Low Porosity Support Thread

[CocoGlow]

Any low porosity and protein sensitive folks using Silk Dreams products successfully? If so let me know which ones, thanks!

caliscurls

I'd like to know this too! I just ordered a bunch of conditioners b/c I couldn't decide .... but I chose not to order the Mocha Silk Infusion Conditioner b/c it's a stronger protein conditioner than the others ... hopefully others will chime in

 

[faithVA]

^^Someone sent me a sample of Silk Dreams but I don't know which one. It didn't work better than my AO products so I didn't pay attention to the name. So far the only thing that I have found that works better than the AO for me is Deva Curl Heaven in Hair.

I will remember to update the thread though if I find something that works well.

 

[caliscurls]

faithVA out of curiosity does your hair prefer products with glycerin over aloe Vera juice/leaf ? I'm noticing my hair prefers Aloe Vera over Glycerin as key ingredient.

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA out of curiosity does your hair prefer products with glycerin over aloe Vera juice/leaf ? I'm noticing my hair prefers Aloe Vera over Glycerin as key ingredient.

Yes. My hair loves glycerin. I have tried AVG straight and in products and I can't say it does anything bad but I can't say it doesn't anything good either

 

[caliscurls]

Interesting...I need to research the effects of glycerin vs AVJ on lo-porosity hair. Glycerin makes my hair feel sticky BUT it doesn't like AVJ rinses, just products with it high on the list. As much as I love my QB BRBC it has to be used sparingly.

 

[CocoGlow]

(Posted in another thread)

I have self-diagnosed my hair as having Low Porosity and am still figuring it all out. My biggest issue is retaining moisture but the popular advice to moisturize and then seal with a butter or oil does not work for my hair at ALL! It just ends up feeling really coated and greasy when dry. Luke warm-cool water is enough of a sealant for my hair as a final rinse. I use to use henna but it made my hair sooo dry from coating it too much.

My hair seems to love glycerin especially in the humidity ... my hair stays soft & moisturized when it's humid. The moisture in the air and the humectant properties of glycerin open my cuticles allowing the moisture in. I have come to LOVE protein-free curl activator gels (it's basically glycerin & water packed in a thick gel form)- these gels pack the moisture in like nothing else - the curl activator sprays are nice for a touch up but the gels pack in the moisture for me. After washing I usually apply my leave-in to damp or almost dry hair & then apply my curl activator gel on top - That's it - no oil, no butter no nothing after that and my hair maintains it's moisture, even when it's not humid but best when it is humid outside. When I first put it on my hair feels a bit weird but it dries soooo soft & stays soft! The next day I may or may not have to reapply.

The crazy thing is it took me years to fugure this out... I don't know anyone who uses curl activator gels like their "sealant"! I use it so that my hair can keep accepting moisture - it can't get enough- and butters would only block that moisture - my flat cuticles don't need additional sealing. Castor oil is the only oil my hair seems to like since it has humectant properties so I can use that sparingly. My newly texlaxed hair seems to like protein more than my natural hair but I still have to be careful that it's not a strong protein.

Nothing seems to be cut & dry and a person can have mutiple porosities in various parts of their head or their color-treated or relaxed ends may have a different porosity than their roots. Funny thing is, my shampoo is acidic (Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo) but I use almost hot water to wash ... and I have to was 2x to make sure my hair is really wet & Clean.

I'm still narrowing down my products & regimen but I will figure this all out soon & update this thread ... I hope this helps those out there still as confused and frustrated with their hair care as I am/was

Sorry for being so long winded

 

[CocoGlow]

^^Someone sent me a sample of Silk Dreams but I don't know which one. It didn't work better than my AO products so I didn't pay attention to the name. So far the only thing that I have found that works better than the AO for me is Deva Curl Heaven in Hair.

