What Not to Do When You Have Low Porosity Hair: Oils to Avoid and Use (and Why) 🌿💁♀️
Low porosity hair can be a blessing and a bit of a challenge. With its tightly closed cuticles, it resists moisture—meaning it’s less prone to damage, but it also tends to stay dry if not treated right. Understanding what not to do with your low porosity hair can make a world of difference in achieving healthy, luscious locks! Let's dive into the do-not's and the best oils to use (and avoid). 🚫✨
🚫 What Not to Do with Low Porosity Hair
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Avoid Heavy Products and Buildup 🧴
Heavy creams, thick oils, and butters are the enemies of low porosity hair. These products tend to sit on the surface of your hair and cause buildup, making it harder for moisture to get through. -
Don't Skip Heat 🌡️
Heat can be a game-changer for low porosity hair! Since the cuticles are tightly closed, using a bit of gentle heat (like a warm towel or a steamer) helps open them up and lets all the good stuff in. When deep conditioning, make sure you don’t skip adding heat! -
Stop Washing with Cold Water ❄️🚿
Cold water can close your hair cuticles even more, which is great for sealing in moisture—but not so great for allowing it in! Instead, wash with warm water to open up the cuticles and make your moisturizing efforts more effective. -
Avoid Protein Overload 💪🚫
Protein is fantastic for strengthening hair, but low porosity hair doesn’t need too much of it. Overusing protein-rich products can lead to stiffness and dryness. Look for moisturizing, protein-free conditioners. -
Say No to Product Overuse ❌
Low porosity hair needs moisture, but overloading on leave-ins, creams, and gels can make it sticky and flat. Keep your routine light, and remember: a little product goes a long way.
🌿 Oils to Avoid for Low Porosity Hair
When it comes to low porosity hair, using the right oils is key. The wrong ones will sit on your hair instead of being absorbed, leading to buildup and frustration. Here are the oils to avoid:
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Coconut Oil 🥥🚫
Coconut oil is thick and highly occlusive. While it's known for its nourishing properties, it can create a barrier on low porosity hair, preventing moisture from entering. Instead of making your hair soft, it can actually make it stiff and greasy. -
Castor Oil 🛢️🚫
Castor oil is another heavy oil that’s not ideal for low porosity hair. Its high viscosity means it doesn’t penetrate easily and often leads to buildup, which can weigh down your hair and leave it looking dull. -
Olive Oil 🫒🚫
Olive oil is nutrient-rich, but for low porosity hair, it's too thick. It tends to coat the hair shaft, making it harder for your strands to absorb moisture effectively. -
Shea Butter 🧈🚫
Although it’s technically a butter, shea butter is worth mentioning. Shea butter is far too heavy for low porosity hair and will result in buildup, preventing your hair from getting the hydration it craves.
🌼 Oils to Use for Low Porosity Hair (and Why)
Now that we know which oils to avoid, let's focus on the ones that actually benefit low porosity hair. The best oils are lightweight and capable of penetrating your hair shaft without causing buildup.
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Sarva's Argan Oil 🧡
Argan oil, often called "liquid gold," is lightweight and full of nutrients. It's rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, which makes it perfect for nourishing low porosity hair without weighing it down. -
Sarva's Jojoba Oil 🌼
Jojoba oil is very similar to our natural scalp oil (sebum), making it a fantastic choice for low porosity hair. It absorbs quickly and helps to balance moisture levels, keeping your hair soft and manageable. -
Sarva's Grapeseed Oil 🍇
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy option that seals in moisture without creating buildup. It’s also high in antioxidants and vitamin E, promoting hair health and shine. -
Sarva's Sweet Almond Oil 🌰
Sweet almond oil is another lightweight oil that works wonders for low porosity hair. It’s easily absorbed, rich in vitamins A, B, and E, and helps keep your hair soft and nourished.
✨ Tips for Using Oils on Low Porosity Hair
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Apply Oils on Damp Hair 💦
To get the best out of your oils, apply them when your hair is damp. This will help lock in the moisture before the cuticles close up. -
Use Heat for Better Absorption 🔥
Consider using a warm towel wrap or a hair steamer when applying your oils or deep conditioning. The heat will open up the cuticles, allowing your hair to absorb all the goodness. -
Avoid Over-Oiling 🚫💧
Less is more when it comes to low porosity hair. Use a small amount of oil, focusing on the ends of your hair to avoid a greasy or weighed-down look.