Do you know that moment when you're in the shower, your hair is soaked with water, but it seems like your curls are saying, "Nope. We're staying dry, thank you"?
Congratulations, chances are you have low porosity hair .
What exactly is low porosity hair?
Low-porosity hair has hair cuticles (the outermost layer of your hair) that are so tightly packed together that there is hardly any room for moisture, oil, or conditioning ingredients to penetrate.
Think of a roof with perfectly fitting roof tiles – beautifully smooth, but try getting water under them... success!
"Low porosity hair only exists in babies" – oh, really?
You often hear it in Facebook groups: "Low porosity hair? Only babies have that!"
Well... not quite, then.
Low porosity hair definitely also occurs in adults. It's often genetically determined —some people naturally have those tight, closed hair cuticles.
But be aware: porosity can change .
Chemical treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, or frequent heat styling can permanently damage the hair cuticle. This can cause low-porosity hair to become high-porosity hair —as if the roof of your hair suddenly had all loose tiles.
So no, it's not a "baby only" feature, but it is a delicate balance that you can easily disrupt if you handle your hair too roughly.
How do you know if you have low porosity hair?
The float test: drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water. Does the hair float or sink very slowly? Chances are it's low porosity.
Products just sit on top: cream or oil doesn't seem to want to absorb, but stays on your hair forever.
Your hair dries slowly: it retains water for a long time, but also absorbs it with difficulty.
You often lack "slip" with styling products: they don't glide in smoothly because your hair cuticles are so tightly closed.
Styling tips for low porosity hair
Use heat (gently): heat gently opens the hair cuticles, allowing products to be absorbed better. A warm towel or a plastic cap during your treatment works wonders.
Less is more: heavy products with a lot of butter and oils can quickly cause build-up because they don't absorb well. Opt for light, well-formulated products.
Avoid too much protein: low-porosity hair often doesn't need protein right away, unless it's damaged. Too much protein can actually make your hair hard and stiff.
Use steam or warm water in your routine: it helps open the hair cuticles and makes your products more effective.
Wash regularly with a mild but effective shampoo: build-up is your worst enemy, as it forms an extra layer on top of your already closed hair cuticles.
Best Amazing Curls products for low porosity hair
Smart Clean Shampoo – removes build-up without drying out your hair. Perfect for removing that barrier layer, allowing your hair to absorb products again.
All-in-One Treatment – use with a warm towel or under a cap. This treatment hydrates without weighing down the hair. Allow it to absorb with heat for best results.
All-in-One Styling Cream – lightweight, nourishing and perfectly suited for hair that gets saturated quickly. Hydrates without leaving a film.
Styling Gel – use a small amount and apply to wet hair. It helps maintain your definition without locking your hair in place.
Super Sealing Oil – yes, even for low-porosity hair! But… use it very sparingly and preferably on slightly damp hair (or mix with a little water in your hands). This way you seal in moisture without weighing down your hair.
Protein Drops – only use if you notice your hair feeling limp, lifeless, or lacking elasticity. Low-porosity hair naturally has strong bonds, so you usually don't need them often.
And what if you think you're wrong?
Don't panic.
Porosity isn't an exact science, and sometimes you even have different porosities on one head — the tips can be more porous than the base.
It's still a bit of trial and error (and yes, that's perfectly normal).
But if your hair doesn't absorb moisture quickly, dries slowly, and products just sit on top — then you're probably a member of the Low Porosity Curly Hair Club .
And let's be honest... we've all read something in a Facebook group that made us think, "Huh?"
So don't believe everything you read there. Because no, your hair doesn't spontaneously become "medium porous" just because someone says so. Your hair isn't a Pokémon that evolves after three washes.
In summary
Low porosity hair requires gentleness, warmth, and lightweight products.
With the right approach, hydration truly penetrates the hair, allowing you to enjoy shiny, bouncy curls without them feeling heavy.
Use our Amazing Curls line smartly and tailored to your hair — and you'll find that even the most tightly closed hair cuticles will eventually give in a little.