Everything You Need to Know About Soft Rebonding and Volume Rebonding

Everything You Need to Know About Soft Rebonding or Volume Rebonding

Rebonding (a.k.a. Thermal Straightening) has been the go-to in-salon service for many women who wants maximum manageability and straighter-looking hair. With the advancement of technology, Thermal Straightening no longer needs to be stiff and stick-straight looking anymore. Here's everything you need to know about Soft Rebonding and Volume Rebonding.

Special Thanks to Associate Director of Chez Vous: HideAway, Oscar Lee and Deon Liow, for contributing to this article. They specialise in such procedures. 


Does Soft Rebonding or Volume Rebonding create more body, volume and density?

Can Soft or Volume Rebonding create more body, volume and density?

The honest answer is NO, despite what other hairstylists might tell you. The reason is that straighter and frizz-reduced hair will always look less voluminous than frizzy, curly and wavy hair texture. Read on to find out more.


What are the Different Types of Rebonding Available Today?


Classic Rebonding

Classic or Conventional Rebonding

Classic Rebonding aims to straighten the hair to the full extent - hence flatter. This results in completely straight and sometimes rigid-looking hair.

Note: Classic Rebonding is not suitable for shorter-length hairstyles such as Bob. Because, the ends will usually look stiff and "hard" - unless you're going for a blunt cut look.


Soft Rebonding

Soft Rebonding

Soft Rebonding aims to create "naturally" straight-looking hair with reduced stiffness by:

  • Using milder straightening lotions; and/or
  • Reduced processing time; and/or
  • Minimised tension (or compression), lower heat and lesser repetition when ironing the hair

Note: Soft Rebonding might not work for incredibly thick, curly or wavy hair. As it lacks the straightening intensity required to smoothen such hair texture.


Volume Rebonding

Volume Rebonding

This type of Rebonding is similar to Soft Rebonding. But, this technique requires the hairstylists to bend (or curve) the hair when ironing and neutralizing. This is especially so at the crown and hair ends area.

In drier climates, this can create a slight "lift" at the crown. But, in humid climates like Singapore, it merely prevents the roots from overly "sticking" on the scalp (a.k.a不让根部太贴头皮). Now, do you understand why the term Volume Rebonding is pretty misleading in Singapore's context?

Another misconception customers have is that Volume Rebonding can create a J or C curl effect on hair ends. Yes and No. The J or C curl effect created solely via Volume Rebonding is temporal and short-lived. The main purpose of bending the hair ends into a C or J shape is to ensure that the hair ends doesn't look stiff or stick-straight. This is to create a more natural-looking finish. Customers who wish to sport C or J curls will have to combine both Volume Rebonding and Perm services together to achieve so.


Treatment Rebonding

Treatment Rebonding

It involves the application of targeted hair "goodness" into the hair during the procedure. This is to reduce the damage posed to our hair.

  • Bond Strengthening Concentrates: To strengthen hair bonds and fight against breakage
  • Proteins: To reduce porosity and promote elasticity
  • Moisture: To replenish the moisture loss during the process
  • Cuticle Protection: To "close" our cuticles to promote smoothness and provide heat protection

Including treatments throughout the thermal straightening process is common in most premium hair salons. 


What are the Different Thermal Straightening Technologies Available Today?

Different Types of Rebonding Technologies

Thioglycolic Acids:

A type of salt and a reducing agent that helps break the Disulfide bonds in our hair. So that we can re-shape it during the thermal straightening procedure.

  • Potential of Hydrogen: Alkaline
  • Intensity: High
  • Effectiveness: High

Cysteamine:

a.k.a. Thio-free lotions. Cysteamine also breaks down disulfide bonds in our hair without over-swelling the hair. Thus, it reduces the damage caused to it.

  • Potential of Hydrogen: Neutral to Slightly Alkaline
  • Intensity: Mild
  • Effectiveness: Medium

Cysteamine is used commonly in Soft Rebonding procedures.

Glyceryl Mono Thioglycolate (GMT):

Similar to Thioglycolic Acids, but this technology does not swell the hair - thus reducing damage posed to it. That said, this technology can break down hair bonds effectively during the straightening procedure for non-resistant hair (i.e. for non-coarse hair or hair that are not extremely curly).

