Beauty Elixir

Hair care routine

Low porosity hair: routine, oils & wash schedule

Your cuticles are tightly closed. Hair resists moisture going in, but holds it well once it is there. Products tend to sit on top and cause build-up.

Not sure of your porosity? Take the test →

Straight hair · normal scalp

Low porosity hair

Your cuticles are tightly closed. Hair resists moisture going in, but holds it well once it is there. Products tend to sit on top and cause build-up.

Your hair kit

Best oils

Argan oilGrapeseed oilJojoba oilSweet almond oil (light layer)

Look for

  • Lightweight, water-based leave-ins
  • Humectants (glycerin, aloe vera)
  • A clarifying shampoo every 2–3 weeks

Avoid

  • Heavy butters (shea, cocoa) on lengths
  • Protein-heavy masks every week
  • Leaving thick oils on overnight
  • Silicone build-up without clarifying

Your week (3 washes)

MonRest dayDetangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  1. 1
    Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  2. 2
    No product needed
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
TueWash dayPre-wash oiling (argan oil)
  1. 1
    Pre-wash oiling (argan oil)
  2. 2
    Gentle sulphate-free shampoo on the scalp
  3. 3
    Conditioner on the lengths
  4. 4
    Light leave-in / serum on the ends
WedRest dayDetangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  1. 1
    Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  2. 2
    No product needed
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
ThuWash + treatmentPre-wash oiling (argan oil)
  1. 1
    Pre-wash oiling (argan oil)
  2. 2
    Gentle sulphate-free shampoo on the scalp
  3. 3
    Deep conditioner under a warm towel
  4. 4
    Light leave-in / serum on the ends
FriRest dayDetangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  1. 1
    Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  2. 2
    No product needed
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
SatWash dayPre-wash oiling (argan oil)
  1. 1
    Pre-wash oiling (argan oil)
  2. 2
    Gentle sulphate-free shampoo on the scalp
  3. 3
    Conditioner on the lengths
  4. 4
    Light leave-in / serum on the ends
SunRest dayDetangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  1. 1
    Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb
  2. 2
    No product needed
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night

How to oil low-porosity hair

Warm the oil slightly and apply a light layer to damp lengths, then add heat (a warm towel or shower cap) for 20–30 minutes so it can penetrate. Keep it pre-wash, not overnight.

Pro tip: Heat is your friend: deep-condition under a warm towel or steam to lift the cuticle so moisture gets in.

Low porosity by hair type

Frequently asked questions

What is the best oil for Low porosity hair?

Argan oil, Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil and Sweet almond oil (light layer). Warm the oil slightly and apply a light layer to damp lengths, then add heat (a warm towel or shower cap) for 20–30 minutes so it can penetrate. Keep it pre-wash, not overnight.

How often should I wash Low porosity hair?

With a normal scalp, about 3 times a week. Wash more often if your scalp gets greasy quickly, and less often if it is dry.

What should Low porosity hair avoid?

Heavy butters (shea, cocoa) on lengths, Protein-heavy masks every week, Leaving thick oils on overnight and Silicone build-up without clarifying.

More free tools

Pore-Clog CheckerIs it acne & fungal-acne safe? Can I Mix…?Check two actives or your routine Routine Builder7-day AM/PM plan in 30s Hair Porosity TestOils & wash schedule for your hair Spray CalculatorHow many sprays is right? Perfume DupesLuxury smell, budget price Batch Code CheckerIs your makeup expired?