How to Keep Low, Normal, and High Porosity Hair Moisturized and Beautiful

How to Keep Low, Normal, and High Porosity Hair Moisturized and Beautiful

Last week we discovered that knowing your hair porosity is the key to healthy, beautiful hair. After all, not every hair product will work on every hair type. That’s why so many naturals end up with a bathroom cabinet brimming with tried-but-failed hair products. If you read last week’s post here, you now know whether you have low porosity, normal porosity, or high porosity hair. So let’s talk about how to care for each hair type.

Infusing Moisture into Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair has a tightly-sealed outer layer which resists the penetration of moisture. So how can you deliver essential hydration to moisture-deprived strands?

Steaming is a process that helps lift those tightly-sealed cuticles and infuse them with essential moisture. Allowing the hair to dry slightly, so that it is damp—not soaking wet—before applying moisturizers, can also help the hair shaft to accept and retain moisture.

Humectants—which help the hair to attract and maintain moisture—can be beneficial for hair with low porosity. Use light, water-based moisturizers which penetrate tight cuticles more easily. Hair milks, like Coconut Hair Milk, and light oils like jojoba can work wonders.

Avoid heavy oils and moisturizers. Rather than penetrating the hair shaft, heavier oils sit on the surface, and make hair look and feel greasy. Also avoid mousses, hairspray, and other alcohol-based products which suck vital moisture from the hair.

Maintaining the Balance in Normal Porosity Hair

Normal porosity hair easily absorbs and retains moisture. To maintain this perfect balance, use a combination approach when moisturizing the hair. Start with a light product, like Aloe Vera Leave-in. Follow it up with a slightly heavier product like Buttery Soy Hair Crème, or a defining product.

Layer on Products to Lock Down Moisture in High Porosity Hair

Heat damage, chemical processing, and other environmental factors can damage the outer layer of the hair and make it more porous. Protein treatments can help to repair some of the damage. However, they should be used in conjunction with moisturizers.

Since moisture easily passes in and out of high porosity hair, it will take a bit of extra effort to prevent this hair type from drying out, and sustaining more damage. A multi-step approach works best. Start with a light, leave-in conditioner. Add a moisturizing lotion on top of that. Follow with a heavy, hair butter, which will lock the moisture in. You’ll also need to moisturize high porosity hair more frequently. Anti-humectants can help deter frizz in humid climates.

Avoid detergents which can rob high porosity hair of its moisture, and silicone-based products which can further aggravate the situation. To help seal cuticles and add a shine boost, talk to your stylist about the benefits of a clear color treatment.

Whether low, normal, or high porosity, your hair can still be shiny, healthy, and beautiful if you choose natural hair products best suited to your hair type. Need help determining which products and treatments will work best for your hair? Stop by Sophia Sunflower Salon for a personalized product consult.