Imagine this scenario: A new hair care brand has taken the market by storm, with its products becoming a sensation. The internet is flooded with images of celebrities and influencers endorsing these items, and advertisements proclaim them as a game-changer. Intrigued, you decide to give it a try, only to find yourself disappointed in the end. The reason behind this letdown isn’t a marketing hoax but rather a mismatch with your hair type.
The products may have worked wonders for others, but the crucial factor here is your hair’s porosity. In the case of low-porosity hair, these widely acclaimed products might prove ineffective. This is because low-porosity hair struggles to retain moisture, rendering any random product virtually useless. What you truly need are products specifically designed for your hair type.
Identifying your hair’s porosity can be done through a simple glass test. If your clean hair strand floats on water, it indicates low porosity. If you find yourself reading this blog, chances are you’ve already conducted the test and discovered your hair’s unique characteristics. Embracing products tailored for low-porosity hair is the key to achieving the desired results in your hair care routine. Likewise following haircare tips ideal for your hair type becomes crucial.
This blog will serve as a comprehensive guide to take care of your hair if they are low porosity in nature.
So, let’s get started, shall we?
Steam your hair
You know steam is good for your skin, it’s also good for your respiratory system. But for your hair? Yes, if you have low-porosity hair. People with low porosity hair can benefit from hair steaming. This is because hair steaming can open the hair cuticle, allowing moisture to penetrate. Now you may argue that heat is bad for hair as it can cause damage. You are right, there is no denying that. But just so you know steaming your hair is different. When water turns into vapour form, they are able to move more quickly than liquid molecules and can penetrate into your hair more easily. Hence, your hair gets the moisture.
Steam can hydrate your dry hair and make hydrating products more effective. Hence, it is best to use steam before you condition your hair to open the cuticle.
Use lightweight oils
Whether you have low-porosity hair or high-porosity hair, your hair can always benefit from oiling. The key is to use the right kind of hair oil. It’s best if you use lightweight oil that can easily seep in your cuticle and work towards moisturising your hair.
Hair oils such as almond oil, argan oil or jojoba oil are lighter on the hair, hence making them the right pick for low-porosity hair.
Prevent buildup
As low porosity hair makes it difficult for the hair products to do the work, it can cause product build-up on the scalp. The result is greasy hair and unclean scalp. An unclean scalp is a big NO for hair health. So, what you must do is ensure your scalp is cleaner by using a clarifying shampoo once in a while.
You can also consider doing an apple cider vinegar rinse. It will help loosen up and get rid of the debris. To continue with it, dilute one 1 tablespoon of the ingredient in one cup of water. Massage for a while before you rinse. Do if after shampooing and before conditioning.
Wear a silk bonnet at night
Being low porosity, your hair is already prone to damage and dryness. So, the last thing you’d want is to inflict more damage. This is where silk bonnets and pillowcases come as a knight in shining armour. Silk is softer and ensures the moisture from your hair is not pulled out as you twist and turn during the night.
Don’t forget your diet
More than hair products, your diet matters the most. Ensure that your diet is rich in protein, which is the building block of hair. A few good sources of protein include dairy products, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and lentils, and legumes.
Use humectants
Humectants are hygroscopic substances used to keep things moist. Since low porosity hair makes it difficult to absorb and retain moisture, humectants can help. Glycerin, Salicylic acid and Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are some of the common humectants. You may want to go for products having them to increase moisture absorption.
Closing thoughts
So, there you have it – the lowdown on taking care of those low-porosity locks! Treat your hair to some deep conditioning love, add a bit of heat to the mix, and pick products that actually get under that cuticle. Your low-porosity hair deserves the VIP treatment. Here’s to happy, healthy hair days ahead!
