If you’re struggling to grow your low porosity hair and can’t seem to keep it soft and hydrated, you’re not alone. I’m Scarlett, founder of Wonder Curl and your natural hair “auntie.” Like you, I’ve battled dry, stubborn hair that never seemed to retain moisture—until I tweaked my routine based on what really works. Today, I’m breaking it ALL down. We’re talking the biggest mistakes most of us make with low porosity hair, why your hair isn’t growing like it should, and the step-by-step fixes that actually deliver lasting hydration.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Low Porosity Hair
- Why Moisture Doesn't Stick: The Science
- Top Mistakes with Low Porosity Hair
a. Piling On Heavy Products
b. Deep Conditioning When It’s Not Needed
c. Overusing Heavy Oils and Butters
d. Skipping Proper Cleansing
- The Game-Changing Routine: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Cleanse the Right Way
Step 2: Condition Lightly
Step 3: Product Application for Wash-and-Gos
Step 4: Lock In Hydration with Heat
Step 5: No Fuss Until Next Wash Day
- Product Recommendations
- Final Thoughts and FAQs
Understanding Low Porosity Hair
If you’re not sure what “porosity” means, you’re not alone. It basically refers to how easily your hair can absorb and hold on to moisture.
Low porosity hair means the cuticle layers on your strands are tightly packed and don’t lift easily. That might sound like a good thing (hello, shiny hair!)—but it also means water, oils, and your favorite leave-in just won’t soak in like they do for other hair types.
What does low porosity hair look like?
- Water beads up and sits on your hair
- Products seem to just “sit” on the surface
- Hair often feels dry even after moisturizing
- It takes ages to get your hair fully wet
Quick Test: Spray a section of clean, product-free hair with water. If the water beads up or rolls off, you might have low porosity hair.
“When it comes to low porosity hair, it has a harder time absorbing moisture. That's because the cuticles don't lift as easily as someone who has medium or high porosity hair.” —Scarlett
Why Moisture Doesn't Stick: The Science
Let’s nerd out for a second (but keep it simple). All strands of hair are made up of different layers. The outermost layer is called the cuticle. In low porosity hair, these cuticles are super snug and flat, like tightly closed shingles on a roof.
What does this mean for moisture?
Anything you try to add—water, conditioner, oils—is going to have a tough time getting through those tight layers. Instead, it sits on top and never truly hydrates your hair from the inside out.
Top Mistakes with Low Porosity Hair
Let’s break down the biggest “don’ts” that are actually making your hair drier, making growth slow, and stopping you from getting that juicy definition you want.
1. Piling On Heavy Products
Most of us think, “My hair’s dry, I need MORE product!”
Common go-tos include:
- Lots of heavy leave-in conditioners
- Frequent deep conditioning
- Spritzing with water all day
- Layering on butters and oils
But here’s the truth:
Doing this just piles layers on top of your hair. Your cuticle is too tight to let those heavy products in, so they build up and make your hair feel greasy, heavy, or—ironically—even drier.
“The biggest mistake people with low porosity hair tend to make is they think they need to pile on heavy products or continuously mist their hair because their hair is dry. This is the wrong approach... and this is why your hair is always feeling dry and why you probably have breakage.”
2. Deep Conditioning When It’s Not Needed
There’s this myth that deep conditioning is a must for hydration, no matter your hair type. But for low porosity hair, that’s often a mistake.
Why?
- Deep conditioners usually have heavy emollients (moisturizing ingredients).
- Low porosity hair isn’t usually damaged, just dry
- Using heavy treatments regularly creates more buildup rather than helping moisture get in
If your hair isn’t damaged from heat, color, or chemicals, skip the deep treatments and stick to lighter options.
3. Overusing Heavy Oils and Butters
Using rich shea butter, coconut oil, or castor oil?
For low porosity hair, less is more.
These super-thick oils don’t penetrate your tight cuticle. Instead, they form a layer that keeps out the moisture you’re trying to add.
The result? Flask, sticky hair AND moisture that never really gets inside.
