The Home Spa Ritual: Unwind And Rebalance Post-Rebonding

Hair rebonding is a chemical process that alters your hair's appearance, making it straight and smooth. After the procedure, your hair is weak and brittle, so it's important to take extra care of it. Here are some tips for a relaxing spa day at home to help you take care of your newly rebonded hair:

- Don't wash your hair immediately after the treatment. It is recommended to wait at least 2-3 days before washing, and when you do, use cold water to keep your hair moisturised.

- Always apply conditioner when using shampoo. This will help to rehydrate your hair and maintain its pH level.

- Use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to reduce friction and prevent further stress on your hair.

- Avoid tying your hair tightly or using hairbands for at least 3-4 days after the treatment.

- Apply coconut oil or a coconut oil mixture to your hair. Coconut oil is quickly absorbed and will help to moisturise and heal any damage.

- Have a regular hair trim to remove split ends and promote hair growth.

- Avoid another chemical hair treatment for at least 6 months. The numerous chemicals used in these procedures can put a lot of strain on your hair.

Now, for your spa day at home:

- Draw a hot bath. Add bath salts, essential oils, or other ingredients to enhance your experience. You can also add milk and oatmeal for a moisturising effect or almond, jojoba, or coconut oil for softer skin.

- Exfoliate your skin using a loofah or body scrub.

- Give yourself a facial. Exfoliate your face gently, then do a steam treatment by heating a small pot of water on the stove and holding your head over it with a towel draped over your head. Follow this with a face mask and moisturiser.

- Remove any old nail polish and give yourself a mani-pedi. Soak your fingers in warm water, trim and file your nails, push back your cuticles, and apply your polish.

Prepare a bath with essential oils, bath salts, and other relaxing ingredients

Preparing a bath with essential oils, bath salts, and other relaxing ingredients is a great way to unwind and practise self-care. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a luxurious bath experience:

Ingredients:

• Essential oils (e.g. lavender, eucalyptus, sweet orange, frankincense, etc.)
• Carrier oils (e.g. coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.)
• Epsom salt
• Coarse sea salt (e.g. Himalayan pink salt)
• Baking soda
• Optional: flower petals/buds, dried flowers, food colouring, milk powder, etc.

Instructions:

Start by choosing your essential oils. You can opt for a single oil or create blends for specific effects, such as relaxation, detoxification, or muscle relief.

Next, gather your salts and baking soda. Combine them in a mixing bowl, aiming for a ratio of 3 parts Epsom salt, 1.5 parts coarse sea salt, and 0.5 parts baking soda. You can adjust these proportions to your preference.

Now, it's time to add your chosen essential oils. A good rule of thumb is to use around 10-20 drops of essential oil per cup of salt mixture. If you're using a stronger oil like eucalyptus, you may want to use less.

If you're including a carrier oil, add it now. Carrier oils help to moisturise the skin and can be chosen based on your unique skin needs. Use a ratio of 1 teaspoon of carrier oil to 1 cup of salt mixture, adjusting as needed.

At this point, you can also add optional ingredients like flower petals/buds, dried flowers, or a pinch of natural food colouring for a pop of colour. Stir everything together until well combined.

Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it dry for about 48 hours, stirring occasionally.

Finally, transfer your bath salts to an airtight container, preferably made of glass or PET plastic. Your homemade bath salts should last for at least 6 months, if not longer.

Using Your Bath Salts:

When you're ready for a relaxing bath, simply add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your bath salts to a warm tub of water. Soak in the water for 15-20 minutes, or until the water starts to cool, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of your essential oil and salt blend.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to create your perfect bath experience!

Create a spa-like atmosphere with candles and music

Scent

One of the easiest ways to create a spa-like atmosphere at home is through scent. Scented candles are an essential element of relaxation, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. Opt for candles with oriental, floral, or gourmet scents, or choose fragrances such as mandarin, mint, lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Lighting

Candles not only provide a soothing fragrance but also cast a soft and flattering light. Place them alongside your bathtub or carefully position them around the room. You can also use candles to create mood lighting, ensuring the space is dimly lit without being too dark.

Music

Music is another key element in creating a spa-like atmosphere. Opt for calming, gentle, and healing music without lyrics to promote a sense of warmth and serenity. Avoid music that is too acoustic or with driving rhythms. The music should be soothing and not too attention-grabbing, allowing you to focus on your experience rather than the music itself.

Additional Tips

• Combine candles with other sensory elements, such as soothing music and aromatherapy, for a holistic spa experience.
• Experiment with different candle fragrances to find the ones that you find most relaxing and enjoyable.
• Ensure your space is clean, tidy, and free from clutter, as a neat and organised environment can also contribute to a sense of calm.
• Incorporate natural textures and elements, such as plants, wood, and pebbles, to create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
• Use fluffy towels and robes, as they evoke a sense of luxury, comfort, and cleanliness.
• Consider adding a vase of flowers or a plant to your space, bringing the outdoors in and creating a fresh and healthy atmosphere.
• Create a relaxing body soak by combining Epsom salts and essential oils, such as lavender, basil, or peppermint, to enhance your bath experience.

Exfoliate your skin with a loofah or body scrub

Exfoliating your skin with a loofah or body scrub is a great way to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. It is important to be gentle when exfoliating, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Loofahs come in a variety of materials, including natural sponges, polyester, microfiber, cotton, nylon, and silicone. The best loofahs are long-lasting, gentle on the skin, and resistant to bacteria and mildew growth. Natural loofahs, such as those made from vegetable fibres or natural sea sponges, are a good option as they are gentle and eco-friendly. Synthetic loofahs made from materials like nylon or polyester tend to be more affordable but may be less durable and can harbour bacteria if not properly cared for.

