Essential products for low porosity curls
A great starting point with the right products, tools & technique is all you need. Find out how to use them with your curl type on our video tutorial page!
1. Co-wash
- A light cleanse with warm water that will remove styling products, while also providing and preserving moisture.
- Use Co-wash every time you cleanse your hair. You can even skip out on shampoo and only use a co-wash. (Skipping shampoo is only recommended every other wash.)
2. Sulphate-free shampoo
- Using a clarifying shampoo with warm water and the exfoliator will aid in removing excess dirt and buildup
- Low porosity strands can skip out on shampoo every other wash day. This will immensely leave curls moisturized and reduce the harsh effects and severe dryness that shampoo tends to create. Don’t worry about dirt and buildup, a good co-wash can take care of that until the following week.
3. Deep Conditioner
- Helps to restore nutrients and dramatically improves hair elasticity.
- Using a heat cap once a week will open up your hair cuticles, allowing the moisture to aggressively seep into curls.
4. Protein Masque
- A protein masque is considered a deep conditioner, however, it can easily be over or underused, depending on your hair's current state. Use sparingly. It Is not recommended to use protein on a consistent basis. It's crucial to switch up products during seasonal changes. The weather can definitely affect the outcome of your tresses.
- Low Porosity hair is naturally packed with nutrients and proteins. A protein masque is only necessary about two-three times a year for healthy low porosity strands. For example, (1) When it becomes winter, hair tends to dry out more- hence, the cold, dry weather (2) The beginning and (3) End of summer months, when it's hotter and humid.
5. Curl Milk or Leave-in Conditioner Spray
- A light leave-in conditioner or curl milk is thin enough to penetrate into the low, closed hair cuticle. The thicker the conditioner, the more chance you have of the product “sitting” on your hair. The thinner, the better!
6. Mousse
- Mousse and the styler brush will reduce frizz, enhance/define curl pattern, and create beautiful curl clumps
- Provides a light-weight hold while creating volume.
- Mousse is a great styler product, but your curls can also do without. Try it out to see what it can do for your hair
7. Gel
- Provides a tremendous amount of shape, hold and curl definition when styling.
- The secret to poppin curls.
- Creates long lasting, defined curls.
- Increases elasticity and flexibility to your tresses.
- Use a “cheap” gel when doing slick back ponytails or any other updo style. You don't want to use up all your “good” gel on hair that doesn't need defined curls.
8. Light Oil/Serum
- Use a lightweight oil to seal your curls (such as jojoba oil).
- Start with a very small, dime sized amount of oil.
- Scrunch to remove the “crunch”. This will immediately soften your curls from the gel cast.
- Skip out on oil if you want your wash and go’s to last longer. If you have a special occasion or need “poppin curls” that day, I recommend using oil and shake method.