15 Shampoos for Low Porosity Hair and the Key Ingredients to Look for

You likely have a good grasp of your hair type, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly. This fundamental knowledge significantly shapes your hair care routine, from styling choices to the type of haircut you should get. However, when it comes to determining your hair’s porosity, the process isn’t quite as straightforward.

Low porosity hair is characterized by tightly bound cuticles that lay flat, creating a smooth surface that resists the penetration of water and other agents. This unique structure means that while it retains moisture well once absorbed, it’s also more challenging for moisture and other agents to penetrate in the first place.

When it comes to choosing hair products, such as shampoos for low porosity hair, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients. Look for shampoos that contain surfactants, non-ionic cleansing agents, conditioning agents, emollients, humectants, extracts, preservatives for product longevity, and hydrating ingredients. These key ingredients work in harmony to provide the necessary cleansing while maintaining moisture and nourishment for your low-porosity hair.

To provide you with expert guidance in this endeavor, I’ve collaborated with my friend, a hair scientist holding a Ph.D. in cosmetic chemistry. Together, we’ve delved deep into the science of hair care, focusing on low-porosity hair’s specific needs.

Now, let’s take a look at an ideal shampoo formulation for low-porosity hair.

Low Porosity Shampoos and Key Ingredients

For low porosity hair, an ideal formulation should be sulfate-free, mild, and gentle which should not remove essential lipids from the hair shaft and scalp surface.

Sulfates are known to be harsh and have high irritation potential. Unfortunately, these ingredients can leave your hair parched and brittle by drawing out too much moisture. ³

Not only do they leave the scalp dry and vulnerable to irritations, but they can also cause discomfort. Sulfates can solubilize lipids and make hair dry and porous. ⁴

Furthermore, the formulation should contain small molecular weight cationic hair-detangling agents e.g. Polyquaternium-10 or Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride.

These ingredients can effectively detangle hair fibers, smooth the cuticles, and reduce combing force for both wet and dry hair, however, they should be used in low dosages. ⁵

Hydrating Ingredients

Moisture is the key to the health of low porosity hair. Therefore, shampoo should contain hydrating agents, such as propanediol and betaine instead of the traditional humectants, glycerin, or propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol). ¹,⁶, ⁷

Extracts

Floral or plant-based extracts are highly sought after for their gentle and skin-friendly qualities, decreasing any potential skin irritation when applied in a cleansing formula. ⁸

Below, we’ve listed some key ingredients that are skin-friendly and suitable for low-porosity hair. 

Next, we’ve listed some key ingredients that are skin-friendly and suitable for low-porosity hair.

Suitable and Preferred Ingredients for Low Porosity Hair

• Glucosides-based surfactants – are preferred due to their strong skin compatibility, low irritation potential, yet effective and efficient cleansing. Therefore, they are major and primary cleansing surfactants in a formulation.¹

• Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate – preferred co-surfactant. It generates a voluminous rich creamy lather. It also demonstrates a strong hydrating benefit to the scalp and the hair fibers. ^{41, 42, 43, 44}

• Disodium cocoamphodiacetate – mild amphoteric surfactant for gentle cleansing. ⁹

• Cocoamidopropyl betaine – mild amphoteric surfactant.¹

• Betaine – a natural hydrating agent, highly efficient in delivering water molecules.⁷

• Propanediol – corn-derived natural moisturizing agent.⁶, ¹⁰

• Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride – A guar gum-derived cationic conditioner.⁵

• Polyquaternium – 10, a starch-derived cationic conditioner.⁵

• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) – fiber moisturizing and strengthening molecule.¹¹

• Biotin – Scalp regeneration, hair thickness, and moisturizing agent. ¹²

• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – hair conditioning, strengthening, and moisturizing. ¹³

• Green Tea Leaf Extract – scalp healing, makes formulation gentle and mild. ¹⁴

• Coconut oil – fiber conditioning, emollient and detangling, thermal protection. ¹⁵

• Olive Oil – antioxidant, fiber conditioning, emollient, scalp revitalizing.¹⁶

• Argan Oil – antioxidant, scalp and fiber conditioning, emollient. ¹⁷

• Castor Oil – fiber conditioning and moisturizing agent. ¹⁸

• Grapeseed Oil – nourishes the hair with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, promoting shine, strength, and overall hair health.

