The simplest option is to take a wet or dry strand of hair and gently stretch it. If it barely stretches and snaps, you need more moisture and might have too much protein. Also, if you brush your hair and strands fall out, you need protein. Equally, if your strands feel dry, you are likely lacking moisture.
Low porosity hair typically needs more moisture than protein. This is because low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle layer, which can make it difficult for moisture to penetrate and be absorbed into the hair shaft.
Low porosity hair tends to be resistant to moisture and is often protein-sensitive. This means that too much protein can make it stiff and brittle, leading to breakage.
Hair that is stringy, flat, or limp is a definite sign that your hair needs a protein treatment. Normally, hair should be pretty durable and full, so when it starts to droop, take notice. By adding protein back into the hair, you can revitalize your strands and get them to a healthier state.
People with low porosity hair strands naturally contain too much keratin protein within their own structure. Low porosity hair is resistant to moisture and are protein-sensitive. By adding “unwanted” protein to the hair strand becomes stiff and brittle, causing it to break.
If you notice hair is limp and stringy, without bounce, you could have a protein deficiency. By increasing your protein intake, you will boost elasticity—creating bouncier, fuller hair that is easier to style for your hair care routine.
Hair looks limp and stringy.
Dull and limp hair is a sign of protein deficiency. Most clients will think it just needs a bit of hair styling product to bring it back to life, but this practice actually compromises the health of the hair significantly.
Low-porosity hair can use protein treatments once a week (or as needed), especially after excessive brushing, combing, or heat styling. This will help restore your hair's health and boost its quality.
If you have protein overload with low porosity hair, it's important to break apart proteins that have become bonded to your hair. Instead of consistently using products that are heavily based on proteins, try an alternative shampoo and conditioner.
Once a week is how often you should wash low-porosity hair. This way, you will keep your scalp free of product buildup but also give your hair time to absorb some moisture.
The cuticles are so tightly shut that moisture and products have difficulty penetrating into through the cuticles and into the hair. In other words, low porosity hair has an incredibly with high product buildup potential. If you've ever asked why is low porosity hair always dry, this is why!
Take a strand of your hair and try stretching it. If it stretches quite far, feels a tad mushy and then snaps, it is indicative of the hair being over-moisturised. You may need more protein to reinforce your hair cuticle. If it feels dry and brittle and snaps almost immediately, it is indicative of a protein overload.
Protein malnutrition, such as in kwashiorkor and marasmus, can result in hair changes that include hair thinning and hair loss [64]. One study examined the role of L-lysine, an essential amino acid that may play a role in iron and zinc uptake.
All hair needs both protein and moisture to stay healthy and strong. In fact, protein and moisture can't work well without the other. You need a strong protein structure in order for water molecules to bind with your strands and to keep the water locked inside.
While some OLAPLEX products contain some protein, the amounts are minimal and not enough to be considered a protein treatment. Therefore, OLAPLEX is not a protein treatment. OLAPLEX works at a molecular level to rebuild the hair internally. Our hair contains millions of disulfide bonds.
And there you have it — low porosity hair isn't as bad as you think. Thanks to fewer pores on its cuticles, it's the closest thing to undamaged hair fibers (aka relatively healthy hair) and can do well on a low-maintenance routine.
The porosity of hair is determined by its ability to absorb and hold moisture. Low porosity hair is coarse, rough, and frizzy.
For instance, coconut oil or castor oil is regarded as one of the best for low porosity hair because it contains saturated fats and vitamin E, which moisturize and nourish hair. Argan oil is another option.