Sealed Cuticles

I really believe this is one of the biggest KEYS to having healthy hair. African American hair is naturally porous. We have a harder time keeping moisture in our hair due to porosity. Damaged hair also has raised cuticles.

Here are the advantages of having closed cuticles:

1. Moisture is kept into the strand better
2. Detangling is easier
3. Shinier & sleeker hair
4. Less prone to split ends
5. Smooth hair that is soft and silk to the touch
6. Overall healthier hair

This is every woman's goal isn't it? Well let's look at exactly HOW you can achieve this. There are many different products & methods that will help you deal with porosity and raised cuticles.

1. Drink more water! Dry hair breaks easily. Water is a great way to obtain moisture within the strands naturally PLUS its fantastic for your body. DRINK UP! This will work great when you learn how to close the cuticles. You will have your NATURAL moisture.

2. Porosity control shampoo and conditioner. http://www.amazon.com/Roux-Porosity-Control-Corrector-Conditoner/dp/B0002030QO

3. Smoothing conditioners. I personally LOVE matrix sleek look. Look for conditioners that specifically tells their pH level.



4. Shampooing with cool water & conditioner with tepid water. This was recommended on a hair care board. When you think about it, you keep the conditioner from going too deep and stripping your hair from is natural moisture and oils. Im on the fence about this tip. Either way, you need a shampoo that does not have harsh ingredients in them.

5. Rinse with cool to cold water for a few minutes.

6. Rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar. The acidic properties of this natural fluid not only gets rid of residue but it closes the cuticles. Dont worry, the smell goes away. Citric acid is common ingredient in conditioners. Other acids also smooth the cuticles.

7. Blow dry your hair with the air flow going DOWN the hair shaft. Not up..not perpendicular.

8. I like to ONLY blow dry my hair with cool air. It does take longer time I suppose but it feel better than using even the LOWEST heat setting.

9. Smooth your conditioners DOWN your hair.

10. Put your leave in conditioner in the fridge. This will keep it cold and that will help close the cuticles.

11. Protect your hair from wind and other environmental damage. Even keeping your wind speed low on your dryer or the blow dryer further away from your head will help.

12. Also, when using a heating tools such as a flat iron or blow dryer, make sure they are both ionic and ceramic. This keeps moisture in the hair and they help close the cuticle. I personally thing they are waaaaaaay less damaging than the ordinary tools. Limit heat used on your hair and always use heat protectants. Moisture block by Sabino is HIGHLY recommended for heat styling.

Here is what NOT to do:

1. Avoid back combing or "teasing"

2. With blow drying do not point the dryer up or perpendicular.

3. Never rub your hair together between your hands. What do I mean? You know when you wash your hands, you put your hands together and rub them back and forth? Do NOT do that with your hair.

4. Only use silk or satin scarves or bonnets when you sleep. Try not to let your hair even TOUCH other fabrics.

5. use excessive heat.

6. Dont rub your hair with a towel. Blot it with the towel or VERY gently squeeze NOT twist the excess water out of your hair.

Always keep friction to a minimum. Anytime something rubs up against your hair strands in an UPWARD direction, that can damage or open up the cuticles. Closed = roots to tip. Open = tips to roots.

There are many things that will make your hair APPEAR smoothed but in actually, most regular conditioners just coat. Specifically look for those that say they smooth and or close the cuticles. Try some of the methods I have suggested and overtime, you will see a huge difference in your hair. Moisture block by Sabino will protect your cuticles.