• Fragrance – Plant-extracted essential oils are the preferred choice due to their multifunctional benefits compared to synthetic fragrances. Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, and Lemon Peel Oil are aromatic liquids commonly added as a fragrance. ¹⁸ Besides their characteristic aroma, they are scalp stimulants that boost blood circulation to the scalp area and accelerate cellular turnover. ¹⁹

• Preservatives – for a safer and more sustainable skincare experience, opt for biodegradable natural preservatives. ²⁰ Not only are they naturally sourced but also gentle on the skin.

– Sodium benzoate and Potassium sorbate offer a broad range of protection against bacteria and fungi. ²¹

–Hexylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, and Phenoxyethanol are also fine for low-porosity hair fibers. They are known for their strong protection against microbes. ^{22, 23, 24}

Now, let’s analyze the ingredients that could damage low porosity hair and should be avoided for optimal health. 

Ingredients to Avoid

When caring for low-porosity hair, it’s crucial to be discerning about product ingredients, as certain components can exacerbate challenges associated with moisture absorption and retention.

Sulfates

Those with low porosity hair should avoid using sulfate-based shampoo products. Particularly, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)as it is known to remove essential lipids from the scalp and hair surface. ⁴

When hair is washed with SLS, hair can lose some of its proteins, which eventually leads to weak compromised hair.⁴

This type of sulfate also has the potential to dry out both the scalp surface and hair fibers. Furthermore, repeated exposure may even cause skin irritation such as redness or itchiness on the skin. ²⁵

Note: While sulfates in shampoos have garnered a negative reputation, it’s essential to understand that not all sulfates are detrimental; skilled chemists can mitigate their effects, emphasizing that the overall formulation plays a pivotal role in determining a product’s impact on hair health. ²⁶

When caring for low-porosity hair, it’s crucial to be discerning about product ingredients, as certain components can exacerbate challenges associated with moisture absorption and retention.

Did you know that Sodium lauryl sulfate has other names? They are sodium monolauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium monolauryl sulfate, sodium dodecane sulfate, lauryl alcohol, hydrogen sulfate – sodium salt, n-lauryl sulfate sodium, and sulfuric acid monolauryl ester sodium salt.

University of Bristol

High Dosage of Traditional Humectants

Glycerin and propylene glycol are two traditional humectants often used in hair care formulations. ¹ Both bind water molecules from the air and add them to the scalp or hair fiber. ²⁷

However, both are polyhydric alcohols. Their usage in high concentrations is not suitable for natural, virgin low-porosity hair.

Glycerin is sticky and its high dosage makes hair heavy while both also suppress the detergency and foamability of the cleansing formulation.

Formaldehyde Preservatives

Using preservatives and antimicrobial agents to protect shampoos is essential to maintain their quality throughout storage, shelf-life, shipping, and usage.

Without it, harmful microbial growth could compromise the shampoo’s effectiveness while also posing a risk of contamination for its users.

Preservatives are chemical compounds added to inhibit the growth of these microbes. ²⁸ However, most of the preservatives are strongly skin irritants and sensitizing agents. ²⁹

Formaldehyde was one of the oldest preservatives used in cosmetics, yet due to its powerful skin-sensitizing properties and carcinogenic nature, it has now been prohibited. ³⁰

Additionally, formaldehyde-containing formulations can make skin and hair brittle and dry. As such, consumers should avoid using them altogether.

