Why is my hair not able to retain moisture?

Author: Dr. Rigoberto Christiansen Jr.  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

High porosity hair has a more open cuticle layer—making it easy for moisture to get in but hard for it to stay in. Low porosity hair has a more tightly bound cuticle layer, making it tough for moisture to get in at all. And medium porosity hair is—you guessed it—somewhere in between.

What to do if your hair doesn't retain moisture?

  • Look for ingredients like butters and oils in shampoos and conditioners. These ingredients will help moisturize your hair.
  • Use leave-in conditioners and sealers. These products help your hair hold on to moisture.
  • Use a heat protectant product on your hair.
  • Avoid hot water when shampooing and conditioning.

Why is my hair not absorbing any moisture?

This is because with low porosity hair, the cuticles are shut so tightly that the moisture cannot absorb. Whereas high porosity strands have more space between the cuticles or less layering, high porosity is often the driest of the bunch because water just flows in and right back out.

Why does my hair not stay hydrated?

Lack of hydration: If you don't drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated. This can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, as well as more prone to breakage.

How can I increase moisture retention in my hair?

Rehydrate your hair with a good moisturizer that contains a humectant like glycerin. Refresh your hair every day if you need to during the winter months because the air outside or inside doesn't hold moisture. The Naturaz Rehydrating Mist & Detangler will rehydrate and keep your curls soft for longer.

I GUARANTEE YOUR HAIR WILL GROW IF YOU DO THESE | Grow Longer Thicker Fuller Hair to Waist Length

How do you fix low porosity hair?

Here are our top tips for low porosity hair care:
  1. Use Lightweight Oils. ...
  2. Use Heat When Deep Conditioning. ...
  3. Steam The Hair. ...
  4. Beware of Protein. ...
  5. Avoid Heavy Products. ...
  6. Treat & Prevent Build Up. ...
  7. Look for Water-Based Products. ...
  8. Avoid Silicones.

Why am I not retaining moisture?

Dry skin occurs when skin doesn't retain sufficient moisture. This can happen as a result of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. And for those in colder climates, it can stem from cold, dry winter air.

How do you super hydrate your hair?

“Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera, which hydrate without leaving a greasy residue,” says Garshick. “Use a lightweight conditioner and avoid heavy oils or creams. A leave-in conditioner spray or a volumizing conditioner can also help add moisture without making hair flat.”

Why isn't my hair retaining water?

Low porosity hair has very compact cuticles, so it's challenging to inject moisture into the hair shaft, although it does retain moisture once absorbed. To open the cuticle enough to accept moisture, use some form of heat.

Why is my hair so dry no matter what I do?

The Cause: Moisture Loss

Lack of moisture could be from any number of reasons, including the environment, the hair products you're using (and might be overusing), and hair texture.

How do I stop my hair from absorbing moisture?

8 Tips for Humidity-Proof Hair
  1. Use an anti-frizz serum. ...
  2. Keep your hair up. ...
  3. Moisturize with shea butter & oils. ...
  4. Look for anti-frizz shampoo & conditioner. ...
  5. Work with your natural hair textures. ...
  6. Dry your hair with a super-absorbent towel. ...
  7. Try a keratin treatment. ...
  8. Use gel & other holding products.

What does low porosity hair look like?

We tend to think of curly hair as dense and prone to dryness. Low porosity curls tend to be looser, wavy, or S-shaped. The curls are distinct with a tight, flat cuticle that prevents moisture from entering and exiting the hair. This is why low porosity hair can often look limp or flat.

Why does my hair lack so much moisture?

Environmental conditions. These include a dry, hot climate, frequent sun and wind exposure, and frequent exposure to chlorinated or salty water. Lack of protection. Each strand of healthy hair has a protective layer called the cuticle.

Is low porosity hair good or bad?

Low porosity hair is not very absorbent. It is less able to take in water and hair treatments, so products may accumulate on the surface. Compared with high porosity hair, it is less prone to breakage. The above information is from the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC).

What are you lacking if your hair is dry?

Issue #1: We're producing less oil.

Your body's just not making enough oil to coat the strands, which keeps them pliable and lustrous. So even if you bemoaned your greasy scalp during puberty, now it feels more like the shine pipeline is shutting down.

How to get hair to retain moisture?

How to Hydrate Hair
  1. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. ...
  2. Try a conditioning hair moisturizer. ...
  3. Turn down the dial when you shower. ...
  4. Use a deep conditioning mask. ...
  5. Apply a nourishing hair serum. ...
  6. Take a break from hot tools when you can. ...
  7. Use a heat protectant. ...
  8. Lather up less frequently.

Why is my hair getting drier as I age?

Aging causes hair to thin, lose pigment, and become drier due to changes in hormones and reduced oil production in the scalp. While you can't stop natural thinning, regular scalp care, a healthy diet, and using thickening products can help slow the process and improve volume.

Why does my hair hold no moisture?

There are three levels of hair porosity: high, medium and low. High porosity hair has a more open cuticle layer—making it easy for moisture to get in but hard for it to stay in. Low porosity hair has a more tightly bound cuticle layer, making it tough for moisture to get in at all.

Why am I not retaining hydration?

Dehydration may happen on a particularly hot day if you sweat a lot, or if you're sick with fever, diarrhea or vomiting. It can also occur if don't drink enough water, or if you're taking a medication that increases your pee (urine) output. When you aren't properly hydrated, your body's natural response is thirst.

How do you increase moisture retention?

There are various types of moisture-retaining soil additives available. Organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, improves soil structure and enhances water retention. Hydrogels, water-absorbing polymers, reduce irrigation frequency and minimize water loss.

What not to use on low porosity hair?

Avoid Heavy Products and Buildup 🧴

Heavy creams, thick oils, and butters are the enemies of low porosity hair.

Why won't my hair dry?

While it's less than ideal, your hair may take a long time to dry simply because you maintain healthy hair practices and your strands are able to easily absorb and retain moisture. With that said, things like hair density, texture and how much hair you have also play a role in how fast or how slowly your hair dries.

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