This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Approximately 50% of people have low porosity hair, which means it is difficult to absorb moisture and products.
Learn the truth about whether hair gel is bad for low porosity hair and find the best gels for your hair type.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What is Low Porosity Hair?
- How Do I Know if I Have Low Porosity Hair?
- How Does Hair Gel Affect Low Porosity Hair?
- What Are the Best Hair Gels for Low Porosity Hair?
- How to Use Hair Gel on Low Porosity Hair
- Tips for Avoiding Hair Gel Buildup on Low Porosity Hair
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Low porosity hair retains moisture for longer but can be more difficult to style.
- Low porosity hair is more common in straight hair.
- Hair gel can clump and flake on low porosity hair.
- The best hair gels for low porosity hair are lightweight and water-based.
What is Low Porosity Hair?
Low porosity hair has a cuticle layer that lies very flat, making it less absorbent than high porosity hair.
- Less absorbent than high porosity hair
- Retains moisture for longer
- More common in straight hair
- The float test is one way to test for low porosity hair. To do this, take a strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If the hair floats, it’s likely to be low porosity. If the hair sinks, it’s likely to be high porosity.
- Use steam to relax the cuticle and open up the dead cells
- Use humectants to attract and trap moisture
- Use lightweight oils to seal in moisture
- Avoid protein treatments, silicones, butters, and using too much product
How Do I Know if I Have Low Porosity Hair?
- The Float Test: Take a strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If the hair floats, it’s likely to be low porosity.
- Hair Porosity Scale: Low porosity falls on one end of the hair porosity scale, indicating that your cuticles are tightly aligned and create a barrier against moisture absorption.
- Porosity Chart: Consult a porosity chart to compare your hair’s characteristics with those associated with low porosity. Look for signs like slow drying time and difficulty absorbing products.
- Hair Texture/Type: Low porocity is more common in straight or fine-textured strands that tend to repel water rather than absorb it easily.
How Does Hair Gel Affect Low Porosity Hair?
When using hair gel on low porosity hair, it can have a different effect compared to other hair types. The unique characteristics of low porosity hair make it more prone to certain issues when using gel.
Here are three ways that hair gel can affect low porosity hair:
- Hair Gel Clumps: Low porosity strands tend to repel moisture and products, causing the gel to clump together instead of evenly spreading through the strands.
- Hair Gel Flakes: Due to its water-resistant nature, low porosity hair may not absorb all the components in the gel properly, leading to flaking and residue buildup.
- Hair Gel Weight: Heavy gels or those with high concentrations of oils or butters can weigh down low porosity locks and make them appear stringy.
To avoid these problems while still enjoying styling benefits from gels:
- Opt for lightweight gels specifically formulated for low-porosityhair;
- Use water-based products that won’t leave heavy residues;
- Apply a small amount at a time and distribute evenly throughout your dampened tresses.
What Are the Best Hair Gels for Low Porosity Hair?
- Lightweight and water-based gels that won’t weigh down your strands.
- These gels will provide hold and definition without causing frizz or clumping.
- The Kinky-Curly Come Clean Gel
- The Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Gel
- The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Gel
How to Use Hair Gel on Low Porosity Hair
With the right hair gel, you can achieve the definition and hold you want without weighing your hair down.
Here are 4 tips for using hair gel on low porosity hair:
- Use lightweight, water-based gels.
- Apply the gel to damp hair.
- Avoid build-up by rinsing the gel out thoroughly after styling.
- Use the gel sparingly.
Tips for Avoiding Hair Gel Buildup on Low Porosity Hair
To avoid hair gel buildup on low porosity hair, you should:
- Use a lightweight gel.
- Apply it to damp hair.
- Avoid protein.
- Use a diffuser.
- Air dry your hair.
- Trim your hair often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the signs of low porosity hair?
If your hair floats in water, takes a long time to dry, and feels oily or greasy, it’s likely to be low porosity.
What are the best hair gels for low porosity hair?
For low porosity hair, opt for lightweight gels that won’t weigh down your strands.
Some recommended options include:
- Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
- Garnier Fructis Curl Nourish Shampoo
- Neutrogena Clarifying Shampoo
- Davines OI Hair Milk Spray
- Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
How do you use hair gel on low porosity hair?
To use hair gel on low porosity hair,
- Apply a small amount to damp hair.
- Scrunch it in.
Avoid using too much gel, as this can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy.
How do you avoid hair gel buildup on low porosity hair?
To avoid hair gel buildup on low porosity hair, opt for lightweight gels that won’t weigh down your strands.
Look for water-based formulas and apply sparingly to damp hair.
Avoid heavy oils or butters in your styling products.
What are the risks of using hair gel on low porosity hair?
Using hair gel on low porosity hair can lead to buildup and make your strands feel weighed down. It may be difficult for the gel to penetrate the cuticle layer, resulting in a less effective hold.
Conclusion
Finding the right hair gel for your low porosity hair can be tricky, but it’s worth it to achieve hydrated, defined curls. With the right gel, you can enjoy all the benefits of hair gel without the dryness and damage.
