If your hair is dry, read this.

Okay, so many of us with low porosity hair know the struggle: it feels perpetually dry, frizzy, and no matter how much product you slather on, it just sits there or washes right out. I used to think my hair was just naturally 'bad' or severely damaged, but as I learned, it's really about understanding how low porosity hair actually works and adjusting your routine. First off, what even is low porosity? Imagine your hair strands having very tightly closed cuticles – those tiny scales that make up the outer layer of your hair. This makes it hard for moisture to get *in*, but once it's in, it tends to stay. On the flip side, high porosity hair has open cuticles, so it absorbs moisture easily but loses it just as quickly. You can do a simple float test: drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water. If it floats on top for a few minutes before slowly sinking, you likely have low porosity hair. If it sinks immediately, it's high porosity. Understanding your hair type is the first step to truly healthy hair. Now, why does low porosity hair often end up so frizzy and dry, seemingly damaged? It's not usually damage; it's often a mismatch in our routine. Products meant for high porosity hair (like heavy butters and oils) can just sit on top of low porosity strands, leading to buildup and making your hair feel even drier and look dull. And when product can't penetrate, your hair is essentially thirsty, which leads to frizz. This is why addressing low porosity frizzy hair requires a specific approach. Let me walk you through my low porosity hair wash day routine that finally helped my hair absorb moisture and thrive: Pre-Poo (Optional but Recommended): About 30 minutes before washing, I'll lightly coat my hair with a lightweight oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil. This helps protect my strands from the shampoo. Shampoo – Warm Water is Key! I use a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo. Remember, warm water helps to gently lift those cuticles so products can actually enter. If I wash more than once a week, I stick to a single shampoo. I clarify only once or twice a month – clarifying too often strips your cuticle and leaves your hair dehydrated, which is a major mistake many low porosity girlies make. Deep Conditioning with Heat – Non-Negotiable! This is where many of us go wrong. Without heat your deep conditioner just sits on top and does nothing. After applying my deep conditioner to damp hair, I cover my head with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes, or wrap a warm, damp towel around my head. The heat opens up those tight cuticles, allowing the nutrients to really penetrate. Rinse with Cool Water: After deep conditioning, I rinse with cool water. This helps to seal the cuticles shut, locking in all that lovely moisture. Leave-in & Lightweight Sealant: I apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, followed by a few drops of a lightweight sealant oil. Jojoba, grapeseed, or even pumpkin seed oil are my favorites. Remember, heavy oils suffocate your hair and prevent moisture absorption. Drying without Air Drying Forever: Low porosity hair stays wet for hours, which can lead to frizz and breakage if left to air dry completely. Instead, I blot my hair gently with a microfiber towel (never rub!), detangle carefully, and then stretch it while it's still damp. Sometimes I'll diffuse on a low heat setting to speed things up. By embracing these changes, I've seen a huge reduction in low porosity hair damage and my hair stays moisturized for days, not just hours. It's all about understanding your hair and giving it what it truly needs!