What does 're-bonding' refer to in chemical texture services?

• A. The application of new moisture to the hair after processing.
• B. The reformation of disulfide bonds in the hair during neutralization, stabilizing the new curl pattern.
• C. Removing all conditioner before styling.
• D. Smoothing the cuticle with heat.

Answer: (B)

Re-bonding is the reformation of disulfide bonds in the hair during neutralization, which locks in the new curl pattern. In chemical texture services, a reducing agent first breaks the disulfide bonds so the hair can be reshaped. The neutralizer then oxidizes the hair and reforms those bonds in their new positions, giving the hair its stable, set shape. This step is crucial because the strength and longevity of the curl depend on properly rebuilt bonds; without them, the hair can creep back to its previous form or lose integrity.

Context helps: disulfide bonds help define the hair’s natural texture, and changing their location or number allows the requested texture to hold. The neutralization not only rebuilds these bonds but also helps restore the cuticle and overall structure after reshaping.

Other actions, like applying moisture after processing or smoothing the cuticle with heat, are important parts of the aftercare or styling process but do not involve rebuilding the disulfide bonds that determine the new texture.