Beauty Elixir

Hair care routine

High porosity curly / coily hair: routine, oils & wash schedule

Your cuticles are raised or damaged. Hair absorbs water fast and loses it just as fast, which means frizz, dryness and breakage, especially after bleach, rebonding or heat.

Not sure of your porosity? Take the test →

Curly / coily hair · normal scalp

High porosity hair

Your cuticles are raised or damaged. Hair absorbs water fast and loses it just as fast, which means frizz, dryness and breakage, especially after bleach, rebonding or heat.

Your hair kit

Best oils

Coconut oil (pre-wash, reduces protein loss)Castor oil (sealing ends)Shea butter (sealant)Olive oil

Look for

  • Protein treatments (hydrolysed keratin, rice or wheat protein)
  • The LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream)
  • Acidic rinses and conditioners that flatten the cuticle

Avoid

  • Hot water washes
  • Sulphate-heavy shampoos
  • High heat without protectant
  • Skipping conditioner

Your week (2 washes)

MonRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    A drop of oil on dry ends
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
TueRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    A drop of oil on dry ends
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
WedWash dayPre-wash oiling (coconut oil (pre-wash, reduces protein loss))
  1. 1
    Pre-wash oiling (coconut oil (pre-wash, reduces protein loss))
  2. 2
    Gentle sulphate-free shampoo on the scalp
  3. 3
    Conditioner on the lengths
  4. 4
    Leave-in, then seal the ends with oil (LOC)
ThuRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    A drop of oil on dry ends
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
FriRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    A drop of oil on dry ends
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
SatRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    A drop of oil on dry ends
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
SunWash + treatmentPre-wash oiling (coconut oil (pre-wash, reduces protein loss))
  1. 1
    Pre-wash oiling (coconut oil (pre-wash, reduces protein loss))
  2. 2
    Gentle sulphate-free shampoo on the scalp
  3. 3
    Protein mask, 10 min
  4. 4
    Leave-in, then seal the ends with oil (LOC)

How to oil high-porosity hair

Oil before every wash. Coconut oil is one of the few oils shown to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss during washing. Seal damp ends with a heavier oil or butter afterwards.

Pro tip: Finish every wash with a cool-water rinse and seal the moisture in within 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best oil for High porosity curly / coily hair?

Coconut oil (pre-wash, reduces protein loss), Castor oil (sealing ends), Shea butter (sealant) and Olive oil. Oil before every wash. Coconut oil is one of the few oils shown to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss during washing. Seal damp ends with a heavier oil or butter afterwards.

How often should I wash High porosity curly / coily hair?

With a normal scalp, about 2 times a week. Wash more often if your scalp gets greasy quickly, and less often if it is dry. Curly hair usually does best with fewer washes and co-wash refreshes in between.

What should High porosity curly / coily hair avoid?

Hot water washes, Sulphate-heavy shampoos, High heat without protectant and Skipping conditioner.

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