Low Porosity Hair: How to Care for Hair That Struggles to Soak Up Moisture using Sustainable Products

If you've ever felt like your hair just doesn’t absorb moisture no matter what you do, you might have low porosity hair. Understanding your hair's porosity can unlock the secret to better hydration, less breakage, and a more defined curl pattern.

If your hair never seems to absorb moisture or feels like product just sits on top, you might have low porosity hair. This simply means that your hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it hard for water, oils, or treatments to penetrate.

But with the right care, it can absolutely thrive.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what low porosity hair is, how to tell if you have it, and gentle, effective ways to care for it - naturally and sustainably.

What is Low Porosity Hair?

Low porosity hair has cuticles that lay flat and tightly packed, which makes it naturally resistant to absorbing moisture. While this can mean less frizz and better definition, it also makes hydration a challenge. Water tends to bead on the surface, products can build up quickly, and drying time can take forever.

"How can I make sure this is actually my hair type?"

Identifying your hair type is crucial for creating an effective hair care routine. If you suspect you have low porosity hair but want to be sure, try this test & look for these key indicators to help you confirm:

How to Test for Hair Porosity using The Float Test

• Take a clean strand of hair and place it in a glass of room-temperature water. Observe how the hair behaves:

  • Floats for a Long Time: Indicates low porosity.

  • Sinks Slowly: Indicates normal porosity.

  • Sinks Immediately: Indicates high porosity.

Signs you might have Low Porosity Hair

1. Longer Time to Get Wet and Dry:

Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, making it resistant to water. It takes longer to get fully wet in the shower and much longer to dry compared to other hair types.

2. Product Buildup:

Products tend to sit on the surface rather than being absorbed, leading to buildup. This can make your hair feel greasy or coated even after washing.

3. Lack of Moisture:Despite using moisturizing products, your hair may still feel dry and straw-like. Low porosity hair struggles to retain moisture due to the closed cuticles.

4. Frizz and Dullness:

The lack of moisture absorption can lead to frizz and a dull appearance, making the hair look less vibrant.

The Golden Ingredients for Your Hair

For those with low porosity hair, lightweight hydration is the name of the game. Here are some ingredients that you should include in your hair care routine.

Make sure to patch test and pay attention to how your hair responds first!

Aloe Vera Gel or Juice

Honey

Nature humectant.

Glycerin (in humid weather)

It's a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in plants and animals. It binds moisture to the hair.

Rice water rinse

Strengthens and smooths strands.

Best Practices for Low Porosity Hair Care

Caring for low porosity hair requires a gentler, more intentional approach:

• Use lightweight products – Creams and butters might be too heavy. Opt for light leave-ins or hydrating sprays.

• Incorporate steam or heat – Heat opens up the cuticle and allows better absorption. Try warming your deep conditioner or using a steamer.

• Clarify regularly – Since buildup happens quickly, use a gentle clarifying shampoo once a month.

• Avoid heavy oils – Castor oil or coconut oil can weigh your hair down. Go for argan oil, jojoba, or grapeseed oil instead.

Your Sustainable Hair Care Routine

1. Gentle Cleansing 🧴

Swap out those harsh shampoos for something gentle and kind, like the SheaMoisture Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo. It cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural goodness​.

2. Deep Conditioning 💆‍♀️

• Give your hair a spa day with a deep conditioning treatment. The JVN Nurture Intense Hydration Hair Mask is a dream. Pop it on, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and let it work its magic.

• Light, leave-in conditioners are your best friend. Try the Ceremonia Guava Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner for hydration that won’t weigh you down.

• Lightweight oils like argan and jojoba are perfect for keeping your hair hydrated without the buildup. The adwoa beauty Blue Tansy Treatment Serum is perfect for sealing in moisture and adding shine

Sustainable hair care is a powerful way to contribute to a healthier planet. Here are some tips to make your routine greener:

• Refill, Reuse, Repeat: Choose products with refillable packaging to reduce plastic waste.

• Support Sustainable Brands: Buy from companies committed to eco-friendly practices.

• DIY Treatments: Make your own hair masks with natural ingredients like aloe vera and honey. It’s fun and sustainable!

Caring for low porosity hair doesn’t mean compromising on sustainability. With the right products and a little know-how, you can achieve gorgeous, hydrated hair while making a positive impact on the environment.

Remember, those small changes add up to big results. Let's keep it green and gorgeous, one strand at a time

It might take some trial and error, but once you find your rhythm, it can feel like your hair is finally working with you.

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