Rebonding is a popular hair treatment that makes hair sleek, straight, and shiny. Many people opt for rebonding to get rid of frizz, curliness, or unruly hair. However, the process involves applying chemicals to break down the natural structure of your hair, and this can lead to hair damage, including hair fall. While hair fall is a common concern after rebonding, there are several ways to manage and minimize it. This article will guide you on how to stop hair fall after rebonding with easy-to-follow tips for proper hair care.
1. Understand the Rebonding Process
Rebonding is a chemical treatment that alters the natural texture of your hair. It involves applying a chemical solution that breaks the bonds in the hair shaft, making it straight. The hair is then restructured and locked into place using a neutralizing agent. The result is sleek, straight hair.
While the treatment leaves your hair looking smooth and shiny, it can also weaken the hair strands. This is because the chemical solution strips the hair of its natural oils and proteins, leaving it more vulnerable to breakage and damage. Excessive or improper use of these chemicals can lead to hair fall, as the weakened hair is more prone to falling out.
2. Why Does Hair Fall After Rebonding?
Several factors contribute to hair fall after rebonding, including:
Chemical Damage: The chemicals used in the rebonding process, such as relaxers or straighteners, can be harsh on the hair, stripping it of essential nutrients and weakening the hair follicles.
Hair Dryness: Rebonding can make hair dry and brittle. The lack of moisture can lead to hair breakage and fall.
Overprocessing: Over-processing or leaving the chemical solution on the hair for too long can result in excessive damage to the hair structure, making it more prone to fall.
Lack of Aftercare: Not following the right aftercare routine can further exacerbate hair fall after the treatment. Rebonded hair requires special attention to maintain its health.
3. Post-Rebonding Hair Care: Essential Tips to Prevent Hair Fall
After rebonding, your hair requires gentle care and nourishment to maintain its strength and vitality. Below are some essential tips to stop hair fall and maintain healthy hair after rebonding.
Hydrate Your Hair with Deep Conditioning
The chemicals used in rebonding can leave your hair dry and brittle. To restore moisture and prevent hair fall, incorporate deep conditioning into your routine. Look for deep conditioning treatments designed for chemically treated hair. These products are specially formulated to nourish and repair the hair.
How to Deep Condition: Apply a generous amount of conditioner to your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water. You can also use hair masks once a week for added hydration.
Use Natural Oils: Natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil are excellent for moisturizing and nourishing rebonded hair. Massage the oil into your scalp and hair, leave it on for a few hours or overnight, and then wash it off.
Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Sulfates are harsh cleansing agents found in many shampoos. They can strip the hair of its natural oils, which is particularly harmful to rebonded hair. To prevent further dryness and hair fall, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle on the hair.
Why Sulfate-Free: Sulfate-free shampoos preserve the natural moisture balance of your hair and help maintain its health post-rebonding. They also reduce the chances of hair breakage and fall.
Shampooing Tip: Avoid over-washing your hair. Washing your hair too often can further dry it out. Instead, wash it 2-3 times a week to keep it clean and moisturized.
Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can exacerbate hair damage, especially after rebonding. Rebonded hair is already delicate, and excessive heat can cause further breakage and thinning.
Let Your Hair Air Dry: Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. If you must use a blow dryer, use the lowest heat setting and keep the dryer at a safe distance from your hair.
Use Heat Protectant: If you need to use styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray before styling. This will help shield your hair from heat damage and reduce the risk of hair fall.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
Rebonded hair is prone to split ends and breakage. Regular trims are essential to prevent these issues and promote healthier hair growth.
How Often to Trim: Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Regular trims will also ensure that your hair stays strong and doesn’t break off.
Professional Care: Visit a professional stylist who specializes in treated hair for trims. They will know how to handle your hair with the proper techniques to avoid further damage.
Protect Your Hair from Environmental Damage
Your hair is exposed to environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, and harsh weather, all of which can damage chemically treated hair. Protecting your hair from these elements is crucial to prevent further damage and hair fall.
Wear a Hat: Wearing a hat or scarf can protect your hair from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
Use UV Protectant Products: Look for hair care products that contain UV filters to protect your hair from sun damage.
Avoid Chlorine: If you’re swimming in a pool, avoid getting your hair wet in chlorinated water, as chlorine can dry out and damage rebonded hair.
Be Gentle When Handling Your Hair
Your hair is more fragile after rebonding, so it’s essential to handle it gently to prevent unnecessary breakage and hair fall.
Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Avoid using fine-tooth combs or brushes on wet hair, as this can cause hair breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair gently.
Pat Dry: Instead of rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, pat it dry to reduce friction and prevent breakage.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a vital role in promoting healthy hair growth. Ensure that you are consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins that support hair health.
Vitamins and Minerals: Include foods high in vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as zinc, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients strengthen the hair follicles and support healthy hair growth.
Protein: Since hair is made up of keratin, a protein, consuming enough protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, seeds, and lean meats will help in repairing and strengthening your hair.
Use Hair Serums and Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners and serums are excellent for managing and protecting your rebonded hair. These products provide additional hydration, prevent tangling, and protect your hair from environmental stressors.
Choose Hair Serums Carefully: Look for hair serums that are lightweight and designed for chemically treated hair. These serums will help seal in moisture and give your hair a shiny, healthy look.
Leave-In Conditioner: After washing your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair soft, manageable, and hydrated throughout the day.
Avoid Chemical Treatments Immediately After Rebonding
It’s crucial to avoid any additional chemical treatments immediately after rebonding. Give your hair time to recover and heal from the chemical process before considering any other treatments.
Wait Before Coloring: If you want to color your hair, wait at least 6-8 weeks after rebonding before applying hair color. Coloring too soon can cause further damage and hair fall.
No More Chemical Stress: Avoid other chemical treatments like perming or relaxing until your hair has had sufficient time to recover.
Stress Management
Stress is a significant contributor to hair fall. The strain of daily stress, combined with the added stress from hair treatments, can increase hair loss.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These techniques help calm the mind and reduce the impact of stress on your hair.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body and hair recover.
4. When to See a Professional
If you notice excessive hair fall that doesn’t improve with proper hair care, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist or a trichologist (a specialist in hair and scalp disorders). They can assess the health of your hair and recommend professional treatments or medications to help restore its health.
Conclusion
Hair fall after rebonding is a common issue, but with the right care, it can be minimized or prevented. Follow the tips mentioned above, such as moisturizing your hair, using sulfate-free shampoos, avoiding heat styling, and maintaining a healthy diet. By treating your hair with care and using the right products, you can enjoy beautiful, healthy hair long after your rebonding treatment. Always remember that patience and consistency are key to maintaining your hair’s health.
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