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Curly / Natural Girls Guide for Summer 2026 | Low Porosity Hair.
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items I have low porosity curly hair, and I surf and swim constantly, which means my hair is always being hit by salt water, UV damage, and harsh sun exposure. Low porosity hair is tricky because it resists moisture but then struggles to let it go, so find...
Sections
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Moisturizing and Cleansing Shampoos
Moisturizing Conditioners
Beachy, Swim and Surf Hair Care
Styling and Leave Ins
Detangling
Hair Repair: Treatments, Deep Conditioners, and Masques
Moisturizing and Cleansing Shampoos
Finding a shampoo that cleanses without stripping low porosity hair is a whole journey. These are the ones that actually balance it, removing buildup and saltwater residue while keeping my curls from going completely dry.
One of my favorite shampoos, as a girl that surfs and swims a lot I constantly have to shampoo my hair to get salts and minerals out. This allows me to wash my hair and cleanse it without stripping it dry. AND it smells good.
Honey Crème Moisture Retention Shampoo - Design Essentials
Another one of my favorite shampoos Cleanses a bit more but leaves the hair moisturized. Its truly a moisturizing product.
Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Sulfate-Free Shampoo - Design Essentials
I use this when i need a gentle cleansing on my scalp and hair. Usually i will double shampoo once a week or once every two weeks. A little goes a long way with this product and it lathers so nicely. NEVER stripping my hair.
Rosemary Mint Shampoo - Design Essentials | Ulta Beauty
A favorite always. So hydarting and always a fan of rose water.
Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo - tgin | Ulta Beauty
Moisturizing Conditioners
Low porosity hair needs consistent moisture without the heaviness. These are my go-to rinse-out conditioners that hydrate without weighing my curls down or leaving buildup behind.
THIS WILL HAVE YOUR SCALP FEELING FRESH, in a good way. my hair deals with so mcuh build up and my scalp sometimes feel so itchy. This conditioner is so satisfying, smells SO GOOD, and moisturizes.
Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturizing Conditioner - Design Essentials | Ulta Beauty
love curl smith always!
12.0 oz Essential Moisture Hydrating Conditioner - Curlsmith
A great quick conditioner that doesnt leave any residue. One of my faves after a long beach day.
12.0 oz Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner - Design Essentials | Ulta Beauty
Beachy, Swim and Surf Hair Care
For those of us who live in the water. These are the products I use before, during, and after surfing or swimming to protect my curls from salt, chlorine, and UV damage.
Coconut oil for pre surf and post surf works for body and hair. This helps get rid of knots and prevents knots.
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil -
A secret goodie when your hair is dry! put some in a travel bottle and literally feel how moisturized your hair and scalp feels. love using after rinsing with water.
Aloe Vera Liquid
After a long day at a pool or beach I usually use this shampoo to get all the chlorine out.
Swimmers Wellness® Shampoo
After a swim apply this leave in. It helps guard from UV rays, smells so good, and leaves the hair actually feeling good. I discovered this product by accident and its been with me ever since <3
Defy Damage Protective Shield to Guard Against Thermal & UV Damage - Joico | Ulta Beauty
No one talks about the importance of covering your hair when its windy, sandy, or intense sun/UV. i always bring a scarf with me to the beach or to surfing.
DRESHOW 35” Satin Head Scarf 4Pcs Set
Perfect Oil to moisturize hair before and after the water
Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Extra Penetrating Oil - OGX
Styling and Leave Ins
The products that define, hold, and protect my curls after wash day. Low porosity hair needs lightweight formulas that won't just sit on top of the hair shaft everything here actually absorbs and works.
Truly a daily moisturizer, this is a great product to layer or by alone. It is not heavy at all and does not leave any residue. Holy grail product <3
Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Hair Lotion 12oz
Easiest gel I have ever used in my life. If you know, you know! LASTS FOREVER (product and hold)
Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator
People have told me about brazilian products and THIS SOLD ME COMPLETLY. wow the smell and the feel. One of my favorite products.
Ela É Carioca Styling Cream for 4ABC Coils - Lola From Rio
This is a hidden secert. SO CHEAP and so good. I love to spray this in my hair after washing, surfing, and randomly when my hair feels dried. SMELLS GREAT and leaves no residue.
African Pride Moisture Miracle Leave-In Spray 8oz x3
Detangling
Salt water and low porosity hair are not best friends. These are the tools and products that actually get through my knots without destroying my curl pattern or snapping my strands, gentle but effective.
Its always been a struggle to find products that truly detangle my hair but this is not one! Detangles just melt immediatly.
Aunt Jackie's Knot On My Watch Hair Detangler
The only comb I use to detangle my thick naturally curly hair.
Purple Passion The Wide Tooth Dual Sided Comb - Tangle Teezer | Ulta Beauty
the only brush I use
Lilac The Ultimate Detangler for Fine & Fragile Hair - Tangle Teezer | Ulta Beauty
cheap, slippery, and feels so good. I use this product probably the most.
SKALA Divino 2-in-1 Treatment & Leave-In
Hair Repair: Treatments, Deep Conditioners, and Masques
When my hair is feeling limp, dry, or just over it these are the products I reach for. I use these as needed or about once a month depending on how much sun and salt I've been dealing with. From deep moisturizers to penetrating proteins and bond rebu...
a bond treatment, THIS SAVES MY HAIR. My hair bleaches from the sun in the summer so there are moments where I need a hair reset that isnt a strong protein treatment. I use this about 1 or 2 a month (if really needed). it strengthens my hair without ...
Bond Curl Treatment Salve - Curlsmith
When my hair is down bad, I use this about once every 4 -6 months. This is an intense treatment and should be used very sparingly.
Aphogee Double Bundle: Protein & Moisturizer
A LITTLE GOES THE LONGEST WAY. I cant express how life changing this conditioner has been. I randomly tried it out after being exhausted with not finding a deep conditioner that 1. had great slip, 2. could detanlge, and 3. moisturize. Immediatly afte...
Double Cream Deep Quencher Conditioner - Curlsmith
This masque has really great slip and smells so good. I love it so much.
TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask with Raw Honey + Olive Oil Deep Conditioner - 12 fl oz: For Textured Curly Hair, Paraben-Free, Cream Form, Deep Hydration
I have a huge fear of damaging my hair in chlorine and I use this if I know I will be swimming a lot. It cleanses completely all minerals and salts so that I can go after with a deep moisturizing mask
Malibu C Swimmers Hair Remedy - Vitamin C