There are a series of preservatives that liberate formaldehyde when added into an aqueous formulation. Their preservation mechanism is solely based on formaldehyde release. ³¹

Hair care users should be vigilant when it comes to checking product labels, particularly the INCI listings. ³² Make sure to steer clear of these preservatives at all costs!

Parabens are classified as non-teratogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-carcinogenic. They are popular preservatives recognized for their antimicrobial properties. ³³

Shampoos for Low Porosity Hair: Our Top 15 Picks!

Let’s get to the main point you’re here for. While there are many high-quality shampoos available for low-porosity hair, we’ve compiled a list to help you begin your search. We’ve also highlighted the key surfactants in each product for your convenience.

#9 Maui Moisture Lightweight Hydration + Hibiscus Water Shampoo

This shampoo is infused with exotic hibiscus water, rich passion fruit, and refreshing watermelon, making this blend ideal for low-porosity hair that’s prone to being weighed down.

Distinctively, this blend starts with a base of aloe vera juice combined with pure coconut water, setting it apart from products that list deionized water as their primary ingredient.

The cleansing agents are sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate and cocamidopropyl betaine. Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is derived from coconuts and offers mild cleansing without excessively stripping the hair. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentle surfactant that enhances foam and cleansing, while also mitigating potential irritation from other ingredients.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Vera, Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Flower/Seed Water, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract, Citrullus Vulgaris (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Polyquaternium-22, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Polyquaternium-39, Undecane, Tridecane, Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum).

#10 Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo

This shampoo is formulated with certified organic babassu oil, which ensures lustrous results.

The inclusion of surfactants, decyl glucoside, and sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, makes it especially beneficial for low-porosity hair. Decyl glucoside is a mild, plant-derived cleanser that effectively removes dirt without stripping natural oils. Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, derived from coconuts, offers a gentle lather, ensuring the hair remains hydrated and protected.

Together, these surfactants cater to the unique needs of low-porosity hair, promoting optimal health and shine.

Ingredients: : Water/Aqua/Eau, Decyl Glucoside, Cocoamidopropyl Amine Oxide, Polysorbate-20, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Acetamide Mea, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Polydquatermium-10, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexel Glycerine, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil (certified organic ingredient).

#11 Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

This is a concentrated shampoo that helps eliminate product buildup and environmental residues, revitalizing dull and lifeless hair.

It contains surfactants like cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, and cocamidopropylamine oxide. These ingredients work synergistically to provide a deep yet gentle cleanse, ensuring the hair remains hydrated and vibrant.

Ingredients: Aqua/​Water/​Eau, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Silk Amino Acids, Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/​Capric Glycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/​Fragrance, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 19140 (Yellow 5), Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde.

#12 Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Sulfate-Free Shampoo

This lightweight shampoo revitalizes dry or brittle hair, offering instant transformation and detangling benefits to guard against breakage.

It contains surfactants like disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. These agents provide a gentle yet effective cleanse, making them particularly beneficial for low-porosity hair, ensuring moisture retention and minimizing product buildup.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Coco-Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Decyl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-23, Glycereth-26, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis (Tiare) Flower Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Sodium Pca, Pantethine, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-10, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Fragrance, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Phenoxyethanol, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone.

#13 PATTERN Beauty Cleansing Shampoo

This shampoo is a creamy formula is enriched with a blend of oils that will help your curls and coils thrive.

The surfactants are:

1. Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate: This is a cleansing agent and surfactant commonly used in shampoos to remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp.
2. Cocamidopropyl betaine: It is another surfactant that helps create lather and cleanse the hair and scalp.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Decyl Glucoside, Polyquaternium-10, C12-18 Acid Triglyceride, Sodium Glycolate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Sulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Fragrance/Parfum.

#14 ACURE Curiously Clarifying Shampoo

This shampoo formula is vegan! It’s infused with oils and is okay to use every day.

