Locked Out: Why Your Hair Won’t Drink — And 10 Ways to Crack It Open
"Tera moisture bada hi beparwah, baal mein aaya, baal se gaya..." 😮💨Seriously, if your hair takes forever to get wet, refuses to soak up anything, and makes conditioners sit on top like unwanted guests at a wedding, welcome to the low porosity club. It’s not damaged — it’s just playing hard to get.
I’ve personally spent years slathering oils, masks, and serums on hair that behaved like it had a waterproof shield. Turns out, the real problem wasn’t the products… it was the porosity. Let’s deep dive into what low porosity hair really is, how to test it, and the 10 expert-backed tips that actually work.
TL;DR 💡
- Low porosity = tightly shut cuticles that resist moisture.
- Hair feels stiff, takes long to wet or dry, and hates heavy products.
- Causes: genetics, buildup, product overload.
- Needs: warm water, lightweight products, clarifying, and patience.
- Avoid: thick butters, protein overload, skipping heat during deep conditioning.
- Care = open the gate → add moisture → lock it in smartly.
What Is Low Porosity Hair?
Porosity = your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.Low porosity hair has flat, tight cuticles that act like a locked door. Water, oils, or products just sit outside, knocking.
It’s not bad hair. It’s just resistant. Think of it as the introvert of hair types — needs gentle warming up before letting anything in. Usually, it’s inherited, but buildup from silicones or protein overload can mimic it too.
Traits & Symptoms of Low Porosity Hair 🧬
- Hair takes forever to get fully wet
- Products sit on hair without sinking in
- Dries slowly
- Feels stiff or straw-like despite conditioning
- Constant product buildup
- Doesn't “drink” oil or leave-in easily
- Looks shiny but feels dry
- Resists color or chemical treatments absorbing evenly
How to Test for Low Porosity Hair 🧪
Bonus: try a deep conditioner. If it just coats the surface and rinses off easily, that’s another hint.
Why It’s Tough to Care for Low Porosity Hair
Because no matter how good your product is, if it can’t enter the hair shaft, it’s basically useless. You end up layering more and more — but all it causes is buildup, not moisture retention.
Cuticles that are too tight = no water in = product on top = residue + frustration. That “greasy but still dry” look? Low porosity in action.
10 Expert Tips to Care for Low Porosity Hair 🧴✨
1. Use Warm Water or Steam to Open the Cuticle 🔥
Cold rinses won’t work here. Always start wash days with warm water — or better, use steam during deep conditioning. Helps open that stubborn outer layer.
2. Clarify Weekly or Biweekly 💦
Low porosity hair collects product residue fast. Use a gentle clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse to reset your strands.
3. Switch to Lightweight, Water-Based Products 💧
Look for ingredients like aloe vera juice, glycerin, panthenol — and skip heavy oils like castor or shea unless they’re diluted.
4. Try the LCO Method (Liquid → Cream → Oil) 🔁
Unlike high porosity hair that needs sealing, yours needs penetration. LCO allows more absorption with lighter layering.
5. Avoid Protein-Heavy Products Unless Necessary 🛑
Too much protein = more stiffness. Use only when hair feels stretchy or limp, not as a default.
6. Heat It Up — Gently ☁️
During deep conditioning, apply mild heat (hot towel or steamer). No heat = no moisture penetration.
7. Rinse with Aloe Vera or Rice Water 🌿
Aloe is soothing and helps with pH balancing. Rice water (diluted) adds light proteins — but don’t overuse.
8. Use Silicone-Free Leave-ins & Sprays 🌬️
Thick creams just sit on top. Go for lightweight, sprayable formulas that glide in.
9. Comb in Conditioner with Fingers or Wide-Tooth Comb 🪮
Helps push the product in. Don’t just slap and pray — massage and work it through.
10. Say No to Oil-Soaked Scalp Massages 🚫
Oil doesn’t penetrate unless warm + diluted. Prefer light oils like grapeseed, argan, or jojoba.
DIY Care for Low Porosity Hair (That Doesn’t Weigh You Down)
Always use fresh ingredients, and never apply oil straight from the fridge. Your scalp is not a frying pan. 🫠
Best Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
Look for:
- Aloe vera
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
- Coconut water
- Hydrolyzed silk (low %)
Avoid:
- Butters (shea, mango, cocoa – unless in tiny amounts)
- Raw oils without heat
- Heavy silicones (dimethicone)
- Excess protein (keratin, wheat, soy – unless needed)
Suggested Routine Templates Based on Hair Type
Remember, moisture in > lock it > don’t overload.
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🙅♀️
- Using cold water to rinse conditioner
- Applying thick products and blaming your hair
- Ignoring scalp health (buildup = blocked growth)
- Skipping clarifying shampoo because “it’s drying”
- Overusing protein thinking it adds strength
Your hair is not damaged. It’s just playing hard to get 😏
FAQs 💬
Q. Can low porosity hair change over time?
Yes — heat damage, color, or age can shift porosity. But generally, it’s genetic.
Q. Can I use oils at all?
Yes — just warm them, use light oils, and apply on damp hair only.
Q. Why do some parts of my hair behave differently?
You might have mixed porosity — ends more porous, roots tighter. Treat accordingly.
Q. How often should I deep condition?
1–2x a week with heat. Choose moisturizing over protein unless you truly need protein.
Q. Should I use protein masks?
Use them sparingly. If hair feels limp or too soft, then yes. But not weekly by default.
Final Take 💆♀️
Low porosity hair is not broken, it’s just selective. Like your DMs — only the right ones get through 😎The key is to stop forcing heavy products and start working with your hair’s nature. Warmth, light layers, and smart hydration are all you need to bring out softness, shine, and strength.
Too busy (or tired) to do all this solo? Book The Monsha’s Deep Hydration Hair Spa at home. We bring the steamers, the products, and the tired-but-trained hands — you just sit back and scroll ✨