Who knew that hair porosity was so important in caring for, growing, and retaining the health and length of hair, specifically curly and tightly coiled hair? Before I began my natural hair journey in 2018, porosity to me was unheard of. I am pretty sure that my former stylist of nearly a decade is unfamiliar with the term too.
Why? Because she did not care for my hair in its most natural state!
A wash and flat iron was my go to at the salon until I decided that I was bored with straight hair. Boredom alone did not lead me to take over my own natural hair. I wanted to learn and embrace my texture! Although It took me a while to understand porosity and what my specific type was, I figured it out through diligent practice 💪🏾.
Unfortunately, when we’re learning and testing products, one might use something that can do more harm to our delicate strands than good 😔. Trust me, I’ve been there, but did a 180 and bounced back 🙌🏾! I am a lo-po gal to the fullest! Caring for low porosity hair definitely has its challenges.
Allow me to give some insight and what has been working and helping along my journey!
What Is Low Porosity?
Low Porosity is when the cuticles of the hair lie flat and are tightly closed, making it hell for moisture to get into the strands. Even the most natural source of moisture has a difficult time absorbing into lo-po hair.
What is the number one source of hair hydration you might ask? WATER!
It’s vital to make sure that water is fully absorbed into the hair while shampooing or before applying products. If not, the hair will likely lack moisture and your do will be undone!
A great way to get water fully absorbed into the hair is to wash it in the shower. Everyone’s hair is different, but when I am washing my hair, I wash in sections. I’d say it takes at least 3-5 minutes for my hair to soak up water.
It might be difficult to get moisture into lo-po strands, but once it is in, its INNN! Moisture for at least 2-3 days! Even longer if you use amazing products.
Hopefully, it is now understood what low porosity hair is. Here are some tips that are a MUST when caring for low porosity hair.
Deep Condition with EVERY Wash Session
You read that right. Every👏🏾. Single👏🏾.Wash👏🏾. Session👏🏾. Whether you wash on a weekly or biweekly basis, do not skip this step! I used to, and guess what? My hair was dry and could not hold the style that I was trying to achieve.
A twist out would last 2 days max. This is not normal. An ultra hydrated twist out has the capability to last for at least 5 days. If you can, aim to wash and deep condition your low porosity coils every week.
One of my faves is by a line made particularly for low porosity hair. It’s called Low Porosity All In One Conditioner. Check it out here! The entire line is bomb.
I will be writing a review soon!
Anyway, if you cannot commit to weekly deep conditioning, be sure to apply lightweight, moisturizing products on the week(s) that you do not wash.
It is 🔑 to refresh the hair although it could be tempting to set and go until the next wash day.
DO NOT Skip out on Protein
Unless you have protein sensitive hair, you should incorporate protein into your hair care regimen. Light protein treatments and protein enriched products are essential in caring for low porosity hair. The key is to use protein in moderation.
For example, if you wash your hair on a weekly basis, alternate between a protein based deep conditioner and a moisture enriched deep conditioner. This is a general example so the best thing to do would be to listen to your specific hair needs!
Sometimes the hair may need a bit more protein or it might crave more moisture. It really depends! It is also possible to have looser or more dense hair in various parts of the hair and each section, which could have an effect on the need for more or less protein.
That’s another topic for another day!
Moisture is Your Very Best Friend
As hard as it could be to get low porosity cuticles to open up and take in moisture, it is necessary! This cannot be stressed enough. If you really have a hard time letting moisture into your strands, then you may have to invest in a hair steamer or a steam cap.
Steaming the hair has great benefits and it is especially helpful for low porosity hair. It allows for deeper conditioning and promotes hair growth. Be sure to use at least one product for moisture within each wash session.
Shampoos, leave-in conditioners, deep conditioners, and styling products all contain moisture enriched ingredients, but you must purchase the type that focuses on moisture and hydration. Each product would usually highlight its use on the package.
The Takeaway
So there you have it. With the proper maintenance and wash day regimen, low porosity hair could be successfully cared for. If you desire to have thriving, luxurious low porosity hair, then don’t take any shortcuts! Commit to the process and you will reap the benefits!
Washing on a weekly basis might be too much, but biweekly should be the goal. What also would help is to track each wash day! Keep record of the products used, the hairstyle, and the results. Then if something were to go wrong or right 🤞🏾, you’d know exactly what you have done! Tracking would allow you to repeat what works for your hair or rework what doesn’t!
How do you care for your low porosity hair? Share some tips in the comments below!
Aly
Up until the pandemic shutdowns, I spent quite a bit of money on hairstylist fees and hair products. What’s crazy is that now that you mention it, I don’t recall having many conversations about hair texture or porosity and how that would factor into hairstyling and hair care. Thanks for sharing this smart advice for caring for low porosity hair. Do you have a favorite conditioner that you recommend for this hair type?
Terese Hayes
Hi Aly,
Thanks for reading the post! Yes, porosity seems to be very important to know for coiled and curly hair types. I myself, as I always mention, have low porosity hair. I absolutely do have a favorite conditioner. I mentioned it in the post, but in case you missed it, the conditioner is called Low Porosity All In One Conditioner by Kriya Botanicals. It’s a deep conditioner, a leave in conditioner, a detangler, and a moisturizer! I love it for it’s multiple uses and it really does a great job for my hair. I hope that this helps. If you have any more questions, I would be happy to answer!
Terese
Johnny
Looooved your article! Love the GIFS too haha! How much information about hair porosity, you are right, it´s not something we take into considerations (we do read a lot about frizz and hydration, but not prosity). I will follow your advice and take the pertinent actions regarding my poooor hair! Thanks again and please keep posting!!!
LineCowley
Hi Terese, thank you for sharing this very informative post on low porosity hair. It is a term that I had not come across before when hair is discussed. So is dry hair the same as low porosity hair? Or is there a difference between them?
Interesting though that you say washing hair in the shower is good to get water absorbed. I always wash my hair in the shower, so hopefully that helps. I had come across hair steaming before, but not in the context for low porosity hair, so another great tip to improve the texture of your hair.
I often would you recommend steaming your hair? Thanks
jobs
Wow! This is helpful. Thank you for this article on Porosity hair. This information will serve my daughter well with the type of hair texture that looks African/western type of hair. We have to settle for pleating her hair but this will not be for long as I will love her to have many options of how she styles her hair. What kind of treatment and product will you recommend for me to use for her. please?