Best High Porosity Hair Care Routine 2025 for the UAE Climate

Do your curly locks in the UAE seem to absorb products quickly, only to feel dry and frizzy moments later?

Do they take ages to air dry, or perhaps dry too fast, leaving you with a tangled mess, especially in the humid climate of Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

If so, you might be dealing with high porosity curly hair. Understanding your hair's porosity is a game-changer in achieving healthy, vibrant curls. It dictates how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, and consequently, the type of care and products it truly needs.

This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about high porosity curly hair, from identifying its unique characteristics to establishing an effective care routine that will transform your curls, perfectly suited for the unique environmental conditions in the United Arab Emirates.

What is High Porosity Hair?

High porosity hair is characterized by a cuticle layer that is open, raised, or even damaged. The cuticle is the outermost layer of your hair strand, made up of overlapping scales. In healthy, low porosity hair, these scales lie flat, creating a smooth surface that resists moisture absorption.

 However, with high porosity hair, these scales are more open, allowing moisture to enter the hair shaft very quickly. The downside is that this moisture escapes just as easily, leading to dryness and frizz.

Several factors can contribute to high hair porosity. While genetics play a significant role, external factors are often major contributors. Chemical treatments like coloring, bleaching, perming, or relaxing can lift and damage the cuticle.

 Excessive heat styling from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can also compromise the hair's outer layer. Even environmental factors like prolonged sun exposure, the arid climate, or hard water, which is common in many parts of the UAE, can contribute to increased porosity.

Understanding these underlying causes is the first step towards effective care.

Read also: How to define curly hair naturally 

Characteristics of High Porosity Hair

Recognizing the signs of high porosity hair is crucial for tailoring your hair care routine. Here are some common characteristics:

• Quick Drying: Your hair air-dries remarkably fast after washing, often within a few hours.
• Rapid Product Absorption: Products seem to disappear into your hair almost instantly, yet your hair still feels dry or frizzy shortly after application.
• Excessive Frizz: High porosity hair is prone to frizz, especially in humid conditions, because it readily absorbs moisture from the air, causing the cuticle to swell.
• Easy Tangling: The raised cuticles can snag on each other, leading to frequent tangles and knots.
• Dull Appearance: Your hair may lack natural shine and appear dull or lifeless due to the uneven cuticle layer.
• Prone to Breakage: The open cuticles make the hair more vulnerable to damage, breakage, and split ends.
• Responds Well to Protein Treatments: High porosity hair often benefits significantly from protein treatments, which help to temporarily fill gaps in the cuticle.

Read also : protect curly hair from damage 

How To Tell If You Have High Porosity Hair?

The most popular and reliable method to determine your hair porosity is the Strand Test. Here’s how to do it:

1. Clean Hair: Ensure your hair is clean and free of any product buildup. Wash your hair and let it air dry completely.
2. Collect a Strand: Gently pull a single strand of hair from your head. It can be from any part of your scalp.
3. Water Test: Drop the hair strand into a glass of room-temperature water.
4. Observe:
   • If the strand sinks immediately or very quickly to the bottom, you likely have high porosity hair.
   • If it floats in the middle of the glass, you have normal porosity hair.
   • If it floats on top for a long time before sinking, you have low porosity hair.

While the strand test is a good indicator, you can also observe your hair's behavior.

 If your hair dries very quickly after washing, absorbs products almost instantly, and is prone to frizz and tangles, these are strong indicators of high porosity.

High Porosity Curly Hair Care Routine

Developing an effective high porosity curly hair care routine is essential for managing its unique needs and promoting healthy, beautiful curls.

 The key is to focus on moisture retention, strengthening the hair shaft, and gentle handling. Here’s a comprehensive routine to guide you:

Preparation: Pre-Pooing & Detangling

High porosity hair is particularly vulnerable to damage during washing due to its open cuticles. Pre-pooing, or applying a treatment before shampooing, creates a protective barrier that prevents excessive moisture loss and minimizes tangling.

 This step is crucial for high porosity hair as it helps to fill in the gaps in the cuticle, making the hair less susceptible to the stripping effects of shampoo.

• How to Pre-Poo: Before stepping into the shower, apply a lightweight oil or a moisturizing conditioner to your dry or slightly damp hair. Focus on the ends, which are typically the most fragile. Leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes, or even overnight for an intensive treatment.
• Detangling: High porosity hair tangles easily. Always detangle your hair gently while it’s coated with a pre-poo treatment or conditioner. Use your fingers first to work through larger knots, then follow with a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This minimizes breakage and stress on your delicate strands.

Cleansing: Shampoo & Water

Choosing the right shampoo and water temperature is vital for high porosity hair. Harsh shampoos can strip away essential moisture, exacerbating dryness.

• Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free, and moisturizing shampoo. Sulfates can be too harsh for high porosity hair, leading to further dehydration. Look for shampoos that cleanse effectively without stripping your hair of its natural oils.

• Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water for washing your hair. While cold water is often recommended to seal the cuticle, lukewarm water is better for cleansing without causing excessive cuticle opening. A final rinse with cool water can help to close the cuticle and lock in moisture.
• Co-Washing: Consider incorporating co-washing (washing with conditioner) into your routine, especially if you wash your hair frequently. This gentle cleansing method helps to maintain moisture levels and prevent dryness.

Deep Conditioning & Protein Treatments

Deep conditioning and protein treatments are non-negotiable for high porosity hair. These treatments provide the intense moisture and structural support that your hair desperately needs.

• Deep Conditioning: Aim to deep condition your hair at least once a week, or even twice if your hair feels particularly dry or damaged. Use a rich, moisturizing deep conditioner that contains humectants (like glycerin or honey) to draw moisture into the hair, and emollients (like shea butter or natural oils) to seal it in.

 Apply generously, ensuring every strand is coated, and leave it on for the recommended time, often with heat (e.g., a hooded dryer or a warm towel) to enhance penetration.

• Protein Treatments: High porosity hair often has gaps in its cuticle layer, making it prone to breakage. Protein treatments help to temporarily fill these gaps, strengthening the hair shaft and improving elasticity.

 Incorporate a protein treatment into your routine every 4-6 weeks, or as needed. Look for ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin, or silk amino acids. Be mindful not to overdo protein, as too much can lead to stiffness and breakage.

A good balance between moisture and protein is key for healthy high porosity curls.

The LCO/LOC Method: Sealing in Moisture

The LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) or LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is a popular and highly effective technique for sealing moisture into high porosity hair.

 The order of application can vary based on your hair's specific needs and how well each product absorbs.

• L - Liquid/Leave-in: Start with a water-based leave-in conditioner or simply water to hydrate your hair. This provides the initial moisture that your high porosity hair readily absorbs.

• C - Cream: Next, apply a moisturizing cream. This cream helps to further hydrate and nourish the hair, providing a layer of moisture that the oil will then seal in. Look for creams with rich, emollient ingredients.

• O - Oil: Finally, apply a sealing oil. This oil acts as a barrier, locking in the moisture from the liquid and cream. Choose heavier oils like castor oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil, as they are more effective at sealing for high porosity hair.

Experiment with both LCO and LOC methods to see which one works best for your curls. The goal is to create layers of moisture that are then effectively sealed within the hair shaft.

Styling Products

Selecting the right styling products is crucial for defining your curls and maintaining moisture throughout the day. For high porosity hair, focus on products that offer additional hydration and hold without drying out your strands.

• Cream-Based Stylers: Opt for styling creams that provide moisture and light to medium hold. These products help to keep your curls soft and defined without causing stiffness or crunch.

• Oil-Infused Products: Products infused with natural oils can provide an extra layer of moisture and help to seal the cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing shine.

• Avoid Harsh Gels: While gels can offer strong hold, many contain alcohols that can be drying for high porosity hair. If you use a gel, ensure it is alcohol-free and follow up with a moisturizing cream or oil to counteract any potential dryness.

• Heat Protectant: If you ever use heat for styling (e.g., diffusing), always apply a high-quality heat protectant. High porosity hair is more susceptible to heat damage, so this step is non-negotiable to shield your strands.

Drying

How you dry your high porosity hair can significantly impact its health and appearance. Rough drying can lead to frizz and breakage.

• Microfiber Towel or Cotton T-Shirt: Ditch the traditional terry cloth towel, which can cause friction and frizz. Instead, gently scrunch your hair with a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water. This method is much gentler on the delicate cuticle.
• Air Drying or Diffusing: Allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. If you prefer to use a diffuser, always use it on a low heat and low speed setting.

This helps to dry your curls gently while maintaining their shape and minimizing frizz. Remember to apply your heat protectant before diffusing.

Protective Styling

Protective styles are invaluable for high porosity hair as they minimize manipulation, reduce exposure to environmental stressors, and help prevent breakage. By tucking away your ends, you safeguard the oldest and most fragile parts of your hair.

• Benefits: Protective styles like braids, twists, buns, or updos can significantly reduce tangling, friction, and daily wear and tear. This allows your hair to retain moisture more effectively and promotes healthy growth.
• Execution: Ensure your hair is well-moisturized before styling. Avoid styles that are too tight, as this can cause tension and damage to your scalp and hair follicles. Use soft hair ties and accessories to prevent breakage.

