Humectants: A Solution for Dry Low Porosity Hair

Humectants are beneficial for all hair types. However, they are extremely helpful for those whose hair do not absorb moisture easily. If you have dry low porosity hair, using products or DIY’s with humectants should be a part of your hair care regimen. Humectants attract moisture to the hair, causing it to take up more water than it normally would. They include ingredients like glycerin, propanediol, betaine, honey, agave, hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA. Here is a simple leave-in hydrating spray you can use in the spring and summer when the air isn’t dry.

An Easy Hydrating Leave-in Spray

1 cup water/plain rose water

1 tablespoon glycerin ( This is adequate! Using more will only make your hair feel sticky and your styling products may already have some humectants in them)

1 tablespoon aloe gel/juice (Not everyone’s hair likes aloe, so use less or more (extra tablespoon) if your hair tolerates it.

Please keep refrigerated and discard within 5 days.

Humectants In Dry Weather

One of the concerns people have regarding humectants is they will draw moisture out of the hair when the air is dry. If you live in a dry climate or it’s winter, you don’t have to be scared of using humectants. You can get the benefits by limiting them to your rinse-off products.

Use a conditioner or deep conditioner with humectants. If your current favorite isn’t hydrating enough, add a tsp of glycerin or honey per cup of conditioner before applying it to your hair. My preference is glycerin because it is a powerful humectant, the standard by which all other humectants are measured and it is very accessible. If you are not in DIYs try our ultra-hydrating conditioning treatment which will give your hair a boost of hydration leaving it incredibly soft and supple. The glycerin will boost the hydrating power of your conditioner and encourage your hair to take up more water during your conditioning session. Glycerin is water-soluble, so once you rinse out your conditioner it will be washed out, but, it would have done its job of increasing your hair’s water uptake. I have heard people say that glycerin dries out their hair. I believe this has more to do with them using it in dry conditions in a leave-in product. If you feel your hair absolutely hates glycerin, try a different humectant like honey.

Finally, remember to keep things simple so you can enjoy your hair journey!

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