Struggling to moisturize your low porosity hair? It’s time to start using the right oils!
If your hair feels dry and brittle despite product use, you likely have tight cuticles that prevent moisture from absorbing. But certain lightweight oils can penetrate where others fail.
Argan, grapeseed, olive, almond and jojoba oils are prime examples. Simply apply them after washing to deeply nourish each strand from within.
Sound too good to be true? Read on for tips on using these miracle workers!
What Is Low Porosity Hair
If you have low porosity hair, it means that the cuticles on your hair shaft are tightly packed together, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This can lead to dry hair that is sensitive to breakage.
Understanding the characteristics of low porosity hair and the challenges that come with moisturizing it can help you develop an effective hair care routine.
Characteristics Of Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair tends to repel water and other products, making it difficult to absorb moisture.
This can result in product buildup and a lack of hydration, leading to dull, lifeless hair.
If you have low porosity hair, you may also notice that your hair takes longer to dry and that it is resistant to chemical treatments.
Challenges In Moisturizing Low Porosity Hair
Moisturizing low porosity hair can be a challenge, but it is essential for maintaining healthy hair.
To effectively moisturize low porosity hair, you need to use products that can penetrate the hair shaft and provide hydration.
This includes using lightweight oils and avoiding heavy products that can weigh down your hair.
When moisturizing low porosity hair, it is also important to use heat to open up the cuticles and allow products to penetrate.
This can be done by using a hair steamer or applying a warm towel to your hair after applying products.
Knowing the characteristics of low porosity hair and the challenges in moisturizing it can help you develop an effective hair care routine.
By using the right products and techniques, you can keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
Let’s now take a closer look at the 5 best oils for low porosity hair!
5 Best Oils For Low Porosity Hair
When it comes to the best oils for low porosity hair, it’s important to choose oils that are lightweight and easily absorbed. Heavy oils can sit on top of your hair, making it look greasy and weighed down.
Here are the best oils for low porosity hair:
1. Argan Oil
Argan oil is a great oil for low porosity hair because it is lightweight and easily absorbed.
It is rich in vitamin E, which helps to nourish and moisturize the hair. Argan oil also helps to tame frizz and add shine.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another powerful oil for low porosity hair. It is very similar to the natural oils produced by the scalp, so it is easily absorbed and helps to moisturize the hair without leaving it greasy or weighed down.
Jojoba oil also helps to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.
3. Grapeseed Oil
Like argan and jojoba oils, grapeseed oil is lightweight and non-greasy. It absorbs quickly into the hair shaft without leaving any residue behind. Grapeseed oil is packed with vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidants that nourish and hydrate parched strands.
Its small molecular structure allows it to deeply penetrate hair cuticles where moisture is needed most.
Not only does grapeseed oil moisturize low porosity hair, but it also protects hair from future damage by forming a barrier on the cuticle. A few drops of this multi-tasking oil can transform dry, brittle hair into soft and shiny locks.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil is another great oil for low porosity hair. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which help to nourish and moisturize the hair.
Olive oil also helps to reduce frizz and add shine. It is a heavier oil, so it is best used in small amounts or mixed with lighter oils.
5. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a great oil for low porosity hair because it is rich in fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid and vitamin E. It helps to nourish and moisturize the hair, while also adding shine and reducing frizz. Almond oil is also lightweight and easily absorbed, so it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy.
All these oils are great options if you’re struggling with low porosity hair.
They help to moisturize, nourish, and protect the hair, while also reducing frizz and adding shine.
Try incorporating one or more of these oils into your hair care routine for healthy, hydrated hair.
Best Practices For Applying Oils
When it comes to low hair porosity, applying the right oil correctly is crucial for achieving healthy and moisturized hair.
Here are some best practices to follow when applying oils to your hair.
Start With A Small Amount
Start with a small amount of oil, dime-sized or less. You can always add more but you can’t take it away.
Layering Techniques for Maximum Moisture
Layering oils can be a great way to achieve maximum moisture retention. The LCO (liquid, cream, oil) method is a popular layering technique that involves applying a liquid (water or leave-in conditioner), followed by a cream (moisturizer), and then sealing it all in with an oil.
This method helps to lock in moisture and keep your hair hydrated for longer periods of time.
Scalp Massage for Better Circulation
Massaging your scalp before applying oil can help to increase blood flow and promote hair growth.
Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes before applying oil. This will help to distribute the oil evenly and provide your scalp with the nutrients it needs for healthy hair growth.
Hair Growth And Oil Treatments
When it comes to promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair, oil treatments can be a game-changer for low porosity hair.
Here are some oils that can help nourish and strengthen your hair, preventing breakage and split ends.
Oils that Promote Hair Growth
Baobab oil is an excellent choice for promoting hair growth. This oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help nourish your hair, making it stronger and more resilient. Baobab oil is also known for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, which can help improve the overall health of your hair.
Another oil that can promote hair growth is avocado oil. This oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which can help nourish your scalp and stimulate hair growth. Avocado oil is also high in vitamins A, D, and E, which can help strengthen your hair and prevent damage.
Preventing Breakage and Split Ends
If you’re looking to prevent breakage and split ends, there are several oils that can help. One of the best oils for this purpose is baobab oil.
As mentioned earlier, baobab oil can help strengthen your hair, making it less prone to breakage. This oil can also help seal the hair cuticle, which can prevent split ends from forming.
