CurlsBot thinks you have: Mixed Porosity Hair Guide and Best Products
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 QuizCharacteristics
- 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
Mud Pie Clay Clarifying Treatment
Clarifying Shampoo
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
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
Chai Latte Hair Cleanser
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!
Super Smooth Cream Conditioner
Cream Conditioner
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
Banana Cream Deep Conditioner
Deep Conditioning Treatment
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.
Moisture Balance Leave-In Conditioner
Hydrate & Plump Leave-In Conditioner
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.
Rice Pudding Leave-In Conditioner and Moisturizer
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.
Bouncy Strength Volume Foam
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
CurlsBot note: This is the main styling product I use on my own hair- Melissa
Gelebration Spray
Technically not a custard, but serves the same purpose
Rockin' Ringlets Styling Potion
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.
Avocado & Rose Oil Clump & Define Cream
Light Hold Creme Gel
Weightless Air Dry Cream
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
Jello Shot Curl Defining Gel
Orange Marmalade Flaxseed and Aloe Curl Definer
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.
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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
Turn any hairdryer into a diffuser with this attachment
Define EdgeLift Brush
The Define EdgeLift Brush is a unique brush that helps define your curls/waves
Volume EdgeLift Brush
The Volume EdgeLift Brush is a unique tool that helps you create voluminous curls/waves
Volume Root Clips
These clips are specially designed to help you create volume at the roots of your hair
Curl friendly soft headbands
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
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
Help your hair dry faster and reduce frizz with a microfiber towel.