Tress Code | The Quench and Seal Duo for Your Porosity
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well!
In today’s episode we will be discussing hair oils that would pair well with your porosity!
When it comes to healthy, thriving hair, length isn’t just something you grow—it’s something you keep. And keeping it starts with mastering the two-part routine your hair craves: quenching it with moisture and sealing that moisture in. The key? Knowing your hair's porosity. Whether your strands soak in hydration like a sponge or resist it like a waterproof coat, matching the right hydrating serum and oil combo to your porosity level can transform your hair’s ability to retain length, shine, and strength.
Low Porosity Hair: Seal and Soften Without Suffocating
Porosity Profile:
Tightly closed cuticles. Moisture and products struggle to get in, but once they’re in, they tend to stay. Prone to buildup.
What to Look For in Serums:
Look for water-based, protein-free serums with light humectants like aloe or hyaluronic acid that absorb best with heat.
Hydrating Serums to Quench:
Aloe Vera Juice Mist – Lightweight and soothing, it gently hydrates without overwhelming closed cuticles.
Rose Water + Glycerin Blend – A humectant-rich spray that softens and draws in moisture gradually.
Numbuzin No. 6 Deep Sleep Mask Serum – A water-based serum packed with humectants and hyaluronic acid that hydrates effectively without buildup; best applied with steam or on damp hair.
What to Look For in Oils:
Lightweight, penetrating oils that won’t sit on top or cause greasy buildup.
Best Oils:
Argan Oil – Lightweight, rich in Vitamin E, helps soften and smooth without weighing hair down.
Sweet Almond Oil – Absorbs easily, boosts elasticity, and smells divine.
Jojoba Oil – Mimics natural sebum, balances scalp and moisturizes ends.
Grapeseed Oil – Ultra light, strengthens strands and helps with frizz control.
Pumpkin Seed Oil—a versatile, DHT-blocking, antioxidant-rich oil that works across all porosity levels when applied with intention.
Camellia Oil – A silky, non-greasy oil rich in oleic acid rather than linoleic acid, it absorbs better with heat and adds softness without buildup.
Tip:
Apply oils after using steam or heat to help open the cuticle for better absorption.
Medium/Normal Porosity Hair: Maintain and Nourish
Porosity Profile:
Cuticles are looser and balanced—moisture is absorbed and retained fairly well. This type is most adaptable.
What to Look For in Serums:
Look for balanced serums with moderate humectants, antioxidants, and hydration that won’t overwhelm or underdeliver.
Hydrating Serums to Quench:
Aloe + Green Tea Leave-In Spray – Lightweight but rich in antioxidants and gentle hydration.
Rice Water Ferment Mist – Adds strength and slip while keeping moisture levels steady.
Flaxseed Gel-Based Serum – Natural curl definition with moisture-binding properties.
Numbuzin No. 6 Deep Sleep Mask Serum – Balances hydration levels perfectly with a blend of humectants, hyaluronic acid, and soothing botanicals for healthy elasticity and softness.
What to Look For in Oils:
Versatile oils that nourish, protect, and enhance shine without disrupting moisture balance.
Best Oils:
Olive Oil – Strengthens, softens, and adds sheen without being too heavy.
Avocado Oil – Full of vitamins A, D, and E; deeply nourishing and great for occasional hot oil treatments.
Pumpkin Seed Oil—a versatile, DHT-blocking, antioxidant-rich oil that works across all porosity levels when applied with intention.
Camellia Oil – Lightweight but potent—used in Japanese haircare for centuries.
Marula Oil – Antioxidant-rich and smoothing without clogging follicles.
Tip:
Layer oils with leave-ins or light creams for a retention-friendly routine.
High Porosity Hair: Fill, Fortify, and Lock It In
Porosity Profile:
Gaps in the cuticle layer let moisture in easily—but it also escapes quickly. More prone to frizz and dryness.
What to Look For in Serums:
Look for rich, humectant-heavy serums with strengthening ingredients like panthenol or protein to deeply hydrate and fill gaps.
Hydrating Serums to Quench:
Aloe Vera Gel or Juice + Honey Mix – Deeply hydrating, ideal for filling in porous gaps.
Hydrating Leave-In with Glycerin + Panthenol – Holds water in and adds strength to weak spots.
Numbuzin No. 6 Deep Sleep Mask Serum – A deeply quenching serum with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid and botanicals that restore moisture and smoothness to overly porous strands.
What to Look For in Oils:
Heavier, sealing oils that can fill cuticle gaps and prevent moisture loss.
Best Oils:
Castor Oil (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) – Thick and sealing, great for ends and edges.
Shea Butter Oil – Rich in fatty acids, creates a barrier that locks in hydration.
Baobab Oil – Strengthens and restores elasticity, ideal for damaged high porosity strands.
Hemp Seed Oil – Fatty acid-rich, boosts scalp health and improves density.
Pumpkin Seed Oil—a versatile, DHT-blocking, antioxidant-rich oil that works across all porosity levels when applied with intention.
Camellia Oil – Lightweight yet nutrient-rich, it helps smooth frayed cuticles and reduce moisture loss when layered properly. Ideal when layered under heavier oils or butters.
Tip:
Use oil as the final step in your LOC or LCO method to seal in moisture and minimize breakage.
Final Thoughts: The Science of Retention is Personal
Hydration keeps your strands supple and elastic—preventing breakage from dryness. Sealing locks in that moisture, extending the time your hair stays hydrated between wash days. One without the other is like watering a plant and forgetting to mulch it. For lasting retention, you need both the quench and the seal.
