Hair Care Demystified: Does Low Porosity Hair Need Protein?
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Is your low porosity hair waving a protein flag? Let’s find out!
Our hair is the most precious crown that we adorn with pride! And we leave no stone unturned to take care of our gorgeous locks.
However, hair care routine has always been a complicated subject matter. And the main reason behind this is a lack of knowledge.
Knowing our hair type and choosing ingredients and hair treatment accordingly can give the much-needed results in no time. On the other hand, following a one-size-fits-all solution will do more harm than good and take us nowhere.
Today, I am gonna talk about protein treatment for low porosity hair – the one that struggles to absorb any kind of moisture, no matter what you do, ugh!
So, does low porosity hair need protein treatment at all?
Well, I wish the answer was as simple as yes or no. But whether your low porosity hair need protein or not majorly depends on the current situation of it.
Usually, protein can help strengthen and fortify your low porosity hair, while also helping to balance the hair’s moisture levels. However, it’s important not to overdo it with protein, as too much can actually cause the hair to become brittle and weak. It’s all about finding the right balance for your unique hair type and needs.
Now, I’ve answered your question, but as I said, you’ve got to figure out more about your hair to consider, whether or not you should give treat your low porosity hair with protein.
And to know that, you need to get your cappuccino and glasses ready!
What is Low Porosity Hair?
Basically, porosity is the ability of your hair strands to absorb and retain moisture. In other words, the porosity of your hair is defined by how easily moisture seeps into your hair strands through the pores.
Based on porosity, we can categorize our hair as follows:
- Low porosity hair
- Medium porosity hair
- High porosity hair
If you have low porosity hair, then it will be extremely difficult for moisture to enter into your hair strands because of the super tight cuticle layer. The latter also makes it almost impossible for moisture to escape.
Genetics, as well as chemical treatments and heat styling, can badly affect the porosity of hair and make it less porous.
How to Identify Whether or Not You Have Low Porosity Hair?
- Low-porosity hair takes a longer time to dry completely.
- They are resistant to hair treatments.
- Also, product buildup is common in the case of low-porosity hair.
- You can take a float test to confirm the porosity of your hair. Grab a few clean hair strands from your comb and drop them in a glass full of water. If the strand keeps floating even after 30 to 60 minutes, babe, you have low-porosity hair.
OK, I have Low Porosity Hair! What Now?
I know it actually feels frustrating to have low-porosity hair. Good hair days will be rare as you will experience a lack of bounce in your hair, dryness, and uncontrollable frizz most of the time.
But does this mean that your hair can NEVER look healthy, ever? Oh no no, you just need the right hair care routine for low porosity hair, and you will be sorted.
If you are concerned about whether or not protein treatments are necessary for your hair type, I have the answer.
Yes, protein treatment can be helpful for low-porosity hair, but only when used with caution. Coz’ going overboard with protein treatment can actually damage your hair completely.
There’s a common myth in the hair care industry that associates protein treatments with high porosity hair. However, I am here to debunk this myth and tell you that protein treatment can be equally beneficial for low-porosity hair.
Your hair will look shinier, stronger, and healthier when you choose the right protein treatment for your hair type. Our hair, despite its porosity, requires protein to grow. Otherwise, they will look lifeless, flat, and brittle.
Which Type of Protein Is Good for Low Porosity Hair?
Always go for low molecular weight proteins in case you have low porosity hair, as they can get absorbed into your hair shaft easily.
Here is the list of proteins that are actually good for your low-porosity hair type:
- Silk protein
- Silk amino acids
- Wheat amino acids
- Rice protein
- Hydrolyzed keratin
- Milk protein
- Baobab seed protein
Types of Proteins to Keep in Mind If You Have Low Porosity Hair!
1. Nature-derived proteins
Always go for nature-sourced proteins, as they are incredibly good for your low-porosity hair. Have a look at the list of proteins that I have mentioned above. All of them are natural sources and are perfect for your hair type.
Basically, naturally derived proteins are water soluble in nature. So you can wash them off easily from your hair. And thus, there will be minimal chances of product buildup on your hair strands.
2. Low concentration of proteins
Always go through the product labels and check for protein concentration in the product.
Go through the INCI listing to check if the protein is listed within the first 4 to 5 ingredients. In case it is there, this means that the product is high in protein content.
You must get yourself products with low protein content, as protein overload can be harmful to low-porosity hair.
3. Low molecular weight proteins
Focus on low molecular weight proteins as they penetrate into your hair shaft without any difficulty.
7 Signs You Need Protein Treatments for Your Low Porosity Hair!
If you are unsure whether or not you need to nourish your hair with a protein treatment, then have a look at these telltale signs:
- Your hair is gone through excessive combing, brushing and heat styling.
- You are not able to hold the curls at their places.
- Your hair strands have lost all the elasticity.
- It feels limp and lifeless.
- You are facing severe split ends problems.
- Your hair feels sticky to the touch.
- They are getting excessively dry and brittle with every passing day.
Protein-Based Products Specifically Formulated for Low Porosity Hair!
1. Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment
This product works exceptionally well for those who have low hair porosity. If you are looking for something that tames your frizz like a pro, then you have got to try this gem of a product.
You can make it a part of your curly hair care routine as well coz’ it softens your curls like magic!
In case you have just dyed your hair and it feels limp and dry because of lack of protein, try this, and you are gonna love the shine. This protein treatment makes your hair strands healthier, glossy and also successfully maintains the moisture balance.
It does not make your hair feel sticky at all and gets absorbed super soon.
2. Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Restoring Hair Mask
Hair masks are completely non-negotiable when it comes to hair care routines. And all the more so when you have low porosity hair types.
The mask works wonders for those who are fed up with their limp, dry, and flat hair.
It makes your hair soft, bouncy, shiny and, of course, healthy.
The mask helps you retain moisture in your hair strands, despite your hair porosity.
It has a mild coconut-y smell, which makes my hair smell so good!
Most importantly, the mask has helped my friend in improving her hair elasticity to a great extent. She can now style her curls the way she wants and hold them in place the whole day long.
If you are looking for an excellent hair mask to treat low porosity hair, then darling, you are gonna love this one!
3. Paul Mitchell Super Strong Conditioner
This conditioner is a must-add to your hair care regime if you want to enhance your hair’s moisture balance.
For everyone who is struggling with rough, frizzy, unmanageable and stringy hair, Paul Mitchell Super Strong Conditioner is all you need.
Believe me or not, it is a powerhouse product that improves your hair health and helps your hair strands absorb moisture.
Most importantly, you do not have to burn a hole into your pocket to get this miracle product for low hair porosity. Get one today!
4. ApHogee Intensive 2-Minute Keratin Reconstructor
It does stand true to its name and literally reconstructs your damaged hair.
Also a solid Olaplex dupe, here’s something substantial if you are looking for complete damage repair. Try this hair treatment if you want to strengthen your hair and improve the overall health of your hair.
It helps you regain the natural bounce, shine and elasticity of your low-porosity hair. You must definitely add this to your haircare regime if you are too much into heat styling and hair dyes.
Now, to some Proven DIY Protein Treatments for Low Porosity Hair
If you are skeptical about using protein treatments and protein-rich products for your low porosity mane, then I have yet another hack that can add nourishment to your hair but sans the risk of protein overload.
Home remedies or DIY protein treatments!
Yep, it is absolutely possible to take care of your low porosity hair texture by opting for DIY protein treatments.
Have a look!
1. Diluted Apple cider vinegar
Get yourself a bottle of apple cider vinegar. Use it to rinse your low-porosity, brittle hair.
It effectively balances the pH of your hair shafts, thereby adding to your hair health.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural conditioner that not only hydrates your hair strands but also promotes hair growth.
2. Egg whites
Crack open two eggs and use the egg whites. Whip them and apply the egg mask on your hair thoroughly from tip to root.
Let it dry completely, and then wash it off. Use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair and get rid of the foul smell.
3. Yogurt + honey
Mix around half a cup of yogurt with 1-2 teaspoons of honey. Now apply this hair pack all over your hair. Do not forget to apply it to the tips of your hair as well.
Leave this pack on your hair for 30 to 60 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
How Much Protein is Too Much Protein?
If you have low porosity curls, then you should be extra careful while using protein treatments.
Using too much protein can result in protein accumulation on your hair shafts. Whenever you buy low-porosity hair products, pay attention to the protein content.
Too much buildup on your locks will make them brittle, dull and limp. Also, you may experience irritation and itchiness.
Additional Tips to Take Care of Low Porosity Hair
Here are some additional tips that will allow you to take care of your low-porosity hair:
- Use lukewarm water to wash your hair to loosen your hair cuticles.
- Go for deep-conditioning treatments on thoroughly cleaned, washed and wet hair.
- Opt for clarifying shampoos to cleanse your hair thoroughly and get rid of build-up.
- Avoid using silicone-based products and heavy oils as they may lead to product build-up.
- Go for lightweight moisturizers such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed, avocado etc.
- Use a heating cap or heat from the steamer to open your hair cuticles so that hair masks offer maximum benefits to your scalp.
FAQs
Q. Is my low porosity hair protein sensitive?
Ans: It is not possible to have protein-sensitive hair right from birth.
Using protein conditioners in excess results in protein sensitivity. This happens because protein overload takes place on your hair shafts.
If your hair rejects most products and is prone to product buildup, and you have been using too many protein treatments or products on your low-porosity locks, then it is highly likely that your hair is protein sensitive.
Q. What are the best protein treatments for low porosity hair?
It is best to go for hydrolyzed protein treatments if you have low hair porosity. Basically, these proteins are minuscule in size and are capable of entering your hair strands conveniently.
Hydrolyzed wheat protein can be a great choice for you if you have low hair porosity.
Q. Does protein treatments help in tackling hair loss?
If you have brittle hair that is prone to breakage, and also you have low porosity hair, then protein treatments can definitely prevent hair loss.
They strengthen your hair shaft, nourish your hair and tackle hair loss.
Concluding Thoughts on does low porosity hair need protein
Hair porosity is a not-so-discussed topic, and it is high time we start paying attention to the same. Blindly opting for hair treatments and using expensive haircare products won’t bring any results until and unless you know your hair porosity type well.
Take this article as a sign to check your hair porosity. In case you have low porosity tresses, follow the elaborate guide to get healthy hair.
Use protein-rich products but only to a certain extent. Go for apt protein treatments to which your hair responds positively.
And most importantly, love your gorgeous curls with all your heart. They will love you back, darling!
Stay tuned to this place if you want more such content pieces related to hair care.
See ya’ll soon!
Toodles, love!
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