully before doing anything to your hair – that means no washing, styling, tying, or twisting.

Aftercare is especially important as rebonding and keratin treatments can dry out the hair. Use TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Shampoo to add an extra boost of moisture. It’s made with KERA10 Protein Complex, which gives 10 salon benefits, from frizz control to enhanced shine.

Make your rebonded or keratin-treated hair last longer with TRESemmé Keratin Smooth KERA10 Smoothing Mask. The formula penetrates the hair 10 layers deep, keeping your mane soft, glossy, and manageable.

So, hair rebonding vs. keratin treatment? The choice ultimately depends on your preferences. Think carefully about the look you’re going for. Rebonding can semi-permanently straighten hair while keratin treatment is best for achieving frizz-free and shiny locks without ruining your natural curl pattern. Whichever option you choose, be sure to do it with an experienced professional!