Why Porosity Matters Continued: How to Build A Curl Routine Based on Your Porosity
Now that you know your hair’s porosity, let’s talk about how to actually use this information to care for it! Building a routine around your porosity helps you work smarter, not harder! This can be a game-changer, as whether you have loose waves or tight coils, porosity affects how your hair absorbs moisture, holds on to products, and reacts to different ingredients. You won’t have to waste anymore time, or money, on the “wrong” products.
What Is Porosity Again?
Hair Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s based on how open or closed the cuticle layer (the outer layer of each strand) is. There are three types:
Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly sealed, making it hard for moisture to enter.
Medium Porosity: Cuticles are moderately open. Moisture flows in and out easily, the so-called “balanced” type
High Porosity: Cuticles are raised, or sometimes damaged, allowing moisture in quickly but losing it just as fast.
Building A Routine for Low Porosity Hair:
Key Goal: Open the cuticle enough to let moisture in, and avoid buildup.
What To Do:
Use light-weight, water-based products. Look for words like, “moisturizing”, “hydrating”, and “penetrating.”
Apply products to warm, damp hair. Heat opens the cuticle and helps moisture sink in.
Use steam when deep conditioning. A steamer, heat cap, or even a warm towel can make a huge difference.
Clarify regularly. Buildup tends to happen quickly with low porosity hair, use a gentle clarifying shampoo every few weeks.
Avoid heavy butters and oils. These often sit on the hair instead of absorbing, leading to a product overload.
(Extra Curly Tip: Use the “greenhouse effect” by covering damp, product-treated hair, with a shower cap for about 20-30 minutes to help products penetrate better!)
Building A Routine for Medium Porosity Hair:
Key Goal: Maintaining your balance without overdoing it, as your hair already absorbs and holds moisture well.
What To Do:
Stick with well-balanced products. Not too heavy, not too light, just right for hydration and hold.
Layer intentionally. Use a leave-in, a curl cream or gel, and maybe a light oil depending on your hair’s needs or the season.
Deep condition regularly, but not too much. Once every 1-2 weeks is often perfect!
(Extra Curly Tip: Your hair may need different products during different seasons, lighter in humid months, and richer in dryer ones.)
Building A Routine for High Porosity Hair:
Key Goal: Keep moisture in and strengthen strands to reduce breakage and unnecessary frizz.
What To Do:
Use rich, creamy products. Butters, oils, and thicker leave-ins help seal your hair and prevent moisture loss.
Layer your products to lock in hydration. Try the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Leave-in, Cream, Oil) methods to create a moisture barrier.
Choose strengthening treatments, as protein masks help fill in gaps in the cuticle and reduce porosity over time.
(Extra Curly Tip: Finish your wash day with a cold water or apple cider vinegar rinse to help temporarily close the cuticle and boost shine.)
Final Tips, No Matter Your Porosity
Work in sections to make sure your products are applied evenly.
If possible, use satin or silk pillowcases, bonnets, or scarves to protect your curls at night.
Listen to your hair!! Even with porosity as a guide, your hair might change over time, due to climate, hormones, damage, or new habits.
Let’s Chat!
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