Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by
Low porosity hair
Hair porosity is determined by the condition of your hair’s cuticle. This scale measures from 1-14, with one being completely flat and 14 being completely round. When I use the term low porosity here, it means you have a number 4-8. Your hair has been dyed or chemically processed somehow, which makes a kink at the top of the follicle that is harder to penetrate.
What does it imply to have low porosity hair?
It means your hair cuts off access to the inside parts of the strand, which are responsible for color and conditioning. If you have low porosity hair, it also takes a long time for products to absorb into the hair. This is why when using deep conditioners, you can leave them on your hair for many hours before rinsing out. To shampoo low porosity hair, it has to be in boiling water, or else you risk not being able to remove all the oils from your scalp.
Causes of low porosity hairs
Chemical treatments such as relaxers and permanent dyes would cause this in some cases. It could also be hereditary or due to environmental factors such as smoking or sun damage. If you have fine, thin hair, it’s more likely to be low porosity because there are fewer cuticles on each strand.
How to recognize the hair porosity?
The easiest way to find out is to take a few strands of your hair and bend them. If the strand immediately goes back to its original shape, you have high porosity. If it stays kinked or flat, then you are low porosity. It’s hard to tell by looking at your hair unless it’s damaged.
Top 11 best methods about how to moisturize low porosity hair?
1. Use deep conditioners
If you have low porosity hair, the best thing you can do is leave a deep conditioner on your hair for as long as possible before rinsing it out. This will allow more time for absorption and hydration to take place within the strand. Leave-in products like stylers and oils work well, too, due to their light and penetrating nature. Even better: Mix your leave-in with your favorite gel or curl cream and apply those results last after you’ve already dried your hair!
2. Use silicones
Some people find that sulfates strip moisture from the hair, this may be because there’s no oil on top of low porosity strands to protect them from such harsh cleansers. This is why many low porosity curlies use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid this issue. If you go down this route, consider using silicones in your hair care routine to give some slip and moisture back into the strands.
3. Use heat before shampooing
Hot water allows the cuticle to open up more so that it’s easier for moisture to enter the strand. Using a hooded dryer on medium heat for 5 minutes can do wonders before you lather up with shampoo, you’ll find that your hair is softer!
4. Use moisturizing shampoo & conditioner combos
This tip applies especially if you have colored or chemically processed hair because these ingredients strip the proteins from your strands. Try using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to replenish these proteins in hopes of getting your hair back into shape. You’ll also need to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment post-wash for even more hydration.
5. Don’t apply products directly to wet hair
If you have low porosity hair, it’s best to apply your leave-in and styler when your hair is about 60% dry. This gives them less time to absorb into damp strands, which will cause frizzing later on if they don’t get enough time to sink in!
6. Use sleeping packs at night instead of heavy cream or butter
Because products sit on top of low porosity hair for more extended periods, it’s best to have a lighter effect so that the strand isn’t weighed down. Sleeping packs are great because they sink in a little better than a cream or butter would, plus, you can sleep on them without worrying about getting pillow lint stuck in your strands!
7. Don’t apply products all over
What works for high porosity hair (coating up to the root) may not work for low porosity (only coating the mid-shaft and ends). Apply your leave in conditioner on the very tips of your hair and moisturizing creams only to the middle section of your strands. This leaves room on top for oil and kinds of butter without weighing your hair down.
8. Avoid sulfates and parables, if possible
Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners may help with moisture retention because they avoid stripping the scalp and strands of their natural oils, but you’ll still want to check with a professional before trying these options out! Parables aren’t necessarily bad for our skin or hair health, but they can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
9. Apply oil post-shampooing
One mistake many low porosity curlies make is not applying enough hydrating products throughout the week — this leads to dryness that can be painful to work through once wintertime rolls! You can combat this by using oil to your hair after shampoo and condition it to sink in better.
10. Use deep conditioning treatments, if possible
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A deep conditioning treatment is a great way to replenish moisture content within the strand by using oils, butter, or just a regular conditioner! The fibers are already opened up from the hot water during washing, so this is when they’re most likely to take on whatever product you’ve used. Make sure to use something heavy for low porosity hair so that it can sink in there!
11. Use creams instead of gels
Curls are best defined when they can clump together, but this becomes difficult once you start using gels or jelly products because they are clear and won’t bind to one another. Try using curl-defining creams instead to give yourself some lovely, soft ringlets throughout the week!
How can you tell if the protein is necessary for low-porosity hair?
Gently stretch a strand of hair, whether it is wet or dry. You need additional moisture if the material is stiff, breaks readily, or feels dry, brittle, or scratchy. You need extra protein if your curl expands but doesn’t return to its original shape and your hair feels mushy or gummy.
How do I get my copper jewelry to shine again?
Copper jewelry is a beautiful addition to any collection, but over time it can lose its luster and shine. The good news is that getting your copper jewelry to shine again is relatively easy with a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to gather some supplies, including a soft cloth, mild dish soap, baking soda, lemon juice, and a toothbrush.
Start by mixing a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to your copper jewelry and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the paste onto the jewelry, paying special attention to any tarnished areas.
Next, rinse your jewelry with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. If your jewelry is still not shiny enough, you can try soaking it in a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for a few minutes. Rinse the jewelry again and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
It’s important to note that some copper jewelry is intentionally oxidized to create a unique patina. If you want to maintain this patina, avoid using any cleaning methods that will remove it. With a little bit of care, your copper jewelry can look as beautiful as the day you bought it.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the pros and cons of having low porosity hair?
Pros: Low porosity keeps your strands moisturized, which prevents frizzing.
Cons: It’s more difficult to remove products built upon this strand type because they hold onto moisture longer than high or normal porosity strands.
What are some excellent moisturizing treatments for low porosity hair?
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle is my favorite deep conditioner because it hydrates every inch of my strands without weighing them down or leaving behind a residue after rinsing out. Other options include:
- Applying extra virgin olive oil to wet hair before shampooing and leaving it overnight.
- Applying coconut oil post-shampooing.
- Use a protein treatment like Apogee’s 2 Minute Keratin Reconstruct or to give your hair some strength.
What are the best moisturizing leave-in conditioners for low porosity hair?
It is recommend Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk for those looking for lightweight products that won’t weigh down your strands, and It is recommended Shea Moisture Curl & Style Milk. It’s 98% natural and full of great ingredients like Shea butter, coconut oil, and marshmallow root extract.
