Nourishing Transformation: Products That Enhanced My High Porosity 3C/4A Hair Care (Includes Hair Routine)
Embarking on a hair care journey is a transformative experience, especially when dealing with high porosity 3C/4A hair. In this blog post, I share the structured weekly routine that helped me rescue my once dry, frail, damaged, and chemically treated curls, turning them into a crown of full, soft, moisturized, shiny, and defined coils. Discover the steps and products that made all the difference in my hair care routine.
Step 1: Pre Poo/Hot Oil Treatment
My journey begins with a pre-poo treatment – a crucial step for high porosity hair. I apply a generous amount of coconut oil to my hair, root to end, and let it sit for 20 mins, allowing it to penetrate the cuticle and provide a protective barrier during the washing process (may also use under hair drying cap for hot oil treatment). This pre-poo ritual ensures that my hair retains moisture and minimizes the impact of subsequent steps on its porosity.
Step 2: Wash
Choosing the right shampoo is essential for high porosity hair. I opt for sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos that gently cleanse without stripping away natural oils. I use two shampoos, a clarifying shampoo for my scalp, and a cleansing shampoo for the strands. Clarifying shampoos have stronger ingredients to remove excess buildup. I use this one first and on the scalp only. Cleansing shampoos are more gentle on the hair and can be used more frequently. I use this second to detangle and then rinse. Carefully massaging the shampoo and rinsing thoroughly ensures a clean slate for the subsequent steps in my routine.
Step 3: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
To balance the pH of my high porosity curls, I incorporate an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse into my routine. Mix 1 part ACV with 3 parts water, apply generously to hair until fully saturated, then detangle and rinse. This step helps to remove product buildup not removed by shampoos, and seal the hair cuticle, enhancing shine and definition. The ACV rinse has been a game-changer in mitigating the effects of porosity and promoting overall hair health.
Step 4: Protein Treatment
High porosity hair often craves protein to repair and strengthen its structure. I integrate a protein treatment into my routine to address any damage and fortify my curls. Apply treatment to hair, and comb through to ensure it is evenly distributed. Then let sit for 10-20 mins (depending on how frail your hair is feeling). I sit under a hair-drying cap to ensure the treatment is fully absorbed into the cuticles. After 20 mins, rinse. This step has significantly reduced breakage, leaving my hair more resilient and better equipped to retain moisture.
Step 5: Deep Condition
Deep conditioning is a non-negotiable step in my routine. I choose a rich, hydrating conditioner that caters specifically to high porosity hair. I find those to be creams that are thicker in texture. Once again, I apply and comb through to ensure distribution, then sit under a heated dryer to 30-45 mins. (Sometimes, if I don't have time, I will stop the routine here, style hair, then rinse out the next day) This step not only restores moisture but also imparts softness and elasticity, transforming my once dry and frail curls into a bouncy and vibrant mane.
Step 6: LOC Method
The final step in my routine involves the LOC method – Liquid, Oil, and Cream. I apply a leave-in conditioner, followed by a nourishing oil, and seal in the moisture with a creamy styling product. This layering technique has been instrumental in maintaining hydration, defining my curls, and ensuring long-lasting moisture retention. This method is also my daily routine for styling and moisture.
Other tips I've used over the years to retain moisture, and reduce breakage for better hair growth;
1.MOISTURE IS KEY with high porosity! I rinse my hair DAILY, detangle, and proceed with my LOC method.
2.ALL SATIN EVERYTHING! (Scrunchies, bonnets, scarves, and pillowcases) Satin products are beneficial for hair because the smooth texture of satin reduces friction, which can minimize breakage, split ends, and frizz. Additionally, satin helps to retain moisture in the hair and prevents tangling, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking hair.
3. Protective styling: This is a style meant to be worn for long periods of time, weeks to months. I try to do protective styles often to give my hair a break from the daily manipulation that can cause breakage and dryness. This doesn't always mean weave, or braids. Don't underestimate the power of a good pineapple style, or low manipulation buns/ponytails or even pigtails
4. Daily oiling of the scalp and ends.
5. Detangle as much as possible, and NEVER DETANGLE DRY HAIR! I like to detangle every time I’m in the shower (if my hair is not in a protective style)
6. Apply products to warm, wet, saturated hair! This ensures the cuticle is fully open, and the moisture is retained. When rinsing, use COLD water. Cold water can help prevent the loss of natural oils from hair and may help conditioning agents and hair masks to work better. Transition to warm water before applying the next product.
7. Diet can affect hair growth as well. Staying hydrated, high protein diets, and oral supplements like biotin, keratin and collagen can aid in your journey to fuller, thicker, longer hair.
Here are some of the products I've used over the years I like the most. Pick one from each category to start you hair journey today!!
Pre-Poo/Hair Oils;
Clarifying Shampoos;
OUAI Detox Shampoo (this one is infused with ACV, so I treated it as a two-for 😆 I skipped the ACV rinse when using this shampoo)
Maui Moisture Scalp Care Clarifying Shampoo (same for this one)
(Currently Using)
Cleansing Shampoos;
Protein Treatments;
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque
Deep Conditioners;
(Currently Using)
Leave in Conditioners;
(Currently Using)
Oils;
Curl Creams;
(Currently Using)
Satin items:
Hair Bonnets for Women Satin (for protective styles)
Heat Caps:
(Currently Using)
If you made it through this long list, THANKS! lol My hair care routine for high porosity hair has been a journey of restoration and transformation. From pre-poo to the LOC method, each step plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining full, soft, moisturized, shiny, and defined curls. Embrace the uniqueness of your hair, tailor your routine accordingly, and witness the incredible results that come with consistent care and attention. Best Of Luck to you on your journey!
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