Low porosity, butt-length hair—if you know, you know. It’s gorgeous, it’s dramatic, and boy can it be difficult to keep hydrated and healthy. If you’re struggling with dry, brittle hair or you just can’t seem to get products to actually work, I totally get where you’re coming from! After years of trial, error, and some frustrating wash days, I’ve finally gotten into a routine that keeps my hair hydrated, soft, and long. But here’s the twist: it’s not about what I do to my hair. It’s also about the things I never do. In this post, I’m breaking down all the “don’ts” that have turned my low porosity hair game around—so you can skip the struggle and head straight for healthy, happy hair!
Table of Contents
- Understanding Low Porosity Hair
- What I Don’t Do Anymore (And You Should Rethink!)
-
- No More Deep Conditioning
- No Air Drying Allowed
- No “Low Poo” or “No Poo” Shampoos
- No Heavy Oils or Butters
- So What Do I Do? My Healthy Hair Routine
- Product Buildup and How to Beat It
- My Favorite Lightweight Products
- FAQ: Your Biggest Low Porosity Questions
- Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Low Porosity Journey!
- Recommended Tools and Product List
Understanding Low Porosity Hair
Before we get into what doesn’t work, let’s get real about what low porosity hair actually means.
Low porosity hair doesn’t absorb moisture easily, so products tend to sit on top rather than soaking in.
This happens because the cuticles (the outer layer of your hair’s shaft) lie flat and tight, like roof shingles. It’s a blessing (hello, shine!) and a curse (why is my hair always dry?).
- Key challenges: Products just sit there, water beads up instead of soaking in, frizz happens for no reason, and hydration is a real struggle.
- If you have low porosity hair, you may notice: Your hair takes forever to get wet and even longer to dry.
This is especially tricky if you have super long, thick hair, like me—think butt-length! It ranks on the patience scale right up there with watching paint dry.
What I Don’t Do Anymore (And You Should Rethink!)
You’ve read a million articles about what products to use or DIY tricks, but let’s get honest: Sometimes less is way more. Here’s exactly what I refuse to do anymore (and why).
1. No More Deep Conditioning
I know, this sounds like blasphemy in the natural hair world. But stick with me!
My journey:
- I used to deep condition all the time, especially when I was coloring my hair.
- After I stopped coloring, my hair just didn’t need it anymore.
- For low porosity hair, deep conditioning can actually make things worse.
Why?
- With those super-flat cuticles, thick and creamy deep conditioners just sit on top.
- You sit with it on, rinse, and… nothing happens. No extra softness, no shine—just weighed-down, dull hair.
The Science:
- Deep conditioning is great for hair that soaks up moisture easily. For us low porosity folks, it’s basically a product graveyard.
- The more you deep condition, the harder it might get to keep your hair from getting product buildup.
“I stopped deep conditioning my hair when I stopped coloring my hair because my hair didn’t need it anymore and my hair is low porosity.”
So, skip it! Your hair (and your wash day schedule) will thank you.
2. No Air Drying Allowed
This goes against the “less heat is better” advice, but hear me out:
Why I Don’t Air Dry:
- I never liked it anyway—my hair would honestly take a whole day (or more!) to dry. Who has time for that?
- Air drying makes low porosity hair brittle. Over time, the slow loss of moisture means strands get weaker.
- Wet hair is more delicate, and longer drying = longer time in the breakage danger zone.
My solution: I always use a hooded dryer or a blow dryer with a diffuser.
“To be realistic, I never air dried my hair to begin with. One, it just took forever for my hair to dry, and two, it weakens your hair over time and it essentially becomes brittle and breaks off.”
And yes, even if it’s summer and 200 degrees outside—I still use my dryer!
3. No “Low Poo” or “No Poo” Shampoos
Let’s talk about the “no lather, no strip” shampoo trend:
My Experience:
- I ditched the gentle, “hydrating/low poo/no poo” shampoos.
- Low porosity hair collects product like nobody’s business. If you don’t use a good, cleansing shampoo, you’ll get lots of buildup.
What Happens:
- You’re shampooing, your hair feels heavy, but nothing gets clean.
- That gorgeous shine starts to look dull and greasy.
What Works Instead:
- A “detoxifying” or “clarifying” shampoo that removes buildup without being harsh.
- I use a detoxifying shampoo bar every wash day—it gets my hair squeaky clean!
“Low porosity hair has a tendency to hold on to product and it gets product buildup a lot faster than someone who might have medium or high porosity hair.”
4. No Heavy Oils or Butters
This one’s big—especially if you follow natural hair routines. But for us, it’s a no-go.
Heavy oils and butters:
- Shea, coconut, castor, and similar oils—those super-rich, thick ingredients—just sit on top of low porosity hair.
- Instead of nourishing your strands, they actually form a barrier, making it even harder for moisture (or lighter products) to get in.
Result: You end up with hair that feels greasy, isn’t any softer, often dries out underneath the oil since there’s no moisture getting in, and ultimately, breaks.
“When you're using these heavy ingredients on your hair, it's going to make it harder for your cuticle to lift so that it can absorb moisture. So instead I use more lightweight products.”
Skip the raw butters and oils and try lighter products instead!
