First, let’s get the big words out of the way. Porosity is derived from the word “pores” and is a measure of how easily fluid can pass through a material. High porosity hair has many pores through which water can pass.
Humidity is a measure of the number of dispersed moisture droplets in the atmosphere. On very hot days, such as during the summer season, tiny droplets of water are often suspended in the air in the process of evaporation.
Lest I bore you with the chemistry of the water cycle and hair structure, what has moisture in the atmosphere got to do with your hair?
By now it is an obvious fact that our hair needs as much moisture as it can get. It doesn’t just need to absorb moisture, it has to also retain it. This is where the problem lies with high porosity hair. It easily absorbs moisture in the atmosphere, but this moisture can just as easily slip through the many “holes” in the hair, especially on a hot humid day.
So if you have high porosity relaxed or natural hair, here are 6 ways to retain moisture during the long, humid summer.
1. Do Regular Protein Treatments
The hair has an outer layer known as the cuticles that resemble roof shingles. In high porosity hair, these cuticles are raised allowing the free passage of moisture. A protein treatment works by temporarily filling up those gaps, thus facilitating moisture retention.
More articles on protein treatments:
- Why Does Black Hair Need Protein Treatments And Reconstructors?
- Are Protein Treatments And Conditioners Absolutely Necessary In Your Hair Journey?
- The Top 3 Hydrolyzed Proteins That Will Take Your Hair From Drab To Fab
2. Use Sulfate-Free Shampoos
Sulfates strip the hair of its natural moisturizing oils* thereby causing dryness. The next time you go to purchase shampoo, check the ingredients list to be sure it doesn’t contain sulfates.
More articles on sulfate-free shampoos:
- 4 Alternatives To Sulfate Shampoo You Can Add To Your Regimen Now
- My Shampoo Says Sulfate Free Why Does It Still Lather?
- Top 20 Shampoos For Natural Hair
3. Moisturize Properly
The most effective way to moisturize your hair is the Liquid-Oil-Cream(LOC) method. First apply a water-based leave-in conditioner to your hair, apply a sealing oil next, then coat with a cream to lock in moisture.
More articles on moisturizing natural hair:
- The LOC Method Explained – Why It Is The Best Way To Moisturize Your Hair
- The Best Products To Use For Each Stage Of The LOC Or LCO Method
- The Worst Way To Moisturize Hair – BHI Postcard Tips
4. Deep Condition
A deep conditioner is much thicker than the regular conditioner and is left in the hair for a much longer time so that your hair can maximally absorb as much moisture as possible. Maintain a proper moisture-protein balance by alternating between water-based deep conditioners and protein deep conditioners.
More articles on deep conditioning*:
- No More Excuses! – 5 Ways To Sneak Deep Conditioning Into Your Busy Schedule
- 4 DIY Moisture Rich Deep Conditioner Recipes To Revive Your Hair
- Dry, Tangled, Broken Hair? Try This DIY Deep Conditioner Every Two Weeks Starting Today
5. Avoid Heat
The heat of summer already drains our hair of much-needed moisture. Using heat in our routine will further damage the cuticles of the hair resulting in more moisture loss and dry, frizzy hair. If you must use heat, be sure to apply a heat protectant* to minimize the effects.
More articles on avoiding heat:
- Heat Free Hairstyles Can Help To Maximize Your Hair Growth And Retention
- How To Band Your Natural Hair For A Heat Free Blowout
- Create Heatless Wand Curls Using Flexirods – Pay Attention To Technique And Product
6. Wear a Head Covering
Scarves and durags are an exciting way to switch up your hairstyle while keeping your strands protected. Head coverings come in a variety of colors and design patterns so you’ll never run out of options. Satin or silk scarves are preferable as there’s less friction between the hair and the scarf material.
More articles on head coverings:
- 12 Ways To Style A Head Scarf
- 4 Turban Tutorials You Should Absolutely See
- 36 Head Wrap Styles That Can Turn Any Bad Hair Day Into A Day Of Glam [Gallery]
Having high porosity hair isn’t the downside that most people think it is. It’s part of what makes your hair unique. Armed with this information and the right hair tools, you can give your high porosity hair the care it deserves in the heat and easily achieve your hair goals.