What Is Low Porosity Hair And How To Deal With It

Written by Sumona Bose27th May 2020
What is low porosity hair and how to deal with it

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…

 

What does low porosity hair look like?

How to best deal with low porosity hair

The common indicators of low porosity hair are as follows:

  • Takes longer to get wet: 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.
  • Matted feel: 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.
  • Dull and lifeless finish: The lack of moisture retention makes low porosity hair look lacklustre, reduces its elasticity and makes it prone to split ends.

 

How to best deal with low porosity hair

How to best deal with low porosity hair

Since hydration is the core issue, the best way to deal with low porosity hair is by regular 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.

BB picks: Love Beauty & Planet Smooth and Serene Conditioner with Argan Oil and Lavender Aroma

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!

Sumona Bose

Written by

Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!

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