The 5 Best Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair That Will Revive Your Strands

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Deep Conditioner for Low Porosity Hair

If you’ve struggled with dry, frizzy hair that takes forever to style, you likely have low porosity hair. As someone with low porosity locks, finding the right deep conditioner can be a challenge. But don’t fret – in this article, I’ll reveal everything you need to know to choose a conditioning treatment that actually works for your hair type.

Understanding Low Porosity Hair

  1. Low porosity means the cuticle layer of your hair shaft is very compact, making it difficult for moisture to enter the hair strands. This leads to hair that feels straw-like and looks dull.
  2. Low porosity hair takes a long time to air dry. When wet, the hair cuticles lie flat and stay closed, preventing moisture from being retained.
  3. Heat styling, color treatments, and other tools can further damage low porosity hair over time by weakening the cuticle layer.
  4. Finding a deep conditioner with ingredients to help open the cuticles is key for nourishing low porosity hair from the inside out.

Ingredients to Look For

Some star players in conditioning low porosity hair include:

  • Hydrolyzed proteins: Help soften and relax the cuticle for better absorption of moisture.
  • Glycerin: A humectant that improves hydration levels within the hair shaft.
  • Butters: Butters like shea and cocoa melt when heated to deeply nourish each strand.
  • Oils: Light oils like grapeseed, olive, and jojoba can gently penetrate closed cuticles.
  • Ceramides: Repair and protect the hair cuticle barrier for long-lasting moisture sealing.

My Top Picks for Low Porosity Hair

From my experience battling dry, frizzy hair for years, here are a few deep conditioners I highly recommend:

  1. Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Treatment Masque: This thick cream contains hydrolyzed silk, shea butter, and black castor oil to intensely hydrate while strengthening over time. I leave it on for at least 30 minutes under a plastic cap for supreme moisture absorption. My hair feels incredibly soft and manageable after using it.
  2. As I Am Coconut Cowash Conditioner: The yogurt-like texture of this cowash is lightweight yet nourishing. coconut and shea butters penetrate each strand to keep moisture locked in. Plus, it’s budget-friendly for regular use. I usually use this 1-2 times per week.
  3. DevaCurl One Condition Original: Developed specifically for curly hair types, this conditioner features hydrolyzed quinoa protein and glycerin to gently reorder protein bonds in the hair shaft. I notice a major difference in shine, definition, and frizz-fighting when using it once a week as a deep treatment.

Applying Techniques for Maximum Absorption

The way you apply deep conditioner matters just as much as the formula itself. Here are some tips:

  1. Section hair and fully saturate each section from roots to ends for thorough coverage. Use an ample amount – about 1-2 handfuls for long or thick hair.
  2. Heat aids cuticle lifting. Wrap hair in a plastic cap and apply a shower cap on top, or sit under a hooded dryer for 15-30 minutes. The warmth allows for better penetration.
  3. Massaging your scalp with gentle fingertips during the first 5 minutes gets blood flow circulating to promote hair growth over time.
  4. Rinsing thoroughly is key so residue doesn’t weigh hair down. I like to do an apple cider vinegar rinse after for a squeaky clean feel.

Patience and Consistency Are Paramount

When it comes to low porosity hair, changing things up overnight isn’t realistic. Sticking to a regular conditioning routine, avoiding harsh tools as much as possible, and allowing time for results to manifest is the name of the game.

The 5 Best Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair That Will Revive Your Strands image 3

From personal experience, using deep conditioners 1-2 times weekly at first, then gradually spacing treatments to 1-2 times monthly yielded the most beautiful hair of my life. You basically have to “retrain” your locks to accept and retain moisture over weeks or months. But it’s so worth the effort!

Dealing With Setbacks

No regimen is foolproof, and it’s easy to undo progress with the wrong products or treatments. Here are some tips for bouncing back when you hit a roadblock:

  1. Clarify with an apple cider vinegar or citrus juice rinse to remove buildup from your last misstep. It resets your hair’s ph balance.
  2. Do an intensive overnight pre-poo with olive or coconut oil for 8+ hours before your next wash. The natural oils deeply replenish.
  3. Consider a protein treatment if hair is limp or over-moisturized. Hair needs protein as well as moisture for proper strength and elasticity. Egg or collagen masks fit the bill here.

With some trial and error, you’ll learn your hair’s ideal moisture-protein balance and how to bring it back on track solo. Patience, which is key for low porosity manes, will serve you well during setbacks too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’ve never clarified before – howImportantis it really?

Clarifying helps strip away product buildup that prevents moisture absorption. While not strictly necessary, it can turbocharge results from deep conditioning. I clarify every 4-6 weeks for fresher hair.

The 5 Best Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair That Will Revive Your Strands image 2

Q: What if a product isn’t working after several uses?

