High Hair Resistance: Definition, Traits, and Maintenance Strategies
Low porosity hair, characterized by its flat cuticle layer, is more common in straight hair compared to curly or coily hair. This hair type is known for its quick absorption of water, fast drying, and susceptibility to breakage. Here are some effective ways to care for low porosity hair, as recommended by the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC).
The use of heat during conditioning can help enhance moisture penetration. Applying a deep conditioner followed by covering hair with a heat cap or a warm, damp towel for 20–30 minutes gently opens the cuticle to allow deeper product absorption. Steam is highly beneficial to infuse moisture and improve conditioner penetration.
Moisturizing on damp, not soaking wet, hair is another key method. Applying leave-in conditioners or serums while hair is damp helps keep the cuticle slightly raised, facilitating better absorption.
Choosing lightweight, water-based products is essential. Products with water as the main ingredient and containing humectants like glycerin or aloe vera work best, as they penetrate without causing buildup. Heavy creams and oils that coat rather than penetrate should be avoided.
Lightweight oils such as grapeseed, argan, jojoba, sweet almond, and apricot kernel oils nourish low porosity hair without weighing it down. Heavy oils like castor or coconut oil can create buildup due to poor penetration in this hair type.
Avoiding protein-rich products is also recommended, as low porosity hair generally has sufficient protein. Additional protein can make hair stiff and resistant to moisture. Protein-free conditioners and hydrating masks are preferred.
Periodic use of sulfate-free clarifying shampoos helps clean residual product buildup that can block moisture absorption.
Additional supportive care practices include gently squeezing excess water after washing before moisturizing, regular scalp massages to stimulate circulation, and minimal product layering to prevent buildup.
The NYSCC also recommends avoiding silicones, butters, and using too much product. Instead, they suggest using steam, humectants, and lightweight oils to care for low porosity hair.
It is important to note that it is not possible to make low porosity hair more absorbent in the long term. However, with the right care and product choices, it is possible to maintain healthy, hydrated low porosity hair.
[1] New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists. (n.d.). Low Porosity Hair: Caring for Your Hair Type. Retrieved from https://www.nyscconline.org/blog/low-porosity-hair-caring-for-your-hair-type
[2] Curly Nikki. (2016, November 27). Low Porosity Hair: The Definitive Guide. Retrieved from https://www.curlynikki.com/2016/11/27/low-porosity-hair-definitive-guide/
[3] NaturallyCurly. (2020, July 23). How to Care for Low Porosity Hair. Retrieved from https://www.naturallycurly.com/texture-talk/haircare/how-to-care-for-low-porosity-hair/
[4] Hair Findings. (n.d.). Hair Porosity: Understanding Your Hair's Absorption Capabilities. Retrieved from https://www.hairfindings.com/hair-porosity/
[5] The Beauty Brain. (2017, July 10). Understanding Hair Porosity. Retrieved from https://www.thebeautybrains.com/2017/07/10/understanding-hair-porosity/
- Management of low porosity hair implies avoiding heavy oils like castor or coconut oil since they cause buildup due to poor penetration in this hair type.
- The right care and product choices can help maintain healthy, hydrated low porosity hair, making it more manageable over time.
- In the quest to care for low porosity hair, steering clear of silicones, butters, and using excess product is suggested by the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC).
- The application of lightweight, water-based products that contain humectants like glycerin or aloe vera penetrate deeply into low porosity hair without causing buildup.
- Conditioning with heat can help increase moisture penetration in low porosity hair, with steam being particularly beneficial for infusing moisture and improving conditioner penetration.
- Avoiding protein-rich products and using protein-free conditioners and hydrating masks is crucial for low porosity hair, as additional protein can make it stiff and resistant to moisture.
- Moisturizing on damp hair instead of soaking wet hair is a key method for better absorption, as it helps keep the cuticle slightly raised.
- Following the NYSCC's recommendations, gentle squeezing of excess water after washing before moisturizing, regular scalp massages to stimulate circulation, and minimal product layering are all valuable care practices for low porosity hair.
- Periodic use of sulfate-free clarifying shampoos can help remove residual product buildup that blocks moisture absorption in low porosity hair.
- Comprehending proper care practices for low porosity hair, as discussed by various resources such as Curly Nikki, NaturallyCurly, and Hair Findings, will empower you to make informed decisions about maintaining your hair's health.
