4 Tips for Low Porosity Hair: The Secret to Soft, Healthy Strands
If you have low porosity hair, you know the struggle of trying to get your hair to absorb moisture. No matter how much conditioner you use or how often you deep condition, your hair always feels dry and brittle. But there is hope!
There are a few things you can do to help your low porosity hair absorb moisture and retain it throughout the day. With a little effort, you can have soft, healthy, and happy hair.
Keep reading to learn 4 tips for low porosity hair that will help you achieve the hair of your dreams!
Content:
What is low porosity hair?
In terms of porosity, low porosity hair has a high resistance to moisture. Low porosity hair is characterized by tightly bound cuticles, making it difficult for moisture and oil to penetrate the shaft. This type of hair may appear dry, dull, and lifeless. It is also susceptible to breakage and frizz. Numerous factors are known to cause low porosity hair including genetics, diet, and weather.
To help hydrate this type of hair, it is recommended to have a good deep conditioner on deck. It may seem pointless at times with how quickly the hair seems to dry out but, it will definitely help to rejuvenate your strains. In addition, your hair can be hydrated by doing a hot oil treatment once a month. We'll touch more on that later in this post.
Tip #1: Avoid Over Washing
Too much of anything is never a good thing and this includes over washing your hair. There is sort of a contradiction that comes with low porosity hair in terms of how much moisture is needed.
It is true that we girls with low porosity hair need a lot of moisture, but excessive washing can actually cause our hair and scalp to dry out.
Don't get us wrong, we do need to implement a regular wash routine since oils and greases tend to collect on the hair and scalp which eventually leads to product buildup.
If you're planning your wash day, we highly recommend you try out this great line of products: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Although Pattern has a variety of products that cater to all types of natural hair, their shampoos and conditioners are especially great for low porosity hair.
Tip #2: Use Heat Protectants
For those of us with low porosity hair, heat can really damage and cause breakage to our already fragile locks. Heat protectants help to create a barrier between your hair and the heat, which can help to prevent damage and keep your hair healthy.
You can find heat protectants in the form of sprays, oils, or creams, and they can be used on wet or dry hair. When styling your hair with a heat protectant, apply it first to the hair and then style as normal.
Tip #3: Be careful with Protein Treatments
Some naturalistas often use protein treatments, but they should be used with caution especially if you have low porosity hair. The goal of protein treatments is to repair damaged hair, but if they are used too often or left on too long, they can actually damage the hair further.
If you do decide to use a protein treatment, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as often as recommended. You should also deep condition your hair afterwards to help restore moisture and prevent further damage.
Tip #4: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
We absolutely cannot stress this tip enough. A moisturized and hydrated scalp is essential for any type of hair, but low porosity hair is of particular importance. What we don't want is any breakage or shedding due to dryness. There are so many great products that provide healthy natural ingredients and help provide moisture to bring dull hair to life.
We love our oils as we referenced above, hot oil treatments feel wonderful on the scalp while also opening up your hair's cuticles to receive moisture. You can perform a hot oil treatment at home by using an oil of your choice and warming it up in a microwave safe bowl. (Please make sure that the oil isn't too hot!!!) Some popular oils to try on your hair include:
Avocado Oil
Jojoba Oil
Coconut Oil
Tea Tree Oil
Olive Oil
Vitamin E Oil
Almond Oil
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
We couldn't possibly list all the types of oils that exist here however, just as with anything else you may want to try, be sure to do your research to determine what works best for you.
If you need a little help with that, check out our posts: Mask Off: Hair masks to rejuvenate your tresses as well as Healthy Hair? You've got it! 5 keys to healthy hair These posts also offer a lot of great tips for maintaining healthy hair.
Conclusion:
Low porosity hair needs a little extra TLC no matter what. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to shiny, healthy hair in no time. Please "Like" this post and leave a comment below. What are your favorite products to use that add life to your hair? Let us know! ❤️