Are you tired of seeing clumps of hair in the shower right after every bath?
Girl, I feel you.
Because for wig wearers like us, this can be a serious hair situation, and yet we can’t call 911 for help!
Good thing, there is this simple yet effective solution to finally stop hair shedding now.
Wondering what it is?
Scroll down to find out.
What are Wefts?
A weft is a collection of hair strands woven into a fine strip of a curtain-like wig.
It is made by feeding a bulk of hair through a special sewing machine where reinforced stitching is made to hold the individual strands together.
Hair wefts were originally designed by Afro hairstylists and were intended to be sewn through cornrows braids around the scalp.
But nowadays, it can also be attached to your natural hair using other methods like micro rings, clip-ins, and fusion techniques.
Sealing Wefts: What does it mean?
It is the process of securing the hair wefts in place by sealing its stitches with hair glue.
This is a simple hack that definitely helps reduce the shedding of your hair extensions big time.
In other words, it is your secret recipe in achieving more durable hair wefts that can stand the test of time.
That is why it is good practice to always seal your wefts right before you install them.
Why sealing your weft is a must
High-quality machine wefts are already durable to begin with, so why bother sealing them?
Here are the reasons why you should take this extra step seriously the next time you purchase your next hair bundle.
Reduce hair shedding
shedding is a natural phenomenon for both your natural and faux hair.
And though it is normal, it can be way too embarrassing when you keep on leaving trails of hair strands everywhere.
Reinforcing your wefts is a sure way to minimize, if not eliminate, excessive hair shedding.
Prolong weft longevity
the weft itself secures the hair strands of your extensions, but sealing it takes your weft security a notch higher, thus, prolonging the lifespan of your wigs.
It saves you time
if you do not want the hassle and headache of an unexpected hair weft emergency, then you must consider sealing your wefts beforehand.
Installation of your hair extensions can be time-consuming, and having to go through the same process all over again is like a nightmare in broad daylight. Save yourself some time and be proactive in sealing your tracks.
It saves you money
buying quality weaves and extensions can be expensive, but they are definitely worth the investment.
And one way to protect your precious wefts is by sealing them. This way, you can fully enjoy every single penny you’ve spent on it.
How to Seal Your Wefts?
1. Things you’ll need
1.1. Wefted hair extensions
1.2. Your chosen sealant with nozzle or applicator brush
1.3. Rubbing alcohol
1.4. Towels, cloth or newspaper
2. Co-wash it!
Co-washing is the process of washing and rinsing your hair using a conditioner. But why do you have to do that?
First off, we want to seal only clean wefts. Also, conditioners help keep the hair soft and well-moisturized.
Just like your natural hair, if your wefts are dull and dry, it can become brittle and may result in unwanted hair shedding.
3. Choose a sealant
This will make or break our weft sealing process. The longevity of the sealed wefts relies on the quality and strength of the sealant used. Luckily, we have several types of sealants to choose from:
Hair weft sealants
These are sealants specially tailored-fit for your hair wefts. Not only do they dry clear, but you are also sure that the bond is strong to hold the hair strands in place.
Unlike other sealants, it does not leave any residue or white crust along the weft. It is water-resistant too! This is expected to be your default choice when sealing hair wefts.
Fabric glues
This is surprisingly your next best bet in effectively sealing your hair wefts.
No wonder, this is every weave wearer’s favorite!
It dries into a clear coat and remains flexible to touch. No need to worry about strong odors or any sticky residue after application.
But it doesn’t end there. This glue is washable! That means you can wash your wefts several times while its bond remains intact.
Super glue
Who would have thought that this handy, dandy arts supply could be an excellent weft sealant too?
Yes, it does the job of sealing your favorite extensions.
However, it tends to become stiff and inflexible when it dries. This makes handling difficult during weft installation, so you’d better keep that in mind.
Seal the wefts
Now for the main event – sealing the hair wefts! But before anything else, make sure that your hair bundles are completely dry prior to this step.
- Lay your hair extensions on a large, flat working surface with a towel or newspaper underneath it. Make sure that the hair strands are kept away from the wefts, so there’s no way you can mess up. If you want to go extra, fasten the ends of the weft, so it won’t move while you’re working.
- Aim the sealant’s nozzle or applicator brush on the stitches of the wefts and carefully apply ample amounts of glue on it. Let the glue seep in through the tracks. You can even use your fingers to dab the glue so it penetrates deeper into the wefts.
- PRO TIP: Practice dispensing your sealant first on a piece of paper. This way, you can gauge how much pressure you need to apply in order to squeeze enough glue across the wefts. But in case you still mess up, use alcohol to wipe off any excess just before it dries.
- While waiting for it to dry, move to the next hair bundle and just repeat the whole process.
- For maximum anti-shedding effect, just flip the hair extension over to seal the other side. But make sure it is thoroughly dry before doing so.
IMPORTANT: If you cut the wefts into pieces, make sure you seal the ends to avoid shedding.
Cure, cure, cure
Curing is another critical step in the sealing process. All your hard work in the previous steps might go to waste if you are not patient enough to wait for it to dry.
Curing time varies depending on the sealant you used. Just check the packaging for the instructions.
Most of the adhesives dry quickly, but that doesn’t mean it is already cured. Never wash or wet your wefts while waiting for it to dry. This time, patience is really a virtue.
Ready to install
Now that your hair wefts are all set and sealed, it’s time to sew them in. When installing them, make sure that your thread and needle goes around the wefts instead of through them.
Because if you do, it can trigger falling off your wig’s hair strands in the long run, and you do not want that, right? You can also have them installed through other methods. It’s totally up to you.
FAQs about Seal Wefts on Weave
How long does it take for the sealant to cure?
It depends on the type of sealant used. For some, it takes hours while others take days before it fully cures. Just check the packaging instructions to know the appropriate curing time. Remember, being dry doesn’t mean that it is already cured.
Are double wefts shed proof?
No, they are not shed proof. Although double wefting helps in securing hair strands together, it does not guarantee the elimination of shedding. Sealing is still recommended, even for double wefts in order to decrease the occurrence of hair fall.
Can I use nail polish to seal my wefts?
Yes. But it is not recommended.
Can I dye my hair extension after sealing the wefts?
No, it is recommended to dye your hair extensions first prior to sealing.
Will the seal wear off if I wash my hair extensions?
It depends on what sealant you used. Weft sealers are usually water-resistant and washable, so it won’t wear off easily.
Is it recommended to seal the wefts of a clip in hair extension?
Yes. Just like any other hair extensions, it is recommended to seal its wefts too.
Do I need to reseal my wefts?
Yes, especially for temporary hair extensions. You need to reseal it every third time you reuse your hair.
Do you seal the wefts before or after cutting them?
You need to seal the wefts before and after cutting them. It is best to seal the ends you have cut off to avoid loosened wefts.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You are now a certified pro when it comes to sealing wefts. This trick is so easy and yet such a life-saver. I bet you will never ever skip this step again. Now, you have the confidence to do those sexy hair flips because you can. No more hair shedding!
