High porosity hair needs extra care and attention to keep it strong and healthy. In this article, we will provide tips on how to grow high porosity hair.
What Is High Porosity Hair
In short, porosity is a term used to describe the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.
Someone with high porosity hair will have cuticles that are too far apart, which means that moisture is easily absorbed but can just as easily escape.
For this reason, high porosity hair can often feel dry and rough.
High porosity hair is often due to genetics, but it can also be caused by bleaching, chemical treatments, and the usage of heat styling tools.
Some of these treatments will cause your hair to become more porous, so they should be limited where possible.
Signs You Have High Porosity Hair
If you’re concerned about your hair or you think that you could have high porosity hair, then look out for these key signs.
- Your hair often looks and feels dry
- You have tangles and frizz
- You experience hair breakage
- Your hair often looks dull
- Your hair gets wet quickly and tends to dry quickly
- Your hair absorbs products and treatments quickly
The Porosity Test
The strand test is a common method that’s used to determine the hair’s porosity. This test involves a strand of your hair and a glass of water.
It’s important that you wash your hair before doing this test because your hair shouldn’t have any product on it.
Fill a glass of water about halfway and drop a strand of hair into it. Observe how the strand of hair floats in the water.
Typically, with high porosity hair, you would expect to see it sink to the bottom of the glass very quickly. Low to medium porosity hair tends to float at the top or in the middle.
This test isn’t always 100% accurate. Use this test in combination with the symptom list to determine your hair’s porosity.
8 Ways To Grow High Porosity Hair
If you have high porosity hair and you’re not seeing any growth, then you need to take a close look at your hair care routine to get a better understanding of what your hair needs.
Understanding what your hair does and does not need is important to promoting growth.
Here are eight ways to effectively grow high porosity hair:
1. Use Hair Products For Your Hair Type
Using the wrong products for your hair type can result in your hair looking dull, tired, and dry.
If you have dry hair, you should be looking for products targeted at dry hair that contain nourishing ingredients that will bring your hair back to life.
Many products contain sulfates, parabens, synthetic colors, and drying alcohols which can be damaging to high porosity hair because they strip moisture from the hair, leaving it dry and frizzy.
Look for hair products that contain a blend of natural ingredients because these will help maintain healthy hair and scalp, which is essential for growth.
2. Reduce Heat Exposure
The more you expose your hair to heat styling tools, the more it will change the texture and appearance of the hair.
Repeated heat exposure can cause dryness, split ends, and general breakage over time. As a result, the hair could break off and this will prevent growth.
Using heat styling tools occasionally isn’t likely to damage your hair, as long as you use a good heat protectant. A heat protectant acts as a barrier between the heat tool and your hair, which reduces the risk of heat damage.
If you use heat on your hair weekly, try to reduce this to bi-weekly. Braiding your hair and wearing a loose ponytail in between heat styling can help to keep your hair healthy.
3. Do Protein Treatments
Protein treatments are highly beneficial for high porosity hair because they help to fill in any gaps in the cuticles.
As a result, moisture remains in the hair for longer, reducing the chance of breakage and frizz.
Protein can help to strengthen the hair strands, resulting in less breakage and fewer split ends.
This will allow the hair to grow at a healthy rate. In addition, protein can add shine to the hair, reducing dullness and frizz.
This fortifying protein hair mask by Arvazallia which you can get from Amazon is an intensely nourishing treatment that repairs weakened strands and reduces dryness.
Infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein, macadamia oil, and aloe vera, this hydrating hair mask will work wonders on high porosity hair.
It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, and safe for color-treated hair.
4. Do Deep Conditioning Treatments
Everyone can benefit from deep conditioning their hair, but those with high porosity hair will need to do treatment more frequently.
High porosity hair is prone to dryness, frizz, and breakage, so it’s important to restore any lost moisture to maintain a healthy balance.
Some people find that a deep conditioning treatment once a week is enough to keep their hair looking and feeling healthy.
Others might benefit from doing it more frequently or less frequently, depending on their hair type and the current health of their hair.
