Rebonding vs Smoothening: Difference and Comparison

Smooth, silky, and straight hair is every woman’s desire. Rebonding and Smoothening have set the trend forever. But it has always been confusing whether to go for Rebonding or put your hands towards Smoothening.

Both are similar procedures resulting in the same thing. Both are the most efficacious straightening treatments.

Key Takeaways

1. Rebonding alters hair structure using strong chemicals to straighten hair while smoothening involves using milder chemicals to improve hair texture and manageability.
2. Rebonding provides long-lasting, pin-straight hair, whereas smoothening produces a more natural, smoother appearance.
3. Smoothening causes less damage to hair than rebonding and is better suited for people with wavy or mildly curly hair.

Rebonding vs Smoothening

Rebounding refers to retrieving a missed shot in basketball. Smothering refers to a defensive technique in which players closely guard their opponent to stop them from making a thriving shot or pass. Both are important aspects of the game and require different skills and strategies.

Rebonding refers to the term rearranging the natural bonds. There is a lot that goes into the procedure of rebonding. Making your hair frizz-free and easy to manage.

Lot’s of chemicals are used in this procedure to turn wavy and curly hair pin-straight. It lasts for a longer period than others. 

Smoothening involves straightening hair besides making them extra smooth and silky. However, it uses fewer chemicals. It is suitable for slightly wavy hair and not much for heavy curls.

It’s a light process as compared to other treatments. It gives a natural look. This method gradually increases the smoothness.  

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Rebonding	Smoothening
Effects	Rebonding implicates straightening hair.	Smoothening implicates making your hair softer, smoother and frizz-free.
Time	The rebonding procedure takes a longer time.	The smoothening procedure takes less time.
Expenses	It is slightly expensive.	It is comparatively cheaper.
Longevity	It is said to be a permanent treatment. Lasts up to a year.	Temporary treatment. Lasts for about 2-5 months.
Hair Type	Suitable for voluminous and heavy curls.	Suitable for wavy hair.
Damage	Rebonding causes more damage.	Smoothening tends to cause less damage.

What is Rebonding?

Hair rebonding is a chemical procedure that turns curly hair straight. This method involves breaking the natural bonds chemically and rearranging the bonds to give a new look.

Rebonding is ideal for those who have frizzy, dry and unmanageable hair. It changes the whole texture of hair giving a nice smooth, sleek and straight look.

Once the hair is all set with rebonding, regular touch-ups are required. Your hair becomes more delicate as lots of chemicals are used. It needs an immense amount of care and attention. 

However, it may give you your desired hair but it also comes with side effects. The heat and toxic chemicals may damage your hair after which hair becomes more prone to breakage.

Also, this procedure may not suit every hair type like people with fine hair shouldn’t go for this. Aftercare of rebonding is also expensive. 

Rebonding gives you a whole new glance with pin-straight hair. Once you slip into this procedure, there’s no going back to your natural hair.

Rebonding works from the root of the scalp to the ends of hair. Hence, it changes the whole structure. Thus, investing in a good product is very important to maintain the hair regime.

What is Smoothening?

The smoothening procedure focuses on straightening hair along with making it softer, shinier and manageable. This procedure is ideal for people with wavy and light curls.

Smoothening is a temporary process that lasts about 2-5 months depending on your hair type. Protein and Keratin are the 2 ways of smoothening hair. However, this procedure also has some side effects. 

Formaldehyde is the chemical mainly used in Smoothening. It changes the texture but gives more of a natural look. It takes less time. Perfectly able to make hair glossy.

It takes approx 3-4 hrs depending on the length of the hair. It gives life to dull hair. Although, no permanent damage is caused to hair during the process of smoothening.  

There are a few side effects that should be taken care of. It’s a perfectly suitable treatment for people with thin hair. Uses of any kind of heat are strictly restricted as they may alter your smoothening.

The aftercare hair regime should also be followed with a good and specific product. You will be needing more touch-ups within a few months of the smoothening as it starts wearing off soon.

Nevertheless, it’s not going to furnish you with spiky straight hair.

Main Differences Between Rebonding and Smoothening

1. The Rebonding procedure results in pin-straight hair while Smoothening procedure results in not so poky straight hair.
2. The chemicals used in rebonding is different from that of smoothening.
3. Rebonding is a permanent treatment but Smoothening is a temporary treatment lasting 2-5 months.
4. Rebonding gives an artificial look whereas Smoothening gives more of a natural look.
5. Rebonding is ideal for heavy curls, frizzy and thick hair, on the other hand, Smoothening is absolute for light curls and wavy hair.
6. Rebonding causes more hair damage as compared to Smoothening.
7. Rebonding is a heavy procedure as compared to Smoothening which is a mild process.
8. In Rebonding there are more steps hence taking more time in the process while Smoothening involves not many steps.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7413427/
2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=MCW1CgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA262&dq=hair++Rebonding+and+Smoothening+difference&ots=A6wAeS9uTV&sig=48hjWWHFnAZA5MT-_q0SrIeBrI8

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023