Essential Care Tips for High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair is known for some of the most stunning curl patterns imaginable. Voluminous and radiant, it may surprise you to learn that high porosity hair can have some of the best-defined curl patterns as well as endless shine. So what's the secret to getting this hair type to glow? Porosity-specific hair care! Give your curls the love and attention they deserve by tailoring your technique to fit their unique profile.
Wondering how to tell your hair's porosity? There is a simple porosity test to determine exactly that. Drop a strand of hair in a glass of water. If your hair floats, you have low porosity hair. If your hair sinks slowly, you're right in the middle of the porosity spectrum. As you likely guessed, if your hair sinks immediately to the bottom of the glass, congratulations! You're in the high porosity hair club.
We'll review how to care for high porosity hair, what to avoid, and the best techniques for making your curls shine.
Defining High Porosity Hair
So you've determined your hair's porosity and you're ready to get started on a more defined home hair care routine. But first, let's define high porosity hair in a bit more detail.
When working with high porosity hair, you may notice your curls sometimes feel rougher or a little bumpy, especially the outermost layers. This is because the cuticles are open in high porosity hair and spaced farther apart. One of the best aspects of high porosity hair is how quickly it absorbs moisture. However, rapid absorption is also this hair type's downfall. Due to this unique makeup, high porosity hair absorbs oil and product more easily. Unfortunately, this can lead to excessive build-up and dryness. This leaves the outer layer prone to damage. Moisture can easily leach out due to the raised cuticles which means that consistently achieving fresh, moisturized hair can be a challenge.
Luckily, the right hair routine can make every day a great hair day. Let's explore the best ways to maintain high porosity hair.
Bulk Up With Protein
Treat your hair to a protein shake! Because high porosity hair is prone to breakage, strengthening will be a key part of your home hair care routine. Likewise, highly porous hair can sometimes be the result of too little protein in your curls' diet. Time to get back on track.
Healthy hair craves protein! One of the best salon treatments for high porosity hair is a keratin treatment. Keratin is a natural protein found in strong hair and nails. During professional keratin or "keratherapy" treatment, your hair is infused with lost proteins that fill in any holes and gaps in your cuticles. Aim for monthly keratin treatments to give your hair optimal health.
If a monthly salon visit isn't doable, you can capture the lawlessness at home with protein-enriched conditioners and protein masks. Implement these home hair care tools weekly for best results. Your curls will retain more youthful elasticity and bounce alongside a defined shape.
The Magic of Moisturizers
It should be noted that while protein treatments are an amazing tool, they are not a replacement for moisturizers. It's important to know what NOT to add to your style tool kit when choosing the best moisturizer for your curls/ Start with these ingredients to avoid in hair products:
- Sulfates/sulfites
- Phthalates
- Parabens
- Silicones
Key in on these all-natural ingredients for moisturized hair instead:
- Jojoba oil
- Citric acid
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil and butter
Lock in moisture and restore your natural glow by leveling up your home hair care routine. We often find that maintaining high porosity hair is worth the investment in products designed specifically for your unique hair type. Of course, keeping heat away from your fresh, new locks is the other half of the challenge. Avoid exposing your hair to high heat without a spritz of SPF to seal your locks. Next, say goodbye to your hairdryer.
RevAir's lightweight innovative reverse air dryer is all you need to tame your curls. Faster than a traditional hair dryer without high heat, RevAir is ideal for high porosity hair. You can style, stretch, and dry all in one step to save time in your morning routine without compromising style. High porosity hair is especially sensitive to heat treatments. Minimizing heat styling at home can give your hair the added lift it needs to look absolutely flawless.
One technique for sealing in moisture is to prep your hair with a deep conditioner following a wash day. Don a shower cap and let the treatment absorb for 15 minutes. You can even leave it in overnight and rinse it off in the morning. There's nothing better than waking up to vibrant, moisturized hair.
Seal for Perfection
Because products tend to bleed out of high porosity hair as quickly as they're absorbed, locking in moisture and nutrients is key for this hair type. To ensure your hair is absorbing all of the wonderful products you've been providing, you'll want to use butter and oils to seal each strand. A few popular solutions include coconut oil, manuka honey, rapeseed oil, and olive oil. Regarding the latter, olive oil is in fact one of the few oils capable of penetrating the hair. Stick with butter and oils that are heavy enough to soak in without leaching.
Sealants make your curls last longer and look amazing between wash days.
Cracking the Code on Oils for Moisturized Hair
Butter your hair up with porosity-friendly products. The idea behind sealing your hair is to close off that exposed protective layer. To do that, you'll need to focus on specific types of oils. Olive oil, avocado oil, and even simple castor oil are among the best ingredients for high porosity hair. These oils are dense enough to bind to the hair cuticle without leaching, as discussed in our prior tip. Jojoba, coconut, and shea butter are excellent styling options for freshly moisturized hair. These key ingredients won't leave your hair oily after and will help lock in shine.
If your hair tends to be fine and delicate, it may not respond well to heavier products. Another trick for managing high porosity hair is getting creative with sealants. Apple cider vinegar and aloe can both be used in lieu of oils and butter. These all-natural hair sealants work in a slightly different manner than oils and butter. Apple cider vinegar and aloe are both more acidic than your hair's pH. As a result, they can help balance the pH of your strands and contribute to shiny, moisturized hair. A rise in acidity will flatten the cuticle so that moisture is more easily sealed within. Mix a bit of these ingredient into a spray bottle along with water and your favorite essential oil scents. Spritz after your moisturizing routine and enjoy hassle-free curls. Remember; hydrated hair is healthy hair!
Brush Gently, De-Tangle With Care
High porosity hair tends to tangle easily. The strands rub against each other, often resulting in knots. To combat the snares, focus on stocking conditioners with lots of "slip." Slip refers to how easily you can run your fingers through your curls after applying the product. So why exactly does slip matter? Well, untangling your hair while wet is actually the best way to prevent breakage, damage, and frizz in high porosity hair. Gently work through any stubborn knots with just your fingers, then switch to a wet brush.
When de-tangling post-shower, it's important to keep your curls hydrated. Wash days strip away the already fragile moisture within your hair strands. Give your curls a spritz of de-tangling spray or make your own DIY detangling spray. Re-hydrating before tugging and yanking on your curls will ensure there's less hair left in the brush or drain and more fabulous, vibrant curls on your head where they belong.
Tangle prevention is an often overlooked aspect of the home hair care routine. Whenever you're out and about, be sure your hair is protected. This is especially important for high porosity hair types. Wrap your curls in a scarf, rock a cute hat, and try styling your curls in loose buns rather than tight ponytails. If you're headed to the beach or pool, bring your wet brush along in your go bag. Never leave wet hair to air dry without getting those knots out first. A bit of prep goes a long way when it comes to working with high porosity hair.
Working with high porosity hair can be a challenging endeavor. Although high porosity hair is known for rapid moisture absorption, staying hydrated remains one of the biggest sensitivities with this hair type. Luckily, there are a plenty of ways to support your hair and keep each strand healthy, glowing, and frizz-free.
Do you have a curly hair challenge you'd like our team to tackle? Reach out to RevAir and let us know what your biggest hair challenge is and what tips would help keep your hair shining. Happy styling!
