Wondering what low porosity hair is?
If you’re wondering what low porosity hair is, it’s simply hair that doesn’t absorb moisture well. This can be due to a number of factors, including a tight cuticle, high protein content, or low levels of melanin. Because of this, low porosity hair may appear dry, brittle, or frizzy. It can be difficult to style and may not hold color well. If you have low porosity hair, you’ll need to take extra care to keep it hydrated and healthy.How to tell if you have low porosity hair?
There is a very simple way to know if you have low porosity hair. Get a clear glass and fill it with water. Put a few strands of hair in the water. If your hair floats, it means you have low porosity hair. Water cannot get in hence your hair staying afloat. Since water or hair care products are not absorbed by the hair strands, they only sit on the hair. The tightly packed cuticles can only absorb a small number of products. This can make your hair feel heavy and oily.Haircare for low porosity hair
Clarify
Because hair care products sit only on the surface of the hair strands, low porosity hair is prone to gunk and product build-up. That is why clarifying and cleansing your hair is important. Choose a shampoo or clarifying product that contains honey and glycerin to help in penetrating your hair cuticles.Moisturize
Even though we have said so many times that low porosity hair does not absorb much product, we still recommend moisturizing your hair. Find a moisturizer with emollients like avocado, aloe, jojoba and shea butter. These hair-softening ingredients coat the strands to seal in water and moisture in the hair.Use light oils (water-based products)
Since low porosity hair has tightly packed cuticles, water-based products tend to get absorbed easier. Oils have a thick consistency that prevents them from getting absorbed by the hair strands. This can lead to product build-up on the hair and scalp making it feel heavy.Deep conditioning with heat (but not with heat tools)
When you do your deep conditioner, you might want to add heat from the steamer or heat cap. This will open the hair cuticles making the absorption of the product more effective.Use humectants
Use hair care products that contain humectants. Humectants are commonly found in hair care products for their ability to preserve and retain moisture.Products to use
Shampoo & Conditioner
Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood ShampooA quick-rinse shampoo for gentle but effective cleansing of the hair and scalp. It has a liquid formulation that easily flows in between hair strands to the scalp. The Micellar Technology attracts and lifts away heavy product build-up without stripping away the hair’s natural oil. It contains aloe that seals in moisture to the strands. Buy On Amazon |
Design Essentials Almond & Papaya Moisturizing and Detangling ConditionerNourish and hydrate your hair with almond, avocado oil and shea butter. Deliver intense moisture to your hair while improving your hair’s health inside-out. Buy On Amazon |
Oribe Shampoo for Moisture & ControlRevitalize and repair dry and damaged cuticles with this ultra-hydrating conditioner. This shampoo has a revolutionary bio-restorative complex that softens and smoothens every cuticle to undo hair damage from styling. Good for curly,coily and thick hair. Buy On Amazon |
Leave-in Conditioner
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-in ConditionerPacked with the nourishing blend of Fennel oil and Coconut oil, this leave-in conditioner gives 25 benefits. Heat protection, detangling, damage repair, frizz control, anti-dryness and the list goes on. Coconut oil moisturizes and softens dry hair and Fennel oil strengthens the hair preventing breakage. Buy On Amazon |
Aveda Cherry Almond Softening Leave-in Conditioner12 benefits in one bottle for you. It contains a blend of cherry blossom extract, sweet almond oil and moringa oil that makes the hair soft and touchable. Buy On Amazon |
Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in ConditionerQuench your thirsty hair with this mega-moisturizing and conditioning treatment. Enriched with shea butter, virgin olive oil, and marshmallow root that moisturize the hair without the oily and sticky feel. Buy On Amazon |
Deep Conditioner & Treatments
Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Daily Damage Repair Ultra-Nourishing Hair MaskReverse and repair heavily damaged hair from too much styling and over-processed hair with this ultra-nourishing hair mask. It contains almond oil, aloe butter, shea oil, coconut oil, shea butter and sweet almond protein that deeply nourishes the hair and protects it from damage. Buy On Amazon |
Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep ConditionerBanish hair dryness and enhance your natural curls. It contains coconut oil and avocado oil that infuses moisture to the hair without weighing it down. The grapeseed oil seals in the infused moisture to keep the hair hydrated. Buy On Amazon |
Oil & Styling Product
Curl Definer: Ouidad Curl Shaper Take Shape Plumping + Defining CreamA lightweight cream that builds the curl’s body and definition from the inside. Get plump and defined natural curls that last the whole day while giving you soft and bouncy hair. Buy On Amazon |
Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture MilkThick, nourishing rice milk blended with avocado oil, macadamia oil and castor oil that moisturizes and conditioner the hair. It gives the hair long-lasting shine and smoothness. Buy On Amazon |
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening OilPromote the health of your natural hair with this hair strengthening oil. It has a nutrient-intensive rich formula infused with Biotin to nourish and strengthen the hair. It nourishes the hair follicles that helps in the growth of healthier and stronger hair. Buy On Amazon |
Kreyol Essence Haitian Black Castor OilA multi-function oil made from 100% pure Haitian Black Castor Oil. It can be used to promote hair growth, thicken eyebrows and eyelashes, seal in moisture to the hair and skin moisturizer. All the benefits are in one small bottle. Buy On Amazon |