Managing low porosity hair can often feel like a battle due to its tightly sealed cuticles, which make it a challenge for both moisture and proteins to penetrate and nourish the hair effectively.
However, proteins play a crucial role not just in our diet but also in strengthening our hair. They enhance the hair’s mechanical strength and resilience, making protein treatments a favorite for repairing and fortifying hair that’s seen better days.
In this guide, we delve into the top proteins specifically beneficial for low porosity hair, ensuring you know exactly what to look for to give your hair the strength and hydration it needs:
- Hydrolyzed Keratin: Rebuilds the hair’s natural protective layer, enhancing its elasticity and shine.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Great for both Low and High Porosity Hair): Increases the hair’s ability to retain moisture, adding volume and smoothness.
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Amino Acids: Strengthens the hair from within, reducing breakage and promoting a healthy sheen.
- Silk Amino Acids or Protein (Ideal for both Low and High Porosity Hair): Binds to the hair’s keratin to create a protective barrier, adding luster and silkiness.
- Milk Protein: Repairs hair structure, enhancing manageability and hydration.
- Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin (cationic, positively charged): Attaches easily to the hair, improving its condition and easing detangling.
- Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein: Offers exceptional damage recovery, nourishment, and conditioning.
Incorporating these proteins into your hair care routine can significantly improve the health and appearance of low porosity hair.
Top Product Recommendations for Low Porosity Hair
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for products tailored to low-porosity hair. Here’s a starting point for exploring products enriched with proteins suitable for low-porosity hair, along with the key proteins they contain. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently seek out the best options for your hair type.
As you shop, pay close attention to product labels to identify the presence of proteins. This step ensures you select the right products to meet your hair’s needs.
While these products contain beneficial proteins for low porosity hair, always double-check the ingredient list on the product packaging for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, be mindful of product sizes, as they may vary depending on where you purchase them.
Bounce Curl Clarifying Shampoo
Contains Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein.
Ingredients: Water, **Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, **Decyl Glucoside, **Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, **Glycerin **Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, **Propanediol, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Polyquaternium-10, **Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Biotin, **Vanillin, **Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Protein, *Nigella Sativa (Virgin Black Cumin) Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, **Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, **Boswellia Carterii Oil, **Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, **Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, **Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, **Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, **Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, **Geranium Maculatum Oil, **Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Seed Oil, **Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, **Pogostemon Cablin Oil, **Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Seed Oil, ** Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol. *Certified Organic **Plant Derived 100% Oil Scent (no synthetic fragrance).
Use 'muse' at Bounce Curl's checkout for a discount.
As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Royal Jelly, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Keratin, Betaine, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Ceteareth-25, Laureth-23, TBHQ, Fragrance/Parfum (Anise Alcohol, Coumarin, Limonene), Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide.
As I Am Long and Luxe Conditioner
Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice*, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Passiflora Edulis Fruit Juice, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Betaine, Punica Granatum Seed Oil*, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Niacinamide, Phytosterols, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Caffeine, Biotin, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Cola Acuminata Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Piroctone Olamine, Fragrance/Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Quaternium-80, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Beetroot Red, Caprylic Acid, Polyacrylamide, Propoxytetramethyl Piperidinyl Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Acacia Senegal Gum, Silica, Red 33/CI17200, Glyoxylic Acid, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, Linalool.
Shea Moisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Leave-In Treatment
Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Ingredients: WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN (VEGETABLE), GLYCERYL STEARATE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, FRAGRANCE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL*^, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER*, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, COCONUT OIL FATTY ACID, TOCOPHEROL, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, GELLIDIELA ACEROSA (ALGAE) EXTRACT, URTICA DIOICA (NETTLE) LEAF EXTRACT, EQUISETUM ARVENSE (HORSETAIL) EXTRACT, ROSA CANINA (DOG ROSE) SEED OIL, ARGANIA SPINOSA (ARGAN) KERNEL OIL, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, XANTHAN GUM, HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN, SODIUM BENZOATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, BENZOIC ACID.
