If you have low porosity hair, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into what many hair care companies misunderstand about our hair and what steps you should be taking instead. Before we get started, if you're curious about finding the best curl products for your hair, I highly recommend taking the Curly Hair Quiz. This quick quiz will ask just four questions about your hair's porosity, structure, density, and type. You'll receive personalized product recommendations and tips on how you should be caring for your hair.
Why Low Porosity Hair Can Feel Dry
Low porosity hair tends to feel dry and brittle. The reason? Our hair struggles to absorb moisture. Our cuticles are more tightly packed compared with those who have medium or high porosity hair, making it more difficult for moisture to penetrate. This structure is both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, it helps protect our hair from weakening, but it also means we miss out on the necessary moisture that helps maintain our hair’s elasticity.
Falling into the Hydrating Shampoo Trap
Hair care companies often suggest using hydrating or moisturizing shampoos, but here's the first mistake. As I mentioned earlier, low porosity hair's cuticle doesn't lift easily, meaning moisture absorption is a challenge. Additionally, this type of hair tends to hold onto oils more easily, making it prone to product buildup, exacerbating the hydration problem.
Why Hydrating Shampoos Might Not Be the Solution
When you use shampoos marketed as hydrating, moisturizing, or gentle, there are two significant issues:
- These shampoos don't cleanse the hair effectively.
- They don’t assist in lifting the cuticles to allow moisture in.
Let me share a personal experience: The last time I used a hydrating shampoo, my hair felt heavy and gummy, got tangled easily, and just didn't feel right. It was only after using a detoxifying shampoo bar and thoroughly cleansing my hair that it felt normal again.
"These types of shampoos do not have enough cleansing agents to remove oils and dirt from low porosity hair."
The Importance of Using Cleansing Shampoos
If you keep using ineffective shampoos, you’ll only end up with more product buildup, making your hair even more low porosity. The answer? Look for shampoos with sulfates or good sulfate alternatives. These cleansing agents bind to impurities, lifting them away from your hair while helping the cuticles open up and allowing moisture to penetrate.
The Shift towards Cleansing Shampoos
I remember a customer mentioning how her hair felt dry after using my Detoxifying Shampoo Bar. I explained to her that it’s supposed to. We have to shift our thinking; having soft hair does not mean it’s adequately hydrated. So, I asked whether she used a conditioner afterward and how her curls felt once styled. She noticed her curls were plumper and longer-lasting.
Do You Really Need Heavy Conditioners?
The second common misconception is the need for heavy conditioners and frequent deep conditioning. While these products have their place, they aren't necessary, or often beneficial, for low porosity hair. This misconception is once again linked to cuticle behavior.
Using heavy conditioners smooths your hair’s cuticles, which might sound appealing. However, here's why that's a problem:
The Downside of Smooth Cuticles
Smooth cuticles make it difficult for styling products to do their job because they cannot be absorbed effectively. It's a critical misunderstanding to think low porosity equates to damaged hair — it's a sign of healthy hair.
The Case for Lightweight Conditioners
Heavy conditioners are meant to repair damaged cuticles by filling in gaps. For our hair, lightweight conditioners are preferable; they coat the strands just enough to soften them, aiding in detangling without adding unnecessary weight.
For example, my Hydrate and Renew conditioner is perfect for this purpose. Avoid heavier treatments like the Restoring Hair Treatment, as they're unnecessary for regular use on low porosity hair. It's important to grasp this concept: our aim should be to get moisture into the hair, and it starts in the shampoo bowl.
Embrace Cleansing Shampoos and Lightweight Conditioners
Sticking with cleansing shampoos and pairing them with lightweight conditioners can make a world of difference in how your hair feels and behaves. This approach may go against everything you've been told, but both my personal experience and feedback from clients confirm how effective this method can be.
Conclusion: Time for a Change in Routine
Does this sound like a wash day routine your low-porosity hair would appreciate? Are you willing to ditch those hydrating shampoos in favor of cleansing ones? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
For more information on our products and further hair care tips, don't forget to visit www.wondercurl.com. Let's embrace the change and pave the way for healthier, more manageable hair!
