Have you ever tried to wash your hair with shampoo ingredients in the shower, only to find that your curls appeared to repel the water? Your hair probably isn't absorbing the moisture since you have a low-porosity texture; therefore, you don't imagine things. According to dermatologist and hair expert Shani Francis, "low porosity hair is resistant to absorbing and losing water owing to its tighter structure." The pore serves just as an entranceway for chemicals to reach the hair follicle. "In a nutshell, low porosity hair is a kind of hair fiber in which the cuticles overlap one another. Because of the way their cuticles overlap, moisture and water are kept out, "explains Bridgette Hill, a trichologist and creative colorist. Her research has shown that water and water-based treatments do not penetrate low porosity hair because the cuticle is so closely overlapping. The term "hair porosity" was used by Francis to describe the degree to which a strand of hair can absorb and release a liquid, often water. Hill says that even very low-porosity hair needs a touch of alkalinity for optimal results. Even Advanced Trichology's inventor, a trichologist, and WTS holder William Gaunitz agree. He explains that create an alkaline atmosphere, and the hair's cuticle will open. It's possible that using an alkaline shampoo can help restore moisture to your hair. An exfoliating or clarifying shampoo is ideal for this situation. 
Hill explains that the shampoos' active ingredients "open the cuticle to allow for moisture to enter and break down the protein complexes." Francis elaborates by saying that substances should be smaller, molecule-based, and more polar if they are to be effective on hair with poor porosity. Francis states that acidic chemicals tighten the cuticle while alkaline ones open it. While it may seem counterintuitive to break down protein in order to improve the hair's elasticity, softness, and shine, Hill adds that doing so actually helps humectants and moisture better infiltrate the hair strand. Also, she claims that your hair won't feel amazing after shampooing but that it will when you condition it. According to Jamila Powell, curl specialist and proprietor of Maggie Rose Salon, regular hydration and moisturizing are essential for hair types that don't take water readily. She recommends deep conditioning once a week and more frequent washes as the best method. "For low-porosity hair, water is the ideal hydrator since it penetrates the cuticle and restores moisture. That's why I think you should wash your hair less regularly rather than more." Using alkaline water with a pH greater than 8.0, as suggested by Gaunitz, may also increase moisture content. "High pH products, which are more alkaline, may make hair more porous," explains Ron Robinson, a cosmetic scientist at Beauty Stat, on the necessity of using water and products with the proper pH balance. Apple cider vinegar and other low-pH products have been shown to reduce hair's porosity. 
Hill recommends using a humectant as the first step of your conditioning and styling routine after shampooing to help restore moisture. When applied to the cuticle, "it operates as the sticky layer of moisture that is tiny enough to penetrate the cuticle," as explained by Hill. Lipidic substances are the ideal choice for the second layer of moisture. The humectant fills the voids left by the clarifying shampoo thanks to the lipids present in fatty acid oils like avocado and shea. Emollient-rich formulations are also discouraged by Powell. In order to ensure that the components penetrate the hair rather than merely resting on its surface, it is best to steer clear of oil-based solutions and instead seek moisture-based alternatives. Hill concurs: "Water-based conditioners are recommended for persons with low porosity hair. For very hydrated low porosity hair, try products with natural glycerine, lanolin, avocado, jojoba, and shea butter, "asserts Hill. It's been said that "too much protein or heavy oils may sit on the hair and not absorb," and Robinson agrees. Conditioners absorb better into the hair if applied to damp hair, and heat also aids absorption. Dominique Burton, curl specialist and creator of La Fleur Hair Studio, recommends using the LCO (liquid, cream, oil) approach after you've determined which products work best for you. According to Burton, "it's a terrific approach for low porosity hair to properly absorb moisture." Apply water or a water-based product first, then a cream to seal and hydrate the ends, and finally a natural oil. 
Francis emphasizes that having low porosity hair isn't always a negative thing. That's the whole point, she explains. "Everyone wants tiny, 'poreless,' smooth skin, but when it comes to hair, there's a misunderstanding. " Finally, you need moisture to enter and remain in the hair for it to be healthy. Now that you know why and how to care for low-porosity curls, it's time to look at some products that have been vetted by experts and are sure to make wash day a breeze. To get the cleanest possible, Burton recommends using a water-to-foam shampoo like Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight. She recommends doing the first wash with a mild but effective detox shampoo to remove buildup from the scalp and hair, which will enable more moisture to permeate the hair cuticle. Briogeo, the Be Gentle, Be Kind Cleaner Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo: The coconut, which is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, is what makes Briogeo's Be Gentle Be Kind Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo so effective in replenishing moisture to dry, porous hair without harshly stripping it. Both the banana and the açai berry are rich in antioxidants, which will prevent hair damage. In addition to being a recipient of the coveted Allure Readers' Choice Award, the recipe is also sulfate-free. Essentials of Design Conditioner Nuts and Avocado. Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner: Burton believes that there are actions you can do to make your deep conditioning even more effective. For optimal moisture absorption during deep conditioning, she recommends using a steamer. Because the wet heat raises the cuticle, the moisture may more deeply permeate the hair. 
Apply a generous amount of the Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner by Design Essentials before steaming your hair. The almond, avocado, shea butter, and coconut milk combine to infuse hair with the hydration it's lacking. Conditioner: Hydrating and regulating Oribe Intense Conditioner: The editors and stylists at Glamour and Vogue both recommend Oribe for luxurious at-home hair care. Olive oil and keratin in the brand's Intense Conditioner For Moisture And Control hydrate and strengthen hair while enhancing shine and taming curls. Powell recommends Naturally Drenched's Rebalance to bring back hair's natural pH and saturate it with moisture. She explains that humectants include things like aloe vera, honey, and glycerin. In other words, "which are all wonderful elements for maintaining low-porosity hair healthy and moisturized." After you've washed your hair with shampoo, apply Rebalance to small parts before putting it on conditioner.
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