Creme of Nature Aloe & Black Castor Oil Strengthening Protein Treatment
Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin and Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Ingredients: WATER, SUCROSE, POLYSORBATE 60, POLYSORBATE 20, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYPROPYLGLUCONAMIDE (AND) HYDROXYPROPYLAMMONIUM GLUCONATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, COCODIMONIUM HYDROXYPROPYL HYDROLYZED KERATIN, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, KERATIN AMINO ACIDS, PANTHENOL, RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, CITRIC ACID, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), CITRONELLOL, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, F00361.
Curls Unleashed Curly Coil Rich Style Creme, Shea Butter and Honey
Contains Hydrolyzed Keratin.
Ingredients: Aqua Water, Cocos Nucifera Coconut Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius Safflower Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Soybean Oil, Polyquaternium-11, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Amodimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Sweet Almond Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenol, Carbomer, Vpva Copolymer, Pentamethylheptane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Laureth 4, Laureth 23, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum Fragrance, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Cinnamic Aldehyde, Hydroxycitronellal, D-limonene, Lilial, Linalool, Lyral, Methyl Ionone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Bht, Ci 19140 Yellow 5, Ci 15985 Yellow 6.
Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Restoring Hair Mask
Contains Hydrolyzed Silk.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Cetyl Esthers, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esthers, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Fragrance (Parfum), Panthenol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 60, Polysilicone-15, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Limonene, Linalool.
How Porosity Influences Protein for Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair is characterized by its tightly bound cuticle layer, making it resistant to absorbing moisture and other hair treatments. This resistance can result in hair that feels dry and is more prone to breakage.
Unlike high porosity hair, which has a greater density and size of pores allowing for easier moisture absorption, low porosity hair has smaller and fewer pores. This difference in porosity means that hair care routines need to be specifically tailored to each hair type’s unique needs.
Understanding that low porosity hair has its specific requirements, it’s important to select the right protein actives that can penetrate its tight cuticle barrier to maintain its health and strength effectively.
Characteristics of Low Porosity Hair
- Limited Pores: Possesses a lower count of pores compared to other hair types.
- Reduced Pore Size: The pores present are smaller in size.
- Moderate Strength: Exhibits a moderate level of mechanical strength, making it resilient yet not overly robust.
- Minimal Frizz: Tends to have low levels of frizz, contributing to a smoother appearance.
- Reduced Moisture Absorption: Demonstrates a limited ability to absorb water or moisture, affecting hydration.
- Smooth Ends: Often has relatively smooth ends, indicating less damage and splitting.
- Overall Health: Generally in a good, healthy state with proper care.
- Uniform Color Application: Achieves uniform color uptake when dyeing, due to the smooth and consistent absorption of coloring pigments.
- Weather Reaction: Shows a low to moderate response to changes in humidity and other weather conditions, maintaining its state more consistently.
Optimizing Protein Treatments for Low Porosity Hair
Protein treatments offer significant benefits for hair health, enhancing strand strength, reducing breakage, improving moisture retention, alleviating dryness, and increasing shine.1 However, the key to harnessing these benefits lies in selecting the right protein concentration and application frequency that aligns with your hair’s specific needs.
Understanding that hair porosity dictates the need for a tailored hair care regimen is crucial. High-porosity and low-porosity hair types require different approaches to protein treatment to ensure optimal health and appearance.
For those with low porosity hair, it’s essential to carefully consider the protein content in hair care products. A meticulous assessment of the type and overall amount of protein within a formulation is necessary to cater specifically to low porosity hair. This precision ensures that the treatment effectively supports hair health without overwhelming the strands.
Low Porosity Hair and Protein Dosage
Low porosity hair thrives with a milder concentration of protein-enriched products. Overloading the hair with protein can backfire, leading to potential damage rather than improvement. It’s about finding a balance that provides just enough protein to fortify the hair without causing adverse effects.
Thankfully, proteins designed for low-porosity hair are formulated to avoid residue buildup, ensuring they nourish the hair without leaving a heavy layer on the surface. This careful balance helps maintain the hair’s natural integrity, promoting a healthy, vibrant look.
