Rebonding is actually quite a dangerous process for the hair because it breaks the hair bond, thereafter, to restructure (straighten) it with a flat iron/heat, and finally re-bond (join) it back. If the hair condition is not ideal, the risk of hair breaking is fairly high. This is why you have to always go for a highly trusted brand. So which brand is good for our Asian hair type?
This will be quite a long and educational article to explore deeper on rebonding products. If you’re doing rebonding often, this will be a very good read!
As our stylists have been working with different rebonding products for many years, from very reputable brands to very affordable brands, there are several major differences between the different brands. We are being very honest with our opinions to address what we feel are the concerns of our customers when they are rebonding before coming to a conclusion. The major differences are -
Smell of chemicals
Rebonding usually has got 2 different chemical products, primarily named number 1 and 2, for the different steps of the process. One is the breaking down of the hair bonds, and another is to re-bond it back. A less reputable brand will save costs on creating a comfortable blend of smells that balances out the smell of heavy chemicals.
However, most of the brands (even the better ones) usually have a slight smell on the number 1 product because this is the heavier chemical among the two. It is the smell of the number 2 product that makes the difference between the different brands.
Naturalness of the outcome
Some salons (including us) will offer normal or soft rebonding. It is the same thing, just that the softer version uses rebonding products of lesser strength, to produce a softer effect. The downside of this is that this lower strength of rebonding might not be able to allow the straightening effect to last longer. It’s similar to taking half a dose of medicine and expecting it to work as a full dose instead.
Usually, the more reputable brand will have lesser issues producing the natural effect even with the normal strength because it replenishes moisture back to the hair at the same time, to prevent it from looking very dry and dead-straight, like plastic. Most of the concerns of rebonding are to look straight and natural. For some hair, one look and you know this hair has been chemically processed before. Could be due to flatness or overly glossy (plastic feel).
Chemical formulation
I mentioned the smell on top, this is part of the chemical formulation too. To create a rebonding product, different ingredients and chemicals in various proportions are blended together. Costs can be easily cut in 2 areas, moisturizing and smell. These 2 areas will be the determinant for the different brands.
Some of our customers might want to save cost on rebonding by choosing a more affordable brand but the other end of this option is that they have also chosen to leave out the smell and moisturizing. The smell of the product during the process is only a short temporary process, less important, but the moisturizing part is crucial.
The rebonding process involves a lot of heat and pulling of the hair strand. Without the moisturizing counterpart, the hair might be looking straight but it’s taking a lot of damage. In the long run, you might realize that as you rebond the hair next time and subsequent times, each time it gets drier and drier, and with some breakage issues.
Stability of product
Because of the chemical formulation, some products might work well only during the first use, as the hair condition might be good to mask some negative effects. Referencing the above point, some brands break the bonds only, and brands that break the bond but gently protect the hair at the same time (moisturizing). This means, depending on the hair condition, the outcome might be different if you compare it with the first use and the second or third use.
In the most ideal scenario, the product has to be an all-in-one product so that we can expect it to produce the same good results every single time, or at least not to damage the hair further.
So what is the conclusion?
Having listed the above points, it is rather difficult to find a product that is suitable for Asian hair and yet meets all the necessary requirements. However, after years of trying many different rebonding products, we still think the classic option is the best. The conclusion?
Shiseido Crystallizing Straight Rebonding
To start, an Asian rebonding brand would have the best interest for asian hair as this is their area of forte. Shiseido is primarily a cosmetic company founded in Japan in 1872, that’s like 150 years ago. They have products for hair care, body care, skincare, makeup, and even fragrance.
With such a solid and powerhouse foundation, they have made use of their skincare capabilities on their hair care product. For this current improved version of the Shiseido Crystallizing Straight Rebonding, it is permanently improved with an infusion of their super hyaluronic power.
Hyaluronic is provided by the body naturally as a moisture acid to lubricate our skin tissues. It has a crucial role in skin health (effectively alleviating dry skin) and bone healing. You might have seen top-tier skincare products with this ingredient because this is a highly powerful and effective ingredient.
One of the differences between different rebonding products is the moisturizing counterpart in the chemicals. With hyaluronic acid as one of the key ingredients, together with Camellia Oil, the hair is replenished with vital moisture as it undergoes the straightening process, with increased smoothness, shine, soft and natural texture.
In addition to the key moisturizing ingredient, this version of the upgraded product also includes a drastically minimized unpleasant odor from the chemicals. There is a blend of fruity and floral fragrances added to make this restructuring experience highly pleasant with a reduced chemical smell.
In my opinion, it’s really good as it is not just about the hair, the entire 2 to 3 hours experience is made better. For me personally, it’s a little suffocating to keep smelling chemicals. This improved experience is welcomed with open arms. Haha.
One final point to take note of this product is that it is not just a cream, it’s an oil-in-water gel, this makes it easier for the penetration into the hair cuticle, allowing the solution to seep deep into each hair strand, gently separating the bonds with the moisturizing agent working hand-in-hand.
This delicate form of the product enhances both the stability and outcome because if you want a good outcome, it has to work well effectively, and efficiently in the first place without difficulty. And this Shiseido crystallizing solution passes the test with flying colors.
Lastly, this is the part that will make your wallet jump with joy. We are having our October promotion -
Shiseido Crystallizing Straight Rebonding @ $118
For all hair lengths inclusive of haircut and collagen treatment
Known to produce a natural and long-lasting straightness
That’s about it! If you have any hair ideas in your mind, talk to us! We can discuss how to bring those ideas to life. Or if you have been wanting to try perming or fancy colors, we’re always around! Haha. Will put our relevant information below. Thank you for reading, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay pretty!
To explore our coloring style, check out our underlight (peekaboo highlights) article here.
Twilight Studio
10 Anson Rd
#02-49 International Plaza
Singapore 079903
62600249 (call) 88110249 (whatsapp)
Operating hours
Weekdays (11am to 8.30pm)
Weekends (11am to 7.30pm)
Closed on Wednesday