Hair fall after rebonding: breakage or real hair loss?

Rebonding is one of the most popular salon treatments in Malaysia. It gives sleek, straight hair that lasts for months. But many people notice more hair in the brush, the shower or on the pillow in the weeks after a treatment. Is the hair falling from the root, or is it breaking? And is it something to worry about? This guide explains what rebonding does to hair and what you can do about it.

What rebonding does to your hair

Rebonding is a form of chemical straightening. A chemical cream is applied to break the internal bonds that give hair its natural shape. The hair is then straightened, usually with a hot flat iron, and a second solution is applied to set the new shape.

Straightening products, along with dyes and some shampoos, can change the structure of the hair fibre and strip away lipids and protein ¹. The AAD lists relaxing and perming among the hair-care habits that can damage hair ². Rebonding also involves a lot of heat, and the AAD warns that excessive heat can damage any type of hair ³.

What the research shows

A Brazilian review looked at 33 studies on chemical straighteners ⁴. In some studies, straighteners were associated with:

• Eczema, flaking, pain, burns and inflammation of the scalp
• Hair loss
• Damage to the hair shaft
• Changes in hair colour and in the amino acids that make up hair protein

The authors noted that findings vary between studies and that the long-term effects remain unknown. They also noted that formaldehyde and related chemicals were being used for straightening in Brazil despite being prohibited ⁴.

A review of hair cosmetics lists hair breakage, follicle traction, frizz and contact dermatitis among the possible side effects of misusing hair cosmetics ¹.

Breakage or hair loss?

Most hair "falling" after rebonding is breakage. Weakened hair snaps along the strand, often near the line where new growth meets treated hair, or at the ends.

Signs it is breakage

• Short pieces of hair with no white bulb at the end
• Frizzy, uneven lengths
• Hair that feels rough, stiff or straw-like

Signs it may be hair loss

• Full-length hairs with a small white bulb at the root
• A wider parting or patches of thinner hair
• A burnt, sore or inflamed scalp

The AAD explains that damaged hair is fragile and breaks, and that continued damage may eventually lead to thinning or bald spots ². Learn more in hair breakage vs hair loss.

Scalp burns and irritation

Straightening chemicals can cause scalp burns and inflammation ⁴. If your scalp stings strongly during treatment, ask the stylist to rinse the product off right away. After the treatment, see a doctor if you notice:

• Blisters, open sores or crusting
• Scalp pain that does not settle
• Hair coming out in patches

A badly damaged scalp needs medical care, not more hair products.

Before your next rebonding

These steps can reduce the risk of damage:

• Leave plenty of time between treatments. The AAD advises adding more time between touch-ups ².
• Do one chemical service at a time. If you want to colour as well, the AAD suggests doing the relaxer or perm first and colouring two weeks later ².
• Treat only new growth. Ask the stylist to apply the chemical to the newly grown section rather than to hair that has already been straightened.
• Ask what is in the product. Avoid products that release strong fumes or that the salon cannot explain.
• Skip rebonding when your scalp is sore, sunburnt or has a rash.

Caring for rebonded hair

Rebonded hair needs gentle handling. The AAD recommends ^{2 3 5}:

• Use conditioner after every shampoo.
• Wrap hair in a towel to absorb water instead of rubbing it.
• Handle wet hair as little as possible, and comb gently with a wide-tooth comb.
• Use a flat iron only on dry hair, on a low or medium setting, and no more often than every other day.
• Let hair air dry when possible, or use the lowest dryer setting.
• Avoid tight ponytails and buns, which add pulling on weakened hair. See traction alopecia.

Will the hair grow back?

If the damage is to the hair strand only, the follicles are still working. New, untreated hair will keep growing, and the damaged lengths can be trimmed over time.

If the scalp was badly burnt or inflamed, or you have patches of hair loss, see a doctor or dermatologist. Hair fall can also have causes unrelated to rebonding, such as stress, illness or genetics. See sudden severe hair fall.

The bottom line

Rebonding uses strong chemicals and heat that can weaken hair so it breaks, and can sometimes irritate or burn the scalp. Most hair fall after rebonding is breakage, not loss from the root. Spacing out treatments, doing one chemical service at a time and caring gently for treated hair lowers the risk. See a doctor if your scalp is hurt or you notice patches of hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

Does rebonding cause hair loss?

It can. A review of 33 studies found chemical straighteners linked with hair loss, shaft damage and scalp inflammation in some studies ⁴.

Why does my hair break after rebonding?

Straightening chemicals and heat can weaken the hair fibre, so it snaps more easily ^{1 2}.

How often can I rebond my hair?

There is no set rule. The AAD advises more time between touch-ups and only one chemical service at a time ².

What should I do if my scalp burns after rebonding?

See a doctor if you have blisters, sores, ongoing pain or patches of hair loss. Straighteners can cause scalp burns ⁴.

Educational content. Not medical advice.