Balance High Porosity Hair

Porosity is such an overlooked factor in how our hair reacts to different products, styles, and even weather. If we can identify the signs of where it's at, and balance it we can help retain the integrity of our hair and get more versatility. Did you know a protein treatment is a great way for you to rebalance? or you should avoid humectants like aloe vera, honey, and panthenol if you have highly porous hair because they are formulated to lift the cuticle?

Unfortunately curly and coily hair problems are hard to diagnose in its natural state so you have to pay attention to the signs in how your hair reacts.

• Have a hard time combing through and managing hair?
• Have tangles and knotted ends that don't seem to blow straight?
• Hair styles swell up quickly when exposed to moisture in air?
• Have a hard time keeping your hair moisturized or it eats products?

Chances are you have high porosity hair.

High porosity hair is characterized by a very open cuticle structure. These cuticles are little scales that cover the outside layer of the hair’s surface. They control how much moisture can penetrate into and leave the hair shaft. How open and closed these cuticles are determines your hair’s porosity. This basically means that moisture easily reaches inside the shaft of your curly hair, however, just as easily as the moisture enters, it flows out again. Leading to dry hair, which is a cause of frizzy hair and more prone to hair damage.

Here are some ways to help identify:

• There is a lot of frizz and the hair tangles very easily, and you may reach for frizz control hair products.
• When you spray water on a clean, product-free strand, the water will instantly sink into the hair shaft.
• Hair instantly becomes wet when under the shower Hair dries very quickly.
• Light products don’t moisturize enough.
• The hair takes color very easily and it can be stained even by semi-permanent dyes.

As with all hair types, a different approach is required to rejuvenate and restore high porosity hair to its very best. Try spraying water on your tresses to test your hair porosity and identify which category yours falls into. You can also do a sink test but Microscope viewing is one of the more accurate ways to judge hair porosity in my opinion, so add on a scalp treatment for a FREE strand analysis at your next appointment.

SOME TIPS FOR CARE:

When it comes to high porosity hair the main focus with care is ensuring it is given alot of moisture and strength with proteins to ensure the moisture stays inside the shaft. Doing this allows your tresses to better retain the right protein moisture balance.

Here are my top tips for caring for high porosity hair:

• Use richer hydrating hair products that provide high levels of moisture. Think rich creamy spreads, leave in conditioners. Emollient ingredients like hair oils, butters, and fatty alcohols, are great for this porosity level for longer lasting softness and hydration.
• Use plenty of protein-rich, hair-strengthening products to help restructure the cuticle layer. Do a balancing protein treatment.
• Deep condition. Deep condition. Deep condition. :) As often as possible greatly helps to mitigate breakage.
• Do bond repair/building, this hydrates, smooths, nourishes, and detangles for a period of time. Like -> Olaplex Bond Shaper™ Curl Rebuilding Treatment
• Do your final rinse with cold water to close the cuticles and help to moisturize curly hair.
• Try a multi-step routine by layering several products.
• Seal the moisture in with a serum.
• Practice healthy hair habits before bed like sleeping with a silk or satin pillowcase. This helps guard against cuticles opening as a result of excess friction releasing moisture.