Low Porosity curly Hair Care routine for Dry and Frizzy Ends

Do your curls in the UAE seem to resist absorbing products, leaving them sitting on the surface instead of soaking in? Do they take forever to fully dry, or feel weighed down and stiff even after washing, especially in the hot, humid air of Dubai or Abu Dhabi?

If this sounds familiar, your curly hair may have low porosity. Knowing your hair’s porosity is the key to unlocking healthy, defined curls. It determines how easily your strands absorb and retain moisture, and therefore guides you toward the right care techniques and products.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about low porosity curly hair, from spotting its telltale signs to creating a targeted care routine that keeps your curls soft, hydrated, and perfectly suited to the UAE’s unique climate.

What is Low Porosity Hair?

Low porosity hair has a tightly packed cuticle layer, where the overlapping scales lie flat and close together. This compact structure makes it difficult for moisture and hair products to penetrate the strand.

While this helps the hair retain hydration once it’s inside, it also means that nourishing ingredients, oils, and water can take longer to absorb—sometimes leaving products sitting on the surface.

Low-porosity hair is often genetic, but long-term care habits and environmental exposure can also influence its characteristics. Unlike high porosity curly hair, it is less prone to severe damage from heat or chemicals, but it can still become weighed down if products build up on the surface.

The hot and humid climate of the UAE—especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi—can make this challenge even greater, as sweat, hard water, and dust particles interact with the hair’s compact cuticle.

Recognizing these characteristics is the first step to building an effective care routine that keeps low porosity curls healthy, light, and defined.

Characteristics of Low Porosity Curly Hair

Identifying the traits of low porosity curly hair is essential for choosing the right products and techniques to keep your curls healthy and defined. Common signs include:

• Slow Drying Time: Your hair takes a long time to air-dry after washing—sometimes staying damp for hours—because the compact cuticles slow down moisture evaporation.
  

• Product Build-Up: Oils, creams, and conditioners often sit on the surface of your hair instead of absorbing easily, leaving a greasy or coated feeling.
  

• Moisture Resistance: Even when you apply water or treatments, your hair can be slow to soak it up, making deep conditioning a challenge without heat or steam.
  

• Natural Shine: Low porosity hair often has a naturally smooth surface that reflects light well, giving it a glossy appearance.
  

• Less Frizz, More Weight: While frizz is less of an issue, hair can feel heavy or limp when overloaded with product—especially in humid UAE weather.
  

• Tends to Reject Protein Overload: Unlike high porosity hair, too much protein can make low porosity hair feel stiff and brittle.
  

• Benefits from Warmth in Treatments: Heat helps lift the tightly sealed cuticle slightly, allowing moisture and nutrients to penetrate more effectively.

How to Tell if You Have Low Porosity Curly Hair

One of the simplest ways to identify your hair’s porosity is by performing theStrand Test. This quick check can help you understand whether your curls fall into the low porosity category:

1. Start with Clean Hair: Wash your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove any product buildup, then let it air dry completely.

2. Take a Strand: Gently remove one strand of hair from anywhere on your scalp.
   

3. Water Test: Place the strand into a clear glass of room-temperature water.
   

4. Observe the Results:
   

• If the strand floats on top for an extended time before slowly sinking, your hair is likely low porosity.
  

• If it floats somewhere in the middle, you have medium or normal porosity.
  

• If it sinks quickly, that indicates high porosity.
  

Beyond the strand test, your hair’s behavior can also reveal its porosity. Low porosity curls typically take a long time to absorb moisture and products, dry slowly after washing and may feel coated or heavy if too much product is used.

In the UAE’s humid climate, this can mean your hair stays damp for hours, especially in coastal areas like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Recognizing these signs is the first step to creating a care routine that truly works for your unique curls.

try this: curl quiz

Low Porosity Curly Hair Care Routine

Creating an effective low porosity curly hair care routine is essential for addressing its unique challenges and keeping curls hydrated, defined, and manageable. The focus should be on improving moisture absorption, preventing product buildup, and using techniques that gently open the hair cuticle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Preparation: Warm Pre-Treatments Gentle Detangling

Low porosity hair’s tightly closed cuticles can make it resistant to absorbing moisture. Using a warm pre-treatment before shampooing helps soften the cuticle slightly, allowing hydration and nutrients to penetrate more effectively. This is especially helpful in the UAE’s humid yet often dusty environment, where buildup can block moisture further.

• How to Pre-Treat: Before washing, apply a lightweight, water-based conditioner or diluted leave-in to slightly damp hair, then cover with a warm towel or use a steamer for 15–30 minutes. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, which need the most hydration. This gentle heat encourages better absorption without weighing the hair down.
  

• Detangling: While coated with your pre-treatment, detangle gently to avoid unnecessary stress on your strands. Begin with your fingers to loosen knots, then use a wide-tooth comb starting from the ends and working upward. Because low porosity hair can hold onto tangles when wet, this step keeps curls smooth and prevents breakage.
  