4. Skipping Proper Cleansing
This one’s a biggie!
Because low porosity hair is so good at holding on to everything (products, dirt, sweat), it’s super prone to build-up.
Many people try gentle or co-wash-only routines, but they don’t clean well enough for this hair type.
Not cleansing properly means:
- Moisture can’t penetrate
- Products keep layering on top
- Scalp starts to feel itchy or oily
- Hair feels weighed down, not soft and bouncy
“Always use a cleansing shampoo. Think your sulfates or a good sulfate alternative—something that gives your hair a lather to remove all of the products, oil, gunk, dirt...That is going to let your cuticle lift so it can absorb moisture. That’s the first key: cleansing.”
The Game-Changing Routine: Step-By-Step
Ready to break the cycle? Here’s the routine that changed my hair, keeps it hydrated between wash days, and helps with length retention. (Yes, you can finally stop spraying your hair all day long!)
Step 1: Cleanse the Right Way
A TRUE clean is your foundation.
- Use a detoxifying shampoo or a cleansing shampoo bar
- Prefer shampoos that lather and actually strip away buildup (but aren’t too harsh)
- Look for sulfate-free options if they still clean well; otherwise, a gentle sulfate may be necessary
Why?
All that stuff lingering on your hair stops moisture from ever getting in. Once it’s gone, your cuticle can finally slightly lift during wash day, letting hydration sneak in.
Visual: The difference between clean, slightly lifted cuticle and hair with product buildup
What to avoid:
- “Moisturizing only” shampoos that don’t truly cleanse
- Products labeled as “low-poo” or “no-poo” unless they’re giving you that squeaky, fresh feeling
Step 2: Condition Lightly
After cleansing, your hair needs a little TLC—but not the heavy kind.
Choose a lightweight conditioner.
- Look for words like “hydrating” or “lightweight” on the bottle
- Avoid anything super thick or oily
Why avoid deep conditioners?
- They’re designed for damaged hair and have heavier ingredients that won’t absorb into your low porosity cuticle.
- You don’t want to instantly “re-seal” your hair and stop leave-ins from getting in.
“If you’re using a conditioner that’s too heavy, then when it’s time to apply your leave-ins to your hair—guess what? Your cuticle is already smoothing and closing, so you’re not going to absorb that product. You’ll notice it just sits on your head.”
Step 3: Product Application for Wash-and-Gos
Are you a wash and go girly, too? Me too! Here’s how to make your style really pop (and lock in moisture the right way):
1. Apply Products to Soaking Wet Hair
- Best results happen when you style with hair that is dripping wet
- The little water that gets past your cuticle will help your products work inside your hair
Visual: Sectioned soaking wet hair with product being raked through
2. Use Water-Soluble Products
Not all stylers are created equal.
Look for:
- Water listed as the first ingredient
- No heavy butters (especially near the top of the list)
- Products that rinse out easily and don’t leave residue
What happens with water-soluble products?
- Less buildup
- More effective softening
- Better definition
“You want to use water soluble products in your hair. It also means it’ll rinse out more cleanly, and have less chance of product buildup. This also helps penetrate into your hair strands.”
Step 4: Lock In Hydration with Heat
Don’t sleep on this step!
Even the best products won’t work if you don’t help your cuticle open just a bit. That’s where gentle heat comes in.
Why is heat drying a low porosity hair’s best friend?
- Helps moisture and products absorb better
- Hair dries smoother and feels softer
- Keeps your style lasting longer between washes
How to do it right?
- Use a hooded dryer or a hair dryer with a diffuser on warm (not hot)
- Using heat is what really “bakes” that hydration in
“Heat drying is a low porosity hair’s best friend. It’s the best thing because it helps your hair absorb your products. Your hair will dry smoother, feel hydrated, and last much longer.”
Visual: Person under hooded dryer, happy and hydrated curls
Step 5: No Fuss Until Next Wash Day
With this routine, there’s no need to re-wet, refresh, or load up on products every day.
You can go a full week (or however long your wash cycle is) with soft, defined hair.
