Your Low Porosity Hair Care Regimen

Are you well-versed on the topic of natural hair? If so, then you know that curly textures come in all shapes and sizes. And if you’ve dived a bit deeper into natural hair care, you likely know about hair porosity. Low porosity hair has a reputation for being a bit challenging to deal with as low porosity hair characteristics can include a lack of moisture and being difficult to style. If you find yourself tackling these issues, you may be wondering how to deal with low porosity hair.

Natural hair already comes with its own rulebook, but the key to mastering low porosity hair care is knowing what works for your locks (and what doesn’t). In other words, you’ll want to have the right low porosity hair products and a few tips and tricks on-hand. Interested in mastering this porosity type? Follow along as we share everything you need to know for your low porosity hair care regimen.

WHAT IS LOW POROSITY HAIR?

Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Think of your hair cuticle like shingles on a roof. When you have low porosity hair, the shingles are laid tightly together, resulting in it being hard for moisture to get in or out. When you have high porosity hair, the shingles are lifted, making it easy for your hair to absorb moisture but difficult to retain moisture. While it may take some TLC for low porosity hair to absorb moisture, once it penetrates your strands, it stays put for a while, which helps keep damage, breakage, frizz, and static at bay.

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF LOW POROSITY HAIR?

As we mentioned above, a clear indicator of low porosity hair is when you notice that it’s difficult to moisturize your strands. No matter how much you try to hydrate your hair with water or specific hair-care products, it will take a while for your hair to get fully hydrated.

Other low porosity hair characteristics include your hair taking a long time to air dry and products sitting on your hair instead of being absorbed.

IS LOW POROSITY HAIR HEALTHY?

There is no denying that low porosity hair has a bit of a bad rep in the natural hair world. However, that doesn’t mean that this hair type is unhealthy. Much like there are various natural textures, porosity is all the same. While it can be hard to get moisture into your strands, as long as you lock down a solid hair care routine, your locks will be A-OK! Speaking of which…

HOW TO CARE FOR LOW POROSITY HAIR

Ready to become a low porosity hair care expert? Consider our seven tips below to get started.

1. START WITH A PRE-POO TREATMENT

By now, you likely know that getting moisture into low porosity hair is no easy feat. Thankfully, using a pre-poo treatment can help make the process a bit easier. Not only do pre-poo treatments provide your hair with extra protection on wash days, but they also work in your favor to provide your locks with an additional layer of moisture. Need some help finding the best pre-poo option for your hair? Visit our article, This Is Why You Should Pre-Poo (And What Should You Use).

2. USE A NOURISHING HAIR SYSTEM

Another great way to give low porosity hair the attention that it needs is to enlist the help of a nourishing hair care duo. After all, you need to amp up the moisture to help your strands look and feel their very best. Pick up the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. This sulfate-free duo comes in handy to deeply moisturize and gently cleanse your locks.

3. MAKE THE LCO METHOD YOUR BFF

If there is one natural hair technique that was made with low porosity hair in mind, the LCO method gets the top vote. The LCO method lays out the steps of using a liquid, oil, and cream—in that order—to help your locks retain moisture. A slight spin-off of the popular LOC method, this variation allows you to only use lightweight products that absorb easier. Head on over to our article, Your Guide to the LCO Method, for a step-by-step routine.

4. CONSIDER USING DEEP CONDITIONERS

One of the easiest ways to help your low porosity hair get moisture fast is to use a deep conditioner. This beauty staple is one of the best low porosity hair products because it goes the extra mile to provide your strands with a more thorough conditioning that leaves you with long-lasting moisture. See what all the hype is about by trying the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner. Swap this offering for your conditioner once or twice a week to transform your locks.

5. RINSE WITH LUKEWARM WATER

It’s no secret that hot water feels amazing in the shower. However, when it comes to dealing with low porosity hair, you’ll need to switch it up. Super-hot H2O can dry out your strands, which is the last thing low porosity hair needs. Turn down the dial to help your locks retain moisture.

6. GET FAMILIAR WITH SERUMS

It can be a pain trying to get moisture into low porosity hair. So, you’ll need to up the ante with your routine by sealing in moisture with a hair serum. Grab the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment to get the job done. Infused with flower oils, this lightweight serum instantly hydrates and nourishes hair with every use. Rub one to two drops through the length of hair, concentrating the product on the ends.

7. PROTECT YOUR HAIR AT NIGHT

While taking care of low porosity hair in the shower is a must, you’ll need to expand your efforts by protecting your hair at night, too. Simply put, sleeping on cotton sheets and pillowcases can draw out moisture from your hair. Ditch the cotton for a silk or satin offering to keep your low porosity hair in good shape—bonus points if you add a bonnet into the mix!

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