Another oil that can help prevent breakage and split ends is avocado oil. This oil can help moisturize your hair, preventing it from becoming dry and brittle. Avocado oil can also help smooth the hair cuticle, which can prevent split ends from forming.
Managing Dry Scalp With Oils
If you have low porosity hair, you may experience dryness and flakiness on your scalp.
This can be caused by a lack of moisture, buildup of product, or even genetics.
Fortunately, using oils can help manage dry scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Here are some ways oils can help soothe and balance your scalp.
Soothing Scalp with Anti-inflammatory Oils
Anti-inflammatory oils are great for reducing irritation and inflammation on the scalp. Some examples include tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and lavender oil.
These oils have natural properties that can help soothe and calm the scalp, while also providing a refreshing sensation.
You can mix a few drops of these oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or shea butter, and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse it off with warm water afterwards.
Balancing Scalp Moisture
Emollient oils are excellent for balancing scalp moisture and preventing dryness.
These oils can penetrate the hair shaft and scalp, providing deep hydration and nourishment.
Some examples of emollient oils include jojoba oil, avocado oil, and argan oil. You can mix a few drops of these oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or shea butter, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight before washing it off with a gentle shampoo.
In addition to using oils, it’s important to maintain a healthy hair care routine. This includes washing your hair regularly, using a sulfate-free shampoo, and avoiding harsh chemicals and heat styling tools.
Integrating Oils Into Your Hair Care Routine
If you have low porosity hair, oils can be a great addition to your hair care routine.
They can help to nourish and moisturize your hair, and improve its overall health and appearance.
Here are some tips on how to integrate oils into your hair care routine:
Creating a Custom Oil Blend
One of the best ways to use oils on your low porosity hair is to create a custom oil blend.
This can help you to tailor the blend to your specific hair needs. You can mix different oils together to create a blend that works best for your hair type and concerns.
Some of the best oils for low porosity hair include jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, and argan oil. These oils are lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair, making them ideal for low porosity hair.
Daily Use vs. Treatment Use
When it comes to using oils on your low porosity hair, you have two options: daily use or treatment use.
Daily use involves using a small amount of oil on your hair every day to help keep it moisturized and healthy.
Treatment use involves using a larger amount of oil as a deep conditioning treatment once a week or every other week.
If you choose to use oils on a daily basis, you can apply a small amount of oil to your hair after washing and conditioning it. This can help to seal in moisture and prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle.
If you choose to use oils as a treatment, you can apply a generous amount of oil to your hair and leave it on for several hours or overnight. This can help to deeply moisturize your hair and improve its overall health and appearance.
When using oils on your low porosity hair, it’s important to use them in conjunction with other hair products, such as leave-in conditioner, deep conditioning treatments, and clarifying shampoos.
This can help to ensure that your hair is getting all of the nutrients and moisture it needs to stay healthy and strong.
Common Oil Usage Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using oils for low porosity hair, there are a few common mistakes that people make.
Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you avoid these mistakes and get the most out of your oils:
- Product buildup: If you’re using too much oil or not washing it out properly, you may experience product buildup. This can make your hair feel greasy and heavy. To avoid this, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove any buildup.
- Non-greasy: If you’re looking for an oil that won’t leave your hair feeling greasy, look for oils that are lightweight and non-greasy. Some good options include argan oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil.
- Penetrating: To get the most out of your oils, look for oils that are penetrating. This means that they can penetrate the hair shaft and provide nourishment from the inside out.
- Saturated fats: Saturated fats can be beneficial for low porosity hair because they help to strengthen and moisturize the hair.
Other Questions You May Have
What are the top recommended oils for hair with low porosity?
The oils that absorb best in hair include jojoba oil, argan oil, and grapeseed oil. These oils are lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair, making them ideal for low porosity hair that tends to resist moisture. These oils are able to penetrate all three layers of hair.
Are there specific benefits of using jojoba oil on low porosity hair?
Jojoba oil is an excellent choice for low porosity hair because it closely mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp. This means that it can help to balance the hair’s natural oil production, which can prevent the hair from becoming too dry or too oily.
In addition, jojoba oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that can help to nourish and strengthen the hair.
Can avocado oil improve the health of low porosity hair?
Avocado oil is another great option for low porosity hair. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as fatty acids that can help to moisturize and strengthen the hair. Avocado oil can also help to improve the elasticity of the hair, which can prevent breakage and split ends.
Which oil thickens hair the most?
Castor oil is highly effective at thickening hair due to its unique composition. With a large molecular structure, castor oil coats strands rather than absorbing fully. Castor oil contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which can help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
How do I store opened hair oils?
Keep oils in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is best for coconut and other more perishable oils. Use within 6 months of opening for maximum freshness.
How often should oils be used?
It varies by hair type and oil. Heavier oils can be used 1-2 times per week while lighter oils like argan can be used daily or after washing. Always start with small amounts and adjust based on your hair’s needs.
Do oils work on all hair textures?
Oils can benefit all hair types but some may work better than others depending on your hair’s porosity, density and moisture needs. Always start with a small amount and see how your hair responds before using large quantities.
How long before I see results from using hair oils?
You may notice softness and shine right away but it takes consistency over weeks/months of use to see dramatic improvements in hair health, growth or other results like reducing breakage. Be patient and commit to your regimen.