6 Fall Care Tips For Low Porosity Hair

With the transition from the warm, sunny days of summer to the cooler climate of fall, it's essential to adjust our hair care routine accordingly because it is not only our wardrobe that needs a seasonal update. This adjustment is particularly important for low porosity hair. In this blog post, we'll explore the best ways to care for low porosity hair during the fall, keeping it healthy, hydrated, and ready for optimal hair growth.  

Understanding Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair refers to hair that has a tightly bound cuticle layer, making it difficult for moisture to come in because it doesn't readily absorb water and treatments. As a result, this type of hair often feels dry,  takes a long time to wet and dry, is prone to product buildup, and can be challenging to style.  

Tailoring Your Care Routine for Autumn Hair

1. Pre-shampoo with Heat

Before shampooing, a little tip to slightly raise the hair cuticles is washing it with gentle heat. Once the cuticles are “opened,” apply a natural oil like coconut or olive oil to your hair and use a warm towel or a heat cap to allow the oil to penetrate the strands effectively. This will prepare your low-porosity hair to receive moisture during the washing process.  

2. Clarify Regularly

Product buildup can be a significant issue for low porosity hair, pushing back moisture absorption. In order to prevent this, use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove any residue or buildup from your hair and scalp.  

Consider clarifying shampoos as highly potent versions of regular shampoos, effectively breaking down product buildup and oils to achieve a spotless result for your hair. They will help open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate more effectively.  

3. Deep Condition with Heat

Deep conditioning is crucial for low porosity hair to restore and maintain moisture levels. As mentioned earlier, it is challenging for this type of hair to absorb moisture effectively, so using a deep conditioner designed explicitly for low porosity hair is vital, as these products are formulated to penetrate and moisturize this type of hair more effectively. It's crucial to apply the deep conditioner evenly throughout the hair to ensure thorough coverage.  

Sitting under a hooded dryer or using a shower cap to generate heat is recommended to enhance product absorption. The added heat facilitates better product penetration into the hair strands, maximizing the benefits of the deep conditioning treatment.  

4. Invest in a Humidifier

As the air becomes drier in autumn, using a humidifier in your living space will do wonders to maintain the moisture levels in your hair and skin. It will prevent excessive dryness and ensure your hair retains the moisture it needs to stay healthy. Additionally, a humidifier can also enhance the effectiveness of your hair treatments.  

5. Protective Styling

Protective styles like braids, twists, or updos can help retain moisture and reduce the risk of breakage, especially during the windy autumn days. These styles can minimize the amount of handling and manipulation your hair undergoes, ultimately reducing the risk of tangles and breakage. Additionally, protective styles prove beneficial in retaining the much-needed moisture within your hair, which is a crucial factor in overall hair health. This advantage becomes particularly significant during the windy and potentially drying days of fall, helping you maintain a healthier and more manageable hair condition throughout the season.  

6. Use Water-Based Products

When selecting hair products, opt for water-based formulas. Water-based products are advantageous because they can more efficiently penetrate the tightly closed cuticles of low porosity hair. This penetration is crucial for ensuring the hair strands are moisturized and nourished.  Ingredients such as aloe vera, glycerin, or honey are particularly beneficial for low porosity hair, as they possess hygroscopic properties.  

Aloe vera, for instance, is known for its moisturizing abilities and capacity to promote hair health.  

Glycerin is a humectant, attracting and locking in moisture, ensuring the hair remains hydrated.  Honey also functions as a humectant and emollient, enhancing moisture retention and softness.  

By incorporating products enriched with these ingredients into your hair care routine, you can effectively attract and maintain moisture, promoting the optimal health of your low porosity hair.   

Embracing autumn with effective care for low porosity hair involves understanding and catering to the unique needs of your strands. Adopting the proper routine, incorporating moisture-rich products, and protective styling ensures your hair remains vibrant, healthy, and well-moisturized throughout the fall season. Take the time to experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for your low porosity hair and enjoy beautiful, nourished locks all season long.