Here’s your expert-approved guide on how to treat low porosity hair!
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The common indicators of low porosity hair are as follows:
While low porosity hair presents several challenges, with the right approach and the correct low porosity hair products, you can achieve healthy, moisturised, and voluminous hair. Here's how:
Pallavi Mehra is a Mumbai & LA-based writer-editor with 12+ years' experience, featured in Vogue, GQ & Condé Nast Traveller, covering travel, lifestyle & more.
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There are three levels of porosity found in hair—low, normal and high. Porosity, or your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, largely decides how your mane looks and feels. While high porosity absorbs more moisture and is difficult to style, low porosity makes your hair dry and unmanageable altogether. Low porosity is especially evident in curly (and wavy) hair which struggles with absorbing moisture and products, thus, leaving you to deal with brittle ends. While you can't change the structure of your hair, there are ways to deal with low porosity. But first...
If you think of your hair like a sponge. Low porosity hair is when the sponge is tightly packed and does not easily absorb water. This is because the cuticle, the outermost layer of your hair, is tightly closed, making it tough for moisture and products to enter the hair strand.
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Your hair takes a long time to get completely drenched with water, thus, making it harder to properly wash the strands. You might even feel the water just sliding off of the strands instead of wetting it.
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The inability of hair products to penetrate through the strands can lead to product build-up on the scalp. If not treated, your hair can start looking matted and feel rubbery overtime.
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The lack of moisture retention makes low porosity hair look lacklustre, reduces its elasticity and makes it prone to split ends.
Since hydration is the core issue, the best way to deal with low porosity hair is by regularly masking your hair. Nurturing and rich treatment masks that can deep condition your hair should be added to your hair care routine. Since it's difficult to properly wash low porosity hair, products can sit on the surface and further block the reach of moisturising agents. So, stick to a lightweight formula when masking your mane. This also means that you should limit your use of hair oils and oil-based products as they can have adverse effects on your hair.
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Product buildup is a big issue for low porosity hair. Utilise a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to get rid of any residue and enable moisture to penetrate.
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Heavy products weigh down low porosity hair. Use lightweight leave-in conditioners, moisturisers, and oils, which can be easily absorbed.
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Humectants such as honey, glycerin, and aloe vera attract moisture from the air and can help keep your hair hydrated and moisturised.
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It may take some time to find the correct products and hair care regime for your low porosity hair. Don't feel bad if you don't see results immediately. By trying different hair care products, you will be able to find the right ones for your hair.
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Washing your hair with warm water helps open the hair cuticle, allowing better product absorption. Avoid hot water, as it can strip the hair of natural oils, and cold water, which may not allow products to penetrate well.
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Steaming your hair helps to lift the cuticle, making it easier for moisture to enter. You can use a facial steamer or wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel to help boost moisture retention.
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Low porosity hair can benefit from a balance of protein treatments. Too much protein can cause your hair to feel brittle, while too little can lead to weakness. Use protein treatments sparingly and focus on deep conditioning regularly.
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Avoid using thick butters and oils like shea butter, as they can sit on the surface of your hair rather than penetrating it. Stick to lighter oils such as argan oil or jojoba oil that are more easily absorbed.
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Silicone-based products can cause buildup, which makes it even harder for moisture to penetrate low porosity hair. Opt for silicone-free products that won't weigh your hair down.
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Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase helps reduce friction, preventing hair breakage and frizz. These materials also help maintain moisture in the hair, ensuring that your hair stays hydrated while you sleep.
Here are some additional expert-approved tips on how to best deal with low porosity hair:
BB picks: The Love Beauty & Planet Smooth and Serene Conditioner with Argan Oil and Lavender Aroma is an excellent hair mask for low porosity hair. The Dove 10 in 1 Deep Repair Treatment Hair Mask 300 ml, for damaged hair also works well for low porosity hair. Dealing with low porosity hair is all about understanding its distinctive needs and finding the right balance of hydration and products. With a little patience and experimentation, you can improve your hair quality and achieve the healthy, gorgeous hair you've always wanted. If you have additional questions or concerns about low porosity hair, it's best to speak with a trichologist who can help you with a personalised treatment plan.
Pro tip:
Use heat to open up your hair cuticles and help absorb the nourishing products better. Apply steam to your hair while masking and wash off with cold water to lock in the hydration and keep frizz at bay!
