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Improving Hair Porosity LevelAcid-balanced conditioning treatments are used to contract the cuticle layer and lock-in moisture on overly-porous hair. The best products for hair with a high porosity are moisturizes containing natural plant based oils, and mildly acidic rinse. Additionally one should avoid sulfate-based surfactants. The best remedies for low porosity hair are heavy deep conditioning products and products rich in moisture and that contain humectants which will attract moisture to the hair.
Hair is made up of protein, so coating your shafts with a homemade protein treatment is a very easy and very cheap way to strengthen your hair. Make sure you pair your protein treatment with a moisturizing ingredient to keep your hair from feeling crunchy or stiff. * Eggs are one of the best and inexpensive sources of protein for hair. Whip 2 eggs with 3 tbsp of coconut milk, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp of honey and a squirt of your favorite conditioner, vanilla extract, or essential oil for scent (optional). Apply this mixture to your wet hair, adding extra of the concoction to the ends of your hair. Leave it on for approximately 30 minutes, then shampoo it out. The coconut milk and olive oil are moisturizing agents, and the honey acts as a humectant--drawing moisture to your hair.
Henna is an all-natural coloring treatment that coats your hair shaft by blocking holes and lessening your hair porosity. Take caution as henna will turn blond hair golden-red, and give darker hair a lovely reddish glow, though neutral henna won't color your hair, you will still get the same strengthening benefits. Before you proceed, do make sure your henna is absolutely chemical-free before purchasing. *Mix your henna with water, milk, yogurt, or lemon juice (all equal in parts) until it forms a thick, pudding-like paste. Let it sit for about 12 hours in a warm place, so the dye can be activated. Smear the paste all over your hair (make sure you wear gloves; the colored henna will stain your hands). Wrap your head in a plastic wrap, topping it off with a thick towel, and lounge around your house for about 2 hrs or more if possible. The longer you leave it in, the stronger the color will turn out. Rinse the henna off in the shower, using an extra amount of cheap conditioner to get it all out of your hair. Once you finish your hair will tangle less, look smoother, feel thicker, and be less porous. You can repeat this process every 6-8 weeks and your hair will continue to improve each time.
After you have done your regular wash of shampooing and conditioning, follow with an acidic rinse which will temporarily seal the cuticle of your hair. This will lessen the porosity level of your hair. *Mix 1/2c of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar into 1 qt. of lukewarm water. Pour this mixture over your hair several times and don't rinse out. The vinegar smell will fade as your hair dries, and your hair will be shiny and smooth. You can also add the juice of 1 to 2 lemons to 1 qt. of lukewarm water and use in the same way. If the lemon rinse is repeated frequently enough, it will lighten your hair and can encourage highlights. Either way, rinses are a quick fix for high-porous hair.
A suggestion for low level porosity is to shift the pH balance of your hair to a more basic level. Porosity is controlled by how 'tightly' closed the cuticles on your hair are, cuticles close in acidic conditions and open more in basic ones so, if you wanted to open your cuticles you would want to use products with a high pH.
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