I think my hair is 3c/4a. I want to start wearing my natural curls more but I need help figuring out which products would be the best. I know I have low porosity hair but it seems to do so well with protein treatments. So confused 😵💫…. Help me in the comments. #naturalhairvibes#lowporositynaturalhair#naturalhairgirlie
2025/1/21 Edited to
... Read moreHey, I totally get where you're coming from! Figuring out your curl pattern, especially when you're caught between 3c and 4a, can be a real journey. It’s like our dark, curly hair has a mind of its own sometimes! And low porosity hair? That's a whole other ball game, especially when it throws you a curveball like responding well to protein treatments. I’ve been there, feeling super confused!
First off, let’s quickly chat about 3c vs. 4a. People often describe 3c curls as tight corkscrews, about the size of a pencil or a crayon. They're usually pretty dense and have a lot of volume. Then you have 4a, which features very tight, S-shaped coils that are often compared to the size of a crochet needle. It can be hard to tell the difference because many of us have multiple curl patterns on our heads, so don't stress if it's not a perfect fit! Your hair might genuinely be a mix. Looking at images where hair is truly "without product" or freshly washed can sometimes help you see the natural pattern more clearly before any styling influences it.
Now, about low porosity hair – I know the struggle! Your hair cuticles are tightly bound, which means it can be tough for moisture to get in, but once it’s in, it tends to stay. This is why water often beads up on your hair, and it takes forever to air dry. For low porosity, lightweight, water-based products are usually your best friends. Think liquid leave-ins, light mousses, and milks rather than heavy butters or thick creams that can just sit on top and cause buildup. Applying products to damp, almost wet hair, and perhaps using a little heat (like from a steamer or even just the warmth of your hands as you emulsify product) can help those tight cuticles open up and absorb the goodness. I’ve found that using a microfiber towel for drying minimizes frizz and keeps my voluminous curls intact.
The protein treatment puzzle is fascinating! Typically, low porosity hair is advised to go easy on protein because it can make the hair stiff and brittle. However, there are a few reasons why yours might be loving it. Firstly, if your hair has any damage from heat, color, or even just environmental stressors, it might genuinely need that protein boost to strengthen the strands. Secondly, not all proteins are equal. Hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into smaller molecules, can often penetrate more easily, even into low porosity hair, without causing buildup or stiffness. Perhaps the treatments you're using contain these smaller proteins. It could also mean your hair isn't purely low porosity everywhere, or it has a good balance of moisture and protein internally. My advice? Listen to your hair! If it feels stronger and looks better with protein, stick with it, but maybe keep it to a monthly or bi-monthly treatment to avoid protein overload.
For those days when you want to embrace your natural curly hair with minimal fuss, or if you feel like your hair "has no texture" without a ton of product, there are a few tricks. The "no product" look you mentioned in one of your images might just be a testament to healthy, well-hydrated curls. Achieving this often starts in the shower: thoroughly saturating your hair, detangling gently with conditioner, and then rinsing. Some people find success with a simple wash-and-go, applying a light leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair and letting it air dry. Finger coiling sections of hair can also help define your natural pattern, offering a more styled look without heavy gels. My go-to is usually a good leave-in and a light foam for definition, then I let it air dry or diffuse on a low setting. It’s all about finding what coaxes your beautiful coils into their best shape, whether that’s a fully styled look or a more carefree voluminous vibe, sometimes with literally "no product" after the wash.
Keep experimenting, queen! Your hair journey is unique, and you're doing great by paying attention to what your curls need. Don't be afraid to try different application methods or products. We're all here to share our experiences and help each other out!
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