It is the same technology used in Chez Vous' Anti-damage Soft Rebonding and Movement Perm service. GMT is by far the least damaging option, as of now.

  • Potential of Hydrogen: Neutral to Slightly Acidic
  • Intensity: Medium
  • Effectiveness: Medium

An experienced hairstylist will usually customise these technologies depending on one's hair texture, condition and desired results. Thus, it is not surprising that they might use different brands of lotion in a single straightening service.


Alert: The future is bright for Thermal Straightening. Because rumours have it that zero bond-breaking lotions have been successfully formulated and will be launched in the upcoming year(s). Hello to minimal-damage straightening services!


What are the Pros of Soft or Volume Rebonding?

"Naturally" Straight-looking Hair

No More Stiff & Stick-straight-looking Hair

Stick-straight hair created via conventional Thermal Straightening technique tends to lack movement and airiness. This can overly-frame the face, magnifying flaws and cause us to look stern. But, that's no longer the case with Soft Rebonding or Volume Rebonding techniques.


Minimal Maintenance is Required

Utmost Manageability with Minimal Maintenance

Unlike Keratin Treatment that requires heat daily to activate its smoothness, Soft or Volume Rebonding doesn't need heat to do so. Meaning, we can now wake up to manageable hair without the fuss of styling it. Say yeah to longer sleeping hours!

An important point to note: We need to change our homecare routine to maintain the appearance of healthy-looking hair post-Thermal Straightening.


  • After every shampoo, use a treatment masque instead of a conditioner

A treatment masque will not only condition and detangle the hair. It will also strengthen it to reduce porosity hence combat dullness. And boost elasticity to lessen breakage.


  • Apply a leave-in conditioner with heat-protection when hair is damp

Moisturizing our hair reduces friction. Always remember, friction causes irreversible damage to our cuticles, reducing the shine and increasing the appearance of split-ends.


  • Use medium heat to blow dry hair

Avoid leaving our hair damp for a prolonged period. When hair is wet, it swells and causes internal stress. This damages the cuticles and weakens the hair considerably in the long run.


Hello to Healthier-looking Hair

Healthier-Looking Hair

Frizz-free and straight hair tends to look healthier. That's because smoother surface reflects light better - hence increased shine.


What are the Cons of Soft or Volume Rebonding?

Cons of Rebonding

Retouch Required Every 3 to 4 Months

Our hair grows around 2 inches every 4 months, and these newly grown hair needs to be Rebonded to blend in with the hair ends.


Sub-optimal Future Perm Results

Any chemical services, including Thermal Straightening, affects the hair's elasticity. Thus, there is a possibility that future perm services on Rebonded hair will turn out sub-optimal and uneven. Because elasticity is vital when it comes to curls formation. Tips: NEVER Ask for a Rebonding service that lasts for "very long". Because such procedures will impact hair's elasticity drastically as hair will need to be softened to the maximum level. It is recommended for your Volume Rebonding or Soft Rebonding service to last for 3 to 6 months. This way, chances of you perming it in future is higher.

Tips: NEVER Ask for a Rebonding service that lasts for "very long". Because such procedures will impact hair's elasticity drastically and is more prone to severe damage, as hair will need to be softened to the maximum level. It is recommended for your Volume Rebonding or Soft Rebonding service to last for 3 to 6 months. This way, chances of you perming it in future is higher (and safer).


Risk Involved when Blending Roots with Previously Straightened Mid to Hair Ends

Rebonding straightens hair "permanently" to a certain extent. The reason why Rebonded hair can sometimes be frizzy over time is due to the hair's natural ageing process. Or damage caused by other chemical services (and even the lack of care for it).

That said, doing roots to ends straightening service is not advisable to prevent accumulated damaged and breakage. Usually, Thermal Straightening the roots and running the lotion through the hair at the end of the processing will suffice.

However, there is a risk of insufficient straightening between the newly rebonded hair and previously rebonded hair. This might result in a "dent". But fret not, that's usually a quick fix or retouch.


