how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

how to grow low porosity hair

I only recommend products I love and I think you will, too. If you click on links I provide, I may receive a little compensation. Learn more.

Don’t let low porosity hair get you down – with these 16 tips and tricks, you’ll be growing strong, healthy locks in no time!

It’s no secret that low porosity hair can be a bit of a diva – it wants moisture but won’t take it if we give it to them. 😏

And honestly, it might even feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle with them. So what to do if you want to grow low porosity hair? How to freakin’ feed them moisture without damaging the hair along the way?

Fortunately, there are tricks and tips out there to help make caring for your low porosity tresses easy and manageable – and that’s why I’m here today!

So put on your hair cap, grab a cup of tea (or glass of wine, yum!), and let’s get down to business. Here are my top tips for growing low porosity hair that will have everyone saying, “Damn, girl, your hair is looking FINE.”

Let’s cover the basics so that understanding treatments become easier 😉

What is low porosity hair?

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

First things first, let’s dive into what low porosity hair is all about.

Basically, low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles (often overlapping each other), which makes it tricky for water, oils, and conditioners to get through or other hair products to penetrate through. It’s like having tiny overlapping bricks on top of one another on your head!

This stubborn resistance can make it difficult to moisturize and, unfortunately, can lead to dry or brittle locks over time. They are also tough to style and easily get damaged with the overtime use of heat and styling products.

But you know what the fun fact is? Low porosity hair might look all smooth and shiny from the outside, so you might even never know if you have it or not.

Do you have low porosity hair? How to identify them?

I’ll give you two water tests to find out if you have this kind of hair type. So run to your nearest tap and open your gorgeous locks!

Water test no. 1

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

Take a clean strand of hair (probably freshly shampooed) and place it in a glass of warm water (as it helps open up the cuticles before giving you accurate results). If it sinks, you’re in the high porosity club, but if it stays floating – congratulations (sort of), you’ve got low porosity hair!

water test No. 2

Spritz some water on a strand of hair and see how quickly it absorbs. If the water beads up on the hair rather than being absorbed, you likely have low porosity hair. I mean, that’s the whole definition of it – it doesn’t absorb things!

If it’s not absorbing water – the lightest moisturizer on the planet, it is obviously hard for it to absorb other humectants like glycerin or honey.

So now that you know if you have it or not, it’s essential to determine what is causing it in the first place and if there’s anything you can do (which I’m just guessing and you’ll find out soon is YES, it’s treatable!)

So what really Causes low porosity hair?

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

Like it or not, low porosity hair is NOT your fault, it is most likely due to your genetics – fortunate or unfortunate, depending on how you look at it!

And using heat and chemicals shouldn’t be a factor in causing low porosity. (But that doesn’t mean you can use it excessively without giving a care in the world!)

Usually, when there is damage done to the cuticle layer of your strands, this can result in high porosity. It means that your hair gets raised and has spaces between them (opposite of tightly packed low porosity lock), so it becomes problematic for your hair to retain moisture, which is why it is usually dry and brittle.

So take heart, knowing that with proper hair care and attention, pretty soon, your luscious locks will thank us both!

how to grow low porosity hair – the coolest & most effective haircare tips

1. use a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

A pre-shampoo treatment, like hot oil therapy or a solid pre-poo mask, can help break down the cuticles and make it easier for moisture to penetrate your strands after shampooing.

It is even helpful because shampooing can sometimes (when not chosen rightly) strip off natural oils & moisture from the hair – yep, a nightmare for low porosity hair gals. So, pre-poo treatments can actually provide your hair with a protective layer to compensate for that.

Just make sure to do a pre-shampoo treatment every week or two, depending on your hair needs. You can also try using an oil or deep conditioner that is formulated specifically for low-porosity hair.

How to pre-poo low porosity hair?

  1. Divide your hair into 4-8 sections: The sections would depend merely on the volume of your hair. Then, apply the product thoroughly all over, making sure that every hair strand is coated nicely.
  2. Comb it through: After covering all the sections, take a wide tooth comb (or a normal one if you don’t have one) and start detangling your hair.
  3. Leave it on for at least 30-45 minutes: Of course, the longer you keep it, the better. So you can also keep it overnight. Just wrap your head with a plastic bag or scarf.
  4. Shampoo & condition normally: Do the process just like how you would normally do. Try to choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that is free from all the nasties so the extra moisture we just provided retains in the hair.

Here are a few pre-poo treatments for low porosity hair that you will LOVE!

2. Steam or Heat Cap Treatment

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

Another great way to get moisture into your hair and grow low porosity hair is with an at-home steam treatment. If you have access to a steamer, then use it regularly for about 15 minutes each session, especially after you come out of the shower after deep conditioning or using leave-in conditioners.

