If you have low porosity hair, your hair will not be able to absorb moisture easily. It is challenging to process and style this hair type. Let us take a look at some of the traits of low porosity hair and note some advice on low porosity hair care.
Signs of Low Porosity Hair
Testing hair porosity is easy – all you have to do is fill a glass with water and dip a few hair strands in the water. Floating hair strands indicate that you have low porosity hair. This type of hair is also characterized by these qualities:
- It takes a long time to air dry
- The hair ends are dry
- It takes time to get it thoroughly wet in the shower
- Products tend to sit on your hair instead of getting absorbed
- Product build-up
- Dull and brittle hair
Tips for Low Porosity Hair Care
Using the right products will help you achieve healthy hair goals. Here are some of the top tips for low porosity hair care:
- Use lightweight products so that they can penetrate past the tight cuticles of your hair and provide adequate moisture and nourishment.
- Low porosity hair has a lot of product build up and looks oily and dull. You may use apple cider vinegar to rinse your hair. Just dilute one 1 tablespoon of it with one cup of water, massage it well throughout your hair, leave for a few minutes, and then rinse.
- Use coconut oil regularly and you may also use a hair serum made at home using ingredients like argan oil, olive oil, or almond oil and aloe vera.
- Another effective ingredient to use as a part of home remedies for low porosity hair is baking soda. Mix it with water until it is completely dissolved, and apply/pour it on your hairs. Leave it on for 1 to 5 minutes and rinse well, follow up with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
- Some amount of heat can open up the hair’s cuticle and promote deep conditioning. Use specially designed heat caps after applying the deep conditioning hair mask. Steam is also great for this hair type and makes hydrating products more effective.
- Avoid the use of protein-infused products if you have low porosity hair. Hair care products with protein can build up on the hair surface, making your hair stiff and more prone to breakage.
- Water-based hair products are your best bet. Always buy hair care products that do not contain silicones as they can act as a barrier, making it more difficult for low porosity hair strands to receive moisture.
- Opt for a satin or silk pillowcase instead of a cotton pillowcase which results in tangling of hair and its breakage.
Conclusion
Low porosity hair tends to get dry and frizzy as it cannot retain moisture for too long. This type of hair cannot withstand too much heat, excess products, styling, or bleaching and needs some extra attention. Choose your hair care products wisely and go for the ones that are specifically meant for this type of hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What causes low porosity hair?
Ans. Low porosity hair is typically a result of genetics, aging, environmental damage, heat and chemical exposure due to hair treatment, use of harsh hair products, etc.
Q2. What is the spray test for to determine low porosity hair?
Ans. To check the porosity of your hair, you can spray water on clean, dry hair. If your hair is slow to absorb the water and takes time to dry, you have low porosity hair.
Q3. Can I use humectants if I have low porosity hair?
Ans. Yes, humectants help trap moisture and can be used to care for low porosity hair. These are ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and honey. You must look for them in shampoos, conditioners, or other hair care products.
