Heat training high porosity hair can be a fabulous way to switch up your style while maintaining your hair’s health & vibrancy. But let’s be real—it’s all about balance.
High porosity hair soaks up moisture quickly & loses it just as fast, so you must approach heat training properly to avoid any setbacks. Whether you’re aiming for silky straight strands or a sleek blowout, understanding the ins & outs will keep your hair thriving through it all.
Navigate the world of heat training with confidence using our expert guide. We’ll break down what works, what doesn’t & how to keep your hair moisturized, strong & full of life.
What Is Heat Training & How Does It Affect High Porosity Hair?
Heat training is the process of using heat tools, like flat irons or blow dryers, to gradually loosen your natural curl pattern over time. It’s a popular choice for those who love versatile styling options, from sleek, straight looks to softer curls.
High porosity hair has open cuticles, making it quick to absorb moisture but also prone to losing it just as fast., The good news? Heat training natural hair doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the health of your strands.
By using protective techniques—applying a high-quality heat protectant, keeping your tools at a moderate temperature & incorporating regular deep conditioning treatments—you can minimize damage & maintain your hair’s natural vibrancy.
Do: Use the Right Tools & Heat Settings for Your Hair Type
The foundation of safe heat training starts with using the right tools & settings. Invest in quality heat styling tools that distribute heat evenly, such as ceramic or tourmaline flat irons & blow dryers with adjustable settings (like The PATTERN Blow Dryer or The Interchangeable Curling Iron).
High porosity hair tends to be more fragile, so opt for lower heat settings—generally between 300°F to 375°F.
Try & Avoid: Skipping Heat Protectants When Styling
Heat protectants act as a barrier between your hair & high temperatures, reducing the risk of moisture loss & natural hair breakage.
Choose a lightweight product like the PATTERN Heat Protectant to lock in hydration & smooth your strands. Apply it evenly from root to tip before using any heat tools.
Do: Deep Condition Your Hair Regularly to Prevent Damage
Deep conditioning is essential for maintaining moisture balance & caring for high porosity hair. Incorporate a rich, hydrating treatment like the PATTERN Heavy Conditioner into your routine at least once a week.
Look for products with ingredients like:
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Aloe Vera
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Glycerin
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Natural oils
For enhanced benefits, apply heat during your deep conditioning session using a tool like The Hair Steamer by PATTERN, or even a warm towel.
Try & Avoid: Heat Training Without a Moisture-Rich Routine
High porosity hair craves moisture, so prep your strands with a water-based leave-in like the PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner or a refreshing spritz of the PATTERN Hydrating Mist before styling to help lock in hydration & encourage nourished hair.
Follow up with a lightweight oil or serum to help seal in hydration. A moisture-rich routine that incorporates a Jojoba Oil Blend or Argan Oil Blend can help your hair withstand the effects of heat training while keeping it shiny & full of life.
Do: Monitor Your Hair’s Response to Heat Training
Pay attention to how your hair reacts to heat training. Is it retaining moisture? Does it feel smooth or dry? Regularly assessing your hair’s condition will help you adjust your routine as needed.
If your strands start to feel brittle or look dull, consider scaling back on heat & focus on hydration & repair.
Try & Avoid: Using High Heat Settings or Heat Train Too Frequently
Excessive heat or over-frequent styling can cause irreversible damage, especially to high porosity hair. Avoid using the highest settings on your heat tools, as this can lead to:
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Split ends
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Dryness
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Breakage
Similarly, space out your heat training sessions to give your hair time to recover. Help preserve your hair’s integrity by limiting heat styling to no more than once every two weeks.
Do: Trim Your Ends to Keep Hair Healthy During Heat Training
Regular trims are your BFF when heat training. They help prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, reduce risks of breakage & keep ends healthy, allowing you to enjoy your heat-trained styles while maintaining length.
Aim to trim your ends every 6 to 8 weeks or more as needed.
Try & Avoid: Ignoring Signs of Damage Like Split Ends or Dryness
Ignoring early signs of heat damaged hair can lead to more serious issues down the line. If you notice split ends, dryness or excessive shedding, take action immediately.
Scale back on heat, incorporate restorative treatments like protein or deep conditioning masks & consider consulting a stylist if the damage persists. Being proactive will help preserve your hair’s health & keep it looking its best.
Do: Incorporate Protein Treatments to Strengthen High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair often benefits from protein treatments, which help rebuild & strengthen the hair’s structure. Use a protein treatment every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a balance between moisture & strength.
Try & Avoid: Forgeting to Clarify Your Hair to Remove Product Build-Up
Product buildup can weigh down high porosity hair, making it harder for moisture to penetrate. Use a clarifying shampoo, such as the PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo, once a month to remove buildup from heat protectants, oils & styling products.
Clarifying helps reset your hair, allowing it to fully absorb the nourishing treatments & moisturizers in your routine.
Style Your Mane with Ease with PATTERN
Using heat on high porosity hair can open up a world of styling possibilities. The key is to approach it with love, care & the right products. PATTERN offers a range of products designed to support your hair's hydration & care, no matter how you choose to style it.
Embrace the versatility of your hair while keeping its health at the forefront. We thoughtfully craft products to celebrate your unique texture, helping you achieve sleek styles or bouncy curls with ease.
From moisture-rich treatments to nourishing oils & lightweight heat protectants, we support your strands every step of the way. Browse our high porosity hair care collection now.
Sources:
Byrdie. Glycerin for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It. https://www.byrdie.com/glycerin-for-hair-5089999
Healthline. Aloe Vera for Your Hair: What Are the Benefits? https://www.healthline.com/health/aloe-vera-for-hair#:~:text=Strengthens%20and%20repairs%20hair%20strands,your%20hair%20from%20falling%20out
Healthline. Hair Care Tips for High Porosity Hair. https://www.healthline.com/health/high-porosity-hair
National Library of Medicine. The Structure of People’s Hair. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4201279/