Surfactants in the given ingredients list are:

1. Sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate: This is a mild cleansing agent and surfactant used to create lather and cleanse the hair and scalp.
2. Cocamidopropyl betaine: Another surfactant that helps create lather and cleanse the hair and scalp.
3. Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride: This is a conditioning surfactant that can provide conditioning benefits to the hair.
4. Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride: Another conditioning surfactant that helps improve hair texture and manageability.

Ingredients: WATER EAU, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE*, SODIUM LAUROYL METHYL ISETHIONATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, BETAINE, GLYCERIN, COCOGLUCOSIDES HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CYMBOPOGON FLEXUOSUS LEAF OIL, CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS EXTRACT, ARGANIA SPINOSA KERNEL OIL*, RUBUS FRUTICOSUS BLACKBERRY FRUIT EXTRACT*, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA MATRICARIA FLOWER EXTRACT*, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT*, ROSA CANINA FRUIT EXTRACT*, CALENDULA OFFICINALIS FLOWER EXTRACT*, ASPALATHUS LINEARIS LEAF EXTRACT*, PUNICA GRANATUM EXTRACT*, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS ROSEMARY LEAF OIL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA AVOCADO OIL, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT OIL, JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA OIL, LAVANDULA HYBRIDA OIL, LEVULINIC ACID, UBIQUINONE, SODIUM LEVULINATE, GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE.

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENT.

#15 Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo

Here is another great shampoo by Mielle. This one provides a silky slip, pre-detangles thick, curly hair, and cleans without stripping away moisture (win, win).

Surfactants in the given ingredients list are:

1. Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate: This is a cleansing agent and surfactant commonly used in shampoos to remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp.
2. Cocamidopropyl betaine: Another surfactant that helps create lather and cleanse the hair and scalp.
3. Disodium cocoamphodipropionate: This is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties.
4. Cocamide mea: This surfactant enhances the foam and lather in the product.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate, Cocamide Mea, Glycol Stearate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Fragrance, Honey, Peg-150 Distearate, Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Silk Protein, Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Copaiferi Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba), Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycereth-2 Cocoate.

What Low Porosity Hair Means

Low porosity hair refers to hair with cuticles that are closely packed and lay flat against the hair shaft. ³⁵ The term “porosity” in this context denotes the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.

In low-porosity hair, the tight arrangement of the hair cuticle layer creates a barrier that resists the penetration of water and other agents. ³⁶ As a result, it’s difficult for certain ingredients to get in and do their job.

Low porosity and high porosity hair differ in the following:

• Level of porosity
• Pore size
• Pore volume
• The number of pores lying on the hair surface
• The two hair types also differ significantly in their physicochemical properties

Generally, low porosity hair is virgin, non-chemically treated, and natural hair fibers. On the other hand, high-porosity hair has usually undergone extensive damage due to chemical treatments or other environmental factors. ³⁷ They both have very different mechanical strengths. ³⁸

Low-porosity hair has specific needs when it comes to daily care and styling. The starting point should be finding the ideal cleansing formulation for these particular strands.

Hair cleansing is essential to ensure a hygienic scalp, free of sebum and product buildup, product residue, and debris. ^{39, 40}

Choosing the right shampoo formulation will maintain both a healthy head of hair as well as its natural texture and appearance.

The Float Test

Key Tips for Low Porosity Hair

1. Low-porosity hair consumer should wash their hair at least twice a week; however, it varies with the varying circumstances, sebum section, debris, and lifestyle. 
2. Hair should be treated with a regular Moisturizing Rinse-off Conditioner to detangle hair knots and make it easy to comb and style. 
3. Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner is vital for day-long protection against grooming techniques and solar radiation.
4. Once a week, an oil massage can work wonders for your scalp tissues and hair fibers – giving them the boost they need.

FAQs

What is Low Porosity Hair?

Low-porosity hair is typically virgin and free from chemical treatments, leading to fewer pores with low pore volume and damage. This type of hair boasts a healthy shaft, with cuticles that are largely in good condition and well-aligned.

