When you talk about smooth, snarl-free hair, two of the most sought-after treatments that automatically pop to one’s mind are rebonding and Extenso. Both treatments promise to deliver the gift of silky, straight hair, but they operate in different ways and for a variety of hair types and needs. If you’re confused over which to go for, you’re not the only one. Whether to go for a rebond or Extenso will in the end depend on different things, such as hair texture, hair condition, and the kind of look you want.

In today's blog, we shall delve into both rebonding and Extenso. We’ll cover how each treatment works, its pros and cons, potential risks, and which one might be the right pick for your hair. But by the time you’re done, you’ll have a better sense of which treatment will help you achieve smooth hair faster than ever.

What is Hair Rebonding?

Hair rebonding is a process that’s created to straighten the hair. It’s essentially breaking the bonds in your hair and then resettling them in the straight form. It is usually opted for by those who have very curly, frizzy or wavy hair and desire straight, sleek-looking hair.

How Does Hair Rebonding Work?

Hair Rebonding Process Hair Rebonding is generally done in three main steps:

Apply a Rebonding Cream

The process starts with the use of a chemical cream that helps to soften the hair and change its natural structure. This chemical solution sits on the hair for a while to break the bonds of the hair.

It’s Time To Iron

After the cream has worked in and done its magic, your stylist will whip out a flat iron to flatten it all out for you. This is the crucial step in assisting to reform the hair, making it smooth and straight.

Neutralization

A neutralizing formula is used on hair to restore the pH balance and lock in the straightened hair structure.

Rebonding delivers a super sleek straightened result and this can last for several months, depending on your care routine and the speed at which your hair grows. “Hair is a lot smoother and shinier with less frizz.

What is Extenso?

Extenso is also a hair treatment that straightens/ smoothes the hair, but it is not the same as rebonding, in terms of the technique and the result. Extenso Now, it’s a gentle and more advanced rebonding method that’s perfect for those who want silky, manageable hair minus the super straight hair effect that rebonding gives.

How Does Extenso Work?

The Extenso is also a chemical process, but unlike rebonding, it’s not intending to completely straighten the hair. Extenso works by loosening your natural curl and frizz, resulting in hair that's straighter and easier to manage, while still retaining some volume.

This is how the typical Extenso is performed:

Relaxing cream

Just like rebonding, a relaxing cream is applied to loosen the natural curl of your hair. But, this remedy works softer compared to chemicals apply in rebonding process.

Gentle Straightening

Once you have smoothed the cream through the hair and visit your stylist to have it flat-ironed, the idea isn’t to create Kim Kardashian-levels straight or drag a brush through it. Rather, we want to loosen the curls and lay the hair flat. The end effect is sort of shiny, but a little limp — and with some body, and some texture.

Neutralizing and Conditioning

The last application has three stages: 

1. a) The neutralizing emulsion, which neutralizes the perming action 
2. b) Conditions the hair leaving the hair in good condition and frizz free.

The result of an Extenso treatment is straight hair that is smooth, manageable and has a natural appearance. It is the perfect medium for someone who wants to lose the worst of the frizz and curl, but still keep a decent amount of volume and movement.

Differences Between Rebonding and Extenso

Though rebonding as well as Extenso are used for the same purpose, to give you shiny hair, here’s how they differ:

Effect on Hair Texture

Rebonding : The main purpose of rebonding is to utterly straighten your hair. Your hair will appear to be smooth, glossy and super straight after a rebonding session. In case you have curly or wavy hair, rebonding will turn it into pin-straight hair and none of your natural waves or curls will be able to be seen.

Extenso

Extenso, in contrast, loosens the curls and frizz without converting straight hair. It will still have some body and texture, but a more natural, smooth finish with a tiny bit of volume.

Suitability for Hair Types

Rebonding

People with very curly, rough and frizzy hair should opt for rebonding if they want it straight, smooth and sleek. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to try a long-lasting straightening treatment.

Extenso

Extenso is best for a slightly wavy or frizzy hair and who are looking for a straightening effect but not entirely. It’s also great for those with fine to medium hair that is difficult to control it still needs some volume.

Duration of Results

Rebonding 

The results from rebonding can stay for 6-8 months depending upon the rate at which your hair grows. But you need to have touch-ups as your natural hair grows in.

Extenso

Extenso generally lasts about 4 to 6 months. It’s less permanent than rebonding, but results in a softer, more natural look.

Damage to Hair

Rebonding

Rebonding requires stronger chemicals that can seriously ruin your hair if it’s not done right or if you don’t take proper care of it after treatment. The results are gorgeous, but over time this process can make hair dry and brittle.

Extenso

Extenso is relatively less harmful than rebonding as it involves the use of mild chemicals. This makes it a safer for anyone who doesn't want to risk overkill. The method is more gentle and does less damage to your hair, it's smoother and softer.

Maintenance

Rebonding

Care for rebonded hair is high maintenance. So you will have to take good care of your hair by following a hair care routine; make sure to use sulfate-free shampoos, condition regularly to keep the tresses smooth and healthy. As your natural hair starts to grow in, you may need to do touch-ups to keep it looking straight.

Extenso

It also needs aftercare but it is relatively easier to manage compared to rebonding. It’s a more natural-looking result and it just means that you don’t have to be as concerned about your roots showing. You can avoid looking at your head of hair as though it's a straw by using moisturizing products and conditioner frequently.

What is the Best Treatment for You?

The rebonding and Extenso both are hairstyling techniques. Speaking of big, thick and strong hair, these are and should be every girls dream whether long haired or short or mid length. So where’s there’s a will there’s a way. And if you want to go to salon but unsure what would work for your hair and what would not go for, choosing between rebonding and Extenso. That is the two times you should decide on your own.

If you have a very curly and thick hair and you want totally straight and smooth hair, rebonding may be the better alternative.If you have wavy hair, frizzy hair, or medium hair texture and you would like a more natural, easy to manage look with some volume, you will be better suited to Extenso.

If you want your hair to be pin straight for as long as possible but you don’t mind the maintenance, this is the answer. But if you’re looking for smooth hair with a natural look while still maintaining some body in your hair, Extenso might be the better fit.

In conclusion: Treat Your Hair Right!

Selecting the right hair treatment is crucial if you want to attain the hair style you desire while maintaining good hair health. Whether you go for rebonding or Extenso, you will be left with smoother, easier to manage hair.

Cheryls are proud to provide safe, excellent and professional hair care to all our patrons. Offering professional long-lasting hair care products and services for various hair types and needs, Cheryls ensures that you have the smooth, shiny, and healthy hair without sacrificing quality. Trust cheryls for your hair care and see and feel the difference.