Next is the spray bottle test. Low porosity hair experiences hair build up faster than other hair types. To maintain healthy hair, those with low porosity hair should seek out: Protein-free conditioners to reduce buildup; Clarifying treatments like GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum For the best experience, it is best suggested that you do focus on looking through the ingredients and the formula. Low porosity hair have a hard time taking in moisture because the hair strands are flat and closed shut. Everything else in my routine is water-based, lightweight, and mostly free of protein. Alright! For this reason, I had to rebuild my daily regimen to include only the best low porosity hair products. Solely using cleansing conditioners or co-washing more than shampoo may not be the best regimen for low porosity hair. Our hair can be either low or high porosity. Agreed. Though I can’t use the brand’s heavier styling products as much as I’d like, this leave-in is light enough to help soften and moisturize my hair without weighing it down. i’m so glad i’m starting to understand the concept of low porosity hair and how to care for it. Similarly, Ouidad’s Triple Threat deep conditioner stars coconut, avocado, and grapeseed oils, while the shea butter, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil in Carol’s Daughter’s Almond Milk hair mask provide the hair with penetrative moisture that also protects it from future breakage. De'Jha Joy 77,120 views. To go the extra mile for low-porosity hair, a little exfoliant is a good idea as “the ingredients of these shampoos open the cuticle to allow moisture to enter.” Glycolix 10% Shampoo Wash a great go-to: “It’s a therapeutically formulated shampoo to help normalize damaged scalp conditions caused by chemicals and the environment.”. How To Properly Moisturize Low Porosity Type 4 Hair | BLACK HISTORY SERIES - Duration: 16:13. Besides the ultra-affordable price, this drugstore staple detangles, conditions, and defines curls in just a few dollops. With low porosity hair, remember, cuticles are compact so you want to avoid heavy butters or oils that do not absorb into the cuticle. However, even if you have low porosity hair, I think your hair could benefit from this luscious formula as a weekly or bi-weekly treatment. Use this regimen only as a guide, whilst keeping in mind that there are other factors that influence your hair’s behaviour such as: Ad Choices. Low Porosity: Repair My Hair — Argan oil. My personal favorite and what I prefer in a mousse: I have dense, medium to coarse, mixed porosity hair. “Simply put, low-porosity hair contains a hair fiber that has overlapping cuticles,” says Bridgette Hill, trichologist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. Choose moisturizing and clarifying shampoos for your low porosity hair. This is the healthiest-looking porosity of hair you can have. Directions: Mielle Organics can help provide much-needed hydration to your curly hair to promote hair growth and increased protection. Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Thus, moisture has a hard time escaping and conversely getting into the hair. Personally, I recommend using this conditioner as a deep conditioner on wash day since it’s on the heavier side. You’ll be hard-pressed to find hair products without protein so knowing how much your hair needs (because protein does help keep your hair strong) depends on your unique circumstances. I use Kinky Curly's custard but since finding out about the low po problem, I am wondering if there are any other good ones. Hope that helps, there’s lots of other posts on the blog which you should find helpful about products and low porosity hair. ApHogee Curlific Moisture Rich Leave-In 8oz. After you finish pre-cleansing and detangling your hair, it is time to shampoo! Photo Credit: www.amazon.com. Finally! My hair is still currently transitioning, FYI. Camille Rose Naturals Twisting Butter. If you have been looking for some of the best products for low porosity hair, we have a list of some of the best available ones. This includes such as shea butter, jojoba oil or coconut oil, sunflower oil, babassu oil, mango butter and moisturizers such as glycerin or honey that attract and retain moisture. This SC-approved clarifying shampoo is infused with chelating agents to strip the hair of hard water minerals. everyone on my household had straight silky hair and me course and curly. In the case of dry, frizzy, low porosity hair, this is a good thing. Low porosity roots, average porosity upper strands, and high porosity lower strands. Hill advises that the best oils for low-porosity hair are natural lanolin, avocado, … SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Shampoo. This minty fresh deep conditioner is rich is water-based and rich in oils that penetrate the hair shaft, including sweet almond and coconut. Hair mousse may be most well-known for its volumizing benefits, but it's also a star curl styler.Mousses for curly hair increase fullness by creating space … This jelly-like serum includes one of my favorite penetrative oils, sweet almond oil, in addition to water, glycerin, and aloe vera leaf juice to draw moisture into the hair shaft. *I originally thought I had high porosity hair because it doesn’t take long to get wet in the shower … These products are shortlisted based on the overall star rating and the number of customer reviews received by each product in the store, and are refreshed regularly. I immerse my head in warm water whenever I condition and stay there for a good 2-3 minutes so my hair can drink up every last bit. There is scientific information to back this up. