VIDEO: How to Take Care of High Porosity Curly Hair

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Your hair’s porosity is probably the most important characteristic to understand when choose the right curly hair products, and learning how to adjust your routine with the weather. If you saw the video I did on How to Choose the Right Styling Products for your Curl Type, we go into detail about all the factors that influence your wash day results.

There are several different levels of porosity, and most know about low, medium/normal, and high. For this video, I’m going to be talking about one of the most difficult types to manage, high porosity, which is what my hair is. I also have fine hair and low density curls, so that makes it challenging.

What is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity is defined by how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. This is one of the biggest influences on how your hair behaves. There are several test out there, but I think watching for signs is the most accurate way to determine your hair’s porosity.

Source: thenopoomethod.com

Signs of High Porosity Hair:

• Hair is often very frizzy
• Very sensitive to humidity
• Hair can appear dull
• Hair tangles very easily
• Hair dries fast
• Absorbs water quickly, and soaks up product
• Hair responds well to protein treatments (restores bounce & shine)

Tips for High Porosity Hair:

• Detangle with conditioner first before shampoo
• Pre-poo & detangle with oil treatments
• Avoid harsh sulfates
• Deep condition frequently
• Use protein treatments
• Use Olaplex No. 3 bond builder
• Use heat protectants when diffusing
• Avoid high heat, diffuse on cool
• Avoid very hot water

Ingredients to Incorporate:

• Slip in conditioners and leave-ins:
• Slippery elm
• Marshmallow root
• Strengthening ingredients:
• Hydrolyzed protein
• Amino acids
• Peptides
• Moisturize FIRST:
• Glycerin
• Coconut oil
• Coco butter
• Avocado oil
• Aloe vera
• Honey
• Sealing ingredients LAST:
• Shea butter
• Olive oil
• Castor oil*
• Jojoba oil
• Mongongo oil
• Hemp seed oil
• Apple cider vinegar

Dealing with Humidity:

• Avoid humectants (in your sealer products):
• Propylene glycol
• Glycerin
• Honey
• Flaxseed
• Sorbitol
• Incorporate anti-humectants:
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Castor oil*
• Beeswax*
• Others that resist humidity:
• Polyquantarium
• Copolymers

*some say these ingredients can build up on the hair without frequent clarifying

Products Mentioned:

• Shea Moisture High Porosity Moisture Correct Styling Gel
• OUIDAD Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Stronger Hold Gel
• Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Gel
• Not Your Mother Curl Talk Curl Activation Mousse

Check out my latest video:

–Carol’s Wash Day Delight Review & Demo