key player in effectively moisturizing our hair. If you are on either
end of the spectrum (low or high porosity) then you know how daunting it
can seem to keep your hair moisturized. This is due to the outer layer
aka cuticle of the hair. The way the cuticle of your hair lays and opens
is the determining factor of your porosity.
Hair has low porosity when the cuticle layer of the hair is tightly
packed and flat. Think of it like singles on a roof. The cuticle, like
shingles, are tightly nested together to protect the roof. Making it
difficult for water to pass. This is the same reason people with low
porosity have a hard time with their hair absorbing moisture.
Knowing your porosity aids in bettering your selection and success
rate when buying products. It helps aids in the creation of a simple
regimen that is highly beneficial to your hair as well.
to either of those questions I have some great tips that will make it much
easier for you to achieve the moisturizing greatness you’re looking
for.
porosity hair is prone to having product build up. Build up + shingle
tight cuticles = sad dry hair. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove the
build up and give your hair a fresh start.
Deep condition with heat. It is important to open
your cuticle a bit to deep condition your hair properly. By using heat
you are assured that the cuticle layers will lift so the interior of
your strands are moisturized.
Options
deep conditioner to your hair, covering it with a cap (be sure it is
made to withstand heat) and applying indirect heat via hooded dryer.
Many find these two methods to work wonders. No matter which way you
decide to go it is important to deep condition your hair. Once a week is
fine for most. Be sure to do so at minimum biweekly to yield the best
results.
Use greenhouse/baggy method. The method is done to create a
humid environment that forces your hair to absorb moisture. The process
is pretty simple. Moisturize your hair as you normally would, cover it
with a plastic cap and a beanie/snug fitting hat/hair turban/towel. You
can leave your hair wrapped up overnight. You will notice, when you
remove the outer layer, that the plastic cap has water droplets inside
of it. The droplets form because of the heat rising from your head.
Humectants are your friends. Things
such as glycerin (veggie or animal), honey, agave nectar, coconut
nectar, etc… gain moisture from the air and help to adhere it to your
hair. Be sure the humectant you use is properly diluted. If you are
unsure or don’t want to do research, it is always good to use buy
a product that contains a humectant. We offer the Florets & Creme as
well as the Blooming Moisture Mist. Both are very well incorporated. We
do not put too much glycerin into our products so it is fine to use
year round.
are creating a DIY moisturizer or buying one that has a large amount of
glycerin in it, you will want lighten up the amount of glycerin being
used or discontinue use in the colder months. Winter time glycerin draws
moisture out of the hair if it isn’t properly diluted.
Avoid heavy styling products. Just adds unnecessary weight to the hair and contributes heavily to build up. No bueno.
Use water-based moisturizers. They work best for
your hair. Some people have problems using water based leave in
conditioners with aloe vera juice/gel in it. I haven’t had that issue
when using those items in other people’s hair but if you have then avoid
those items.
Avoid moisturizing wet hair. Damp hair is ideal for low
pooristy hair to being moisturized. It doesn’t work very well to
moisturize the hair when it is completely dry because the cuticles have
laid flat again.
Do not use heavy oils. Heavy oils sit on top of the
hair, aren’t full absorbed beyond the cuticle layer. It defeats the
purpose of moisture retention and softening of the hair. Coconut oil,
castor oil and olive oil, are the most commonly used heavy carrier oils
in hair products. These would be oils to avoid.
Use light oils. Light weight oils are ideal for low
porosity hair. Light weight oils such as apricot kernel oil, argan oil,
grapeseed oil and sweet almond oil are ideal. If you like coconut oil
but hate the heaviness a much lighter option is fractionated coconut
oil. Jojoba oil is a medium weight oil and fine for most low porosity
hair.
