Curlsbot
CurlsBot thinks you have: Mixed Porosity Hair

Mixed porosity hair has different porosity levels throughout the hair shaft, often with more damaged or porous ends and healthier roots. This can be caused by heat or coloring damage, or from having long hair (the ends become more porous due to everyday wear and tear). This type of hair requires a balanced approach to care.

Retake Porosity Quiz

Characteristics

  • Greasy roots and dry ends
  • Uneven drying time throughout hair
  • Can be prone to both buildup and dryness
  • May require different products for different sections

Care Tips

  • Use lighter products near roots and heavier ones on ends
  • Section hair when applying products to target different needs
  • Protect the ends with a pre-poo when shampooing or clarifying
  • Deep condition focusing on the ends
  • Consider protein treatments for the ends

Build Your Routine

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1. Cleanse

Choose your cleanser based on your needs

clarifying shampoos - Every 2-3 weeks

Heavier shampoos meant to remove long-term buildup from oils, products, and hard water. Meant to be used occasionally, as they are much stronger than regular shampoos.

Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo
CGM Approved
Brand: Curlsmith
Mud Pie Clay Clarifying Treatment
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
Clarifying Shampoo
CGM Approved
Brand: Moroccanoil

This shampoo has some stronger cleansers, but that's fine in a clarifying shampoo because you're only using it once in a while. It's sulfate-free, so it won't strip your hair too much. It's also got some nice oils in it to help keep your hair from getting too dry.

shampoos - Use a stronger shampoo, but protect the ends

Cleansers that remove buildup and oil from your hair. Essential for low-porosity hair and should be used on other porosity types at least occasionally.

Energizing Shampoo
CGM Approved
Brand: Curl Keeper
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 44
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100

Like all Curl Keeper products, this shampoo has a low pH, which helps to keep the hair cuticle closed and prevent moisture loss.

Full Body Weightless Cleanser
CGM Approved
Brand: Curlsmith
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 55
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100
Chai Latte Hair Cleanser
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 60
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100

2. Condition

Deep condition and/or regular condition

conditioners - Every wash, focus on the ends

Products that add moisture and help detangle hair. Almost everyone needs conditioner!

Big Energy Conditioner
Brand: Curl Keeper
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 73
LabsLow Porosity Score: 72
Cream Conditioner
CGM Approved
Brand: Curl Keeper
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 78
LabsLow Porosity Score: 51

deep conditioners - Every 1-2 weeks on the ends only

Intensive treatments that restore moisture and repair damage. Essential at least weekly for high porosity hair and good for all porosity types occasionally.

Double Cream Deep Quencher
CGM Approved
Brand: Curlsmith
Banana Cream Deep Conditioner
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
Deep Conditioning Treatment
CGM Approved
Brand: Jessicurl

leave ins - Every wash on the ends only

Light conditioners that stay in your hair to provide ongoing moisture. Most important for high-porosity hair. May weigh down low-porosity hair.

Hydrate & Plump Leave-In Conditioner
Brand: Curlsmith
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 79
LabsLow Porosity Score: 17

This has a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, which we mark as caution, but as it's towards the end of the ingredients list so it's unlikely to be harmful for hair.

Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner
CGM Approved
Brand: Innersense
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 100
LabsLow Porosity Score: 0

3. Enhance Curls/Waves

Choose 1-2 products to enhance your natural curl pattern

foams - Choose a foam or custard to help with definition

Light styling products that add volume and definition without weight. A great option for low-porosity hair.

Curl Boosting Hair Mousse
CGM Approved
Brand: Herbal Essences
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 30
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100

custards - Choose a foam or custard to help with definition

Thick styling products that provide moisture and definition. Useful for all porosity types.

Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 84
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100

CurlsBot note: This is the main styling product I use on my own hair- Melissa

creams - As needed on the ends to protect and style

Rich moisturizers that help define and shape curls, and provide a barrier to protect against moisture loss. Essential for high-porosity hair. May weigh down low-porosity hair.

Weightless Air Dry Cream
CGM Approved
Brand: Curlsmith
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 100
LabsLow Porosity Score: 0
Lemon Buttercream Styling Cream
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 89
LabsLow Porosity Score: 15
Curly Hair Cream
CGM Approved
Brand: MopTop
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 100
LabsLow Porosity Score: 0

4. Hold

Lock in your style

gels - As needed for styling

Styling products that provide hold and definition. Useful for all porosity types.

Curl Keeper® Original Liquid Styler
CGM Approved
Brand: Curl Keeper
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 69
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100
Jello Shot Curl Defining Gel
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 61
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100
Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 84
LabsLow Porosity Score: 100

CurlsBot note: This is the main styling product I use on my own hair- Melissa

5. Finish

Optional finishing products

oils - Help seal in moisture in the ends

Optional finishing products that can help seal in moisture. Best for high porosity hair.

Bonding Oil
CGM Approved
Brand: Curlsmith
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 100
LabsLow Porosity Score: 0
Moonshine Hair and Body Oil
CGM Approved
Brand: Ecoslay
LabsHigh Porosity Score: 100
LabsLow Porosity Score: 0

Optional: Accessories

Useful items for anyone with curly or wavy hair

accessories - Useful for all porosity types

Useful items for anyone with curly or wavy hair.

Universal Diffuser
Brand: Bio Ionic

Turn any hairdryer into a diffuser with this attachment

Curl friendly soft headbands
Brand: By the creator of CurlsBot

These headbands are made by the creator of CurlsBot from soft, stretchy fabric that won't snag or pull on your curls. They're perfect for keeping your hair out of your face and creating lovely styles that won't damage your hair.

Pop-Up Curl Diffuser
Brand: Curl Keeper

Great for travel though I've used it at home for years because it's so easy to store

Curly Girl Microfiber Super Absorbent Anti Frizz Hair Towel
Brand: Curly Girl Store

Help your hair dry faster and reduce frizz with a microfiber towel.

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