To use a loofah, start by wetting it and pouring a small amount of body wash onto it. Lather it up on your wet skin, gently rubbing the loofah in circular motions. Rinse off with water, then pat your skin dry and apply a moisturiser or body lotion to seal in hydration.

If you prefer a deeper exfoliation, you can opt for a body scrub. Body scrubs contain micro-exfoliants, such as walnut shell granules, that provide a more intense exfoliation experience. When using a body scrub, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. In general, you should apply the scrub to wet skin, gently massage it in circular motions for a few seconds, then rinse thoroughly. As with loofahs, it is important to moisturise after exfoliating with a body scrub to keep your skin hydrated.

It is recommended to exfoliate your body no more than twice a week and your face no more than once a week. For drier and rougher areas of the body, such as elbows and knees, you can exfoliate more frequently. Additionally, it is important to clean your loofah or exfoliating tool regularly and store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent bacterial growth.

Apply a face mask to nourish and hydrate your skin

After getting your hair rebonded, it's important to take extra care of it. Your hair will be weaker, more fragile, and prone to damage and hair loss. To prevent this, you should avoid washing your hair with hot water, use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush, and avoid tying your hair, especially in the first month. You should also use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month, and a leave-in conditioner every time you go outdoors. In addition to these hair care tips, you can also apply a face mask to nourish and hydrate your skin.

Face masks are deeply nourishing moisturizers that you apply to give your skin an immediate surge of hydration. They are typically applied after cleansing the skin and can help to plump and renew it. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing and using a face mask:

• Look for masks with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide, which are known to hydrate the skin and keep it hydrated for long periods.
• Face masks are beneficial for all skin types. If you have dry skin, a mask can help add much-needed moisture. If you have oily skin, a mask can help balance your skin by adding hydration. If you have mature skin, a mask can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity.
• You can use a face mask two to three times per week if you have dry or dehydrated skin. If you have oily, sensitive, or aging skin without any known issues, you can use a mask once a week.
• Be careful not to overdo it with face masks, as this can disrupt your skin's natural moisture barrier and lead to breakouts or a greasy texture.
• If you have sensitive or reactive skin, be sure to patch-test new products before full application, as allergic reactions are common.
• Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas are recommended if you have sensitive skin.
• SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Mask: This mask contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, urea, and glycerin. It can be left on overnight and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Laneige Water Sleeping Mask: This overnight mask contains squalane, probiotics, and "Moisture Wrap Technology", which forms an eight-hour time-release moisturizing layer over the skin. It's suitable for combination and oily skin types.
• Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Facial Mask: This mask is made for dry skin and uses borage seed oil, a rich source of the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), as well as antioxidants and vitamins E and C. It's also fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
• COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Sheet Mask: This mask contains snail mucin, which is known for its plumping effect on the skin. It also delivers antioxidants and peptides to promote hydration and wound healing.
• Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Mask: This overnight mask contains hibiscus extract and bilberry seed oil to treat your skin on a cellular level and repair the barrier. It has a silky texture and is suitable for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types.
• Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask: This rich, creamy mask contains avocado oil and extract, along with primrose oil, to soften the skin and lock in moisture, boosting skin elasticity. It's suitable for dry and sensitive skin types.

Give yourself a mani-pedi for the ultimate spa experience

After getting your hair rebonded, it's important to take extra care of your hair as the process leaves it weak and fragile. Here are some tips to care for your newly straightened hair:

• Do not wash your hair for at least 3 days after the treatment.
• Avoid tying your hair up or using hair ties/clips for at least 3-4 days.
• Only wash your hair with cold or lukewarm water.
• Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for chemically treated hair.
• Avoid hot styling tools and hair dryers.
• Use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush to avoid damage.
• Keep your hair loose and open as much as possible.
• Do not change your hairstyle or get it coloured right after rebonding.
• Use a hair serum regularly and apply a leave-in conditioner when going outdoors.
• Get a hair spa treatment at a salon once a month.

Now, for the ultimate spa experience, give yourself a mani-pedi! Here's a detailed guide:

Step 1: Clean and Shape Your Nails

Start by removing any existing nail polish with a non-acetone remover, as acetone can be harsh and stripping. You can also use nail clips to gently shape your nails to your desired length and shape. A crystal nail file is a good option to prevent nail splitting. Buff the surface of your nails with a buffing block to smoothen them out and remove any stains.

Step 2: Soak and Exfoliate

Soak your hands and feet in warm water for a few minutes. You can also add some exfoliating scrub to the water or make your own scrub by mixing sugar and baby oil gel. Gently massage your hands and feet to remove dead skin cells and rinse with warm water.

Step 3: Care for Your Cuticles

Apply some oil to your cuticles to soften them. Use an orangewood stick to gently push back your cuticles and shape them nicely. You can also use this to clean under your nails. Massage your hands and feet with a rich moisturizer, focusing on your heels and cuticles.

Step 4: Apply a Base Coat

A base coat helps smooth out any ridges and creates an even surface for your nail polish. Apply one thin coat and let it dry completely.

Step 5: Paint Your Nails

Choose your desired nail polish colour and apply two thin layers, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Start by painting a dot of polish above your cuticle and then stroke the brush to the left, right, and down the centre. Keep the layers thin to aid in faster drying.

Step 6: Add a Top Coat

After your nail polish has dried, apply a clear top coat to add shine and smooth out any flaws. This will also help your mani-pedi last longer and prevent chipping.

Step 7: Relax and Let Dry

Now, simply relax and let your nails air dry. Avoid touching anything or rushing the process. You can speed up drying by using a few drops of dry drops, but this is optional.

There you have it! Your very own at-home spa experience, complete with a hair care routine and a mani-pedi. Enjoy your freshly pampered self!

Frequently asked questions