The Olia Naturals deep conditioner available from Amazon is made with natural ingredients like rosemary oil, avocado oil, and pro-vitamin B5. This helps to repair dry, frizzy hair and leave hair feeling smoother and healthier.
This deep conditioner is free of sulfates, phthalates, synthetic colors, and drying alcohols, making it suitable for sensitive scalps and damaged hair.
It can be used once a week or more to maintain healthy hair and reduce frizz, tangles, and split ends.
5. Follow The LOC Method
The LOC method stands for liquid, oil, and cream. This hair treatment is beneficial for high porosity hair because it helps to reduce dryness and lock in essential moisture.
To start with this method, you will apply water or a water-based product to the hair, as this will help to hydrate the hair.
Next, you will need to apply a penetrative oil to add moisture to the hair. Olive oil or coconut oil are great options that will leave the hair feeling softer and smoother.
Lastly, apply a cream or a natural butter like shea or mango. The cream is used last because it helps to close the hair cuticles and prevent moisture from escaping.
This is an essential part for high porosity hair because this hair type loses moisture very quickly.
Following the LOC method frequently can help to keep your hair and scalp healthy, which will promote hair growth.
6. Switch To A Satin Pillowcase
A cotton pillowcase can create friction during the night, causing frizz, tangles, and dryness.
A satin pillowcase can reverse these issues and help to the hair to retain more moisture, which can help with the overall health of the hair.
Putting your hair in a low ponytail or a loose bun is another way to reduce frizz and knots as you toss and turn during the night.
7. Do An Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Apple cider vinegar has many benefits when used on the hair because it balances the pH level.
It can help to reduce dandruff, increase shine, and help to define curls.
It’s beneficial for high porosity hair because it helps to smooth down the cuticles, reducing frizz and dryness.
To make an ACV rinse all you need to do is mix approximately 1 teaspoon of ACV to 8 ounces of water. You can use a spray bottle for easier application.
After washing your hair thoroughly, pour the ACV solution over your hair and scalp and rub it in.
Leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing it out with cool water to seal the cuticles.
Some people find that ACV can make their hair a little bit dry. If that’s the case, use a deep conditioner after the rinse to restore moisture to the hair.
You can do an ACV rinse once a week to maintain healthy hair and promote growth.
It acts as a natural clarifying ‘shampoo’ to remove product build-up and leave the hair feeling cleaner.
8. Detangle Your Hair
Highly porous hair can get tangled more easily due to the way the cuticles remain open, so you will need to make sure that you detangle the hair frequently.
Some brushes have harsh bristles and some can even cause frizz, which is what you need to avoid.
To prevent damage or breakage, choose a wide-tooth comb or a brush with widely spaced bristles. This will be gentle on the hair.
When detangling the hair, you can apply a serum or leave-in conditioner to help the comb glide through the hair and separate any knots.
If you don’t have a comb or you keep getting your hair caught, then you can use your fingers to gently separate any hair that is clumped together.
Contrary to what you might have heard, brushing your hair when it is wet will not cause any damage or breakage.
What To Avoid If You Have High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair is susceptible to damage, so you will need to avoid the following:
Washing Hair With Hot Water
Washing your hair with hot water can make the hair more porous, resulting in dry, brittle, and damaged strands.
High temperatures can strip the hair of its natural oils, which will leave the scalp dry and dehydrated.
Good hair health begins from the scalp, so it’s essential that you reduce the temperature of your water to lukewarm or cool.
Finishing your hair wash with a cold rinse will also help to seal the cuticles and increase shine.
Bleaching The Hair
You should avoid bleaching the hair and using harsh chemical dyes if you have dry or damaged hair. Bleach strips the hair of essential moisture and can often leave it extremely dry.
Many people will report hair loss and damage following bleaching treatments. If you do decide to bleach your hair, it’s always best to see a professional.
Towel Drying Hair
Towel drying hair can damage the hair because cotton often pulls at the hair and creates friction. This friction is what leads to frizz, dryness, and breakage.
Gently dabbing the hair with a towel can help to reduce the damage, but otherwise, you should opt for a t-shirt or a microfiber hair towel.
Always avoid excessive rubbing to prevent frizz and tangles.
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