Low porosity is a term used to explain your hair’s ability to absorb moisture when needed. It determines how your hair will respond to products and environmental factors. If you say that your hair is low porosity, it means that tightly packed cuticles do not allow products or moisture to enter the hair shaft. If you’ve noticed your hair tend to feel heavy with products or dryness, it might be low porosity hair. Here is a brief easily digestible exploration behind what low porosity hair is and how best to take care of it.
What is Low Porosity Hair?
The cuticle is the outer layer in hair strands and acts as shingles on rooftops overlapping to protect the inner part of the hair. Bar the smooth hair shaft, the cuticles in low porosity hair are so tightly assembled that it becomes impossible for moisture to enter or leave the shaft. Therefore you will find out that low porosity hair takes up products with a lot of resistance, but once it gets them, it will keep the moisture a long time.
Characteristics of Low Porosity Hair:
- Slow to Wet: Low porosity hair will take longer to get fully wet in the shower due to resistance of cuticles tightly packed against one other
- Product Build-Up: Since moisture and products have trouble entering the strands, hair products may sit on the surface, causing build-up over time. This can leave hair feeling greasy or weighed down.
- Shiny but Prone to Dryness: Low porosity hair usually looks shiny, reflecting light, but can still feel dry or brittle due to neglect. This is because the cuticles are more waterproof than in other hair types.
- Styling Difficulties: Low porosity hair has some unique challenges in terms of product manipulation. It may appear resistant or stiff when styling, unless, of course, the right style product is used.
What Causes Low Porosity?
Low porosity is often genetically predetermined, but it may also be caused by excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental exposures. Over time, hair cuticles can naturally become tighter and less conducive to moisture retention, especially when damaged by heat or chemical processes.
Caring for Low Porosity Hair
- Apply Heat to Open the Cuticles: Because cuticles of low porosity hair are tightly shut, applying heat will help temporarily open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate. Use a steamer or apply heat during deep conditioning treatments for better absorption of the product.
- Stick to Light Water-Based Products: Heavier oils and creams may sit on top of the hair and cause buildup. Opt for lightweight, water-based leave-in conditioners and styling products that the hair can absorb well.
- Remember to Clarify: One of the challenges of keeping low-porosity hair is product buildup. Use a gentle clarifying shampoo every two to four weeks to remove excess residue and keep the hair healthy.
- Deep Condition Often: Though low porosity hair is resistant to moisture, it is still essential to deep condition regularly. Deep conditioners containing proteins and hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin, aloe vera, or honey, are very helpful in improving moisture retention for low porosity hair over time
- Practice the L.O.C. Method: The L.O.C. method (Liquid, Oil, Cream) is most effective for low-porosity hair. Start by applying a liquid, such as a leave-in conditioner, followed by oil.