Be conservative when it comes to processing

At Chez Vous, we are for the idea of being conservative, followed by retouch if required. Because aggressive softening and processing of roots to ends may result in irreversible breakage.


What Must You Know First Before Undergoing Through a Rebonding Procedure?

Things to Note Prior to Rebonding

Treat Your Hair Regularly Prior to the Service Date

Strengthening and moisturising your hair with masques regularly will better prep the hair for the service - creating better end results.


There Will Still Be Damaged

All chemical services will pose a certain degree of damage to the hair. Though, that has been greatly minimised with the advancements of technology and techniques - such as Chez Vous' Anti-damage Soft Rebonding.


You Can't Undo Rebonding (Most of the time)

Remember, Thermal Straightening is an (almost) permanent procedure.


Warning: You Need to Take Care of Your Hair After Rebonding

Aftercare for Rebonding is Extremely Important

Rebonding gives us the illusion that our hair is healthy, hence we tend to neglect them after the procedure. Moreover, many of us also have the misconception that we can Rebond our hair again if they start to turn frizzy, dry and damaged. But that's not true.

Remember, we should not perform a full-strength Rebonding service on previously Rebonded hair to prevent breakage.

In fact, Rebonded hair needs extra care to prolong its healthy-looking appearance:

  • Replace your conditioner with a lightweight reparative hair masque to combat breakage. (e.g. Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque)
  • Apply a heat-protectant before blow-drying your hair to fight against dryness.
  • Never let your hair dry naturally to prevent prolonged internal swelling - which can increase the porosity of the hair.
  • Go for monthly in-salon hair treatments such as K-Gloss, Express Revitalising Supreme or Tokio Inkarami Hair Treatment to protect our cuticles, strengthen the hair, and replenish the moisture and protein content of it.

Special Thanks to Associate Director of Chez Vous: HideAway, Oscar Lee and Deon Liow, for contributing to this article. They specialise in such procedures. 


Have any more doubts with regards to Thermal Straightening, or any other hair or hairstyle related concerns? Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or drop us a message via our Instagram and Facebook page. We are more than happy to assist you!



ABOUT CHEZ VOUS: HIDEAWAY CONCEPT SALON

Click here to know more about Chez Vous HideAway

The all-new Chez Vous: HideAway Concept Store is designed by the multi-award-winning hair salon Chez Vous. As its second outlet, it sets to disrupt and revolutionize the way people think of a hair salon experience. This next-generation hairstyling space is part salon, part sanctuary and part-playhouse.

Aside from the comprehensive menu of hair services, guests can enjoy a whole host of value-added "spa"-like touches. Taking one's salon experience to a whole new level of luxury.

Guests will also be pleased to know that each associate director takes up to 5 appointments. Each 2-hour slot for chemical services, in a day. This is to ensure that we have ample time and optimal attention to work on each guest's hair.

The best part? It is highly affordable with our ultra-transparent tiered pricing. Bonus: There's even a "Strictly No Packages or Hard-selling" policy put in place.

  • $199 for 1 X Haircut + 1 X Basic Service (e.g. 1-tone colour without bleach)
  • $299 for 1 X Haircut + 2 X Basic Services (e.g. 1-tone colour without bleach + Tokio Inkarami Hair Treatment)
  • $399 for 1 X Haircut + 3 X Basic Services (e.g. Balayage with lightener + Toning + Tokio Inkarami Hair Treatment)

*Additional top-up of $99 on top of the service bundles for Premium Services such as Keratin Treatment, 10-step Treatment Digital Perm or Rebonding, and Growth Factor Scalp Therapy

**Price applies for all hair length, subjected to 7% G.S.T.


Chez Vous: HideAway concept salon is conveniently hidden at 391B Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower B, #14-04. To make a reservation, call 6219 3558, during opening hours. We hope to see you soon.

Flagship Store

391 Orchard Road,
Ngee Ann City Podium,
#05-05, S238872

Private Space

391B Orchard Road, 
Ngee Ann City Tower B,
#08-01, S238874

HideAway

391B Orchard Road, 
Ngee Ann City Tower B,
#14-04, S238874

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