Having low porosity hair doesn't mean you're destined to a life of dry hair. All it takes is a few changes to your hair routine to help your hair receive everything it needs look and feel at it’s best!
How do I know if I have low porosity hair?
For starters, there are three ways you can tell if you have low porosity hair. By understanding similar signs, taking a quick QUIZ or doing a 3 minute “float test.”
Low Porosity Signs include:
·It can feel like ages before your hair is dry
·Your hair is too oily- your strands feel weighed down
·Dandruff- you experience scalp build up
·Product buildup- you seem to easily hold onto extra dirt or product residue
·Deep conditioning works only when using heat
·Very few conditioners add moisture to your hair
·You have to remoisturize your hair often.
If you said "yes" to any of these signs, you may have low porosity hair. If you still have a few doubts, you can learn more about your hair porosity here: Quick Hair Porosity Quiz.
Finally, for all my D.I.Y. naturals, there is the “float test.” Here is how it works:
STEP 1:
Begin by cleaning your hair with a clarifying shampoo. I recommend using Quidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo for a gentle but thorough cleanse, without the worry of stripping away natural oils.
I also like the AS I AM Curl Clarity Shampoo. A little goes a long way. You don't need a lot of to work and effective enough to remove product buildup well!
STEP 2: Fill a glass with distilled water.
STEP 3: Collect a strand of hair(clean & clarified).
STEP 4: Drop it into the glass of distilled water.
STEP 5: Let it sit for about 3 minutes.
STEP 6: Check Results: Look to see if your hair floats or sinks. If your hair floats with ease to the top, then it's low porosity.
How do you wash low porosity hair?
Washing low porosity hair requires slightly warmer water to encourage your hair's cuticle to open and allow the moisturizing elements of your shampoo to work. Be sure to use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to help remove buildup. It ensures that each strand can receive nourishment and moisture without leftover dirt and products.
When deep conditioning, always use heat. You can do this with the use of a steamer, a hooded dryer, or even body heat. This will encourage the hair's cuticle to open and allow moisture to penetrate the hair shaft easily. When finished, rinse with cool water. For low porous hair, cool water rinsing doesn’t have to be too cold since the hair's natural tendancy is to remain compact.
After shampooing and conditioning, apply a lightweight, water-based, leave-in conditioner on damp hair. Since low porosity hair has a tendency to be protein sensitive, carefully choose conditioner that contain little to no protein. This will infuse your non-porous strands with hydration and also lubricate each strand without coating the hair with too much product.
What products should you use for low porosity hair?
Having low porosity hair can be challenging and even a bit overwhelming when searching for products that work with your hair instead of against it. So when you're shopping for the right low porosity hair products, look for lightweight formulas that have ingredients that will easily penetrate the hair shaft. Such as honey, glycerin, aloe vera, flaxseed gel and panthenol(vitamin B5). Doing this will help prevent buildup and residue from weighing down your hair and still promote hydration from root to end. Products that also contain amino acids and other forms of hair healthy proteins will aid in water retention.
Are you ready for more good hair days?
Explore a complete list of
Low Porosity Friendly Products and to get started caring for your low porosity hair the better way.
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