Hair Care Tips for Type 4 High Porosity Hair

 What is High Porosity Hair?

Highly porous hair is a type of hair characterized by its porosity, or the ability to absorb moisture. It has an open cuticle layer that allows it to absorb more moisture than other types of hair. Additionally, high porosity hair is often dry and brittle due to constant exposure to humidity, sunlight, and other environmental factors. The strands can easily become tangled and prone to breakage if not cared for properly. Common characteristics of high porosity hair include being difficult to manage, prone to frizzing, and having low elasticity. Additionally, this type of hair tends to lose its natural oils quickly, resulting in dryness if it’s not properly moisturized. To combat these issues, it's important for those with high porous hair to use specific products formulated for their particular needs such as deep conditioners and leave-in treatments.

Type 4 high-porosity hair is very dry and therefore needs to be conditioned deeply more frequently in order to maintain its health. To minimize the risk of breakage and split ends, it's important to use moisturizing products such as leave-in conditioners or hair masks. Additionally, using natural oils such as castor and moringa oil can also help seal in moisture and offer essential nutrients. When washing your hair, avoid using hot water because it can strip away natural oils from your scalp and cause further damage.

Tips on How to Care for Type 4 High Porous Hair

Shampooing

It is recommended to shampoo type 4 high porosity hair once a week or every other week. This helps to prevent buildup and keep the scalp clean. When choosing a shampoo, opt for one that is specifically designed for curly or coily hair types. This will help to maintain moisture and reduce frizz.

Conditioning

Conditioning is essential for type 4 high porosity hair as it helps to nourish and strengthen the strands. Use a deep conditioner at least once per month, focusing on the ends of your hair where damage tends to occur more easily. Opt for a formula that contains natural ingredients such as shea butter, babassu oil, or coconut oil.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing type 4 high porous hair is key in order to keep it hydrated and healthy. Start with damp hair and apply a leave-in conditioner or butter cream moisturizer from root to tip. Make sure to use products specifically designed for curly/coily hair in order to lock in moisture throughout the day.

Sealing in Moisture

For high porosity type 4 hair, olive, almond, and safflower oil can be particularly beneficial. Due to the tight coils of type 4 hair, it is especially prone to breakage and dehydration. Applying these oils periodically can help seal in moisture, which will prevent breakage and leave your hair looking healthy and hydrated. Additionally, these lightweight oils work well to nourish the scalp as they are packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that promote healthy scalp circulation. Olive oil is especially rich in antioxidants that protect the scalp from damage caused by free radicals while almond oil nourishes and strengthens the cuticles of your strands. Lastly, safflower oil is rich in linoleic acid which helps to balance sebum production levels while also helping to soften the strands. These three oils have become a staple for many type 4 haired individuals due to their ability to restore moisture without causing buildup

Pomades can be great for type 4 high porosity hair. This is because it creates a barrier to help lock in moisture, which is especially important for high porosity hair that often lacks hydration. Pomades are best used as a finishing product on already moisturized hair, as too much pomade can lead to a heavy, greasy look.

Conclusion

It is important to note that everyone’s hair is different and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hair care. What works for one type of hair may not be suitable for another, which is why it’s so important to invest time in finding the right routine that fits with your individual needs. This means taking the time to learn about different products and techniques that are suited to your type of hair, as well as tips on how best to maintain its health and beauty. Taking a tailored approach will ensure you get the best out of your hair by providing it with the right kind of nourishment and protection, resulting in healthier, more beautiful locks over time.