Additional High Porosity Hair Care Tips

Beyond your regular routine, these additional tips can further enhance the health and beauty of your high porosity curly hair, especially considering the climate in the UAE:

• Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends and prevent further damage. This keeps your curls looking fresh and healthy.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of products containing sulfates, parabens, silicones, and drying alcohols. These ingredients can strip your hair of its natural moisture and exacerbate porosity issues. Always check ingredient lists carefully, and look for products specifically designed for curly hair in humid or arid climates.
• Gentle Handling: High porosity hair is delicate. Avoid aggressive brushing, excessive pulling, or rough towel-drying. Be gentle when washing, detangling, and styling to minimize breakage.
• Internal Hydration and Nutrition: What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on your hair. Drink plenty of water to ensure internal hydration, especially in the warm UAE climate, and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health.
• Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one. These materials reduce friction on your hair while you sleep, preventing tangles, frizz, and moisture loss, which is particularly beneficial in a dry environment.
• Consider Water Filters: Given the potential for hard water in some areas of the UAE, consider installing a shower filter to reduce mineral buildup that can affect hair health and porosity.

High vs. Low vs. Medium Porosity Hair

Understanding the differences between hair porosity types is crucial for effective hair care. While high porosity hair has an open cuticle, low and medium porosity hair behave differently:

Each porosity type requires a tailored approach to ensure optimal health and appearance. Knowing your hair's porosity empowers you to make informed decisions about your hair care routine and product choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about high porosity curly hair and its care:

Can high porosity hair become low porosity?

While you cannot permanently change your hair's natural porosity, which is largely genetic, you can improve the health of your hair and manage its porosity. Consistent use of moisturizing and strengthening products, along with gentle care, can help to smooth the cuticle and make your hair behave more like medium porosity hair.

How often should I wash high porosity hair?

The frequency of washing depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. However, generally, high porosity hair benefits from less frequent washing to prevent excessive moisture loss. Aim for 1-2 times a week, and consider co-washing (washing with conditioner) in between full washes.

What ingredients should I look for in products for high porosity hair?

Look for humectants like glycerin, honey, and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the hair. Emollients such as shea butter, natural oils (e.g., olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil), and fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol) help to seal in moisture. Proteins like hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin, and silk amino acids are also beneficial for strengthening.

What ingredients should I avoid for high porosity hair?

Avoid harsh sulfates (e.g., Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate) that can strip hair of moisture. Also, be cautious with silicones that can build up and prevent moisture from penetrating, and drying alcohols (e.g., ethanol, isopropyl alcohol) that can dehydrate your hair.

Is protein good or bad for high porosity hair?

Protein is generally good for high porosity hair as it helps to fill in the gaps in the open cuticle, strengthening the hair and reducing breakage. However, balance is key. Too much protein without sufficient moisture can lead to stiff, brittle hair. Listen to your hair and adjust protein treatments as needed.

How can I protect my high porosity hair from humidity?

High porosity hair tends to frizz in humidity because it readily absorbs moisture from the air. To combat this, ensure your hair is well-moisturized and sealed with oils or heavy creams. Using anti-humectant products or styling products that create a barrier can also help.

Can heat styling damage high porosity hair further?

Yes, high porosity hair is more susceptible to heat damage due to its open cuticle. Excessive heat can further lift and damage the cuticle, leading to increased porosity and breakage. Always use a heat protectant and opt for low heat settings when diffusing or using other heat tools.

Why does my high porosity hair feel dry even after applying products?

This is a common issue. High porosity hair absorbs products quickly, but it also loses moisture quickly. The key is to layer products effectively using methods like LCO/LOC to seal in the moisture. Ensure your products are rich in emollients and humectants, and consider using heavier oils to seal.

What is the LCO/LOC method and how does it help high porosity hair?

The LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) or LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method is a layering technique designed to maximize moisture retention. The liquid provides hydration, the cream adds a layer of moisture and nourishment, and the oil seals everything in. This multi-step approach is highly effective for high porosity hair that struggles to retain moisture.

How often should I deep condition high porosity hair?

Deep conditioning is vital for high porosity hair. Aim to deep condition at least once a week. If your hair is particularly dry, damaged, or exposed to harsh elements, you might benefit from deep conditioning twice a week. Always use a rich, moisturizing deep conditioner.

Conclusion

Caring for high porosity curly hair can seem challenging, especially in the diverse climate of the UAE, but with the right knowledge and a consistent routine, you can transform your curls from dry and frizzy to healthy, hydrated, and vibrant.

 By understanding your hair's unique characteristics, implementing a moisture-focused regimen, and being mindful of the products you use, you empower your curls to thrive. Remember, patience and consistency are key.

 Embrace the journey of discovering what works best for your high porosity curly hair, and enjoy the beauty of your natural texture. For high-quality, natural hair care solutions tailored to your curly hair needs in the UAE, explore the range of products at Zaphira Nature, designed to nourish and enhance your beautiful curls.