Beauty Elixir

Hair care routine

Low porosity curly / coily 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 →

Curly / coily 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 (2 washes)

MonRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    No product needed
  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
    No product needed
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
WedWash 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
    Leave-in or curl cream on soaking-wet hair
ThuRest dayRefresh with a water and leave-in mist
  1. 1
    Refresh with a water and leave-in mist
  2. 2
    No product needed
  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
    No product needed
  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
    No product needed
  3. 3
    Silk or satin pillowcase at night
SunWash + 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
    Leave-in or curl cream on soaking-wet hair

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best oil for Low porosity curly / coily 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 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 Low porosity curly / coily 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

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