So What Do I Do? My Healthy Hair Routine
All those “don’ts” opened up space in my routine for things that work with my hair, not against it. If you’re curious what to try instead, here’s my step-by-step method:
1. Always Start with Cleansed Hair
Every single wash day, I use my detoxifying shampoo bar to remove all the buildup from the week. My scalp feels refreshed, and my hair—finally!—is actually free to absorb moisture.
- No shortcuts here! This one change made the biggest difference for me.
2. Moisturize with Lightweight Leave-In Conditioner
Here’s my secret: apply your leave-in when your hair is soaking wet (like water dripping everywhere wet).
- The water helps open your cuticles up a bit, so the product has a chance to get inside.
- I swear by my favorite leave-in moisturizing “hair pudding.” It’s lightweight, rich without being greasy, and doesn’t weigh my hair down.
3. Style with a Lightweight Gel or Jelly
After applying the leave-in, I layer a light hair jelly or styler. Nothing heavy! This gives me definition and hold without crunch or buildup.
4. Dry with a Hooded Dryer or Diffuser
Like I said before, never air dry! I use gentler heat so as not to damage my hair (plus, it sets the style).
5. Protect at Night
Satin/silk scarves, bonnets, or pillowcases all help keep hydration in and frizz out.
Product Buildup and How to Beat It
Low porosity hair is like a magnet for buildup—and if you’ve ever wondered why your hair feels sticky or coated even after you shampoo, this is why.
Here’s what happens:
- You use thick products, your hair doesn’t absorb them, and they just sit on your strands.
- Next wash, you try to shampoo, but the mild “no poo” formula barely moves the grease.
- Layer after layer builds up, making your hair heavy, dull, and ultimately, fragile.
The Solution
- Use a clarifying or detoxifying shampoo at least once a week.
- If you use a lot of stylers, clarify every wash day.
- Never skip the scalp—you want your roots to breathe!
Pro Tip: Even with the right products, rinse your hair really well. Sometimes, just not washing out product thoroughly can cause buildup too!
“If your hair is low porosity and you're like, I don't understand why do I have product buildup even though I'm shampooing? It might be the type of shampoo that you're using.”
My Favorite Lightweight Products
Ready to make the switch? Here are the lightweight products my hair loves—and some guidance for picking your own.
Cleansing
- Detoxifying/Clarifying Shampoo Bars: Look for formulas that use gentle surfactants, clays, or charcoal. Avoid “hydrating” cream shampoos; you want a real clean.
- Don’t be afraid of lather! Your hair will thank you.
Conditioning
- Leave-In Conditioners: The best ones are creamy but not greasy, and the first ingredient is usually water, not oils or butters.
- My go-to: A moisturizing hair pudding that absorbs easily and feels weightless.
Styling
- Lightweight Jelly or Gel: You want definition and hold, but without crunch or waxy buildup.
- Apply on SOAKING wet hair. Not damp, not towel dried—dripping wet!
FAQ: Your Biggest Low Porosity Questions
1. Why doesn’t deep conditioning work for me?
If you have low porosity hair, those thick masks just can’t get into your strands. Sometimes, heat can help, but honestly? I’ve found my hair does better without the heavy treatments altogether.
2. Isn’t air drying healthier?
Not always! For low porosity hair, slow drying = more time in a weakened state. A gentle heat source is much better for maintaining length and minimizing breakage.
3. Can I ever use oils or butters?
If you really want to use an oil, go with something super-light like grapeseed or sweet almond oil, and use it sparingly. But honestly, you might be better off skipping them altogether—your hair’s health is all about what you can actually absorb.
4. How do I know if I have product buildup?
If your hair feels sticky, looks dull or greasier than usual, or gets frizzy no matter what—those are red flags! A good detox shampoo will fix it up.
5. What if my hair is also fine/thick/highly textured?
These tips totally work across all types of low porosity hair—just adjust how much product you use, how often you clarify, and don’t be afraid to test out what works best for you.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Low Porosity Journey!
Low porosity hair is special—and yes, sometimes tricky—but once you stop fighting what doesn't work and start listening to your hair, everything changes! Remember, it’s not always about adding more stuff to your routine. Sometimes, it’s about leaving things out.
“These are the tips that I have incorporated into my routine and has helped me to retain length and my hair stays hydrated until my next wash day.”
Focus on what your hair is really telling you. If you’re frustrated with dryness, breakage, or endless buildup, try tweaking your routine with these “don’ts.” You’ll be amazed at how much healthier, shinier, and longer your hair can get—without a ton of complicated steps.
Recommended Tools and Product List
- Detoxifying Shampoo Bar: Look for one with bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or gentle clarifying ingredients.
- Moisturizing Leave-In Hair Pudding: Water-based, not oil heavy.
- Lightweight Styling Jelly/Gel: Alcohol-free, minimal residue formula.
- Hooded Dryer or Blow Dryer with Diffuser: Essential for gentle, even drying.
- Silk/Satin Bonnet, Scarf, or Pillowcase: Protects hair overnight.
- Wide-Tooth Comb/Detangler: For gentle, minimum-breakage detangling.
Want More Visuals and Step-By-Step Demos?
Check out my regular posts and reels on keeping low porosity hair healthy, hydrated, LONG, and beautiful. Got questions or want to share your own hair journey? Drop a comment below—I love swapping tips with other low porosity pros!
Thanks for reading—and remember: when in doubt, simplify your routine! Your hair (and your future self) will thank you.