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. Oils. Ironically, low porosity hair is also rich in protein, which means the strengthening products one would typically use to combat the side effects of ill-treated low porosity hair only exacerbate those symptoms. Pre-poo is for you. All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. Finding the perfect low-porosity hair products can be a difficult task, as low-porosity hair requires very specific care. One, my threshold for patience is tiny. I am obsessed with getting as much volume as possible out of my low-density, 3c hair, and I am always trying new techniques and products that promise not to weigh my hair … I have a variety of waves/curls ranging from 2A-2C, although about 75% of my hair is classified as 2b hair.. My hair is also fine, thin, and has low porosity. The daily battle includes trying to find the products that actually deeply penetrate the scalp and strands with moisture, all while avoiding product buildup. Low porosity hair takes longer to dry. 16:13. It won't weigh your hair down. If you have low porosity hair, I highly recommend using the Shea Moisture low porosity protein-free shampoo and conditioner. On that note, there are some specific benefits of using mousse vs. using gel, as well as considerations to weigh when it comes to your hair type, frizz factor, curl density and desired texture: The Upsides of Mousse 1. How to Care for Low Porosity Hair. Knowing your hair’s porosity will help you make better product purchasing decisions, adapt your regimen accordingly and all around have a better understanding of how porosity and natural hair works. Those products will just further dehydrate the hair – no thank you. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. As far as products are concerned, I’ve established a few non-negotiables that I think would serve my fellow low porosity hair types well, too. My most recent discovery is this protein-free leave-in cream reviewers say has replaced their gel and leave-in conditioner. First, I never go a day without reminding myself that water is moisture; not gel, oil, or cream. If you were thinking about buying them, I say they are worth the money. The latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity style, fashion week updates, culture reviews, and videos on Vogue.com. But while genetics can affect porosity, it isn’t the only contributing factor. Photographed by Coco Capitán, Vogue, February 2019. trichologist and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa. … What is your favorite gel or mousse that is compatible with low porosity hair? Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner: While you don't want to overwhelm low porosity curls with protein, a small amount is still required for healthy strands. Why we love this? Using hair-penetrating oils like coconut, olive or avocado oil a few hours before … I have a problem with frizz and lack of volume. You do not want to dry out your curls. The problem is that even after cleansing, bits of that product build-up is left in your hair. I do have somewhat fine hair but mouses have never worked for me, despite the advice from stylists. It won't weigh your hair down. You may have heard the term hair porosity and had no idea what it actually means. This deep conditioner will restore your curl's pH balance and add moisture back in. Knowing your hair porosity is great for your hair’s health. And if my hair feels dry in the middle of the day, I grab my spray bottle and spritz away. Here, from shampoos and conditioners to leave-in and styling products, we break down 19 items that will help solve your low-porosity hair woes, whether it’s preventing breakage or restoring moisture, shine, and overall health to your hair. Our line of hair products are designed specifically for your low porosity hair type. Tgin’s Butter Cream Moisturizer contains shea butter and vitamin E, while Bounce Curl Avocado & Rose Oil Clump and Define Cream is nourishing thanks to its combination of oils: avocado, organic black seed, Egyptian Abyssinian, and Argan. I have tried SO many and they cause my waves to sag and look flat. Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil … It’s one of the more confusing natural hair concepts, but with an understanding of the various hair porosity types—namely low porosity and high porosity—you can really transform the way your hair behaves and how it responds to certain natural hair products. While it isn't the thickest of products, it leaves curls … Low porosity hair is very protein sensitive so its best to stay away from products containing protein as it could make your hair feel very brittle and hard. Hair porosity is how our hair absorbs moisture. The Best Products for Helping Your Low Porosity Hair to Thrive. Balance — Grapeseed & Avocado oil. I have every characteristic of low porosity hair except my hair, once wet, takes forever to … Humectants are perfect for low porosity hair because it attracts moisture from the outside elements. If your hair strands and scalp are prone to dandruff, buildup and oil residue, this apple cider vinegar scrub clarifies, while also utilizing avocado oil and aloe vera to soothe. I am not worried about getting definition. Holding onto moisture is not the issue but getting it in is. These days, volumizing mousses are way more sophisticated—you get shine, hold, and va-va-voom but none of that stiff feeling. I learned this the hard way when I nose-dived into every hair growth treatment and repair product I could get my hands on, from homemade rice water to protein powder to almost daily hair masking. If you are tired of not being able to tame your dry and frizzy hair, this defining gel is the best thing that you can look into. This will lead to breakage and damaged strands of hair. … One of the many benefits of this conditioner is the familiar branding. So, for you normal ladies, keep reading so you’ll know some tips and tricks in case your hair swings to high-po or low-po and you too will be able to keep your high or low porosity hair growing thru the ups and downs. More hydration is getting in as the hair is properly cleansed. If the hair hovers in the middle, you have medium or (normal) porosity which absorbs and retains water well." To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. “These overlapping cuticles create a barrier preventing water and moisture from penetrating.” Additionally, low-porosity hair contains a lot of protein, making it dry and more prone to breakage; hence it requires the right type of moisture. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. In general, I prefer mousses and gels as styling products rather than smoothies, creams and butters. Whether doing high or low mainpulation techniques, using creams, mousse or liquids, knowing your 3a-4c type hair’s porosity levels is key in volume, manageability and daily styling. To determine your porosity, gently pull a strand of your hair (maybe more strands if you have multiple … Want to know where your curls fall on the scale? According to Hill, the first layer of moisture should be the humectant, which helps produce soft and shiny hair and “works as the adhesive layer of moisture that is small enough to penetrate the cuticle.” The second layer of moisture should be lipids, “found in fatty-acid oils like avocado and shea, [which] bind to the humectant, filling open spaces” within the hair shaft. These 5 leave-in conditioners are protein free and contain humectants. My hair is 3B, very fine and non porous. The months-long journey to nailing a hair growth routine that showed some signs it was actually working also led me to many important conclusions. This volumizing mousse also offers heat protection so you can blow-dry or curl without worrying about your hair feeling drier. Not to mention frizz and dullness can occur when your hair's porosity is not allowing for natural oils to reach where they need to. A low porosity hair routine should consist of water-soluble products to reduce build-up. Its also done OK with CGM but I do often wonder if it's actually in better condition. While some of us desire to change the porosity levels of our curls, that simply isn't possible. Knowing your hair porosity makes all the difference in choosing the right products for your natural hair. Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Low porosity hair does not need protein as it already carries a lot of its own natural protein called Keratin. Papaya extract creates volume and adds shine, vegetable protein strengthens hair, and neem oil balances moisture. In the case of low porosity hair, the cuticle of the hair has a tight layer, with cuticles overlapping each other. EDEN BodyWorks Almond Marshmallow Hydration Serum. Low porosity hair also resists the absorption of hair care products, which can make it difficult to deep condition to the hair follicle's core. Low porosity hair is more prone to product buildup. This is especially true if your hair has low porosity. It is … That being said, consider this list of what I think are the best low porosity hair products a starter list to at least get the wheels turning … But this formula uses aloe and mallow extract to define thinner, drier curls and create a strong gel … So, I am looking for a good mousse for my 2b/c, fine, low-med porosity hair. Gels DO NOT work on my hair. However, that doesn't mean you can't work with what you have. Hair with low porosity can often feel limp or waxy because the cuticle does not properly retain moisture on its own. I love my loose-ish curls/waves just the way they are. Do you feel as though getting your curls to act "right" is a constant battle? "Low porosity hair is moisture resistant because the cuticle layer is so tightly closed that water molecules are too big to penetrate the hair shaft." Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. However, it does contain keratin so proceed with caution if your hair is extremely sensitive to protein. In fact, some of the best low porosity hair products include hair masks, deep-conditioning treatments, gels and mousses, which are essential for … After one use, I realized how much product buildup our … They work wonders! Using the same sections you separated your hair in, begin to cleanse your hair. Most people love the olive oil or castor oil Eco Styler, … By limiting the products that you use as leave-ins to one product or ingredient, your hair strands are more available to absorb water the next time the opportunity arises. A low porosity hair routine should consist of water-soluble products to reduce build-up. We hear you. Now that I’ve taken the time to get reacquainted with my hair again, there are a couple of things I always keep in mind as I’m perusing products to possibly try. In fact, some of the best low porosity hair products include hair masks, deep-conditioning treatments, gels and mousses, which are essential for boosting moisture, supporting your natural curl pattern, taming frizz and adding definition. Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Camille Rose’s Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk is a hydrating concoction of avocado oil, castor oil, rose hip, and macadamia nut. Compare the most helpful customer reviews of the best rated products in our Hair Styling Mousses & Foams store. Low-porosity natural hair can tend to feel dry and because of it's nature, can be quite difficult to get moisture into it. In the simplest terms, the fibers of low porosity hair are tight-knit. Since having my son 5 months ago my hair seems dryer, more likely to knot, flatter on top and generally not as healthy looking. It may appear like a healthy hair, as it will have a shiny look, especially darker hair… This jelly-like serum includes one of my favorite penetrative oils, sweet almond oil, in addition ... dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp Scrub. Caring for hair with low porosity requires the use of emollients or cosmetic butter and oils with a firm consistency. The above picture is the difference between 3 weeks ago and now! Low Porosity Natural Hair Regimen | 4A Hair, 4B Hair, 4C Hair / Black African Hair / Afro Hair / Curly Hair Below are some low porosity hair care tips to note in your hair regimen. Normal hair porosity doesn’t present problems like low and high porosity hair does. Klorane Aquatic Mint shampoo is also great for very-low-porosity hair because it works to remove buildup and purify the scalp. The scent is also irresistible. This is created when one uses a clarifying shampoo “with moisture-binding ingredients.”. Low porosity means your hair struggles at absorbing not only water but the products you’re probably lathering on to it. The Upsides of Mousse 1. Find out what types of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are best suited for this hair type. Go-tos include Rene Furterer Solaire Moisturizing Spray, Klorane Leave-In with oat milk, Briogeo’s Roscaro Milk Leave-In Spray, and Design Essentials Coconut and Monoi Refresher. With low porosity hair, it’s not easy for moisture to penetrate the hair. Such is the case with this curly hair shampoo that blends cleansing and moisturizing nutrients to leave the hair gunk-free without drying it out. Say goodbye to dealing with stiff curls. Make sure to cleanse well since low porosity hair is prone to build up! So, I am looking for a good mousse for my 2b/c, fine, low-med porosity hair. Don’t skip the heat with your conditioners. That being said, consider this list of what I think are the best low porosity hair products a starter list to at least get the wheels turning as you mix and match a routine that works for you. Leave in conditioners have been popular for years. I'm trying to get more volume, with more defined curls, and not too much crunch. My hair is easily weighed down. It’s best paired with our leave-in products Vegan Grogurt, Moisture Milk and Hair Dew. I also would like to see the information she has used to state otherwise in this blog. From the Shea Moisture Low Porosity line, this shampoo is our go-to clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair. If you want to keep your hair from turning into a fluffy beehive overnight, you could try wrapping it in a silk/satin headscarf.Just a tip, in case your hair is like mine haha. I love my loose-ish curls/waves just the way they are. Last, but not least, if you’re applying the LOC Method then the cream you use to seal is important, too. Mousse, gel, spray, foam, and pomade are all things that I’ve put in my hair. Gels DO NOT work on my hair. Those products will just further dehydrate the hair – no thank you. Alright! Low porosity hair, revealed. Some low porosity tutorials insist that product should be put on damp hair and raked through in sections- I think this depends on the person's hair and the product honestly. Hair Gels. That would be great if buildup didn’t sit on top of my hair, which brings me to the most important conclusion: my hair absolutely sucks at retaining water. Protein can be a huge enemy as a rule of thumb which would make great conditioners kinda hard to find. In other words, moisture is the key no matter your hair's porosity; look for products with emollients—or softening ingredients such as aloe, avocado, jojoba