Okay babe, let’s talk about something that gets WAY overlooked but is sooo important—low porosity hair! If you’re like, “Wait, what the heck even is porosity?”, don’t stress—you’re not alone. A lot of people don’t know about hair porosity but figuring out if you’ve got low porosity hair could totally change your hair game.
What is Low Porosity Hair?
So, let’s get straight into it. (And yes, this might be your “Aha!” moment.) Your hair’s porosity basically refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It’s like—it’s the gatekeeper for everything you put on your hair. Low porosity hair means that your hair’s cuticles are super tight, so they don’t let moisture or hair products in easily. Kinda rude, right?
Here’s the visual: Imagine your hair cuticles are basically like little scales. When you have low porosity hair, those scales are tightly shut. So when you try to drench your scalp in all those serums and masks, well… it’s just like, “Nah, we’re good; no entry!” And we DO NOT want that.
How to Know if You Have Low Porosity Hair
Okay, time to figure out if you’re part of the low porosity squad. It’s actually really simple! There’s a boujee little “float test” you can try out. Take a clean strand of your hair and drop it into a glass of water. If your hair just floats on the top like it’s lounging on a pool floaty, your hair is most likely low porosity.
Another sign? If products legit just sit on top of your hair like awkward, unruly blobs and refuse to “soak in,” that’s a red flag, sis.
Low porosity hair feels like a diva sometimes, pretending it doesn’t need your moisturizing cremes or oils, but oh, it does!
Struggles of Having Low Porosity Hair
If you’ve got low porosity hair, you know the struggle is real. You’ll be slathering on products just to give your hair that soft and glossy vibe, but within seconds it’s like your hair is ghosting you. And don’t even get me started on dryness… No matter what you try, your hair might feel like it’s out here looking for moisture like it’s on a scavenger hunt.
Also, washing and drying your hair can be a DRAG. Low porosity hair is like, pro-level at repelling water. So, if you’ve ever stood in your shower and it feels like your hair is staying bone dry no matter how much you sin, yup, we feel you.
But fret not! (I sound like your mom right there, but for real.) There are ways to pamper your low porosity hair and make it look #flawless. So let’s breakdown some must-know tips for handling that drama queen hair type of yours.
Tips for Caring for Your Low Porosity Hair
1. Stick to Light Moisture
Here’s the deal: Since your hair can get easily weighed down (because it doesn’t like to absorb much), you want to keep your products light. Heavy products and oils can just sit on top and make your hair look greasy or flat. You don’t wanna go through the effort of looking cute only for your hair to start looking like you haven’t washed it in weeks. Yikes.
Instead, look for water-based, lightweight leave-in conditioners and moisturizers. These are easier for low porosity hair to handle, and they won’t be too heavy for your strands.
2. Use Heat—But Not in the Way You Think!
Okay, before you panic—I’m not suggesting you go fry your hair with a flatiron every week, LOL. But adding a little warmth to your hair care routine can be a GAME-CHANGER for getting your hair to suck up all that moisture.
When you apply heat, you’re basically opening up those super closed-off cuticles a tiny bit, which lets the moisture slide in. You can do this by using warm water when you wash your hair (not scorching hot though, please) or using a heat cap after applying treatments. Steamers work, too! So yes, it’s like giving your hair a personal spa day.
Heat opens up low porosity hair cuticles just enough to let the good stuff in—finally!
3. Clarify Yo’ Hair (but don’t overdo it)
Low porosity hair is suuuuper prone to product buildup. All those hair creams and serums that just sit on your hair? They’ll eventually leave a layer of gunk that can make hair brittle and stiff over time. And no one wants stiff, awkward hair!
What you gotta do is hit your locks with a clarifying shampoo once every couple of weeks to get rid of all that buildup. You don’t need anything harsh though—a gentle clarifying or chelating shampoo will do the job. Trust me, once your hair is fresh and free from product buildup, it’ll thank you, and you’ll notice your products starting to work better too.
4. Deep Condition like a Queen
Deep conditioning is key, girl. Since low porosity hair can be a bit boujee about accepting moisture, it’s a good idea to dedicate time to a quality deep conditioning session at least once a week. Look for a deep conditioner packed with natural humectants like honey or glycerin. These babes will pull moisture from the air and into your hair. I don’t know about you, but the idea of DRINKING in moisture sounds divine to me.
It also helps if you deep condition with heat. Throw on your fav Netflix show, steam that hair up, and let your deep conditioner work its magic!
5. Choose the Right Oils
Remember what I said earlier about heavy oils? Yeah, you’re going to need lightweight oils if you have low porosity hair. Oils like argan oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil will be your new BFFs because they coat the hair and lock in moisture without weighing you down.
Avoid thicker oils like shea butter or coconut oil though, because those will just sit there like a bad ex who doesn’t get the hint.
Things to Avoid if You Have Low Porosity Hair
Okay, not to be a buzzkill, but there are some absolute NOs if you’re trying to care for low porosity hair. Let’s just save ourselves the heartbreak upfront, okay?
1. Overloading on Protein
People get OBSESSED with protein treatments, but low porosity hair doesn’t always need all that. Too much protein can stiffen your hair and leave it feeling like straw. So, unless you know for sure that your hair needs protein, don’t force it. Rookie mistake!
Too much protein is a major NO for low porosity hair. You gotta keep it balanced!
2. Skipping Water in Your Regimen
Hydration is key, ALWAYS. People tend to mix up moisture and oils but those are two different things. Moisture = water, and your low porosity hair desperately needs that first before you worry about any oils or creams. Make sure water-based products are the stars of your routine, and your hair will start to look healthier over time. Plus, keeping a spray bottle just filled with water handy during your routine will be a lifesaver for when your hair feels a little parched.
3. Using Heavy Butters & Oils
Like I said earlier, you’ve gotta steer clear from those thick products. I know some natural hair products advertise all the shea butter and coconut oil, which sounds amazing, but they’re just way too heavy for low porosity hair. Stick to lighter, more manageable oils and creams. Thank me later.
Embrace the Moisture, Babe
So, low porosity hair might need some extra TLC, but once you figure out what works for you, girl—you’re gonna be winning in the moisture department.
Low porosity doesn’t mean bad hair, okay? It just means your hair likes to play hard-to-get sometimes, but YOU are the boss of your curls (not the other way around). If you master the art of moisturizing and staying on top of your hydration game, your hair will literally thrive!
Now that you’ve got the tea (or should I say, water-based serum) on how to treat low porosity hair, go on, rock that soft, healthy hair. I hope this little guide helps get you on your way to your best hair ever.
Hydrated hair is happy hair. 💖