How can I determine if my hair is of low porosity?

A simple test is the “float test”, which is mentioned above. However, it’s essential to consider other factors and tests for a comprehensive assessment. Here are characteristic signs that your hair is low porosity:

1. Difficulty in wetting or saturating the hair.
2. Products often sit on the hair’s surface rather than being absorbed.
3. Hair takes a long time to dry.
4. Beads of water sit on top of your hair strands.
5. Resistance to chemical treatments like coloring or perming.
6. Hair may feel smooth and reflect light well.

Should A Shampoo for Low Porosity Hair Include Proteins?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use protein-containing shampoo for low-porosity hair. Proteins are excellent moisturizing and fiber conditioning agents, however, care should be taken in choosing the right protein and its right dosage. 

Should I Shampoo Low Porosity Hair?

Yes, you should shampoo low-porosity hair, but the frequency and choice of shampoo are crucial. Given the tight cuticle structure of low-porosity hair, it’s essential to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to prevent stripping the hair of its natural oils. Additionally, occasional use of a clarifying shampoo can help remove product buildup. Always adjust your regimen based on your hair’s response to ensure optimal health and hydration.

How frequently should you wash low-porosity hair?

Low porosity hair’s tight cuticles resist moisture. Thus, it’s best to shampoo it at least once a week. Adjust based on your hair’s needs and product buildup.

For individuals with delicate hair textures like coily and kinky types, washing every two weeks might be ideal. However, always monitor your scalp’s condition and needs.

What type of shampoo should low-porosity hair use?

Low porosity hair should use shampoos that are lightweight, conditioning, and free from heavy build-up-causing ingredients. Specifically:

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Gentle on the hair, it won’t strip natural oils.
2. Clarifying Shampoo: Used occasionally, it can effectively remove product buildup, which is common in low-porosity hair.
3. Moisturizing Shampoo: Provides necessary conditioning without weighing the hair down.
4. Protein-Free Shampoo: Some low-porosity hair may be protein-sensitive, so avoiding excess (or large) proteins can prevent the hair from becoming stiff or brittle.

Always choose products based on individual hair needs, and consider formulations that promote moisture absorption without causing buildup.

What should you not do with low-porosity hair?

For low porosity hair, avoid:

1. Overloading with Protein-Rich Products: Low porosity hair thrives with products that have a modest protein concentration. Overloading with protein can harm and further damage the hair, so it’s essential to be mindful of the protein content in the products you use.
2. Heavy Products: They can cause buildup, making it harder for moisture to penetrate.
3. Overwashing: It can strip natural oils, leading to dryness.
4. Using Heat Frequently: Excessive heat can exacerbate dryness and damage.

Always prioritize gentle care to maintain its health.

Should low-porosity hair use apple cider vinegar?

Yes, low-porosity hair can benefit from apple cider vinegar (ACV). ACV can help balance the hair’s pH, may help remove some product buildup, smooth the hair cuticle, and enhance shine and manageability. ³⁴

However, it’s essential to dilute ACV with water before use and not overuse it, as excessive acidity can be drying. It’s recommended to do an ACV rinse occasionally, depending on individual hair needs.

Individuals with the following conditions or concerns should exercise caution or avoid using ACV on their hair:

1. Sensitive Scalp: ACV can cause irritation or exacerbate existing scalp conditions for those with sensitive skin.
2. Open Wounds or Sores: Applying ACV to open wounds or sores on the scalp can cause stinging and further irritation.
3. Severely Dry or Brittle Hair: ACV can be drying, so those with already dry or brittle hair might experience further dryness.
4. Color-Treated Hair: ACV might strip away or fade hair dye, especially if the color is recently applied.
5. Allergies: Some people might be allergic to ingredients in ACV and should avoid its use.

Always conduct a patch test before using ACV extensively, and when in doubt, consult with a hair care professional.

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