Rebonding vs. Smoothing — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 7, 2023
Rebonding is a chemical hair treatment for permanently straight hair, while Smoothing makes hair sleeker using less intensive chemicals.
Difference Between Rebonding and Smoothing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rebonding is a popular hair treatment that involves using chemicals to break natural bonds of hair and restructure them to achieve permanently straight hair. Smoothing, on the other hand, is another hair treatment that employs less intensive chemicals to provide a sleeker look without drastically altering hair's natural structure.
With Rebonding, the chemicals used can be quite strong, permanently altering the structure of hair to maintain its straight form. Smoothing is gentler, ensuring that the hair gets a refined look, but the results are semi-permanent, lasting only for a few months.
People seeking pin-straight hair often opt for Rebonding because of its permanent results. Meanwhile, those desiring a natural, smooth appearance without making a long-term commitment usually choose Smoothing.
Aftercare is vital for both treatments. Post Rebonding, one must avoid tying or washing the hair for several days to let the treatment settle. With Smoothing, the aftercare can be less stringent, though the use of specific shampoos or conditioners might be recommended.
In terms of cost, Rebonding might be more expensive due to the longevity and drastic transformation it provides. Smoothing can be relatively more affordable, but since it's semi-permanent, one might need to redo it more frequently.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Intensity
Strong chemicals
Milder chemicals
Duration of Result
Permanent
Semi-permanent (few months)
Result
Pin-straight hair
Natural, smooth appearance
Aftercare
Stringent (e.g., no washing for days)
Less stringent with product recommendations
Cost
Generally more expensive
Relatively affordable but might need frequent redoing
Compare with Definitions
Rebonding
A salon service for a drastic hair texture change.
The salon offered a discount on their Rebonding package.
Smoothing
A salon service offering a natural-looking result.
The beauty salon introduced a new Smoothing technique with organic ingredients.
Rebonding
A transformative hair therapy for lasting straight hair.
She chose Rebonding to say goodbye to her curls permanently.
Smoothing
A treatment for a sleeker hair appearance.
Smoothing gave her hair a smooth finish without eliminating her natural waves.
Rebonding
A hair treatment for permanent straightness.
After Rebonding, she flaunted her pin-straight hair with pride.
Smoothing
A method for taming frizzy hair without permanent alteration.
Smoothing was her go-to choice to combat humidity-induced frizz.
Rebonding
A method to restructure hair's natural bonds.
Rebonding uses chemicals to break and rebuild hair bonds for straightness.
Smoothing
Having a surface free from irregularities, roughness, or projections; even.
Rebonding
A procedure using strong chemicals to alter hair bonds.
Rebonding requires a few days of strict aftercare for the best results.
Smoothing
Free from waves or disturbances; calm
The lake is smooth today.
Rebonding
Infl of rebond
Smoothing
Free from hair, whiskers, or stubble
Felt his smooth cheek after the close shave.
Smoothing
Having a short dense flat coat. Used of dogs.
Smoothing
Having a fine texture
A smooth fabric.
Smoothing
Having an even consistency
A smooth pudding.
Smoothing
Having an even or gentle motion or movement
A smooth ride.
Smoothing
Having no obstructions or difficulties
A smooth operation.
A smooth trip.
Smoothing
Easy-going; serene
A smooth temperament.
Smoothing
Not sharp or bitter in taste
A smooth wine.
Smoothing
Delicately pleasing to the ear; not harsh or grating
A smooth voice.
Smoothing
Ingratiatingly polite and agreeable
Known for his smooth remarks.
Smoothing
To make (something) even, level, or unwrinkled
Smoothed the fabric with an iron.
Smoothing
To rid of obstructions, hindrances, or difficulties
A real estate agent who smoothed the process of applying for a mortgage.
Smoothing
To soothe or tranquilize; make calm
The president tried to smooth over the hurt feelings of the disputing factions.
Smoothing
To cause to appear less harsh or severe than is the case
Don't try to smooth over their faults.
Smoothing
To become smooth.
Smoothing
The act of smoothing.
Smoothing
A smooth surface or part.
Smoothing
Present participle of smooth
Smoothing
The act by which something is made smooth.
Smoothing
Monophthongization.
Smoothing
A milder alternative to hair straightening.
For a semi-permanent solution, she opted for Smoothing.
Smoothing
A procedure using gentler chemicals for hair refinement.
The Smoothing treatment left her hair feeling soft and manageable.
Common Curiosities
Is Smoothing as intense as Rebonding?
No, Smoothing uses milder chemicals compared to Rebonding.
How long does the result of Smoothing typically last?
Smoothing results typically last a few months.
Do both Rebonding and Smoothing require aftercare?
Yes, both treatments require aftercare, with Rebonding often being more stringent.
Is Rebonding suitable for all hair types?
While Rebonding can be done on most hair types, it's best to consult with a hairstylist to assess hair health and suitability.
Which treatment, Rebonding or Smoothing, is more natural-looking?
Smoothing offers a more natural-looking result compared to Rebonding.
Can Smoothing eliminate natural waves in hair?
Smoothing refines the hair texture without completely eliminating natural waves.
Are there any restrictions post Rebonding treatment?
Yes, post Rebonding, one must often avoid washing or tying the hair for several days.
Which treatment is more costly, Rebonding or Smoothing?
Generally, Rebonding is more expensive than Smoothing.
Which treatment offers permanent straight hair, Rebonding or Smoothing?
Rebonding offers permanent straight hair.
How do the chemicals in Rebonding work on hair?
Rebonding chemicals break the natural bonds of the hair and restructure them for straightness.
Which treatment, Rebonding or Smoothing, has a longer recovery time?
Rebonding generally has a longer recovery time compared to Smoothing.
How frequently can one get Smoothing done?
Smoothing can be redone once the effects wear off, usually in a few months, but it's essential to consider hair health.
Can one switch between Rebonding and Smoothing treatments?
Yes, but it's crucial to give hair ample time to recover between treatments and consult a hairstylist.
Is Smoothing a good option for slightly frizzy hair?
Yes, Smoothing is an excellent option for taming slight frizz and enhancing hair texture.
Can Smoothing treatments contain organic ingredients?
Yes, some salons offer Smoothing treatments with organic ingredients.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.