Let’s dive into an important topic for textured hair: low porosity hair. Often misunderstood, low porosity hair has its own unique needs and challenges. Not sure of your hair’s porosity? A quick and simple way to get started is by trying the cup test:
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Take a clean strand of your hair (free of product) and drop it into a cup of room-temperature water.
- Observe what happens over a few minutes:
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If the strand floats, it may indicate low porosity.
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If it sinks slowly, your hair is likely normal porosity.
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If it sinks quickly, it could mean high porosity.
While the cup test is a great starting point, it’s not foolproof and shouldn’t be the sole determinant. For a more accurate understanding, pay attention to how your hair responds to moisture and products in your daily routine.
Many people with kinky, curly, coily, or dense hair assume they have low porosity hair but this isn’t always the case. Both high and low porosity hair face moisture challenges but the root causes are very different. Be sure to check out our article on high porosity hair to compare!
What Is Low Porosity Hair?
Low porosity hair refers to strands with tightly closed cuticles that make it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This is a natural characteristic for many different hair types. There is nothing wrong with having low porosity hair. While it may differ a bit, low porosity hair simply requires specific care techniques to thrive.
Signs of Low Porosity Hair
Wondering if you have low porosity hair? Here are a few tell-tale signs:
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Your hair is not easily saturated with water.
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Water and moisture products tend to “sit” on top of your hair instead of being absorbed.
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You experience frequent product build-up.
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Your hair often feels dry despite using moisturizing products.
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It’s difficult to thoroughly hydrate your hair.
These challenges stem from the cuticle’s tightly closed nature, which can prevent moisture from entering the strands. While locking in moisture is easier compared to other porosity types, getting the moisture in initially is often the toughest step.
How to Care for Low Porosity Hair
Caring for low porosity hair starts with understanding how to help moisture penetrate the cuticle. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
1. Deep Conditioning with Heat
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Using a heated cap or steam during deep conditioning treatments can open the cuticles, allowing moisture to penetrate more effectively. Try our Restore Intense Deep Conditioning Treatment for a moisture boost and healthier strands.
2. Choose the Right Products
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Opt for lighter-weight creams, leave-in conditioners, and butters to avoid excessive product build-up. We recommend our Nourish Moisturizing Cream for lightweight hydration that lasts.
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Add our Enrich Leave-In Conditioner to your routine for daily moisture and soft, manageable strands.
3. Don’t Overdo It
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Listen to your hair! If it still feels moisturized, skip adding more product. Overloading your hair can lead to build-up and weigh your strands down.
4. Refresh Between Washes
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A good refresh spray is essential for keeping your hair hydrated between washes. Try our Refresh Conditioning Spray to revive your curls and keep your hair soft and shiny.
5. Seal in Moisture with Lightweight Oils
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After applying hydration, use a lightweight oil to lock in moisture. Our Invigorate Sealing Oil is specially formulated to seal in moisture, leaving your hair nourished and shiny without feeling greasy.
A Blessed Hair Journey
With the right care and products, low porosity hair can thrive. Remember, your hair isn’t a problem, it’s unique, beautiful, and full of potential. Finding a routine that works for your specific needs will help your hair shine.
Ready to Start?
At Strands of Faith, we celebrate all hair textures and provide resources to help you on your hair journey. If you’re looking for products designed for low porosity hair, check out our Restore Intense Deep Conditioning Treatment, Nourish Moisturizing Cream, Enrich Leave-In Conditioner, Refresh Conditioning Spray, and Invigorate Sealing Oil. These are perfect first steps toward achieving happy, healthy hair.
Embrace Your Beauty. Believe in You. Keep The Faith!