I will remember to update the thread though if I find something that works well.

faithVA

I've never heard of the DevaCurl Heaven In Hair Conditioner ... but boy that thing is expensive! 8oz for $24.95 ... I'm scared to try it for fear that it will be the best thing ever for my hair at that price LOL

I like Aubrey Organics conditioners but I have allergies and some of the herbs they use in their conditioners cause me problems (the White Camellia makes my scalp itch on contact) . My fav so far is coincidently one of their most expensive ones - the Jojoba Aloe & Desert Herb J.A.Y Conditioner (contains Milk Protein) - it makes my hair so soft & silky - it smells like the earth! (clay) - but my hair seems to like it alot - I notice the Blue Chamomile Hydrating Conditioner also has Milk Protein and I want to try it sooo bad to compare it to the J.A.Y Conditioner b/c of the raves on this board and the cheaper price but I'm allergic to ragweed and chamomile is in the ragweed family .... I might just buy it anyway to feed my curiosity

So far HairVeda's moisturizing conditioners (the 24/7 Moist & The Red Tea Nourishing) have done me good - soft silky hair, no offensive odors & no allergic reactions- and I'm trying out their protein conditioners now (Moist PRO & Acai Berry Phyto) to see if my hair likes it ... I've also recently purcahsed a bunch of Silk Dreams conditioners (both moisture & protein based) to try out.

All a girl wants is some natural, reasonably priced conditioners & moisturizers that will work for my hair but this search is getting so expensive

 

[caliscurls]

NappyRina let us know how the protein based Silk Dreams works for you. I only bought the protein free products. Having said that I did read yesterday that hydrolyzed wheat and silk protein should be okay for low porosity hair. I'll have to give those a try later in the year.

 

[faithVA]

NappyRina[/USER];18359933](Posted in another thread)

I have self-diagnosed my hair as having Low Porosity and am still figuring it all out. My biggest issue is retaining moisture but the popular advice to moisturize and then seal with a butter or oil does not work for my hair at ALL! It just ends up feeling really coated and greasy when dry. Luke warm-cool water is enough of a sealant for my hair as a final rinse. I use to use henna but it made my hair sooo dry from coating it too much.

My hair seems to love glycerin especially in the humidity ... my hair stays soft & moisturized when it's humid. The moisture in the air and the humectant properties of glycerin open my cuticles allowing the moisture in. I have come to LOVE protein-free curl activator gels (it's basically glycerin & water packed in a thick gel form)- these gels pack the moisture in like nothing else - the curl activator sprays are nice for a touch up but the gels pack in the moisture for me. After washing I usually apply my leave-in to damp or almost dry hair & then apply my curl activator gel on top - That's it - no oil, no butter no nothing after that and my hair maintains it's moisture, even when it's not humid but best when it is humid outside. When I first put it on my hair feels a bit weird but it dries soooo soft & stays soft! The next day I may or may not have to reapply.

The crazy thing is it took me years to fugure this out... I don't know anyone who uses curl activator gels like their "sealant"! I use it so that my hair can keep accepting moisture - it can't get enough- and butters would only block that moisture - my flat cuticles don't need additional sealing. Castor oil is the only oil my hair seems to like since it has humectant properties so I can use that sparingly. My newly texlaxed hair seems to like protein more than my natural hair but I still have to be careful that it's not a strong protein.

Nothing seems to be cut & dry and a person can have mutiple porosities in various parts of their head or their color-treated or relaxed ends may have a different porosity than their roots. Funny thing is, my shampoo is acidic (Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo) but I use almost hot water to wash ... and I have to was 2x to make sure my hair is really wet & Clean.

I'm still narrowing down my products & regimen but I will figure this all out soon & update this thread ... I hope this helps those out there still as confused and frustrated with their hair care as I am/was

Sorry for being so long winded

Thanks for this. I agree I have never been able to do anything with oils or butters. It provides no seal and just greasy hair. I still use oils mostly because I have them to use up

I also agree with glycerin. I haven't tried the glycerin gels. I have found that I like the glycerin creams. They seem to work well for me without leaving me with sticky hair. I know someone in this thread uses long-aid. I just haven't bought any yet.

I guess I can agree with most things you stated. The henna was coating. I color my hair and I have finally figured out using a semi-permanent also coats my strands leaving my hair dry. So I have switched back to permanent. And I stick to keratin protein treatments and try to avoid protein that coats the surface.

Looking forward to your update.

 

[faithVA]

faithVA

I've never heard of the DevaCurl Heaven In Hair Conditioner ... but boy that thing is expensive! 8oz for $24.95 ... I'm scared to try it for fear that it will be the best thing ever for my hair at that price LOL

I like Aubrey Organics conditioners but I have allergies and some of the herbs they use in their conditioners cause me problems (the White Camellia makes my scalp itch on contact) . My fav so far is coincidently one of their most expensive ones - the Jojoba Aloe & Desert Herb J.A.Y Conditioner (contains Milk Protein) - it makes my hair so soft & silky - it smells like the earth! (clay) - but my hair seems to like it alot - I notice the Blue Chamomile Hydrating Conditioner also has Milk Protein and I want to try it sooo bad to compare it to the J.A.Y Conditioner b/c of the raves on this board and the cheaper price but I'm allergic to ragweed and chamomile is in the ragweed family .... I might just buy it anyway to feed my curiosity

So far HairVeda's moisturizing conditioners (the 24/7 Moist & The Red Tea Nourishing) have done me good - soft silky hair, no offensive odors & no allergic reactions- and I'm trying out their protein conditioners now (Moist PRO & Acai Berry Phyto) to see if my hair likes it ... I've also recently purcahsed a bunch of Silk Dreams conditioners (both moisture & protein based) to try out.

All a girl wants is some natural, reasonably priced conditioners & moisturizers that will work for my hair but this search is getting so expensive

Well maybe if we share what we are using in here we can cut out a lot of unnecessary purchases.

Even though I loved the Heaven In Hair I felt that the AO was just as good for 1/2 the price and I can get it locally. I use the AOBC which I love. I haven't tried the Jojoba Aloe. I am really trying to stick to products I can purchase on the ground.

I will buy As I Am Conditioner this month. My hair has been happy with the line so far. I will give an update on it after I purchase it.

 

[caliscurls]

faithVA what do you use to color your hair...I stopped using henna/indigo earlier this year and have been using a semi-permanent for the last month or so but my edges seems dry.

 

[faithVA]

faithVA what do you use to color your hair...I stopped using henna/indigo earlier this year and have been using a semi-permanent for the last month or so but my edges seems dry.

Last week I used Naturtints for the first time. So far so good. It's still to early to tell. But my hair is softer than when using a semi. I did a protein treatment 3 days before. I think that helped. I liked the color but I wasn't as crazy about the shampoo that comes with it.

But I will be switching to the Shea Moisture line for my next color.

I've tried Bigen powder I've used ION Demi-permanent which seemed ok. I used to use Soft Sheen Carson permanent color for years before I came on this board and found out it was a But my hair liked it, so I am moving back towards the permanent but trying the Shea Moisture line.

 

[caliscurls]

Last week I used Naturtints for the first time. So far so good. It's still to early to tell. But my hair is softer than when using a semi. I did a protein treatment 3 days before. I think that helped. I liked the color but I wasn't as crazy about the shampoo that comes with it.

But I will be switching to the Shea Moisture line for my next color.

I've tried Bigen powder I've used ION Demi-permanent which seemed ok. I used to use Soft Sheen Carson permanent color for years before I came on this board and found out it was a But my hair liked it, so I am moving back towards the permanent but trying the Shea Moisture line.

Thanks I will check out the Shea Moisture and report back when I use it. I like your idea of posting our products.

 

[caliscurls]

This stuff must be fantastic, most of the Target stores in the East Bay Area are out of stock

 

[faithVA]

Thanks I will check out the Shea Moisture and report back when I use it. I like your idea of posting our products.

I have been posting what I like but not what I have tried. I will do better with that.

 

[hnntrr]

I used coconut oil one last time on my hair!! We will see how it is once I take this scarf off....if its gross I know not to use it anymore....gonna switch to avocado oil maybe...heard good reviews about that.

caliscurls: I have been using shea moisture leave in and I think my hair likes it so far. Its really heavy when you squirt it in your hair but on my hair its not too bad, I put it on soaking wet hair...I like it better than the Giovanni Leave in that I have. I think my hair likes cream moisturizers better than the more liquidy leave ins.

 

[CocoGlow]

Thanks for this. I agree I have never been able to do anything with oils or butters. It provides no seal and just greasy hair. I still use oils mostly because I have them to use up

I also agree with glycerin. I haven't tried the glycerin gels. I have found that I like the glycerin creams. They seem to work well for me without leaving me with sticky hair. I know someone in this thread uses long-aid. I just haven't bought any yet.

