Hair Routine for Low Porosity Hair
Hair porosity is the ability of the hair shaft to absorb and retain moisture.
This is so important for curly which is naturally drier than other textures and prone to breakage.
Determining your hair's porosity will help you choose the right products and styling techniques to keep your hair healthy, hydrated, and defined.
To figure out your hair porosity try the "float test," where a strand of hair is placed in a cup of water to see if it sinks or floats. (Pro tip: make sure the hair is free of product!)
Hair that sinks is high porosity, while hair that floats is low porosity.
Low porosity hair has a cuticle layer that is tightly sealed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the shaft. As a result, low porosity hair can resist moisture, leading to dryness and breakage.
Here are some tips for taking care of low porosity curly hair:
Clarify regularly
Low porosity hair can be prone to build-up from products and minerals in water. To avoid this build-up, it's important to clarify your hair regularly with a clarifying shampoo. The Volume Shampoo uses bentonite clay to gently pull impurities and build up from the hair, while promoting moisture.
Deep condition with heat
To help open the cuticle and allow for better absorption, you can use heat when applying products to your hair. Use a hooded dryer or a steamer to help your hair absorb the moisture from your conditioner. The Deep Repair Treatment penetrates the hair with keratin to strengthen curls while imparting long lasting moisture.
Use acidic rinses
An acidic rinse can help close the cuticle and lock in moisture. You can use a mixture of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and cold water as a final rinse after cleansing your hair.
Avoid heavy products
Heavy products can weigh down low porosity hair and make it difficult for moisture to penetrate the cuticle. Instead, opt for lightweight, water-based products. The Emergency Miracle Treatment, is a great leave in conditioner that won't leave a residue on the hair.