Dealing with low porosity hair can be like putting together a puzzle—but once you figure it out, you'll see some major growth and shine. If your hair takes forever to get wet, seems like it never absorbs products, and it feels like there is buildup all the time, then you most likely have low porosity hair. But don’t worry, there is a way to work with it instead of against it!
What is Low Porosity Hair?
The outer cuticle layer of low porosity hair is tightly packed which blocks moisture from getting in. This is why products and water sit on top rather than sink in. The good news? Once the moisture is in, it doesn’t come out. The not-so-good news? It takes some maneuvering to get it in. This hair type is also likely to accumulate build up from products and will feel dry or bristly even after conditioning.
To keep your hair looking its best, it’s going to require a little know-how and the right product to enable it absorb moisture easily.
Signs of Low Porosity Hair
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Water beads up above your hair strands instead of absorbing quickly.
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Hair takes longer to get fully wet when washing.
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Products tend to sit on the hair rather than being absorbed.
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Hair dries very slowly after washing.
Why You Need a Custom Routine
Low porosity hair is not “bad” hair—it just has its own set of rules. The first step to treating your hair right is to figure out how low porosity vs high porosity hair behaves. The more porous hair is, the more it can trap and lose moisture, and the less porous hair is, it takes some time to come to terms with moisture and need all the help they can get to open up and get the good stuff in. With a good routine, you can address those individual needs. You can have stronger, shinier, and manageable hair.
Ready to bring your hair game to the next level? Read more on How to Know Your Hair Porosity here.
7 Low Porosity Hair Care Routine
Clarify Weekly to Stay Fresh
Given that low porosity hair has a difficult time absorbing product, it is prone to build up. This buildup can keep moisture out, leaving you with an itchy and flaky scalp.
That’s why you must have your weekly clarifying wash. Opt for GK Hair’s pH+ Shampoo—it gets all the dirt and grease out without stripping off natural oils.
Expert tip: Make sure to use warm water to rinse your hair.
Deep Condition
Low porosity hair requires a little effort to pry it open so treatments can absorb, as heat is your BFF in this scenario. After applying GK Hair Moisturizing Conditioner to your scalp, gently warm things up using a thermal cap, hair steamer or even a warm towel. This will open that cuticle and allow those nourishing ingredients to penetrate your hair. Stick to moisturizing formulas infused with Juvexin, natural seed oils, and natural plant extracts. Skip the protein-filled masks unless your hair truly needs that extra boost.
Use Lightweight Water Based Moisturizers
Thick creams and heavy oils may feel like they’re doing something, but for low porosity hair, they just sit on top and make your hair feel greasy or coated. What you want are light, water based products. They range from hydrating sprays, leave-in mists and light creams to help you maintain a soft and smooth hair without weighing it down.
Try the LCO Method for Lasting Moisture
This method is perfect for low porosity hair. Here’s how it works:
L (Liquid): Start with a water based leave-in spray, such as GK Hair Leave-in Conditioner Spray to hydrate your strands.
C (Cream): Apply a light moisturizing cream like GK Hair Moisturizing Conditioner to add moisture.
O (Oil): Finish off with GK Hair Argan Oil Serum to seal everything.
Go for a light oil if you're not sure about the perfect oil for low porosity hair. They hydrate your hair, without weighing it down. Hair care products that contain plant extracts like jojoba, grapeseed, and argan seed are excellent candidates. Heavy oils do nothing more than coat and leave your hair greasy.
Go Easy on the Protein
Protein is good for hair strength, however, protein overload will weigh low porosity hair down and make it feel dry, hard and brittle. If your hair is not breaking or mushy, you probably don't need a protein treatment. Every 4–6 weeks is just fine, and always follow it up with a deep moisturizing conditioner to even things out.
Wash with Warm Water & Air Dry
Hot water can dry out your hair, but cold water doesn’t do much to open the cuticle. Warm water is the sweet spot—it raises the cuticle just enough to make products work better. Don’t blow dry with a blow dryer; instead, use the air-drying route on your hair. Pat it politely with a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt so as not to create frizz or damage.
Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
What you do at night matters just as much as what you do during the day. Low porosity hair thrives on low manipulation and less friction sleep routine. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair up in a bonnet or scarf. And should your hair begin to feel dry, you may want to apply a mist of leave-in before bed.
Extra Tips for Growth & Shine
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Scalp Massages: Massaging the scalp a few minutes everyday with a light oil can increase blood circulation, hence promoting hair growth.
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Regular Trims: Getting regular cuts every two to four months can get rid of split ends, which can be helpful towards preventing breakage.
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Eat the right food: You should eat meals that contain biotin, omega-3 fatty acids and also vitamin A and E. It can help to strengthen your hair from the inside.
Final Thoughts
Tending to low porosity hair does not have to be a puzzle. It is possible, with the right steps and GK Hair products, you can have a simple routine that yields results. Start with the little things—maybe do a clarifying wash this week or swap in a water based leave-in. Eventually, these practices will yield visible shine, strength and real growth. Remember, consistency is key!
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