If not, you can easily DIY your steam cap by dipping and rinsing a towel in hot water and then wrapping it around your head for about 15-20 minutes. This will work just the same in growing your low-porosity hair.

3. try the infamous LOC method

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

It sounds soooooo daunting but works sooooo well for growing low porosity hair that you won’t believe your eyes. (Initially, I was scared to death too)

Basically, the LOC method is like a three-step process for moisturizing your hair – Liquid, Oil, and Cream. Think of it like a sandwich but for your hair.

The first step is the “liquid” part, where you hydrate your hair with a water-based product like a leave-in conditioner or a spray bottle of water (or rose water, as I like it).

Next up, you add the “oil” layer. This is where you slap some natural oil on your hair, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. It sounds counterintuitive to add oil to your hair but trust me, it helps to seal in the moisture from the first step and keep your hair soft and supple.

And finally, you top it all off with the “cream” layer. This is where you apply a moisturizing cream or butter to your hair, like shea butter or avocado cream. This last step helps to lock in all the moisture and keep your hair feeling smooth and silky.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – won’t my hair look like a greasy mess if I add all these layers? But fear not, babe.

The key is to use small amounts of each product and really work it into your hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the scalp. This’ll work like magic for your “I don’t want to absorb this or that or any product” hair, LOL!

4. use a gentle clarifying shampoo & don’t overwash it

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

Your half the battles would solve themselves if you just choose the right shampoo for your hair struggles. SERIOUSLY.

First of all, pick a clarifying shampoo to solve your product build-up woes. An insanely gentle but effective shampoo like this one can work wonders for your maintaining low porosity hair.

This hair texture can also easily suffer from overwashing, so try to use a shampoo without harsh detergents and only wash your hair every 2-3 days.

Not to forget, when shampooing, focus on the scalp rather than the ends, as this will help balance the pH levels of your skin and encourage healthy oils to be produced.

5. DEEP condition your hair with the greenhouse method!

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

When I say deep, I mean really really deep, using heat and moisture to really give your locks some much-needed TLC (maybe even forcefully!)

So here’s how it works: first, you’ll want to apply a deep conditioner to your hair. This can be any type of conditioner that’s designed to really nourish your hair, so choose one that’s right for your hair type. I am a FAN of this mind-blowingly hydrating conditioner, but you do you!

Next, you’ll want to wrap your hair up in some plastic wrap or a plastic cap. Yes, you read that right – I’m talking full-on greenhouse vibes here. The idea is to create a warm, humid environment for your hair to soak up all the goodness from the conditioner.

Now, this is where things get interesting. To really kick things up a notch, you’ll want to apply some heat to your hair. You can do this in a number of ways – some people use a heated cap or hood dryer, while others get creative and use a hot towel or a shower cap and a blow dryer.

The heat helps to open up the hair cuticles and allows the conditioner to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. It’s like a spa day for your hair, and who doesn’t love a good spa day?

Once you’ve let your hair bask in the warmth for about 30 minutes to an hour, it’s time to rinse it all out and revel in your newly revitalized hair. You should notice that your hair feels softer, smoother, and more moisturized than ever before.

I know, I know, it might seem a bit crazy to wrap your hair up like a greenhouse plant, but anything for healthy locks and growing low porosity hair, right?

6. Olaplex is the answer to all your hair woes!

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

You know what’s one hair treatment for low porosity hair that you just CANNOT GO WRONG with? Olaplex!!

See, Olaplex is designed to help repair and protect hair from damage (It’s a patented technology guys!). And for those of us with low porosity hair, that’s music to our ears (or our hair follicles, I guess?).

The secret is in the way Olaplex rebuilds broken bonds in the hair shaft, making it stronger and more receptive to moisture.

And let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. People with low porosity hair are raving about the results they’re seeing after using Olaplex – softer, smoother, and more hydrated hair, oh my!

But here’s the kicker – Olaplex doesn’t contain any of those heavy oils or silicones that can weigh down low porosity hair and make it feel like a greasy mess. Nope, Olaplex is all about repairing and protecting the hair without any unnecessary buildup.

But if you cannot fathom investing in that sort of money, you could give these affordable but beautiful Olaplex dupes a shot!

7. Ditch the Protein Treatments for good

It might come as a shock to you, but protein-rich treatments are a big NO-NO for low porosity hair. Sure, people are raving about the keratins and whatnot, and they can be beneficial for other types of hair, but not for this one – it just doesn’t absorb them well!

Instead, opt for hydrating, water-based ingredients that won’t weigh down the hair, like water-based leave-in conditioners, mousses, and gels.

