Always wonder why it takes your hair forever and a day to dry? Or how
about why it seems as if products, particularly heavy butters and
creams, just sit on your hair? Chances are you may have low porosity
hair. If you’re unsure, take a few strands of your freshly washed hair
and place them in a cup of room temperature… how long does it take your
hair to float to the bottom? Does it even float to the bottom? Yea, you
have low porosity hair.
It seems as if all naturals will struggle with maintaining moisture
at some point in their hair journey. Lo-po hair naturals have it no
different. This Lo-po V.I.P list is compiled of products that aid in
raising your tight cuticles so that products can penetrate.
Wash days + co-washing
+ When you have low porosity hair, heat needs to become
your best friend as it aids in opening cuticles. The best way to heat
hair and moisturize is with a steamer, such as the Huetiful Steamer. Aside from just using a steamer for your deep conditioning treatments, start using it
for your pre-poos as well. A cheap alternative to steaming is placing
your hair under a plastic cap and wrapping a hot towel around your head.
+ If you don’t have time to give yourself deep
conditioning treatments with heat, consider heating up your
conditioner before applying to your hair, as well as rinsing your hair
with warm water before applying conditioner. A lot of lo-po naturalistas
tend to have great experiences with Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Hair Moisturizer and made this one of their favorite conditioners to use.
+ Since baking soda is
alkaline in nature, it can temporarily lift the hair’s cuticle. You can
add a little baking soda to your conditioners or try the Cherry Lola Treatment,
in which you mix baking soda with water and apply to your hair before
rinsing out with cool water. With your cuticles raised, you’ll need to
reseal with something acidic like Aloe Vera Juice.
+ When it comes to clarifying, consider using Bentonite Clay which can be used like a shampoo to trap and remove dirt, debris, buildup and other particles from your hair and scalp.
Protein Treatments
+ When it comes to protein, don’t go overboard as your
hair doesn’t require much of it. If you decided to use protein, look for
hydrolyzed rice, silk and wheat protein as they tend to be really good
in penetrating and coating low porosity hair.
Daily Use
+ You must allow your hair some time to dry before
attempting to apply products. When applying products, it’s best to start
with a water based product, like Shea Moisture Enhancing Curl Smoothie,
before trying to apply additional products. Look for richer
conditioners with great emollients, such as jojoba oil, but sans the
plethora of unnecessary oils.
+ Try finding products that contain humectants, such as Glycerin or Honey
to draw out moisture. The glycerin is something you’ll have to
experiment with as some people swear by it, while others loathe it.
Glycerin is said to work better in climates with high humidity.
+ Some lo-po naturals tend to be extremely oil
sensitive or may even choose not to use oil altogether. If you are going
to use oil, avoid your heavier oils like coconut and opt for a lighter
oil like Grapeseed Oil.
porosity hair, have you tried any of these products to help with
dryness? What are some other products you would recommend?
