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Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. This type of hair is often resistant to treatments and can be prone to product buildup.

Characteristics

  • Takes a long time to get wet and dry
  • Products tend to sit on top of hair rather than absorb
  • Resistant to chemical processes
  • Prone to product buildup
  • Often appears shiny when healthy

Care Tips

  • Use heat or steam to help products penetrate
  • Focus on lightweight, easily absorbed products
  • Regular clarifying treatments to remove buildup
  • Apply products to damp hair to improve absorption
  • Consider using protein-free products as low porosity hair is easily overloaded

Recommended Products

Product links are affiliate links that help support the site

1. Cleanse

Choose your cleansing products based on your porosity needs

shampoos

Cleansers that remove buildup and oil from your hair. Essential for low-porosity hair and should be used on other porosity types at least occasionally.

Ecoslay
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: Chai Latte Hair Cleanser

2. Condition

Build your moisture routine

conditioners

Products that add moisture and help detangle hair. Almost everyone needs conditioner!

Ouidad
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: VitalCurl+ Balancing Rinse Conditioner

3. Enhance Curls/Waves

Choose 1-2 products to enhance your natural curl pattern

foams

Light styling products that add volume and definition without weight. A great option for low-porosity hair.

Ecoslay
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: Lemon Drop Styling Foam
Innersense
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: I Create Lift Volumizing Foam

custards

Thick styling products that provide moisture and definition. Useful for all porosity types.

MopTop
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: Curl Enhancing Custard

4. Hold

Lock in your style

gels

Styling products that provide hold and definition. Useful for all porosity types.

Ecoslay
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: Jello Shot Curl Defining Gel
Ecoslay
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer

CurlsBot note: This is the main styling product I use on my own hair- Melissa

Innersense
CurlsBot Approved
Brand: I Create Volume

Build Your Own Routine

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Disclaimer: We're here to have fun and learn about haircare ingredients! 🧪 While our tool can provide some basic insights, it's not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a hair care expert for personalized recommendations, especially if you have specific hair concerns or allergies. This web site is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by The Curly Girl Method by Lorraine Massey™️ or her Curly Girl Handbook. Some links on Curlsbot are Affiliate links. Shopping through these links supports the further development of Curlsbot.