Low porosity hair is a type of hair structure that doesn’t allow moisture to properly absorb into the shaft. If you’re wondering whether castor oil is good for low porosity hair, the answer is generally “no”.
Castor oil is a heavy oil, like coconut oil and olive oil. In contrast to light oils, heavy oils don’t fully absorb into hair. This makes castor oil and other heavy oils a bad choice for low porosity hair, as they will simply sit on the surface of the hair.
You may find that your hair is sticky or flaky after using castor oil, especially if you use a lot.
What Kind of Oil Is Good For Low Porosity Hair?
Light oils are easy to absorb, which makes them a good choice for low porosity hair. Some of the best light oils for low porosity hair are as follows:
Almond oil
Almond oil comes in two forms: sweet and bitter almond oil. Both oils come from the almond tree, and are packed full of beneficial nutrients that are ideal for haircare, including proteins, vitamins A and E, zinc and potassium.
Some of the chemical compounds found in almond oil are also essential for healthy hair, including oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. These compounds help to keep hair soft, supple, and radiant. Oleic acid also helps with moisture retention.
Grapeseed oil
Though not as commonly available as almond oil, grapeseed oil is another light oil that’s just as effective when it comes to haircare. It contains a number of beneficial compounds and nutrients, including vitamin C, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid.
Grapeseed oil is derived from the pressed seeds of grapes, and is perhaps the lightest oil in existence. This makes it ideal for low porosity hair. It’s also a great choice for oily scalps, as it won’t weigh down hair, but it’ll still help seal down moisture.
Argan oil
It’s easy to get argan oil and castor oil confused, but they’re very different in consistency. Argan oil is a thin, light oil originating from the Moroccan argan tree. It has a number of haircare uses, including conditioning and moisturizing, styling, protecting from heat, treating the scalp, reducing frizz, and more.
Like the other light oils on this list, argan oil contains a number of hair-healthy vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s particularly popular for its UV protecting effects, thanks to its vitamin E content.
How Do You Oil Your Hair With Low Porosity?
There’s no special technique for applying oil to low porosity hair. There’s no way you can really go wrong, either – just make sure to use a light oil, and remember that a little goes a long way.
Apply oil to your strands and massage in with your fingers. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave overnight. Shampoo your dry hair the following morning, then rinse thoroughly and follow with your usual conditioner.
How Do You Moisturize Low Porosity Hair?
To moisturise low porosity hair, follow the tips in this article for oiling your hair, as well as deep conditioning your hair with a leave-in conditioner.
According to haircare bloggers, deep conditioning for low porosity hair is best done with heat. Once you apply your leave-in conditioner, cover your hair with a plastic cap or a thermal heat cap. If you have a steamer or a hooded dryer, even better.
Leave your conditioner in place for a minimum of half an hour for the best moisturizing effects.
Which Oils are Good for Low Porosity Hair?
We’ve already mentioned our top picks of oils for low porosity hair. But are there any other oils that you could use?
Yes. Baobab, pomegranate, safflower seed, apricot kernel, jojoba, fractionated coconut and sunflower seed oil are also light oils, which makes them suitable for using on low porosity hair. Rosemary oil and tea tree oil are also both easily absorbed by the hair.
Additionally, peppermint oil can help to balance the pH of low porosity hair, while neem oil protects the scalp from free radical damage, and amla oil can stimulate hair growth. You’re certainly not limited for choice when deciding on the best oil for low porosity hair – a quick Google search will help you determine whether a particular oil is suitable before you make a purchase.