Did you know that genetics play a big part in our hair porosity levels? So chances are if you have low porosity hair then you probably got it from your mama! Luckily for you, once you learn what works for your hair and what doesn’t, it’ll be easier to maintain those tresses day to day. If you have low porosity hair, that means your cuticles lay tightly packed on top of each other. This can be a gift and a curse because although the tightly packed cuticles allow moisture and shine to stay locked in, the initial process to penetrate the strands can be difficult. This can often leave your hair feeling dry and frizzy, as it is difficult for moisture to get in and travel down the hair shaft. It is especially difficult for those with curly hair, since we all know the simplest travel path is a straight line. It is always recommended to test your hair porosity levels with the water test but sometimes it can be determined by simply paying attention to how your hair looks and behaves. Below are some characteristics of low porosity hair:
Although it’s tough for low porous hair to absorb moisture, it is definitely not impossible. With the right tools and products, you can be well on your way to a head full of healthy moisturized hair! Check out some tips to care for low porosity hair :
1. Use a lightweight oil
Since the cuticles are packed so tightly together, a lightweight oil is the perfect solution to squeeze through and nourish the hair. Almond oil as well as argan oil, are both great lightweight options.
2. Avoid heavy products
Because those cuticles are so tight, heavy products like butter and creams tend to sit on top of the hair rather than penetrate, in turn causing product build up over time. Your hair will begin to feel sticky or hard, making it even harder for the beneficial products to pass through.
3. Deep condition with some form of heat
Heat is the ultimate cheat code when it comes to opening up those stubborn cuticles! Before you deep condition, wet your hair with warm water as this will allow the cuticles to open and receive all of that much needed moisture.
You can also use some form of hair cap to produce heat as you deep condition. While there are specially designed heat caps, shower caps will retain your natural body heat and get the job done just as effectively! The heat trapped inside of the cap will allow your cuticles to stay open and soak up all the moisture.
4. Hair Steaming
Steaming of the hair is another great heat source to get those cuticles open. Steam is also great for hydrating the hair itself, so think twice before you open the bathroom door to allow all of that beneficial steam to escape!
5. Use water based products
Water based hair products tend to be super lightweight which will easily penetrate those tight cuticles. Shopping for hair products takes time and patience and sometimes we have to become an inspector gadget! When determining your next product, check out the ingredient list. If water is listed as the first or second ingredient then it’s safe to throw it in the bag!
6. Eliminate product build up
Product tends to sit on top of the hair rather than penetrate so over time you’ll begin to notice product build up. Your hair may feel sticky or cakey and even begin to look dull. This is why it’s important to have a clarifying product! To prevent build up, make sure you are utilizing a cleansing yet hydrating shampoo that will offer your hair the cleansing it needs without stripping it of its hydrating oils.
7. Invest in a Deuce pillowcase!
At this point it’s safe to say that moisture retention is the biggest goal for low porosity hair. Tweaking one to two things during our daily and nightly routines can have a significant impact on our hair. Starting with our pillowcase- tossing and turning on a cotton pillowcase causes strands to pull and break as well as absorbing all of that hard earned moisture! A deuce pillowcase case has satin on one side and a microfiber towel on the other side, for those nights that we fall asleep with wet hair