This post is about 10 best oils for low porosity hair.
I'll be honest, I never paid much attention to the porosity conversation in the natural hair community because I didn't understand it and didn't think it really made a difference. I thought that if I just kept shea butter on my hair and oils on my scalp then it would be fine.
Through my recent experience, that mindset and approach to natural hair care isn't one that I suggest. Once I began to understand the chemistry of hair and how the composition of your hair shafts has a direct correlation to how the hair should be treated and cared for in order to maximize results, it was a game changer for me.
For healthy hair, it's best to know, at the very least, how well your hair takes in, holds and retains moisture, which is called Porosity.
This post is all about porosity, how to tell what porosity category your hair is, and 10 great oils for low porosity hair.
What is Porosity?
Hair porosity simply refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture and oils. To get a good idea of what porosity type your hair is, its best to start with the basics and learn about the structure of your hair.
Your hair shaft is made up of 3 layers:
- Cuticle- small overlapping cuticles that lay on the outer most of your hair shaft and protect the cortex and medulla
- Cortex- protein filled middle layer of the shaft which also holds pigment
- Medulla- the inner most part of your hair shaft
Why is Porosity Important?
Knowing your hair porosity can help guide you towards the best ways to care for and moisturize your hair.
The reality is, all hair is not created equal and neither are the oils and creams that we use to moisturize and and retain this moisture that we use to nourish our hair strands.
Types of Porosity:
Now that we have a better understanding of the structure of your hair shaft, lets delve into the broad categories used to describe the types of porosity. Depending on the porosity of your hair, oils and moisture pass in and out of your hair cuticles at different rates and ease. Hair porosity is categorized into 3 groups:
- Low Porosity- Hair cuticles are closed or close together making it more difficult for water and oils to penetrate the hair. This can make it harder for your hair to get the moisture it needs.
- Medium/Normal Porosity- Hair cuticles are not closed tightly but are not open either. Moisture penetrates hair shaft and hair retains moisture for longer periods of time.
- High Porosity- Cuticles that are more widely spaced making it more difficult for the hair to retain moisture and staying hydrated.
10 Oils for Low Porosity Hair:
Here are 10 oils that are great for low porosity hair
Jojoba Oil
Great for dry hair that requires lots of oil retention, as this oil is comprised of both fatty acids and esters. Very light and mimics the properties of our natural hair oil, which is called Sebum. Jojoba oil is absorbed well and great for those with dry scalp and dandruff.
Argan Oil
Native and rare Moroccan oil comprised of fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acid, which help aid in healthy hair. Intensely moisturizing for low porosity hair, Argan oil also contains vitamin E, ferulic acid, carotenoids, phytosterols and polyphenols. Great at controlling frizz.
Grapeseed Oil
A light oil that does't weigh down your hair, which is great for low porosity hair. Especially beneficial for those who's hair is on the thinner side. especially those with thinner hair and an oily scalp.
Sunflower Oil
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A & E. These antioxidants help to fight against bacteria, thus aiding in the overall health of your scalp and hair. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
Sweet Almond Oil
Rich in a great amount of antioxidants, fatty acids and proteins, sweet almond oil is a nutrient rich oil that moisturizes and conditions the hair without weighing it down.
CLICK HERE FOR SWEET ALMOND OIL
Pomegranate Seed Oil
Highly concentrated oil that aids in preventing product build up. A light and penetrating oil that stimulates blood flow and promotes healthy hair growth.
CLICK HERE FOR POMEGRANATE SEED OIL
Baobab Oil
A rare oil that contains Omega-3, Omega-6, Omega-9 fatty acids and oleic acid. Highly moisturizing, baobab oil is great for hot oil treatments.
Safflower Oil
Enhances blood circulation which promotes strong healthy hair and stimulating hair growth. Nutrient and antioxidant rich, safflower oil also protects against harsh environmental stressors. Great oil for balding and hair loss/shedding.
Apricot Oil
Acid and antioxidant rich oil containing vitamins A & E, as well as oleic acid. This oil is very light and quickly absorbed by low porosity hair and helps the hair retain moisture.
Avocado Oil
Though not as light as the others, Avocado oil is highly advantageous for low porosity hair because it does a great job penetrating hair strands, thus promoting intense moisture.
Conclusion:
Porosity is usually a genetic trait. Though high porosity hair is typically gained via other contributing cuticle damaging factors, such as excessive heat (blowdrying & straightening), color damage and chemicals, low porosity hair is typically a genetic factor. The 10 oils mentioned above will help your hair take in and retain the moisture that it needs to grow healthy, long and strong hair!
This post is about 10 best oils for low porosity hair.
7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HEAD WRAP LOOK CUTE!
FREE DOWNLOAD!
GROCERY CHECKLIST!
Your FREE DOWNLOAD is a click away!
