Reading Labels: What Actually Matters — Guide #2

Reading Labels: What Actually Matters — Guide #2. Here’s a field-tested path you can run for two or three wash days, then decide.

Your best routine is boring in a good way—same steps, small tweaks for climate and porosity, and predictable results.

Steps

1. Detangle with water + conditioner in sections
2. Soak thoroughly before applying anything
3. Apply leave-in on soaking-wet hair
4. Layer gel/foam; rake then scrunch

Toolkit

• Deep conditioner/mask (monthly)
• Satin/silk pillowcase or bonnet
• Hard-hold gel or mousse for humidity

“Technique first, product second.”

Example

For high humidity: leave-in + hard-hold gel, then hover-diffuse to 60% and finish with cup-and-hold. Don’t break the cast early.

Science angle: porosity governs water movement; humectants pull moisture; film-formers create a cast; proteins patch weak spots temporarily.

Porosity & Climate Notes

• Humidity: pair humectants with film-formers
• Low porosity: lighter layers; avoid heavy oils
• High porosity: seal ends; more frequent masks

Related Articles

• Porosity 101: Test Methods & Meaning — Deep Dive #2
• Breaking the Cast—Without Crunch
• Heat Damage Rehab: A 12‑Week Plan — Deep Dive #2
• Winter Care: Emollients, Occlusives, Humectants — Playbook #2

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