Hair 102: Hair care for different hair textures, porosity levels and types

So?

I promised in my last post - Hair 101: Understanding your hair type - that I would discuss hair care routines for the different hair types.
And! I am thrilled to announce to you that this is it. Based on the three categories for identifying hair types - hair texture, curl type, and hair porosity level - I have come up with a list of advised hair care tips. The tips here are to serve as a guide (not all suggestions may be beneficial to you) to help you create the perfect hair routine. Because it is possible for you to have a combination of different hair types, you may need to pay attention to the variety that applies to you.

Let's begin. Everything you should know about caring for different hair textures

Fine hair

• Finger detangle your hair
• Avoid manipulating your hair while its wet
• Do not use too many products on your hair
• Use light-weighted products like hair sprays; creams and serums may weigh down your hair
• Use protein treatment to strengthen your hair strands
• Avoid excess manipulation since your hair is fragile
• Cleanse your hair once a week to remove product build-up using a clarifying shampoo
• When using your heating tools, use low or medium heat, increase the temperature only if it is necessary for you to

Medium texture hair

• Pre-poo (use of oils and other moisturizing agents to condition your hair before washing it) your hair before shampooing
• Use a combination of light weighted and heavy products
• Avoid combing or brushing your hair while its wet
• Cleanse your hair regularly to remove product build-up using a clarifying shampoo
• When using your heating tools, use medium heat, increase the temperature only if it is necessary for you to

Coarse hair

• Avoid excess use of protein products
• Allow your hair to air dry ( avoid using hair dryers after shampooing). Hair dryers tend to leave coarse hair extremely dehydrated
• Coarse hair tends to be dry so moisturize your hair often
• Use heavy products to lock in moisture
• Make use of the right tools for detangling your hair
• Pre-poo (use of oils and other moisturizing agents to condition your hair before washing it) your hair before shampooing
• Avoid washing your hair often due to the dry nature of course hair
• Limit the amount of direct heat you use
• Deep condition often. Use a shower cap or hooded dryer (on low or medium heat) while conditioning to allow the penetration of moisture

More!!! Hair care for various hair porosity types

Low porous hair

• Use light products
• For daily moisturization use humectants that are free of protein
• Make use medium or low heat when deep conditioning or treating your hair to allow moisture to penetrate the cuticle
• Use protein treatment
• Cleanse your hair ofter to eliminate product build-up
• Use the LCOC (Liquid, Cream, Oil, Cap - a modification of the LOCC method discussed in my previous post: How to moisturize your hair)
• Make use of humectants to attract moisture from your hair
• Use products that have a good amount of emollient to limit the amount of moisture your hair loses

Medium porous hair

• Moisturize your hair regularly
• Cleanse your hair routinely to avoid product build up
• Use a combination of light and heavyweight products
• Deep condition and treat your hair with protein occasionally

High porous hair

• Use protein treatment often but not excessively
• Deep condition your hair as often as you can to keep it moisturized
• Don't be shy to make use of heavy products (especially sealants) to lock in the moisture
• It is advisable to apply your products in layers
• Rinse your hair with cold water or ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar - 1 part of ACV to 10 parts of water) to seal your hair cuticle
• Use the LOCC method when moisturizing your hair (You can read How to moisturize your hair to know how it works)
• Use products that are emollient (or anti-humectants in humid climates) to limit the amount of moisture absorbed by your hair

Additional care tips for different curl types

The combination of care routines for any given hair texture and porosity level should suffice for creating a suitable hair routine. However, since Type 3 and Type 4 hair have curl patterns, there are additional care practices that should be adopted while creating a routine.

Type 3

• To prevent frizz moisturize your hair daily
• Cleanse your hair regularly to avoid product build up
• Use a gentle shampoo (sulfate and parabens free) to wash your hair - you can alternate between shampooing and co-washing (using just conditioner to cleanse your hair ) your hair
• Deep condition your hair consistently to keep it moisturized and healthy

Type 4

• Use gentle shampoos (sulfate and parabens free) to wash your hair
• Wear your hair in low manipulation protective styles
• Avoid working with wet hair
• Avoid manipulating your hair often
• Moisturize, condition and treat your hair with protein regularly (according to your hair texture and porosity level)
• Be consistent with your hair routine

Tips you should know regardless of your hair type

• Sleep using a satin cap or satin pillowcases. Satin creates very little or no friction with your hair strands, hence, reducing breakage. Unlike other fabrics, satin does not absorb the moisture from your hair.
• Limit the amount of heat. Heat damages hair. If it is necessary to use heat tools use heat protection serums and sprays. When using heat start with low heat and work your way up to the temperature that works for you.
• If you must use a comb or a brush, use the appropriate tools.
• Dyeing your hair can be detrimental. Use dyes that are specifically designed to keep your natural hair healthy.

I hope these tips are everything you need to get that tailbone length hair. Tweak and adopt the advised hair care tips till you find what works for you; and feel free to contact me if you need any clarification (lol, I know you don't have my number but, there's a contact me form at the bottom of your screen). Remember that growing your hair is a journey so enjoy yours.

Just a lil' something you might need. Product sample list

Light hair products:  mousse, leave-in, hairspray. oils
Heavy hair products: cream, gel, butter, wax, serum
Emollients: shea butter, cocoa butter. jojoba oil, coconut oil
Humectants: glycerin, honey, aloe vera gel, egg
Anti-humectants: coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil, shea butter, hydrogenated castor oil.