WTH is Porosity?

Cuticles are tightly closed making it hard for moisture to come in.

Products tend to build up on your curls rather than absorb.

Curls take much longer to get fully saturated when you wet them and take a long time to dry.

Takes longer to absorb color.

Curls are full of bounce and elasticity.

Easily accepts and retains moisture inside the cuticle soooo get off my blog. (I kid, lol stay and give us curl envy.)

Holds styles well and can easily accept color.

Cuticles are wide open making it easy for moisture to come in... and out.

Curls easily absorb water, however, it requires more products and dries quickly.

Curls often look and feel dry.

Curls are often frizzy.

Your cuticles are closed so when you deep condition (or even pre-poo) apply heat to help open the cuticle - that way your hair can absorb all that moisture. You can sit under a hooded dryer, use a heated cap, a steamer or a warm towel.

Your hair is prone to build up so your cleanse regimen needs to be on point. You have to clarify often honey, put the co-wash down. I shouldn’t be talking lmao if by the grace of God I get to wash my hair midweek I will definitely co-wash but you already know I will shampoo on the weekend. Recently it was kind of cold in Florida (up North peeps I don’t want to hear it) and I chose to co-wash 3 weeks in a row. The build-up was worth it I guess because my hair didn’t dry out but it was definitely frizzy af after that 3rd week. So yeah you want to shampoo regularly, use things like clay washes and clay masks, and throw in an apple cider vinegar rinse here and there if that’s your style. When you are washing it's definitely okay to use warm water.

When you’re applying products you might have to “help” your hair absorb them. Try applying products to damp hair and in smaller sections so that it is distributed evenly.

Low porosity hair loves humectants like honey, aloe, glycerin and seaweed extract.

Be careful not to overuse protein - every 4-6 weeks should be enough. When you do try to use Hydrolyzed proteins (proteins with a lower molecular weight). When reading the ingredients on a protein treatment just look for the word ‘hydrolyzed.’

Because your hair is prone to build up thinner products might work better - think spray/watery leave-ins, hair milks, and sealing with lighter oils like grape seed.

Heavier oils do have a time and a place for you baby girl and it’s when you pre-poo or mix them with your deep conditioner.

You probably don't have too many issues with moisture retention.

Deep condition regularly to maintain the health of your hair but you can probably get away without using heat.

You can take tips and tricks from either porosity and do what works for you.

Seal your hair with heavier oils or butters to weigh down your cuticle and keep moisture in. Be careful not to weigh your hair down too much. Like with most things, all our hair requires trial and error; you have to find your balance. If you aren’t sensitive to Shea butter my whipped recipe is a great sealant and it’s very inexpensive to make a full 16 oz jar. 

You want to regularly do protein treatments to strengthen your hair. Also look for “hydrolyzed” proteins. That means that they have been broken down and can easily enter your hair.

I don’t have personal experience with this hair type but I found some for you guys!

HIGH POROSITY HAIR CARE | HOW TO DEAL this is a video. She mentions the aloe vera pre-poo I mentioned in this post. I told you guys this is a great routine for all hair types and porosities!!

HIGH POROSITY: how to identify & REAL solutions to common setbacks this is also a video.