Human hair with low porosity does not readily absorb moisture or hair products. Low porosity hair indicates that your hair cuticles, which are the outermost layer of your hair are flat and closely packed together. As a result, hair care products and treatments tend to cling to your hair's surface rather than being absorbed. This reduces the efficacy of hair care products. It is difficult for outside moisture to get in and your hair's natural oil to flow down and reach the end of the hair strand. Dehydrated hair with dry frizzy ends is one of the possible outcomes of low porosity hair. As the natural oils cannot reach the bottom of the hair strand, low porosity can result in slowed hair growth, breakage and dullness. 

Low porosity hair is usually the result of genetics. It is usually not caused by using chemicals or heat on your hair. When the cuticle layer is damaged by heat or styling, the hair is more likely to have high porosity. That means the cuticles are elevated and separated by spaces. The hair shaft may find it difficult to maintain moisture as a result of this. 

Characteristics of low porosity hair 

If you pay attention to how your hair appears and behaves, you can probably tell if it has low porosity. Some of the frequently found characteristics of low porosity hair are; 

How to take care of your low porosity hair 

Even though obtaining moisture for your naturally low porosity hair can be difficult, it is achievable. You may attain your best and healthy hair by including the right products in your hair care routine. The main purpose of a low porosity hair care routine is to improve your hair's ability to retain moisture so that it becomes stronger, shinier, healthier and can stimulate hair growth. Here are some tips on how to take care of your low porosity hair; 

1) Use lightweight oils 

Hair cuticles on low porosity hair are generally closed, so lightweight oils that may enter the cuticle and nourish your hair are important. Water-based products such as lightweight oils, glycerin, and products with honey perform exceptionally well to deliver moisture and flow in between those cuticles. 

2) Apply hydrating hair masks

A nourishing hair mask can be used to treat low porosity hair. Wet your hair and apply the mask generously, working carefully to ensure it permeates the hair. Low porosity hair responds nicely to hydrating and deep conditioning regimens. 

3) Steam your hair 

Heat is a great way to open up the hair cuticles, which is especially important for people with low porosity hair. Steam is a great way to open up the cuticle and provide heat to your hair. Cuticles open when you steam your hair by allowing moisture to permeate to the core of the hair strands. 

4) Avoid using protein-containing products 

Because of its capacity to reinforce the hair cuticle, protein is frequently found in hair care products and treatments. Low porosity hair is protein sensitive as the cuticles are already tightly packed. Adding more protein can make your hair stiff and fragile, which is more prone to breakage than stronger hair. 

5) Use water-based products 

Water-based hair products are often light, allowing them to easily enter even through the tightly packed cuticles of low porosity hair. Consider buying products by assessing the ingredient details which will work with your hair type. 

6) Avoid heavy hair products

 Heavier hair products such as butter and creams can be difficult to absorb for low porosity hair. Rather than accomplishing their job, heavy hair products will sit on top of the hair, making it sticky or thick and forming build-up over time. The hair will thicken and harden as a result of the buildup, making it more difficult for the hair to absorb moisture. 

7) Don't skip shampooing

When you have low porosity hair, you will be having product build-up as it is not absorbed by the hair. So use a shampoo that can remove product buildup and excess sebum from your hair strands and scalp. Avoid choosing shampoos that contain sulphate and parabens for their deep cleansing action is a bad choice because they can dehydrate your scalp and hair severely.