Low porosity hair is hair whose cuticle is naturally in a closed position. Therefore, it retains moisture well. However, it is more of a process to lift the cuticle and bring moisture into the hair.
Here are 10 tips for low porosity hair:
1. Use the baggying method.
The baggying method is using a plastic bag or shower cap to trap the heat from your scalp to open your hair cuticle. I recommend spritzing your hair beforehand to create steam. Keep the bag on for a minute or two, and you’re good to go!
2. Use products that contain humectants.
Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture to the hair. They can be helpful to constantly attract moisture to your hair. Some common humectants include aloe, glycerin, and honey.
3. Use lighter hair oils.
Use lighter hair oils to avoid clogging your hair cuticles. Low porosity hair’s cuticle is naturally closed, so heavy oils are not necessary (but everyone's hair is different). Some lightweight oils to try are argan oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil.
4. Heat up your hair products before applying them.
Adding heat to your hair products can help to open the hair cuticle and help them absorb. I would NOT recommend microwaving them lol (that can affect the chemical makeup of the products).
Instead, place the bottle in a hot water bath or pour some into a Tupperware and sit in the water bath. You can also just apply your styling products in the shower right after wash day!
5. Use a hooded dryer to DC (deep condition).
Again, adding heat to your moisturizing process will keep your cuticle open and help your hair products enter the hair shaft.
6. Avoid cold water on wash days.
Compared to warm/hot water, cold water is less likely to keep the cuticle open during wash day. Avoid this to make sure you get the most moisture possible.
7. Add more water instead of more product to avoid buildup
Remember, water = moisture! Adding more products can cause buildup onto your hair!
8. Add baking soda to your conditioner to keep hair cuticle open.
High pH keeps the hair cuticle open. Try adding it to your DC to keep the cuticle open during the process (especially if you do not want to add heat with a hooded dryer).
9. Avoid silicones which can coat the hair and block moisture.
Silicones are ingredients that coat the hair and make the hair appear shiny. However, they create a barrier for moisture and can cause the hair to dry out overtime. Watch out for ingredients that end with “-cone.”
Ways to get around this is properly clarifying your hair with a clarifying shampoo. Again, everyone's hair is different, and silicones do work for some naturals!
10. Balance protein & moisture.
Protein is important for keeping our hair strong. Therefore, it is important to do regular protein treatments. However, maintain your moisturizing routine as well to maintain protein-moisture balance.
The best way to maintain balance is to use products that contain both humectants (moisture) and proteins.
I hope you found these tips helpful!
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Take care!
♡ Gwen