oil, and shea butter—as they form a barrier and trap water. Actually, raking anything hasn't worked that well for me unless I do a shingling or praying hands after to make sure everything is smoothed down and fully coated then scrunching the excess with my hands … It was doing fine on non CGM products but I wondered if it could he healthier. Because this mousse contains small protein, it is safe for Low Medium and High Porosity hair. Cream. My hair does not support itself well, I need a good cast and strong hold to maintain definition for multiple days. If you have low porosity hair, you can try the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Weightless Masque.It is a lovely whipped, lightweight and hydrating mask that works particularly well on low porosity hair. With its avocado, aloe vera gel, and shea butter, NaturAll Club’s sensitive-scalp deep conditioner is the perfect one-stop shop for a hit of hydration. ive had problem hair since puberty and have tried everything to make ot not dry and brittle. But where to find the mousse that perfect for your specific curly hair … Frizz Rebel — Coconut & Sweet Almond oil. Such hair will hardly absorb any water and will be hard to style because most styling products will not enter the hair cuticle. It can be used on all textures as well, from 1A straight to 4C coily. I discovered this Black-owned brand earlier this year and fell in love with nearly every product because of the all-natural ingredients that promote growth: ginger, turnip, and carrot. The ultimate daily conditioner for protein-sensitive hair, made with all organic and natural ingredients to nourish and hydrate. I hope this review of the low porosity line from Shea Moisture was able to help you make an informed decision. DevaCurl Super Cream (contains coconut oil – is heavy) Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activator Cream. There’s a reason for its popularity, though, as it opens your hair cuticles and moisturizes it well. __ The Basics of Caring for Low Porosity Hair. Low Porosity - Baobab Tea Tree Oils Refine by Filter: Collection: Low Porosity - Baobab Tea Tree Oils ... We've developed shea hair styling products such as braided hair conditioning gel, frizz-free curling mousse, conditioning design foam and laydown lacquer. Usually, strong-hold gels can just weigh down fine curls. There’s nothing bad about having low porosity hair. It’s gotten better but there’s still plenty of progress to be made. xoxo Say hello to softer, bouncier hair when you use this volumizing mousse. Also, my naturals with low porosity hair tend to be protein sensitive. So, if low porosity hair runs in your family, there’s a good chance you’ll have low porosity hair, too. Back in the ‘80s, mousse was known not just for pumping up the volume on hair but for giving it a crispy, crunchy look. “Clarifying shampoos break down the protein structures that would allow the humectants and moisture to penetrate the hair fiber deeper, giving the hair more elasticity, softness, and shine,” Hill says. Picking the right shampoo for low-porosity hair is essential. Cantu Coconut Curling Cream. Without a doubt, low porosity hair can be a tricky head of hair to work with, especially when it comes to what products to use and which not to use. People with low porosity hair have cuticles that are sealed tightly together along the hair shaft. However, if your hair isn’t particularly sensitive to buildup, I recommend using this protein-free formula as a daily rinse-out conditioner. If you figure you have low porosity hair and suffer from buildup, try a clarifying shampoo and incorporate shampoos over co-washing to see if that makes a difference. Once low porosity hair fully absorbs water, it has no problem maintaining that moisture. Over time, and if the buildup is allowed to grow because of an inconsistent cleansing schedule, the hair also becomes weak and prone to damage. My favorite haircare products combine clarifying properties with cooling effects. Can you say va-va-volume?! I have a problem with frizz and lack of volume. Whether doing high or low mainpulation techniques, using creams, mousse or liquids, knowing your 3a-4c type hair’s porosity levels is key in volume, manageability and daily styling. Hill recommends Design Essentials Oat Protein & Deep Protein Shampoo, equipped with soothing ingredients like chamomile. Right now, I swear by this underrated Amazon shampoo that leaves my hair so soft, I almost skip conditioning. A good hair mousse defines, smooths, volumizes, and hydrates your curls. Hill notes that it is crucial for people with low-porosity hair to “use conditioners and leave-ins that are water-based [or] light lotions or diluted heavy conditioners that do not sit on the hair shaft.” For that reason, she incorporates a few different types of water-based leave-in conditioners into her regimen and on her clients. Suited predominantly for the natural hair, the Curls B Defined Curl Defining Gel is one of the best products for low porosity 4c hair. Low porosity hair is water-resistant, which means the strands will remain floating towards the surface even after a few minutes. When it comes to cleansing, I wash once a week with a clarifying formula to nix buildup.