Cleansing: Shampoo Water

Choosing the right shampoo and water temperature is key for low porosity hair, as the wrong approach can lead to stubborn buildup and heavy, lifeless curls.

• Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo: While gentle cleansing is important, low porosity hair can be prone to product buildup because products tend to sit on the surface. Use a mild, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to remove residue and a lightweight moisturizing shampoo for regular washes.
  

• Water Temperature: Wash with warm water to help slightly lift the tightly sealed cuticles, allowing your shampoo and conditioner to penetrate more effectively. Finish with a quick cool-water rinse to smooth the cuticle and boost shine.
  

• Occasional Co-Washing: If you wash frequently, you can alternate with co-washing using a lightweight conditioner. However, avoid overdoing it, as low porosity hair can easily feel coated if it’s not cleansed thoroughly.

Deep Conditioning Protein Treatments

Deep conditioning is essential for low porosity curly hair, but the approach differs from high porosity care. The goal is to help moisture penetrate the tightly sealed cuticle without causing buildup or overloading the hair.

• Deep Conditioning: Aim to deep condition once every 1–2 weeks, using a lightweight, water-based formula enriched with humectants like aloe vera or glycerin to draw moisture in.

Apply the conditioner to clean, damp hair and use gentle heat—such as a warm towel, hair steamer, or even the UAE’s natural warmth indoors—to slightly lift the cuticle for better absorption. Avoid heavy butters or thick oils, as these can coat the hair and block moisture entry.

• Protein Treatments: Low porosity hair generally needs less frequent protein treatments, as too much protein can make it stiff or brittle. Use a light protein treatment only every 6–8 weeks or when your curls feel overly soft and lack definition.

Look for mild proteins like silk amino acids or hydrolyzed oats for a gentle boost without overwhelming the hair’s structure. Balancing lightweight moisture and occasional protein keeps low porosity curls healthy, bouncy, and manageable in the UAE climate.

The LCO Method for Low Porosity Hair: Boosting Moisture Absorption

For low porosity curls, the challenge isn’t just sealing in moisture—it’s getting that moisture inside the hair shaft in the first place. TheLCO method (Liquid, Cream, Oil) works best here, as it layers lightweight hydration before sealing, without overloading the hair.

• L – Liquid/Leave-in: Begin with warm water or a lightweight, water-based leave-in conditioner for curly hair to open the cuticle slightly and allow hydration in. Using warm—not hot—water is especially effective in the UAE’s climate to combat dryness without causing frizz.
  

  

  
  

• C – Cream: Follow with a light, moisturizing cream for curly hair or milk formula. Avoid heavy kinds of butter, as they can sit on the surface of low porosity hair and cause buildup. Look for products with humectants like aloe vera or glycerin.
  

  

  
  

• O – Oil: Finish with a small amount of a lightweight oil such as argan, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil. These penetrate more easily than heavier oils and won’t weigh your curls down.
  

  

  
  

By focusing on lightweight, easily absorbed products, the LCO method helps low porosity curls stay hydrated, soft, and defined—perfect for managing the mix of humidity and dryness in the UAE.

Styling Products

Choosing the right styling products is essential for defining low porosity curls while avoiding buildup that can weigh them down. The goal is to enhance curl definition, encourage moisture absorption, and maintain softness throughout the day.

• Lightweight Curl Cream: Opt for water-based curl creams or milks that provide light to medium hold. These formulas hydrate without sitting heavily on the hair’s surface, keeping curls bouncy in the UAE’s warm, humid climate.
  
  

• Humectant-Rich Styler: Products with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or honey can help draw moisture into the hair, especially when humidity is moderate. In very humid conditions, use humectants sparingly to prevent frizz.
  
  

• Avoid Heavy Oils & kinds of butter: Thick butters or dense oils can create a coating on low porosity hair, blocking moisture absorption. Instead, use a small amount of lightweight oils for curly hair like argan or grapeseed for added shine.
  
  

• Heat Protectant: If you use heat for styling, such as diffusing, always apply a lightweight, silicone-free heat protectant. While low porosity hair is less prone to heat damage than high porosity hair, protection is still essential for maintaining healthy curls.
  

Drying low porosity curly hair

The way you dry low porosity curly hair plays a big role in maintaining its definition, preventing frizz, and avoiding excess weight from retained water. Because low porosity hair holds onto moisture for a long time, gentle but effective drying is key.

• Microfiber Towel or Cotton T-Shirt: Skip rough terry cloth towels, which can cause friction and disrupt curl patterns. Instead, gently blot or scrunch your curls with a microfiber towel or a soft cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water without disturbing the cuticle.
  

• Air Drying or Diffusing: Air drying is ideal, but because low porosity hair can stay damp for hours—especially in the UAE’s humid climate—you can use a diffuser on low heat and low speed to speed up the process. Always apply a lightweight heat protectant before diffusing to preserve curl health and shine.
  

Protective Styling for low porosity curls

Protective styles are a great option for low porosity curls, as they reduce daily manipulation, help maintain curl definition, and shield hair from environmental buildups such as dust and hard water in the UAE.

