Taking care of low-porosity hair can be challenging, but don't worry! We've got some simple tips to help you keep your hair moisturized and healthy. The main goal is to improve your hair's ability to retain moisture so it becomes stronger, shinier, and longer.
Use lightweight oils
Since low-porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, it's important to use lightweight products that can penetrate and nourish your hair. Hair oils like coconut and argan oil work well for low-porosity hair because they can get through the tight cuticles and moisturize your hair from within. Our Gro Pro Rapid Hair Growth Serum contains both oils and is a great option for providing moisture and strength to your dry strands.
Apply heat when deep conditioning
Before deep conditioning, use warm water to open the cuticle. Then apply a deep conditioner like our HYDRATE + GROW Black Castor Oil Softening Conditioner. Suppose you're using a longer-wear deep conditioning treatment. In that case, you can also use a steaming cap or a simple shower cap to retain your heat and keep the cuticle open, allowing your hair to absorb the benefits of the treatment.
Be cautious with protein
While protein is known for strengthening the hair cuticle, low-porosity hair is often protein-sensitive. With excessive protein use, the tightly packed cuticles in low-porosity hair can become stiff and fragile.
Avoid heavy products
Heavy products like butter and creams may work for high-porosity hair, but they can be difficult for low-porosity hair to absorb. Instead of doing their job, they will sit on top of your hair, making it sticky or thick. Over time, this can cause build-up and make it even harder for your low-porosity hair to retain moisture.
Exfoliate your scalp
As I said, low-porosity hair is prone to product build-up due to its difficulty absorbing products. Build-up can make your hair feel oily and dull, preventing additional products from reaching the core of your hair. Use a clarifying product like Apple Cider Vinegar to exfoliate and cleanse your scalp so as to remove build-up.
Look for water-based products
Water-based hair products are lightweight and easily penetrate the tightly-bound cuticles of low-porosity hair. When choosing products, check the ingredient labels and look for water listed as one of the first two ingredients. Our Curl Pattern Rich Moisture Whipped Hair Cream is a great option for curl definition and frizz reduction without causing build-up.
Change your pillowcase
Even during sleep, your hair needs to retain moisture. Tossing and turning on a cotton pillowcase can cause tangles, breakage, and moisture loss. Use a satin or wear a satin hair bonnet to bed. A hair bonnet will also help retain heat, allowing any moisturizing products you apply to continue nourishing your hair overnight.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can give your low-porosity hair the moisture and care it needs for healthier, more beautiful hair. If you're wondering if you have low porosity hair or not, check out our previous article, Signs You Have a Sensitive Scalp.