The Truth About Hair Oils: Sealers vs Penetrating Oils

If you’ve ever wondered why some hair oils make your hair feel soft while others sit on top and do nothing, this article will help you understand why. The truth is simple sealers and penetrating oils don’t work the same way. Knowing the difference helps you pick what your hair actually needs so you stop wasting time and money.

What Are Penetrating Oils?

To understand the truth about hair oils, let’s start with penetrating oils.
Penetrating oils are oils that can go inside your hair strands. They work from within to make the hair stronger, softer, and more flexible.

Common penetrating oils include:

• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Babassu oil

Penetrating oils are great for moisturizing dry or weak hair because they bring hydration into the hair strand. This makes your hair feel soft, juicy, and less likely to break.

Use them when your hair feels dry on the inside, rough, or weak.

What Are Sealing Oils?

Now let’s talk about sealing oils, which are the second part of the truth about hair oils.
Sealing oils do not go into the strand. Instead, they sit on top and help lock in moisture from water or a leave-in product.

Common sealing oils include:

• Castor oil
• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Sweet almond oil

These oils keep moisture from escaping, especially in dry weather or harmattan season. If you use them alone without water or a leave-in, your hair may still feel dry because sealing oils cannot hydrate the hair.

How to Know Which One You Need

When learning the truth about hair oils; a simple rule helps:

• If your hair feels dry inside → you need penetrating oils.
• If your hair feels dry outside or loses moisture fast → you need sealing oils.

Most hair types need both, but in the right order.

How to Use Both Oils Correctly

Here’s an easy way to use both without confusion:

1. Start with water or a leave-in conditioner (for moisture)
2. Apply a penetrating oil (to strengthen and soften the inside)
3. Finish with a sealing oil (to lock everything in)

This is the perfect method for longer-lasting moisture and healthier hair.