This is how you care for low porous curls - Eyeopener! ♡

• June 05 2020
• 4 min reading time

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What exactly does low porous hair mean?

Low porous hair is hair where the cuticles lie flat, close together, and sealed. Because your hair is completely closed off, it is not easy to absorb moisture. If moisture does get into your hair, it holds onto it well. You have probably noticed that your hair does not get wet quickly, and once it is wet, it takes a long time to dry. The good news is that your curls are almost not damaged at all. Low porosity is almost always natural hair that has had little done to it, but your curls often feel dry because absorption is poor.

Hair with low porosity is very healthy and strong hair. The hair usually has enough protein but too little moisture.

 

What are the characteristics of curls with low porosity?

If your curls have low porosity, you will recognize many of the following!

• Your curl is easy to maintain because it is very healthy
• Your curls shine intensely, like a diamond. When light shines on them, they can even reflect
• Your hair feels dry, it is stiff and has little flexibility
• Your hair feels brittle
• Your hair has difficulty absorbing moisture (which can make it feel dry if you don’t pay attention)
• Your curl can be more prone to build-up (closed cuticles, less absorption)
• Proteins make your hair feel stiff and straw-like
• Your hair gets greasy quickly because hair products remain on your hair
• Your hair is sensitive to moisture overload, meaning too much hydration. Your hair feels abnormally soft when wet
• Your hair is difficult to dye; it does not take color easily

 

What should I watch out for when caring for low porous curls?

If you have low porous curls, it is usually important to avoid thick creams, heavy oils, and greasy butters. These ingredients tend to sit on your hair instead of being absorbed. The result is greasy hair. Heat and steam are your best friends because they cause your cuticles to open. This allows your hair to absorb products well. Think of showering or using a steamer. A sauna is also an ideal moment to give your curls a deep conditioning treatment.

If you have fine curls, meaning thin or medium thickness hair, completely avoiding protein is not always necessary. Although you should be cautious, it can be beneficial for thin and fine hair to use some protein occasionally. Of course, you won’t go all out like people with high porous hair, but an occasional protein mask is enough. Try it out and pay close attention to how your curls respond.

 

What guidelines should I follow for my curls?

• Use light products for your curls. Avoid butters, thick oils like castor oil, and heavy creams
• Use heat for your curls; this opens your cuticles and helps your hair absorb everything better (a shower cap, cling film, or a bin bag is ideal for deep conditioning)
• Warm the products you use in water; this also helps your hair absorb them better
• Wash your hair regularly with a 'final wash' shampoo to remove build-up. Shampoo also opens your cuticles, so take advantage of this and follow with a hair mask to moisturize
• Use a leave-in that contains humectants (Aloe Vera, hydrolyzed proteins, panthenol, etc.); moisture is the way to go! Also pay attention to conditioning ingredients and the right light oils
• Avoid styling products for your curls as much as possible. These can easily cause build-up and a thick film on your hair, making it even harder for ingredients to penetrate your hair

 

Which oil is suitable for my low porous curls?

You now know to avoid thick and heavy oils, but which oils can you use that do not sit on your hair but actually absorb? These are oils with penetrating properties. There are sealer oils and penetrating oils. A sealer closes your hair and keeps moisture inside; these oils are ideal for high porous hair. However, your hair struggles to absorb products because it seems hermetically sealed. Therefore, you should look for penetrating oils. Below is a list of oils that can penetrate your hair:

• Argan oil
• Jojoba oil
• Sunflower oil
• Coconut oil
• Almond oil
• Grapeseed oil

 

Do I need a moisture treatment for my low porous curls?

Absolutely, curls are naturally always drier than straight hair. Give your curls a deep conditioning or moisture treatment regularly. Use heat so that your hair cuticles open and your hair can truly absorb the nourishing ingredients instead of them just sitting on your hair.

 

Should I also use a leave-in conditioner for low porous hair?

Absolutely, leave-in is the ideal way to hydrate your hair extra. Choose a hydrating leave-in without protein to prevent your curls from becoming straw-like and stiff. Visit the article "The Curly Girl Method: From A to Z" for leave-ins without protein and other curl products free of protein.

 

Good luck! And don’t forget to keep an eye on your curls, regularly test and see how the protein/moisture balance is. Discover your ideal balance for your curls. Be aware that this takes time and that there will be variation in product use.

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cg krullen