I guess I can agree with most things you stated. The henna was coating. I color my hair and I have finally figured out using a semi-permanent also coats my strands leaving my hair dry. So I have switched back to permanent. And I stick to keratin protein treatments and try to avoid protein that coats the surface.

Looking forward to your update.

@faithVA

What glycerin creams do you use?

I'm having success with S-Curl Wave Jel (LITE) & Worlds of Curls Activator Gel (Extra Dry) - they are both Protein-free.

The World of Curls Activator Gel (Regular) & Long-Aid Activator Gel (Regular) are also on my list to try (they are both protein-free). I've found that you have to be careful and check the ingredients b/c most activator gels have protein in them. Most of times the "Extra Dry" version of these activator gels list protein. The Softee brand has a Regular & Extra Dry version and are super cheap but they both list protein

I'm curious about the new formula version of the S-Curl No Drip Activator Moisturizer spray. I tried it in the past and couldn't get past the smell but I hear that the new formula smells better. I notice that it lists "Simethicone" in the ingredients list so I wonder if that coats in any way....anyone have success with this new formula?

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA

What glycerin creams do you use?

I'm having success with S-Curl Wave Jel (LITE) & Worlds of Curls Activator Gel (Extra Dry) - they are both Protein-free.

The World of Curls Activator Gel (Regular) & Long-Aid Activator Gel (Regular) are also on my list to try (they are both protein-free). I've found that you have to be careful and check the ingredients b/c most activator gels have protein in them. Most of times the "Extra Dry" version of these activator gels list protein. The Softee brand has a Regular & Extra Dry version and are super cheap but they both list protein

I'm curious about the new formula version of the S-Curl No Drip Activator Moisturizer spray. I tried it in the past and couldn't get past the smell but I hear that the new formula smells better. I notice that it lists "Simethicone" in the ingredients list so I wonder if that coats in any way....anyone have success with this new formula?

I like the Taliah Waajid Curling Cream. I just finished up a jar of 4 Naturals Afro Stretch. Getting ready to buy the As I Am Double Butter. They really seem to seal my ends well, which I don't get from using oils or butters.

 

[divachyk]

Oyin Hair Dew is an awesome LI. I still love AOWC as a LI but I have to start using some of this stash. I will report back with hits as I come across them.

 

[divachyk]

NappyRina, SCurl and Carefree Curl activator is hit/miss for me. Never a steady hit even in optimum temps. Glycerin products in general is just not reliable for my hair. I tend to use them up by applying at night and baggying to generate moisture.

 

[Evolving78]

@faithVA

What glycerin creams do you use?

I'm having success with S-Curl Wave Jel (LITE) & Worlds of Curls Activator Gel (Extra Dry) - they are both Protein-free.

The World of Curls Activator Gel (Regular) & Long-Aid Activator Gel (Regular) are also on my list to try (they are both protein-free). I've found that you have to be careful and check the ingredients b/c most activator gels have protein in them. Most of times the "Extra Dry" version of these activator gels list protein. The Softee brand has a Regular & Extra Dry version and are super cheap but they both list protein

I'm curious about the new formula version of the S-Curl No Drip Activator Moisturizer spray. I tried it in the past and couldn't get past the smell but I hear that the new formula smells better. I notice that it lists "Simethicone" in the ingredients list so I wonder if that coats in any way....anyone have success with this new formula?

i still can't find it.

 

[Evolving78]

NappyRina, SCurl and Carefree Curl activator is hit/miss for me. Never a steady hit even in optimum temps. Glycerin products in general is just not reliable for my hair. I tend to use them up by applying at night and baggying to generate moisture.

they are the same for me too. the Wave Nouveau mist i use works fine when it's not too cold or too hot.

i used a strong protein treatment yesterday and my hair feels good.

 

[faithVA]

I'm curious about the new formula version of the S-Curl No Drip Activator Moisturizer spray. I tried it in the past and couldn't get past the smell but I hear that the new formula smells better. I notice that it lists "Simethicone" in the ingredients list so I wonder if that coats in any way....anyone have success with this new formula?

