I have heard a lot of my friends to talk about limp or oily ends once they attempted to seal-which is one of the reasons it is a controversial topic.
The answer to your ‘limp’ problem is the answer to life- water! Warm water helps your hair cuticles accept the oil, instead of products sitting on your hair, making it greasy and limp.
Spraying your hair with water is the best method, because this ensures that the water is evenly spread throughout your hair and on the ends of your hair.
For an effective seal try the LOC method
The LOC method is a great sealing tactic it allows you to use your oils* and creams in the most effective way possible. The L, stands for liquid or water, O refers to your oil and the C refers to your cream or butter. The LOC method works well with light oils* because you have a cream to back up your sealing technique.
The importance of protective styling when sealing
Protective styling has a lot to do with whether or not your ends retain moisture as well. This is because even though you have sealed your hair, your ends are still exposed, even if protected.
It is sort of like putting on lotion before going outside in 20 degree weather, but still wearing shorts. You want your ends to be tucked away and give them time to rest and accept all the products you gave them.
Braids and weaves can also protect your ends, because they are locked and rested. The weight you put on your hair and not letting your hair breath is another factor, but your ends will be protected.
One thing to consider is that because your ends are locked away for so long, they can STILL lose moisture throughout the month that you have an install, which is why it is very important for you to seal your locked ends.
Sealing them before installing braids or a sew-in will be the same procedure, moisturizing your hair with water and then adding the oil or butter of your choice.
When you are wearing braids you can also schedule a time to give your hair moisture by making your very own braid spray that you can use on your braids or just co-washing them from time to time.
Even though you cannot see your hair, you still have to make sure your strands stay moisturized while they are locked away. With that said,is sealing your ends really necessary? The answer is yes, but for it to be even more effective you should add a bit of protective styling to the mix.
Sealing your ends is simple and will save you from ever having to think about you not retaining the length you achieve. It might be trial and error in some cases, but your hair will thank you for it! Comment below and let us know your favorite sealing methods.
Pattie Armstead says
The first time I went natural I didn’t know anything about sealing your ends and my hair was health. I used a leave in and kinky curly curling custard.
The second time I went natural I seal everyday…once I had some length they were dry and crunchy. I would trim an months later they were back again.
I like the curling custard but it made my hair look like a jerry curl.
So the second time I went natural a leave-in,oil, cream and Jane Carter wrap n roll (style).
I don’t think it was the products just the nature of my hair. So back to a relaxer I went. But I like change so in the summer I may cut it off agin.
Phoenix McGee says
Eeeeh.
Carmella McCoy says
I haven’t sealed “just” my ends in years. I do the LOC method. It works so I ain’t finna try nothing else.