Loving Your Curls | The Low Porosity Sequence

Mar 11

Hello Everyone,

I hope all is well!

Today, we will discuss how to care for and style low-porosity curls. It has recently come to my attention that hair texture does not matter. Because knowing and understanding your hair porosity can help you choose the right products and techniques to keep your hair healthy and hydrated strands. In short, it all comes down to porosity, my friend! So - let us begin!

So, thanks for the information, but how do I determine my hair porosity?

I’m so glad you asked! A simple water test is the easiest way to determine your hair porosity. Start by taking a strand of your hair and placing it in a glass of water. If your hair sinks to the bottom of the glass, you likely have high porosity hair. If it floats in the middle, you likely have normal porosity hair. If it floats at the top, you likely have low porosity hair.

Okay… but what does having low-porosity hair strands even mean?

If the water test determines that you have low porosity curls, you may already know of the frustrating challenge it can be to keep them healthy and hydrated. It probably takes your hair a while to absorb products and feels moisturized for an extended period. You probably have had some dry, brittle strands that break easily. And you probably deal with frizz like no tomorrow - especially living within humidity! Don’t worry; it’s natural (pun unintended). Yes, your hair is difficult, but just as you learn to nurture yourself, we will examine how to nurture your hair.

To give you an understanding, low-porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles that make it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. Think of it as your hair shaft having a solid wall that blocks haters from entering your peace. When low-porosity hair is not correctly cared for, it can lead to having dry, brittle strands that cause split ends, breakage, and hair loss. So, while protecting your peace is great we can’t forget to network! In today’s episode, we will discuss tips and tricks for networking your curls strands with moisturizing products to keep them healthy and hydrated.

So, now that I know and understand my hair, what’s next?

Well, I’m so glad you asked! Here are five essential tips to aid you in loving your crown!

Tip 1 - Recognize That You Have Great Hair: Let me clarify now that you have GREAT hair! It is perfect the way it is, and your hair strands need a lil’ TLC, just like you and I!

Tip 2 - Use Warm Water: Use warm water instead of hot water when washing your hair. Cold water keeps the cuticles closed. Hot water can cause the cuticles to open, leading to moisture loss. But warm water is gentle on the hair and helps to retain moisture.

Tip 3 - Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning is essential for low porosity curls. Use a deep conditioner formulated for low porosity hair (typically one with hydrolyzed protein) and apply it to the hair as if you were styling your curls - so go section by section. Add heat to help the conditioner penetrate the hair shaft. You can use a steamer, a hooded dryer, or a warm towel to apply heat. Trust me, and your hair will thank you!

Tip 4 - Avoid Heavy Products When Styling Curls: Heavy products like butter and oils can weigh down low porosity curls and lead to buildup. Instead, use lightweight products that penetrate the hair shaft, such as leave-in conditioners and water-based moisturizers, when styling your curls.

Tip 5 - Do Use Heavy Products When Doing A Protective Style: Butter and creams will be very helpful when doing mini twists or mini braids, and oils are a great way to keep your scalp moisturized during those periods.

Tip 6 - Use the LGO or LOG Method When Styling: The LGO (liquid, gel, oil) or LOG (liquid, oil, gel) method is an excellent way to keep low-porosity curls hydrated. My preference that I find my hair enjoys no matter the climate is the LOG method! Begin with sectioning your hair (two back sections and two front sections) First, apply a leave-in conditioner for moisture. Then, rake oil to seal in the moisture and keep the strands nurtured and healthy. Lastly, use a gel for that definition and hold.

Tip 7 - Always start with damp hair! Don’t even place try with a microfiber towel! Just begin the styling process right away!

Tip 7 - Use a Satin or Silk Bonnet or Pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Silk or satin pillowcases and bonnets are gentler on the hair and help to retain moisture. I like to use them WHENEVER I am lying down, even if I am not napping or sleeping.

Tip 8 - ALWAYS Use Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant even if you aren’t receiving a silk press. Using heat styling tools such as flat irons and blow dryers can be damaging to curly hair, especially if it's low porosity. High heat will cause the cuticles to open, leading to moisture loss and breakage. To help prevent this, using a heat-protectant spray or serum before using any heat-styling tools is essential. This can help minimize damage and keep your curls healthy and shiny. Remember, it's always better to air-dry your hair whenever possible, but if you must use heat styling tools, protect your curls with a heat protectant.

Tip 9 - Opt for Hairstyles That Require Minimal Tension: Knotless box braids, wigs (if your scalp can handle that - I cannot), mini twists, mini braids, low buns.

Erm, so what products can I use then?

Don’t worry, I gotchu! I would never tell you all this just to leave you hanging. All products listed below are VEGAN and CRUELTY-FREE. While the majority of the brands are BLACK OWNED As I Am and Kera Care are not. I wanted to include Dr. Ali Syed’s products of his knowledge of chemistry and how much he donated to black organizations and the planet.

This vegan, black-owned deep conditioner is perfect for kinky, coily low, porosity hair. It's formulated with blue-green algae, rich in vitamins and minerals that help nourish and strengthen hair. It also contains coconut oil and mango butter to provide intense hydration.

Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment

This vegan, black-owned deep conditioning treatment is perfect for kinky, coily low, porosity hair. It's formulated with baobab oil, rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help nourish and protect hair. It also contains peppermint and tea tree oil to soothe and refresh the scalp. Though expensive, this is my favorite; a little goes a long way!

Obia Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner

This vegan, black-owned deep conditioner is perfect for kinky, coily low, porosity hair. It's formulated with babassu oil, which helps to strengthen and nourish hair. It also contains coconut oil and avocado oil to provide hydration and shine.

Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

This vegan, black-owned deep conditioner is perfect for kinky, coily low, porosity hair. It's formulated with babassu oil, a lightweight oil that helps moisturize and soften hair. It also contains peppermint and tea tree oil to provide a refreshing and invigorating sensation.

As you can see, low porosity hair loves babassu oil and mint!

For Leave In Conditioners, I Recommend:

The Curl Love Moisture Milk from Camille Rose Naturals

It is an excellent product for low-porosity hair because it is lightweight and contains ingredients like rice milk, macadamia oil, and avocado oil that help hydrate and nourish the hair without weighing it down. This product is also pH balanced, which is important for keeping the hair cuticle closed and helping to retain moisture.

Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler

This leave-in conditioner is perfect for kinky, coily-low, porosity hair. It's lightweight and contains ingredients like aloe vera, marshmallow root, and slippery elm that help to hydrate and detangle hair.

Oyin Handmade Hair Dew Daily Quenching Hair Lotion

This hair lotion is perfect for moisturizing kinky, coily-low, porosity hair. It's lightweight and contains ingredients like aloe vera, castor oil, and olive oil that help to hydrate and soften hair.