Managing Low Porosity Hair
For optimal management of low porosity hair, use coconut-based hair oils as they effectively reduce porosity and protect hair from damage by creating a hydrophobic barrier both on the surface and within the hair cortex. 1
Understanding Hair Porosity
Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, which affects how it responds to various treatments and products:
- Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles that resist moisture penetration and product absorption 2
- Hair porosity directly influences the effectiveness of hair care products, coloring treatments, and styling methods 2
- Porosity can be increased by damage from surfactants in shampoos, chemical treatments, and environmental factors 1
Recommended Management Strategies
Coconut-Based Hair Oils
- Coconut-based hair oils (CBHO) significantly reduce hair porosity by blocking diffusion pathways in the endocuticle and cortical cells 1
- These oils form a protective barrier that prevents protein loss during washing and other treatments 1
- Regular application of CBHO helps maintain the natural hydrophobicity of hair, protecting it from damage 1
Gentle Cleansing
- Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos to minimize surfactant damage to hair structure 1
- Surfactants in regular shampoos can diffuse into hair structure and solubilize protein, increasing porosity 1
- Limit washing frequency to prevent excessive removal of natural oils 2
Conditioning Treatments
- Select conditioners with anionic and cationic surfactants appropriate for low porosity hair 2
- Apply conditioners to slightly warmed hair (after warm water rinse) to help open the cuticle for better product absorption 2
- Consider periodic deep conditioning treatments with heat to temporarily increase cuticle opening 2
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Avoid aggressive chemical treatments which can dramatically increase porosity and damage hair structure 3
- Be aware that excessive or prolonged use of methanol-based products can strip natural oils and increase porosity, especially in already damaged hair 4
- Recognize that UV exposure damages hair through a different mechanism than chemical treatments, but still increases porosity over time 5
Monitoring Hair Health
- Assess changes in hair elasticity and texture as indicators of porosity changes 2
- Monitor tensile strength, as decreased break stress and toughness are associated with increased porosity 1
- Consider professional hair analysis for severe texture or porosity issues 2