Hair rebonding and straightening treatments have been popular among women for years, thanks to their glossy, frizz-free results. However, Dr. Gurveen Waraich recently shared a video on Instagram, cautioning against these hair treatments. She warned about the harmful ingredients often used in the process and urged people to be mindful of the risks. While many love the sleek hair these treatments offer, it's important to consider the potential dangers.

Warning against such treatments Waraich said, "Hair rebonding or straightening is like suicide for your baal (hair), and I don't even like that." She explained that these treatments contain harmful chemicals that can cause significant hair damage. Dr Waraich advised against undergoing such procedures, sharing that she avoids them and urging others to carefully consider the risks before choosing them.

Her video left many social media users confused and unsure about continuing their favourite hair treatments. To get more insight, we spoke to Dr DM Mahajan, a senior dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, about her statement.

Dr Mahajan said, “Hair rebonding and straightening treatments are popular for getting sleek, straight hair, but they can seriously damage your hair. When we say these treatments are 'like suicide for your hair,' it’s because they can harm the structure of the hair fibre."

Rebonding and straightening treatments, once popular for smooth, straight hair, are now raising health concerns. The lasting smoothness comes from harmful chemicals applied to the hair and sometimes the scalp. Rebonding uses harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and keratin while straightening uses chemicals like keratin, amino acids, or plant extracts.

Here’s a look at the potential harm these treatments can cause and how to avoid them.

Why Rebonding and Straightening are bad for you

According to Dr. Mahajan, "Hair rebonding uses chemical relaxers that break the hair’s natural bonds to change its structure. While this makes hair smooth and straight, it also weakens it. The chemicals, especially those with formaldehyde, can damage the protein structure of your hair, causing dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Over time, this constant stress can lead to irreparable damage, making hair more likely to develop split ends and thin out."

Risks to Scalp Health

The damage isn't just limited to hair. Dr Mahajan warns that prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can irritate the scalp, causing itching, redness, and even hair loss in severe cases. If treatments are done too often or incorrectly, the cumulative damage can become permanent.

How to prevent

Although, if you need to undergo hair rebonding, there are ways to reduce the damage. Dr Mahajan suggests, "Always consult a licensed professional and ensure they use high-quality, less-damaging products. After the treatment, it’s essential to use nourishing hair masks, deep conditioning treatments, and regular trims to replenish moisture and strength. Also, avoid frequent touch-ups and allow your hair enough time to recover between treatments."

In the end, whether hair rebonding or straightening is suitable for you depends on your hair type, texture, and what you prefer. However, it’s crucial to weigh the potential risks against the benefits before making your decision.