If a deep conditioner isn’t hydrating your hair well even with the proper techniques, it’s okay to move on to another. Many factors affect hair health, so don’t get discouraged if one item isn’t a magic bullet. Switching it up could yield better results.

Q: Any tips for keeping newly nourished hair moisturized long-term?

Be diligent about sealing moisture with a good leave-in, curl cream/gel, or oil. And limit direct heat styling or other damaging tools as much as possible between washdays. A protective style like braids works great on non-wash days too. Consistency is key!

I hope this guide gave you loads of helpful intel and product recs for tackling low porosity hair woes through deep conditioning. Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions! Wishing you soft, hydrated strands.

The 5 Best Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair That Will Revive Your Strands image 1

Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair

Brand Key Ingredients Benefits
Sheamoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Free Conditioner Manuka honey, yogurt, coconut oil Deeply hydrates without weighing hair down. Strengthens and repairs damaged hair.
As I Am Coconut Cowash Conditioning Co-Wash Coconut milk, coconut oil, shea butter Gently cleanses and nourishes low porosity hair without stripping natural oils. Leaves hair soft, moisturized and defined.
Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream Shea butter, glycerin, castor oil Forms a protective barrier on hair cuticle to lock in moisture. Smooths hair and reduces frizz and flyaways.
Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioning Hair Masque Aloe vera, argan oil, coconut oil Restores hydration and elasticity to dry, damaged hair. Suitable for color treated hair.

FAQ

  1. What is the best deep conditioner for low porosity hair?

    Some of the top deep conditioners for low porosity hair include SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein-Free Mask, As I Am Coconut Cowash Cleansing Cream Conditioner, and Camille Rose Honey Hydrate Leave In Conditioner Cream. These formulas are thicker and creamier without being too heavy, which helps sink moisture into low porous strands without weighing them down.

  2. Why does low porosity hair need special conditioners?

    Low porosity hair has smaller, finer cuticles that don’t absorb moisture as easily. Regular conditioners may not be heavy or concentrated enough to penetrate the cuticle. Deep conditioners specially formulated for low porosity hair contain thick, nourishing ingredients like oils, butters, and honey that can intensely hydrate without overload. They help floods cuticles to improve absorption.

  3. How often should I deep condition low porosity hair?

    Most experts agree you’ll want to deep condition low porosity hair once a week at minimum. However, those with extremely low porosity may need deeper conditioning every 3-4 days to keep strands well-hydrated. Over-conditioning could cause product buildup, so it’s basicly a matter of finding what frequency your individual hairprefers through trial and error.

  4. Should I apply heat when deep conditioning?

    Using heat is actually recommended for deep conditioning low porosity hair. Applying a conditioning cap or sitting under a hooded dryer for 30 minutes allows the cuticle to open up more and soak up moisture better. Heat helps intensify the hydrating effects. However, some find they still get good results without heat too, so you can experiment to see what’s most amazing for your hair type.

  5. How do I prevent moisture loss after conditioning?

    To keep moisture locked in after deep conditioning low porosity hair, it’s important to seal it with a leaving product. Look for seals with oils or butters towards the top of the ingredients list. Also, wearing a protective style like braids or twists can keep hair from friction that causes dryness. Styling on damp hair helps too, allowing the cuticles time to slick down before air drying for max moisture retention.

    The 5 Best Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair That Will Revive Your Strands image 0
  6. Does porosity always stay the same?

    While genetics determine your base porosity level, hair’s porosity can actually change over time or depending how it’s cared for. Major hair processes like chemicals, heat styling, or damage from tools may temporarily raise your hair’s porosity. Lifestyle factors like health, stress, and environment also impact it. However, with the right routine focused on protecting, moisturizing and strengthening strands, you may be able to lower porosity levels and get hair that’s less difficult to hydrate. Consistency is key!

  7. Should I avoid certain ingredients if my hair is low porosity?

    Ingredients to watch out for in deep conditioners if you have low porosity hair include alcohol denat., which can be drying, as well as oils too high up on the ingrediant list. Heavy oils like coconut, palm, or avocado placed at the top may “coat” the hair rather than hydrate. Opt for lighter formulas with moisturizers above oils to better sink into the hair. Sulfates should also be avoided as these are harsh cleansing agents that can strip hair. Stick to sulfate-free products for low porosity hair care.

  8. Are there any low porosity hair myths?

    One myth is that products for curly or coily hair will never work for low porosity hair. While formulations for very thick, coily hair may be too heavy, many curly formulas contain ingredients that excel at penetrating and moisturizing fine, low porosity strands too. Experimenting is key to finding your perfect matches. Another myth is that bleaching will inevitablyraise porosity. With the right bond-protecting techniques and deep conditioning routine, it is possible to lighten hair without totally destroying its porosity—you’ve just got to take extra care!