Low Porosity Hair: Recognition & Care Tips for Curls

Do you know that moment when you're in the shower, your hair drenched with water, but your curls seem to say: "Nope. We're staying dry, thank you"?
Congratulations, there's a good chance you have low porosity hair.

What exactly is low porosity hair?

Low porosity hair has cuticles (the outermost layer of your hair) that lie so tightly together that there's hardly any room for moisture, oil, or conditioning ingredients to penetrate.
Think of a roof with perfectly sealing tiles, beautifully smooth, but try to get water under it... good luck!

"Low porosity hair only exists in babies" – oh, really?

In Facebook groups, you often hear: "Low porosity hair? Only babies have that!"
Well... not entirely true.

Low porosity hair certainly occurs in adults too. It is often genetically determined; some people naturally have those tight, closed cuticles.
But beware: porosity can change.

Due to chemical treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, or frequent heat use, the hair cuticles can become permanently damaged. And then low porosity hair turns into high porosity hair, as if the roof of your hair suddenly got all loose tiles.

So no, it's not a "baby only" trait, 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? There's a good chance it's low porosity.

Products sit on top: cream or oil doesn't seem to absorb, but stays on your hair for an eternity.

Your hair dries slowly: it retains water for a long time, but also has difficulty absorbing it.

 You often miss "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 slightly 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 immediately need protein, unless it's damaged. Too much protein can actually make your hair hard and stiff.

Use steam or warm water in your routine: this helps open the hair cuticles and makes your products more effective.

Wash regularly with a mild, but effective shampoo: build-up is your biggest 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 so your hair can absorb products again.

All-in-One Treatment – use it with a warm towel or under a cap. This treatment hydrates without weighing down. Let it soak in with heat for the best effect.

All-in-One Styling Cream – light, nourishing, and perfectly tailored for hair that quickly becomes saturated. Hydrates without film formation.

Styling Gel – use a small amount and apply to wet hair. It helps maintain definition without "locking" your hair.

Super Sealing Oil – yes, even for low porosity hair! But... use this very sparingly and preferably on slightly damp hair (or mix with some water in your hands). This way, you lock in moisture without weighing down your hair.

Protein Drops – only use if you notice your hair feels limp, lifeless, or elastic. 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 is not an exact science, and sometimes you even have different porosities on one head, the ends can be higher porosity than your roots.
It remains a bit of trial and error (and yes, that's completely normal).

But if your hair doesn't absorb moisture quickly, dries slowly, and products just sit on top of it, then you're probably a member of the Low Porosity Curls 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 porosity" just because someone says so. Your hair isn't a Pokémon that evolves after three washes.

Summary

Low porosity hair requires gentleness, warmth, and light products.
With the right approach, hydration truly penetrates, and you can 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 closed cuticles eventually give in a little.