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Did you do your homework? Yes, awesome you're ready for the lesson. NO, go back to Porosity PART 1
After you determine your porosity, its time to create a plan for extra TLC with a regular treatment routine based on your loc needs.
Low porosity hair, is probably the most challenging, the cuticle layer of the hair shaft is very tightly closed making it difficult for water and conditioner or oils to penetrate the hair shaft. But once that moisture is in, it’s in. So your challenge is to learn how to get it in and keep it there. Healthy low porosity hair is strong, elastic, and shiny and you only need to remoisturize a couple of times a week.
TRY THESE TIPS:
1. Create your own pre-poo treatment with penetrating oils like coconut, sunflower, olive, avocado, or grapeseed with a little bit of conditioner.A pre-poo is generally an oil or conditioner added to dry hair for 15-20 minutes prior to washing.
FORMULA: 2 ounces of conditioner to 1-ounce oil to 6 ounces of water
This formula is specifically for locs. Do not try to overcompensate and use more conditioner as it may leave some build up in your locs.
•Divide hair into sections and work this mixture throughout. Using a spray bottle is ideal!
• Twist and pin-up each section or bantu knot so it is secure and let sit for 15- 20 min.
2. Wash with a moisturizing shampoo.
3. Deep condition with heat for a minimum of 30min. But the longer the better!
Deep conditioning works best with heat. Heat sources such as a steamer, a hooded dryer or a thermal heat cap work equally well. If you don’t have any of these items, simply cover your hair with a plastic cap, put a hat on top of that and let your body heat do the work.
Your strands look and feel dry to the touch, you have excess frizz, and your hair air dries abnormally fast - you have high porosity. The overall goal of your hair care regimen from now on should be to manage and recover your locs from damage and dryness.
TRY THESE TIPS:
1. Sulfate FREE shampoo the goal here is to replenish moisture levels in the hair and help the hair fiber hold onto the moisture you’re supplying. Use a moisturizing shampoo that is also sulfate-free.
Sulfates have the potential to leave your locs feeling dry, depending on the concentration and what other hydrating ingredients are in a product.
2. Deep Condition with moisturizing oils like olive or avocado on low heat.
3.Use lukewarm instead of hot will help prevent your hair from drying out. It's also good to use cold water to close the cuticle.
NO MATTER YOUR POROSITY ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE TIPS :
When you rinse be sure to wring locs out like you would a mop. You may have to do this a couple of times to ensure that all of the mixture is out of your locs. Try and get the water as clear as possible.
Seal in moisture with an oil. Low porosity hair should follow the "LO" method. Always use your liquid/leave-in first, and your oil last.
LO= L(liquid/leave-in) O(oil) rather than the famous LOC method that most free naturals use.
Use minimal heat and air-dry if possible or use lower heat settings - Do not airdry in the colder months.
Extra: Make satin your best friend. Whether you sleep with a satin cap or use a satin pillowcase, satin does not rob your hair of moisture the way cotton does. So ditch the cotton pillowcase and let your head slip and slide on satiny heaven. For extra good measure, especially during these cold months, find yourself a satin-lined hat or stuff your bonnet into your hat to make sure that cotton and friction isn't causing damage.
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