Ah, the joys of winter – cosy sweaters, hot teas, and...a scalp as dry as the Sahara Desert. Whether your hair is straight, curly or coily hair, the cold, dry air can turn your scalp into an itchy, flaky nightmare. If scratching your head has become a regular part of your day, it’s time to give your scalp some much-needed TLC. The best way to do that? Understand your hair's porosity and use the right oils to maintain moisture.
What is Hair Porosity?
We’ve covered hair porosity before. It is ultimately determined by the condition of the hair cuticle, the outermost layer of your hair. The cuticle's ability to open and close dictates how moisture can penetrate the hair shaft, thus impacting the health and overall condition of the hair.
It doesn’t matter what hair type you have, the cause of your hair porosity can be linked to genetics, damage, UV exposure, chemical processing and physical damage. There are three categories of hair porosity:
- Low Porosity: The cuticles are tightly packed and closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. This can make it challenging to moisturise the hair.
- Medium “Normal” Porosity: The cuticles are slightly raised, allowing for an ideal balance of moisture absorption and retention. This type of hair typically absorbs and retains moisture well.
- High Porosity: The cuticles are widely spaced or damaged, allowing moisture to enter and exit the hair shaft easily. Essentially, the hair struggles to retain moisture.
We’ve explored a few tests on how to determine your hair porosity in one of our recent blogs here.
Best Oils for Different Hair Porosities
Using the right oils for your hair porosity can significantly improve moisture retention, reduce split ends, and protect your hair from winter's harsh conditions. Giving your hair a much-needed moisture boost.
- Low Porosity Hair:
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the scalp's natural oils, penetrates the hair and provides lightweight moisture without a greasy residue.
- Argan Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft easily, adding shine and smoothness.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Light and easily absorbed, it helps provide moisture to the hair.
- Medium “Normal” Porosity Hair: The great thing is you can use any oil you desire. It depends on what works best for you and your hair.
- Olive Oil: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it provides deep hydration and may also help strengthen the hair and increase its elasticity, helping to prevent breakage or split ends.
- Grapeseed Oil: A lightweight oil that seals in moisture and provides heat protection.
- High Porosity Hair:
- Coconut Oil: Moisturising, strengthening and acts as a sealant. It locks in hydration by sealing the gaps and holes in the hair cuticle.
- Castor Oil: Highly viscous, it seals moisture effectively, nourishes the hair, reduces damage and promotes hair growth.
- Avocado Oil: Rich in nutrients, it helps strengthen and repair hair, providing deep moisture.
How to Use These Oils
- Pre-Wash Treatment: Apply the oil to your hair and scalp before washing to create a barrier that reduces moisture loss during shampooing. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deep treatment.
- Leave-In Conditioner: Apply a small amount of oil to damp hair, focusing on the ends. This helps lock in moisture and add shine.
- Daily Moisturiser: Use a tiny amount of oil to tame flyaways and reduce frizz. Avoid over-applying to prevent build-up.
- Scalp Massage and Exfoliator: Regular scalp massages with oil can stimulate blood circulation, promoting healthy hair growth and moisturising the scalp. Remember, healthy hair starts from the scalp – think of it as the soil for your hair garden. If the soil is dry and cracked, even the best plants (or hair) won't thrive!
A scalp scrub can help exfoliate the scalp, remove dead skin cells, and promote healthy hair growth. Here’s a recipe for a scalp scrub that melts into the scalp, providing deep nourishment.