• Benefits: Styles like loose braids, low buns, twists, or puff ponytails can help minimize tangling, friction, and moisture loss while keeping curls neat in the heat and humidity.
  
  

• Execution: Moisturize lightly before styling, focusing on the ends. Avoid heavy creams or oils that can weigh down your curls, and choose soft, snag-free hair ties or satin scrunchies to prevent breakage and maintain smooth cuticles.

Additional Low Porosity curly Hair Care Tips

In addition to your regular routine, these extra tips can help keep your low porosity curls healthy, manageable, and looking their best—especially in the unique climate of the UAE:

• Regular Trims: Schedule trims every 10–12 weeks to remove dry or frayed ends. This helps curls maintain their shape and prevents tangles that can form when ends become rough.
  
  

• Avoid Heavy Ingredients: Steer clear of overly thick butters, waxes, or heavy oils that can sit on the surface and block moisture absorption. Instead, choose lightweight, water-based products formulated for curly hair in humid or arid environments.
  
  

• Gentle Handling: Handle your curls with care—avoid aggressive brushing or pulling, and use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for detangling. When drying, blot instead of rubbing to keep the cuticle smooth.
  
  

• Internal Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated is crucial in the UAE’s warm climate. Drink plenty of water daily and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and omega-3s to support strong, shiny curls.
  
  

• Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Sleeping on silk or satin helps reduce friction and maintain moisture, preventing frizz and breakage overnight.
  
  

• Consider Water Filters: Hard water in parts of the UAE can cause product and mineral buildup, making low porosity hair even harder to hydrate. Installing a shower filter can help improve moisture absorption and overall hair health.
  
  

High vs. Low vs. Medium Porosity Hair

Understanding the differences between curly 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 low porosity curly hair and how to care for it:

Can low porosity hair become high porosity?

Your hair’s natural porosity is mostly genetic and can’t be permanently changed. However, heat damage, chemical treatments, or harsh environmental exposure can increase porosity over time. With gentle care, proper hydration techniques, and the right products, you can maintain your low porosity hair’s health and prevent unnecessary damage.

How often should I wash low porosity hair?

Low porosity hair can be prone to buildup, so washing regularly is important. Aim for once a week with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, and use a clarifying shampoo once or twice a month to remove residue from products, hard water, and dust—especially common in the UAE.

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

Look for lightweight humectants like aloe vera, glycerin (in moderate humidity), or honey to draw in moisture, and penetrating oils such as argan, grapeseed, or sweet almond oil. Water-based, protein-free or light-protein formulas are best for maintaining softness without stiffness.

What ingredients should I avoid for low porosity hair?

Avoid heavy butters (like shea butter) and thick oils (like castor oil) that can coat the hair and block moisture entry. Also, be cautious with strong proteins, which can make low porosity hair feel hard or brittle if overused.

Is protein good or bad for low porosity hair?

Low porosity hair is generally protein-sensitive. Too much protein can leave it stiff and dry. Light proteins (like silk amino acids or hydrolyzed oats) in small amounts can help with curl definition, but always balance them with adequate moisture.

How can I protect my low porosity hair from humidity?

In the UAE’s humid climate, use lightweight anti-humectant stylers during very high humidity days to prevent frizz. On moderate humidity days, humectants like aloe vera or honey can help your hair draw in the right amount of moisture without swelling.

Can heat styling damage low porosity hair?

Yes—although low porosity hair’s compact cuticle offers some protection, repeated high heat can still weaken the hair and make it more porous. Always use a lightweight heat protectant and stick to low or medium heat settings when diffusing or styling.

Why does my low porosity hair feel coated or greasy after applying products?

This often happens because the tightly closed cuticle prevents quick absorption, leaving products to sit on the surface. Use lightweight, water-based formulas, apply in small amounts, and use heat (like a warm towel) during treatments to aid penetration.

What is the LCO method and how does it help low porosity hair?

The LCO method (Liquid, Cream, Oil) layers moisture in a way that works best for low porosity hair. The liquid hydrates, the cream adds softness, and the oil lightly seals without blocking absorption. Using lightweight products in each step ensures curls stay hydrated but not weighed down.

How often should I deep condition low porosity hair?

Deep condition every 1–2 weeks using a lightweight, humectant-rich formula. Always use gentle heat (like a hair steamer or warm towel) to help lift the cuticle slightly for better absorption. Avoid overly heavy conditioners that can cause buildup.

Conclusion

Caring for low porosity curly hair in the UAE’s unique climate may require a little extra attention, but with the right approach, your curls can stay hydrated, defined, and full of life.

By understanding your hair’s specific characteristics, choosing lightweight, penetrating products, and using techniques that encourage moisture absorption, you can overcome common challenges like buildup and slow hydration.

Consistency is your best ally—over time, you’ll discover the perfect balance that keeps your curls soft, bouncy, and healthy. Embrace your natural texture and enjoy the confidence that comes with well-nourished, beautifully defined curls.

For premium, natural hair care solutions designed to meet the needs of curly hair in the UAE, explore the Zaphira Nature range—formulated to enhance and protect your curls every day.