Protein Sensitivity Concerns: Achieving Balance
Understanding protein sensitivity in hair remains a topic of ongoing discussion, generally referring to hair that reacts negatively to protein-based products, resulting in dryness and frizz.
Individuals with low-porosity hair may approach protein treatments cautiously due to concerns about potential adverse effects. However, when applied correctly and in moderation, protein treatments can enhance moisture retention and overall hair health.
Finding the right balance is key, as is identifying the most suitable proteins for low porosity hair.
For low-porosity hair, it’s advisable to use protein treatments sparingly, with minimal dosage and frequency (typically once per week or as needed). Before integrating any new product into your hair care routine, conduct a patch test to assess how your hair responds and ensure optimal results.
If you’ve determined that your hair doesn’t tolerate protein well and are seeking protein-free alternatives, consider exploring the following blog posts:
- 10 Best Protein Free Deep Conditioners For Curly Hair
- Protein Free Shampoos And Conditioners For Curly Hair
Recognizing When Your Hair Requires Protein Treatment
Determining whether your hair could benefit from a protein treatment involves identifying certain telltale signs:
- Recent Color Treatment: If you’ve recently colored your hair, it may have become more porous, making it prone to damage and in need of protein reinforcement.
- Reduced Elasticity: Hair that lacks bounce and elasticity feels weak and prone to breakage and may require protein to strengthen its structure.
- Limp or Stringy Texture: Hair that appears flat, limp, or stringy may lack structural integrity and could benefit from a protein boost to add volume and resilience.
- Gummy or Sticky Feel: Experiencing a sticky or gummy sensation when touching your hair can indicate protein depletion, as the hair fibers may be weakened and unable to maintain their integrity.
- Dryness and Brittle Texture: Excessive dryness and brittleness are common signs of protein deficiency, suggesting that your hair may require additional protein to restore moisture balance and strength.
- Difficulty Holding Curls: If your curls are struggling to maintain their shape and definition, it could be a sign of protein deficiency, as protein helps maintain the structure and elasticity of the hair.
- Split or Frayed Ends: Hair ends that split or fray easily indicate damage and protein loss, necessitating treatment to repair and strengthen the hair fibers.
- Excessive Styling Damage: Overuse of heat styling tools or aggressive brushing and combing can lead to protein depletion and structural damage, indicating the need for protein replenishment.
Recognizing these signs can help you determine when it’s time to incorporate a protein treatment into your hair care routine, promoting healthier, stronger, and more resilient locks.
Identifying Protein Overload: Signs and Solutions
Understanding whether you’ve used too much protein in your hair care routine is crucial for maintaining hair health and preventing damage. Here are some indicators to look out for:
- Surface Build-Up: Excessive protein usage can lead to the accumulation of protein molecules on the hair’s surface, particularly with higher molecular synthetic polymers. This build-up can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and weak.
- Dryness and Brittleness: If your hair feels excessively dry and brittle, it may be a sign of protein overload. This occurs when the hair becomes overwhelmed with protein, leading to stiffness and lack of flexibility.
- Unmanageable Texture: Protein build-up can result in hair that is difficult to manage, with strands feeling stiff and resistant to styling. This can leave your hair looking dull and lifeless.
- Limpness: Despite the strengthening effects of protein, using too much can actually weigh down the hair, leaving it limp and lacking volume.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to address the issue promptly:
- Take a Break: Give your hair a break from protein treatments to allow it to recover from overload. This will give your hair time to rebalance and regain its natural elasticity.
- Clarify Your Hair: Use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess protein build-up and restore balance to your hair. This will help to eliminate any residue and leave your hair feeling refreshed and revitalized.
By recognizing the signs of protein overload and taking appropriate action, you can ensure that your hair remains healthy, resilient, and beautiful.
Reference
- Neudahl, G. A., Proteins for conditioning hair and skin. In Conditioning Agents for Hair and Skin, Schueller, R.; Romanowski, P., Eds. Taylor & Francis: 1999; pp. 139-166.
