Have you ever tried a pricy hair product but became disappointed when your strands refused to absorb it?
Like you, I’ve experienced the frustrations of using products that don’t seem to work. That is until I discovered I had low-porosity hair!
Buckle up because today I’ll break down everything you need to know about low-porosity hair. I’ll explain low-porosity hair oils to avoid and recommend some that’ll moisturize your hair.
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What Is Low-Porosity Hair?
Many people don’t realize that the structure of hair can differ for each person. Some have compact cuticles, while others have cuticles that are widely spaced.
Low-porosity hair is hair that has a tighter structure than others. People with low-porosity hair have cuticles that are interwoven so tightly, making it hard for moisturizers to seep in.
To put it simply, if you have low-porosity hair, dense oils may not work on you.
How to Tell If You Have Low-Porosity Hair
Having low-porosity hair is mainly due to genetics. It’s not something that happens when you damage your hair.
To tell whether you have it, below are some tests you can take.
- Examine the Build-Up: Those with low-porosity hair will experience a build-up of products in their hair and scalp.
- Spray Your Hair: You can tell you have low-porosity hair if water or oil forms droplets on your hair. When you spray your hair, the tightly woven cuticles will repel liquids instead of being absorbed.
- Float Your Hair: Another test you can do is to place a hair strand on water. Low-porosity hair tends to float as it repels liquids.
- Check the Drying Time: Low-porosity hair takes a while to become wet. Yet, once the water finally seeps through, it takes forever to dry.
- Feel the Texture: Those with low-porosity hair will have smoother strands because of the tight cuticle structure.
Which Low-Porosity Hair Oils Should You Avoid?
Having low-porosity hair means you should be wary of the type of oil you use. These are examples of oils to avoid.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is bad for low-porosity hair because of its high saturated fat content. It’s a heavy oil that can make your hair feel stiff and greasy.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil has a dense texture that is unsuitable for low-porosity hair. Its larger fatty acid molecules don’t slip into cuticles like other oils.
- Castor Oil: Castor Oil is a common ingredient in hair products. Yet, its molecular structure means low-porosity hair will repel rather than absorb it.
- Shea and Cocoa Butter: Shea and cocoa butter are high-density fats that create a thick layer on your hair. They can stick to the strands and prevent moisture from getting into the hair shaft.
The Best Oils for Low-Porosity Hair
There’s no need to worry if you have low-porosity hair. Plenty of lightweight oils will still work well for you.
After much trial and error, here are oils I recommend for low-porosity hair:
- Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is a hydrating oil similar to the natural sebum on your scalp. It can improve hair shine and reduce frizz in people with low-porosity hair.
- Argan Oil: Unlike coconut oil, argan oil has a silkier consistency. It has a high content of small-chain fatty acids that can penetrate your hair strands.
- Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a lightweight oil with strong moisturizing properties. It can help retain moisture and improve scalp health in those with low-porosity hair.
- Almond Oil: Almond oil is a thin oil that penetrates directly into the hair shaft. It’s also high in oleic and linoleic acid, which strengthens and reduces stiffness in hair!
The Best Products for Low-Porosity Hair
If you have low-porosity hair, it’s time to swap out your heavy-duty moisturizers for milder formulas. These are the best products for low-porosity hair based on my experience!
1. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
Neutrogena’s anti-residue shampoo is a clarifying wash that removes 90% of the products in your hair.
You only need to use it once a week, and it’ll instantly rinse away the buildup from your low-porosity hair.
I really like this shampoo because it’s extremely gentle yet effective. After using it, you’ll notice how bouncy and shiny your hair is!
2. Redken Lightweight Conditioner
Redken’s conditioner is a lightweight and nourishing moisturizer for damaged hair. It uses an acidic bonding formula that seeps into low-porosity hair, strengthening it.
After one use, I immediately felt a difference. My hair was softer and shinier. It definitely absorbed this conditioner more than other brands!
3. ROZ Milk Hair Serum
Hyaluronic acid is one of the best natural moisturizers for low-porosity hair, which is why the ROZ Milk Serum is super effective!
The ROZ Milk Serum is a leave-in product that will detangle and revitalize your hair. Not only does it smell amazing, its ingredients absorb into the tightest cuticles.
4. Garnier Honey Treasures
Honey is a natural humectant that works wonders for low-porosity hair. It can pull moisture into the hair strand, leaving it feeling soft and moisturized.
Garnier’s Honey Treasures has a three-honey complex formula for split ends and breakage. My low-porosity hair felt lush and hydrated after using it!
5. Joico Thermal Protectant Spray
Having low-porosity hair means you have to take extra care with heat. You’ll want to protect your hair during styling. Otherwise, the little moisture your hair has will evaporate away.
The Joico Thermal Protectant Spray is the perfect solution for this. It’s a styling spray that resists thermal damage of up to 450° F.
Not only that, Joico has UV and pollution protection that’ll ensure your hair stays hydrated for over 72 hours.
Final Thoughts
Finding products for low-porosity hair can be tricky. To moisturize your hair, you’ll need to find lightweight, natural, and highly absorbable oils.
Low-porosity hair oils to avoid include coconut, olive, and castor oil. Shea and cocoa butter can be harmful to your hair as well.
Instead of these oils, you should go for the lighter jojoba, argan, or grapeseed oil. I promise that these oils can nourish and soften even low-porosity hair!