Can Colored Hair Be Rebounded?

Yes, colored hair can be rebonded, but special care must be taken to minimize damage to the hair. Rebonding, a chemical process that straightens naturally curly hair, can lead to fading of hair color, dryness, and changes in texture when done on colored hair.

This article explores the effects of rebonding on colored hair in detail. It provides tips on how to safely rebond colored hair, including choosing a reputable stylist, pre-testing, and using mild formulas.

The article also discusses recommended wait times between coloring and rebonding sessions, how the rebonding process chemically transforms the hair, definitions of key terms, and answers specific FAQs like how soon you can rebond after coloring and whether you can rebond bleached hair.

Key points covered are the damage rebonding can cause to colored hair like fading, brittleness, and changes in texture, recommendations for minimizing damage like doing a strand test and avoiding heat styling, waiting at least 2 weeks between coloring and rebonding, how rebonding works by reforming bonds in the hair cortex, and precautions for rebonding bleached or recently colored hair.

Can colored hair be rebonded?

Yes, colored hair can be rebonded, but there are risks of damage to the hair. Rebonding uses chemicals to alter the inner structure of the hair cuticle to straighten curly hair. This chemical process can be damaging to color-treated hair.

The Effects of Rebonding on Colored Hair

• Damage to the hair shaft: The chemicals used in the rebonding treatment open up the cuticle layer and can remove color molecules deposited inside the hair shaft, causing fading. The harsh chemicals also make hair more porous, leading to dryness.
• Fading of hair color: Up to 30% of hair color, whether natural pigment or artificial dye, can be lost during the rebonding process. The intensity of the fade depends on the type of hair dye. Permanent colors tend to resist fading better than semi-permanent or temporary colors.
• Change in hair texture: The rebonding makes curly hair straighter by reshaping the internal structure of the hair. This chemical change can make some types of colored hair feel weaker, drier or appear thinner.
• Dryness and brittleness: The alkaline chemicals used in rebonding remove oils and moisture from the hair, making it drier. Hair feels coarser and may become brittle and prone to breakage.

Should I rebond or color my hair first?

It is best to get your hair colored first and then rebonded. Coloring hair after rebonding can be damaging to the straightened hair structure. Pre-colored hair is better able to withstand the harsh rebonding process. Get touch-up color treatments done at least 2 weeks before scheduled rebonding.

How to Rebond Colored Hair Safely?

• Choose a reputable stylist: Get rebonding done by an experienced professional at a trusted salon. They can determine the safest way to rebond colored hair based on factors like your hair type, texture, current color and desired results.
• Get a patch test: Insist on a patch test before the full head rebonding to see how your colored hair reacts. This will predict any potential damage.
• Use a mild rebonding solution: Opt for a gentle formula with nourishing oils and conditioners. Avoid formulations with higher concentrations of strong alkaline chemicals like sodium hydroxide.
• Be careful not to over-process your hair: Follow prescribed processing times. Excessive heat or over-processing leads to more color fade and hair damage.

Tips for Maintaining Colored Hair After Rebonding

• Use a good conditioner: Condition hair daily with a moisturizing, color-safe formula. Avoid products with sulfates or parabens which can cause more color fading.
• Avoid heat styling: Allow hair to air dry naturally instead of blow drying. Minimize use of hot tools like straighteners, curlers or hair dryers which cause more stress to rebounded colored hair.
• Get regular trims: Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and maintain healthy hair ends. Regular trims boost condition of rebounded colored hair.

How soon can you rebond hair after coloring?

It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks between color treatments and rebonding sessions. This gives the cuticles time to close completely and allows the color molecules to set inside the hair shaft. Rebonding too soon after coloring can lead to faster fading of hair color.

What is rebonding?

Rebonding, also known as a rebonder or rebonding treatment, is a chemical process that straightens naturally curly or wavy hair. It uses a creamy formula that breaks and reforms the disulfide bonds within the hair, permanently altering the shape of the hair strands. The rebonding lotion is applied and heat from a flat iron is used to achieve straight, smooth hair. It lasts 3-5 months on hair until new growth appears. Rebonding makes hair straighter and easier to style but can damage hair over time.

How Rebonding Works

Rebonding works by breaking and reforming the disulfide bonds in the hair cortex using chemicals. The most common active ingredient is sodium hydroxide mixed with conditioners and oils. It penetrates the cuticle layer and acts on the links inside the cortex to relax the natural curl and give straight hair.

The hair is sectioned and coated with the rebonding lotion, then straightened using a hot iron. The heat triggers the chemical reaction to reshape the internal structure. After processing, the hair is rinsed to remove chemicals and neutralize the pH, then conditioned and dried straight.

Can I color my rebonded hair after 1 month?

It is best to wait at least 6-8 weeks after getting your hair rebonded before applying color. The first month after rebonding is when the hair structure is most vulnerable. Coloring too soon can lead to issues like irritation, allergic reactions, and further damage or breakage. After 1 month, do a strand test first to see how the previously rebonded hair tolerates color. Use a gentle, conditioning hair dye formula.

Can colored hair be rebonded after bleaching?

Hair that has been bleached should not be rebonded immediately. Bleached hair is highly porous and deconditioned. Rebonding immediately after bleaching can cause severe damage like melting of the hair fibers, breakage, and loss of elasticity. Wait 4-6 weeks after bleaching to allow the hair cuticles to close and become less permeable before considering rebonding.

Use Olaplex or protein treatments to strengthen hair first. When rebonding, use the mildest formula and lowest effective heat setting. Expect more fading of bleached hair color during rebonding.