“I don’t re-wet or refresh my hair until it’s time to wash it again... you’re locking it in so it lasts and you don’t have to refresh daily. You’ll notice your hair isn’t dry or brittle and you’re starting to retain length.”
Product Recommendations
Finding the right products can make a huge difference for low porosity hair. Here are some options mentioned (and approved!) by Scarlett:
Shampoo:
-
Detoxifying Shampoo Bar
- Deep cleans without stripping
- Helps cuticle slightly lift for hydration
-
Sulfate alternatives (look for gentle lathering cleansers)
- Make sure they remove old product buildup and stubborn oils
Conditioner:
-
Lightweight Rinse-Out Conditioner
- Avoid the super creamy, heavy rinse-outs
- Should slide through your hair, leaving it soft, not coated
Stylers:
-
Moisturizing Hair Pudding (must be water-based!)
- Water should be listed first on ingredients
- Creamy but easily rinsed out
-
Water-based Leave-In Conditioners
- Again, skip the thick oils and butters as primo ingredients
Quick-Start Routine for Low Porosity Hair
Here’s your cheat-sheet for the next wash day:
1. Shampoo with a cleansing, lathering shampoo (detoxifying or with gentle sulfates)2. Condition with a lightweight, hydrating conditioner. Rinse well.3. Apply water-soluble, water-based styling products to soaking wet hair4. Use heat (hooded dryer/diffuser) to dry and “set” your style5. Leave hair alone until next wash day. No refreshing, no daily misting.Avoiding the Old Mistakes
Let’s summarize—what NOT to do with low porosity hair:
- Don’t overload with heavy products “because my hair feels dry”
- Don’t deep condition unless you’re repairing real damage
- Don’t skip a real cleansing shampoo—co-wash is not enough!
- Don’t use heavy butters/oils as your daily “moisturizer”
- Don’t apply products to towel-dried or only damp hair—always start soaking wet
The Takeaway: Lasting Moisture and Length Retention is Possible
If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated, wondering why your low porosity hair is so stubborn, now you know: it’s not about adding more and more product, but about creating space for moisture to get in and lock in.
When you use the right products, in the right order, WITH heat, you’ll notice:
- Softer, shinier curls
- Less breakage and more length retention
- No more sticky, limp, or greasy hair
- Freedom from daily “refreshing” and restyling
“This is how you one, get that hydration into your low porosity hair. And two, you lock it in so that it lasts, and you don’t have to re-wet or refresh. Then you’ll notice your hair isn’t dry, brittle, or breaking off—and you’ll start to retain length.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know for sure if I have low porosity hair?
Try the water test: spritz clean, product-free hair with water. If it beads up, or if a strand floats in a glass of water instead of sinking, you likely have low porosity.
2. Should I ever deep condition my low porosity hair?
Only if your hair is damaged by color, chemicals, or lots of heat. If your hair is healthy but dry, stick with lighter conditioners.
3. Do I need to use heat to dry my hair every time?
You’ll get the best results using heat, but it doesn’t have to be “hot”—just warm, indirect heat to help products set.
4. Are there any products I should absolutely avoid?
Heavy oils and butters are a no-go for daily moisture. Look for lightweight, water-based formulas.
5. How often should I wash my low porosity hair?
Once a week (every 7 days) is a good place to start, but adjust to your own hair’s needs.
Wrap-Up: Healthy Low Porosity Hair IS Possible!
Changing up your low porosity hair care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is breaking away from routines meant for high porosity hair and listening to what your own hair needs. Remember:
- Proper cleansing sets the stage
- Lightweight products win the day
- Heat locks in all your hard work
Stay tuned for more tips, and never settle for dry, breaking hair again!
Have Questions or Tips of Your Own?
Drop them in the comments below! If you’re ready for even healthier curls, check out Wonder Curl’s Low Porosity Collection or join my community of naturalistas on Instagram.
Thanks for being here—and happy growing!
“Don’t just pile on more products. Cleanse, hydrate the right way, and lock it in—that’s how you win with low porosity hair!”
—Scarlett, Wonder Curl
