Have you ever noticed that water seems to bead up on your hair strands like a raincoat, taking forever to get wet? Or perhaps your hair feels dry and brittle even after you’ve used a deep conditioner. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with low porosity hair. It’s not a hair type or texture, but rather a condition that describes how well your hair can absorb and hold onto moisture.
Think of each hair strand as having a protective outer layer called the cuticle. For hair with low porosity, this cuticle layer lies very flat and tight, like tightly layered shingles on a roof. This makes it difficult for water, oils, and conditioners to penetrate the hair shaft, which is why moisture seems to sit on the surface instead of being absorbed.
How to Tell if Your Hair Has Low Porosity
There’s a simple at-home test you can try. Take a strand of clean, dry hair and drop it into a glass of water. If the hair floats on the surface for several minutes without sinking, it’s a strong indicator of low porosity. Your hair might also take a long time to dry completely and often feel like products just coat your hair without making it feel truly moisturized.
Caring for Your Low Porosity Hair
The key to managing low porosity hair is using gentle heat and lightweight products. Since the cuticle is so tightly closed, a little warmth can help to gently lift it, allowing moisture to get in. When you deep condition, try using a thermal cap or sitting under a hooded dryer for 10-15 minutes. The heat will help the conditioner penetrate more effectively.
It’s also best to avoid heavy oils and butters that can just sit on your hair and create buildup. Instead, look for liquid-based leave-in conditioners and moisturizers with ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera. These are lighter and can be absorbed more easily by your hair strands.
The Best Way to Wash Low Porosity Hair
Using warm water during your wash routine can make a big difference. The warmth helps to temporarily loosen the tight cuticles, making it easier for your shampoo and conditioner to do their job. Just remember to do a final rinse with cool water to help seal the cuticle back down and lock in that hard-earned moisture.
Low porosity hair can be beautifully healthy and shiny once you learn how to work with its unique structure. By focusing on gentle heat and lightweight hydration, you can help your hair find its perfect moisture balance.