I've yet to see this anywhere.

 

[gvin89]

I've yet to see this anywhere.

Sally's have it

 

[Evolving78]

i'm looking for a color that will take too. i used to didn't have a problem with my hair taking a rinse. i tried a perm color last year and it didn't take. i really want blue black hair! maybe it's because i shampoo after i have rinsed the color out? i think i will just rinse for forever and cowash to remove residue instead of shampooing?

 

[faithVA]

Sally's have it

My Sally's didn't have it. Maybe I should have looked online before I placed my last order.

 

[faithVA]

i'm looking for a color that will take too. i used to didn't have a problem with my hair taking a rinse. i tried a perm color last year and it didn't take. i really want blue black hair! maybe it's because i shampoo after i have rinsed the color out? i think i will just rinse for forever and cowash to remove residue instead of shampooing?

If you use a rinse I would shampoo before and not after. If you use a permanent, you may want to shampoo with whatever shampoo goes with the system. I did a permanent last week and I shampooed and conditioned after. Make sure you have minimal product build up before coloring so the color isn't fighting with the product to get to your strands. I've never had a problem with a permanent color taking unless I tried to reuse and old product.

 

[faithVA]

Sally's have it

Found it a my bss. The large bottle was $8 so I picked it up. I'm going to make a mist out of it to use when I put my hair up in kinky twists. I am glad the new bottle doesn't have parabens. Maybe be why I didn't really use it before.

Also picked up some long-aid activator for $.99. That's a really good price.

 

[uofmpanther]

Hi Ladies

I've been lurking for about a week and read through the entire thread. I'm almost certain that I'm low porosity, though I also sent off my hair this week for the Live Curly Live Free Analysis.

--Share your hair background - I'm currently relaxed and just BC'd in March. At first, I thought I was high porosity because my hair dried really fast when I got out the shower, but now I'm starting to realize that perhaps my hair isn't really getting wet in the first place. This may also explain why it would take forever for my relaxers to take.

--What symptoms is your hair exhibiting? Water and most products bead on top of my hair, and it's hard to get products to absorb. My hair dries quickly when I get out the shower, and I can't keep it moisturized. Air drying usually makes my hair Sahara dry, unless I put it in a stretched style like flat twists.

--What have you tried that worked? Aubrey Organics White Camellia Shampoo and Island Replenishing Conditioner. As I Am Co-wash. Deep conditioning overnight with a plastic cap, covered by a terry turban. Deep conditioning with a heat cap for at least 20 minutes. Light cream covered in a light pomade, like Jane Carter Curl Cream covered by Nourish & Shine or Oyin Shine & Define covered with Burnt Sugar pomade, and flat twisting. Lightly misting water mixed with glycerin. Curls Goddess Curls.

--What have you tried that did not work? Water mixed with Castor Oil; Eco styler gel; Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner; Aubrey Organics GPB; Roux Porosity Control. Shampoos with sulfates.

--What questions do you have? How do I get moisture into my hair. Even when I flat twist, I'm not sure if the moisture is actually getting into my hair or if it's just getting weaved into the twists and drying on top. I'm going to try putting castille soap in my conditioner tomorrow. I'm still afraid of baking soda.

 

[uofmpanther]

One if my issues has been getting water into my hair. I am really excited because my hair is still damp and soft and I washed it an hour ago.

I did a deep condition overnight. To do so, I first spritzed my hair with a light mist of water, glycerin and essential oil. Then I slathered on hairveda sitrinillah deep conditioner, put on a plastic cap, covered it with a terry turban and went to bed.

In the morning, I turned on the shower and let the steam from the hot water fog up my mirrors. When I got in, I wet my hair a little and then detangled while allowing the steam to really get in. Then I washed out the hairveda and put in as I am cowash. I left that in while I showered with really warm water. Then I rinsed it out with warm water instead of cold. Next, I wrapped my hair in a t-shirt for about 5-10 mins to stop the dripping water. Finally, I put in Oyin Hair Dew.

I named the products, but I really think its the amount of hot water I used that did it. I used to do a cold water rinse until I read this thread, and it always left my hair hard.

Hopefully, my hair stays moisturizer after it finally dries!