Hairdressing is in fact a well-established and reputable career that is attractive due to its flexibility of operations and high demand. When you have completed your training, you can begin working at a salon or become an independent contractor. Best of all, hairdressing is a career that is suitable for either male or female – it is not gender stereotyped!

Besides learning how to style, cut or color hair, it is imperative that you are aware of other processes and techniques such as hair relaxation, hair rebonding and more. While both hair relaxation and hair rebonding uses chemicals to straighten hair, they have different end results. Read on to find out more about them and learn how to differentiate between the two hair straightening techniques.

About hair rebonding

Other terms such as thermal reconditioning and Japanese straightening are used to identify this hair straightening technique. The procedure was actually developed in Japan first and its roots were spread throughout many Asian countries and communities. Chemicals are used in the rebonding process and heat is later applied to straighten the hair. The chemicals used are usually a mixture of perming solution with strong chemicals such as ammonium thioglycolate, guanidine hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. The rebonding process is designed to break the hair bonds and a heated flat iron is used to reset the bonds to make the hair straight.

The rebonding procedure can last for up to seven months and the result is often beautiful-looking hair with a rich natural texture. You should note that rebonding is an irreversible procedure and hair damage is possible if the procedure is not done properly. Hence, individuals who rebond their hair must be advised to take care of it after the procedure. Many people are often happy with the results because their hair does not need additional styling. Everyone has a specific hair type to deal with and a hair stylist must be consulted beforehand. That’s when you step in!

About hair relaxation

Hair relaxation procedures are also used to straighten hair but they use chemicals that are different from their hair rebonding counterparts. The main difference of hair relaxing is that they do not fully straighten the hair, but rather soften kinky or very tight curls. In most cases, women who relaxed their hair have to straighten it afterwards if they want it completely straight.

The chemicals used in this process are usually lye-based like sodium hydroxide. Lye has a high pH level and is a strong alkaline. When left on for too long, it may cause scalp irritation but it can help straighten hair very quickly. Alternatively, individuals can go for non-lye relaxers like guanidine hydroxide as well.

Hair relaxation procedures are cost effective and do not take up a lot of time. As the process does not fully remove the curls in your hair, ongoing styling is required. Hair relaxation procedures, if done wrongly, can cause severe side effects such as dry hair, scalp irritation or even hair loss. Hence, it is of utmost importance that individuals relax their hair with professional and skilled licensed stylists at the right centers. With their expertise, they can apply the chemicals correctly and ensure that rinsing is done on time to prevent hair damage.

If you are interested in becoming a hairstylist and provide these hair straightening services to your future clients, you should receive certified training from reputable hairstyling schools in Ontario. What’s more, you will learn about many tools of the trade such as hair razors, combs, flat irons and more, when you are officially accepted into a hair styling course.