If you have low porosity hair, you probably know what a daunting task it can be to keep it moisturized. In this article, we will talk about how to moisturize low porosity hair in order to keep your hair looking great all the times.

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1. Incorporate Pre-poo in your regimen

A pre-poo is an oil or conditioner treatment applied to your hair before shampooing in order to prepare the hair for the shampooing process. If you are struggling with keeping your low porosity hair hydrated, then pre-poo treatments are the way to go.

Why does pre-poo work on low porosity hair?

When you pre-poo, you give your low porosity hair a chance to soak in and absorb all the goodness from the pre-poo treatment you are using in preparation for the shampoo process that more often than not, will dry out your hair.

To work the magic on your hair, it’s pretty simple. Use an oil, a mixture of oils, and conditioner with oils or butter.

You can apply this hours before washing your hair or overnight. Alternatively, if you do not have the time, use a thermal heat cap or steamer for at least half an hour before a wash.

The best oils to use on low porosity hair for pre-poo should be penetrating oils such as Argan oil, Grapeseed oil or Avocado oil.

Pre-poo treatments can also be made from household pantry items such as yogurt, honey, bananas, and other homemade blends.

Related: Best Oils For Low Porosity Hair

2. Use heat when conditioning and deep conditioning

Low porosity hair has a closed hair shaft structure. To force these hair shafts to open it is important to use heat during conditioning or deep conditioning.

Heat enhances your deep conditioning experience in two ways:

Heat allows your cuticle layers to open up leaving your hair strands moisturized. Heat also helps in breaking down oil-based deep conditioning treatments by breaking down the fat molecules so as they are easily absorbed.

You can use warm water during your wash, and use a heated hair cap when deep conditioning your hair.

There are two ways that you could use heat during deep conditioning.

• Direct heat – this is done by applying a deep conditioner to the hair and using direct heat from a steamer.
• Indirect heat – Once you’ve applied a deep conditioner to your hair, cover it with a cap and use direct heat from a hair steamer.

Below are the benefits of deep conditioning low porosity hair with heat:

• Deep moisture penetration
• Prevents hair damage
• Improved hair elasticity
• Leaves hair soft and smooth
• Hair retention

3. Use light products that penetrate easily

The challenge with low porosity hair is in absorbing the moisture. One way to do this is by use of light products that can easily penetrate the hair shaft.

Heavy hair products are harder to absorb. They will usually sit on the hair and fail to be absorbed beyond the layer cuticle. This will often cause a buildup that weighs down your hair.

Lightweight hair products on the other hand will easily penetrate your hair shaft.

When looking for products for your low porosity hair, always ensure they are meant for low porosity hair.

Here is good example of a shampoo you can use.

Shea Moisture Low Porosity Shampoo

4. Steam the hair for maximum absorption

Hair steaming is a technique that has been used for years. The process involves the use of moist heat in opening up the hair follicles. Steaming allows lifting of the hair cuticles on the hair shaft thus allowing better penetration of moisture.

For low porosity hair, steaming is beneficial as it allows maximum absorption of moisture. Adding steaming into your hair care regimen will increase the absorption of hydrating products that are important for low porosity hair.

Other benefits of steaming your natural hair include:

• Reduced hair breakage
• Adding strength to your hair
• Improved elasticity
• Improved scalp health

It’s important to note that steaming works best on clean hair. A steaming duration of 10-20 minutes can help in moisturizing your hair. However, for low porosity hair, increased duration to a period of 30 minutes is best.

Looking for a steamer? you can try this 2 in one hair and facial steamer.

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5. Embrace hot oil treatments

Hot Oil Treatments can work for any hair type. Whether you have dry or brittle hair, hot oil treatments will leave your hair looking strong and healthy and is one of the best-recommended tips for growing your hair.

For low porosity hair, hot oil treatments will leave your hair moisturized and revitalized.

Heat the oil and massage it into your hair and scalp. Sit under a dryer or wrap your hair in a towel/plastic cap. Leave it in for as long as possible. This can be performed weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on the hair condition.

The heat from the oils used will open up the hair cuticles encouraging maximum absorption of moisture and nutrients. For the hot oil treatment always remember to use light oils such as Grapeseed Oil and Argan Oil.

6. Use the ‘Greenhouse’ approach

The green house method also known as the baggy method is pretty simple. Moisturize your hair as you normally would, cover the hair up with a plastic cap, then leave the hair covered up overnight. In the morning you’ll find that there are droplets of water accumulated on the plastic cap. The water droplets form because of the heat rising from the head.

7. Use water based styling products

If you have low porosity hair water-based styling products should be your best friend. These work best for your hair which needs to remain hydrated throughout.

To know whether a product is water-based or not, check on the ingredients labels. Water-based products contain water as the main ingredient. The following ingredients should also be hydrating ingredients that are beneficial for your hair: glycerin, aloe vera, honey and other natural extracts.

An extra benefit of water-based products is that they are light and do not leave any build-up on your hair. This is definitely a plus when dealing with low porosity hair.

So there you have it! You now know how to moisturize low porosity hair. Keep at it and enjoy a more fulfilling and greater hair journey than you’ve ever imagined.

Before you leave, you may find this recommended products page useful. Here you will find the natural hair products that my friends & I have found to be very good for natural hair.

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