8. Use these heat styling tips

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

There has always been a love-hate relationship with heat styling. I mean, yeah, the curls and blow-dry look all cute and yummy, but the hair damage is unreal! So here are a few tips you have to stick with no matter what if you’re serious about growing your low porosity hair.

Tip #1: Prep your hair like a boss

Before you even think about reaching for that hot tool, make sure your hair is prepped and ready to go. This means using a heat protectant spray or serum to help shield your hair from damage. Think of it as a protective shield for your precious strands.

Tip #2: Mind the temperature

It’s easy to get carried away and crank up the heat, but resist the urge, my friend. High temperatures can do a number on your hair, especially if you’re using heat tools on a regular basis. Stick to a lower temperature setting, and if you need to go higher, do so in small increments.

Tip #3: Slow and steady wins the race

When it comes to heat styling, slow and steady wins the race. Don’t rush through the process and try to straighten or curl large sections of hair all at once. Instead, take your time and work in smaller sections, moving the tool slowly down the hair shaft. This will give you a more polished look and reduce the risk of damage.

Tip #4: Take breaks

Just like you need breaks when you’re working out, your hair needs breaks when it’s being heat styled. Take a breather between sections to give your hair a chance to cool down and recover. You’ll thank yourself later.

Tip #5: Finish strong

Once you’ve finished styling your hair, give it a blast of cool air to help set the style and reduce frizz. And don’t forget to add some shine spray or serum to give your hair that extra oomph.

9. Avoiding Heavy Oils and Butter

Heavy oils and butters are simply too thick for this type of hair, so they can build up on the scalp and create an impenetrable barrier that prevents hydration from getting in. Stick with lighter oils like jojoba or almond oil instead – these will help seal the cuticle without clogging the pores.

10. Schedule a hair-trimming appointment now!

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

Regular trims can help remove split ends and promote healthy hair. Aim to get a trim every 8-10 weeks or so, depending on how fast your hair grows. This way, you’ll be able to keep your strands in great condition.

Nutrition for Low Porosity Hair

As my mom says, nothing would work physically when you’re not healthy internally. So if you want to keep your low porosity locks looking luscious, you gotta feed ’em the right stuff.

11. Foods that promote hair growth

First things first, lean proteins and complex carbs are your hair’s BFFs. That means filling up on fish, eggs, nuts, legumes, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and oats. And don’t forget to load up on fruits and veggies for all those essential vitamins and minerals. Your scalp will thank you, your hair will thank you, and your taste buds might even thank you too!

12. Hair supplements you could take

But if you’re still feeling like your hair needs a little extra oomph, there are some supplements that can help. Biotin and Vitamin D are two of the most popular choices for promoting hair health.

Biotin helps to thicken and strengthen your strands, while Vitamin D keeps ’em from breaking and encourages growth. And let’s not forget about iron and zinc, which can also work wonders for low porosity hair.

13. Adequate hydration is the key!

And, of course, how can we talk hydration without a mention of water?! Drinking enough water is crucial for nourishing your scalp and strands and flushing out toxins that can cause buildup on the hair. So grab a glass (or eight) of water and get sipping!

Lifestyle Tips for Low Porosity Hair

how to grow low porosity hair: Lackluster to Luxurious in 16 ways

14. Reducing stress

And speaking of keeping things healthy, stress is a real hair-killer too. So don’t forget to take a breather and relax. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just a leisurely stroll in nature, find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.

15. Getting enough sleep

Another secret to gorgeous low porosity hair? Getting enough shut-eye. Yup, you heard me right. Your hair needs its beauty sleep too! Aim for at least 7-8 hours of snooze time each night to keep your scalp and strands hydrated and nourished.

16. working out

Last but not least, let’s talk about exercise. Not only is it good for your overall health, but it can also promote circulation to your scalp, which encourages hair growth. So lace up those sneakers and aim for at least 30 minutes of movement each day.

Final thoughts on how to grow low porosity hair

Let’s end it with the thought that by properly caring for your low porosity hair, you can actually help it reach its full potential and gain back its luster. Who knew that with a few simple tweaks, you could turn your dull and dry strands into voluminous ringlets that shine with every head tilt?

While growing healthy low porosity hair won’t happen overnight, don’t get discouraged if you don’t get results right away. Keep taking care of your hair the same way, and give it some time.

Although things might feel slow at first, soon enough, you’ll start to see a difference in the look and feel of your hair.

And if after all these efforts, you still manage to have too many tangles—just throw on a hat or bun everything up!

See ya soon, toodles! xo

related articles to how to grow low porosity hair

how to grow low porosity hair

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *