Getting to know your hair is a process. It won't happen overnight and your routine won't mirror that of your friends, family, or hairspiration. So if you've dissected your hair type and you're still not happy with your hair's moisture levels, it could have to do with your hair's chemistry. Just because you have a certain type of curl pattern doesn't mean all hair of that type performs the same. The porosity of your hair will also have a huge hand in what products your hair prefers and how it reacts to your techniques.
If you've noticed product buildup as a common issue on your strands and that it takes forever for your hair to get completely soaked in the shower, you likely have low porosity hair. This simply means that your hair's cuticle lies flat against the hair's surface. It repels water away and is slower to let moisture in. On the up side, once low porosity hair is properly moisturized, it's harder for that moisture to leave your strands. But getting to that moisturized point can be hard. If you're struggling to get that moisture where it counts, try these three easy-to-incorporate tricks!
Pre-poo is for you
Using hair-penetrating oils like coconut, olive or avocado oil a few hours before your start your wash day routine can help soften the hair without adding product buildup. This is an awesome way to protect your hair from damage that might occur during the (sometimes stripping) cleansing process.
Heat it up
Adding heat to your routine is a fairly easy way to help open up your hair cuticles. Although there are more aggressive ways to do so, they vary greatly on the individual. Adding a bit of heat to your deep conditioning routine is a simple trick you can use every wash day. It helps your conditioner bind to your hair, getting the most out of your treatment.
Keep it light
Low porosity hair can get weighed down easily with most products, so consider using "film-forming humectants" for moisturizers. This group includes aloe vera, flax seed gel, marshmallow root, panthenol, nettle extract and more. Because these products for barriers around your hair, less moisture is lost and it's harder for your hair to become dehydrated from the elements you encounter every day.
These techniques will transform the way you moisturize your hair. If you've been frustrated by your hair feeling dry and brittle, worry no more.