Are you experiencing more breakage than usual? Are you wondering if you’ve overdone it on heat or color processing? Asking yourself these questions may indicate that your hair is high porosity. So what does that mean? Simply put, high porosity hair can take in moisture (which is a great thing). But it has difficulty retaining it because the cuticle is open and lifted—this is usually a result of damage from hair color and chemical treatments (think: relaxers, etc.).
So, what does this mean for your hair care routine? Well, your hair will need a dose of protein and moisture. Protein is excellent for rebuilding the hair cuticle; however, too much protein can mean crunchy, dry hair, so that is where moisture comes in. Some moisturizing ingredients to look for in your formulas are jojoba oil, shea butter, avocado oil, and mango butter.
Now that we’ve discussed some ingredients that are best for high porosity hair, here are a few products —many with nearly five-star reviews—that can help revive your hair.
Design Essentials Oat Protein & Henna Deep Cleansing Shampoo
Design Essentials
Healthy hair starts with shampoo. If your hair struggles to retain moisture, formulas with humectants that draw moisture in will be your hair care BFF. Formulated with oat protein and henna, this cleansing yet hydrating shampoo has a dynamic duo at the helm that increases hydration while strengthening the hair.
ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
ApHogee
If you ask anyone what at-home protein treatment they are using, this one is likely high on the list. If you're experiencing breakage or are afraid you've overprocessed your hair with bleach or an overabundance of heat styling, this treatment should be helpful. Now, you have to follow the instructions to the letter because if you don't, you'll end up with dry hair. Additionally, because this two-step treatment is made of activated proteins and magnesium that are activated by heat, using this with a hooded dryer will yield the best benefits.
Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
Briogeo
For a protein treatment that takes a more natural approach, this weekly strengthening treatment boasting a nearly five-star review should be in your cart. Formulated with a cuticle-strengthening rice protein complex, this treatment will help bring your hair back to its best self.
Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment
Adwoa
When using proteins in your routine, moisture is equally as important. So we love that this beloved formula is made with nourishing superstar shea butter alongside fatty acid-rich prickly pear oil because it will work as the ultimate hydrator in tandem with products that help rebuild the hair cuticle.
MIELLE Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk
MIELLE
For an extra dose of moisture, apply this aloe-, glycerin-, and avocado-infused hair milk to your hair before layering on your stylers. Because aloe and glycerin are humectants, this will help draw moisture into the hair well beyond your wash day.
Olaplex No. 3 Hair Repair Perfector
Olaplex
Don't sleep on pre-poo treatments. Since adding a pre-poo to my routine, I've seen a significant difference in the health of my ends which means length retention. Like the protein treatment listed above, to get the full benefits from this bond-building protector, be sure to follow the instructions by applying it to damp hair and leaving it on for at least 10 minutes before shampooing.
The Mane Choice Crystal Orchid Biotin Infused Styling Gel
The Mane Choice
Packed with biotin and vitamin D, this silicone-free gel defines curls, smooths frizz, and strengthens the hair. An added bonus: the formula is easily reactivated with water if you need to revive your curls throughout the week.
Featured image by Laylabird/Getty Images
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Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
"Nia Long Fine" is a thing for a reason.
The Brooklyn-born actress, best known for her roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, and The Best Man, is a baddie on and off screen. She has also starred in several television series, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch, and Empire. Long has received critical acclaim for her performances and has been nominated for several awards, including an NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to her acting career, Long is also a producer and director.
Yes, the resume is shimmering with Black Girl Magic and that’s many thanks to her acting chops and her undeniable beauty. For decades, Nia has been the standard, given her natural and charming aura.
Nia expressed gratitude for being called "ageless" but emphasized to PEOPLEmagazine that she doesn't strive for an unattainable ideal of perfection or a perpetually youthful look. “There’s so much pressure in this industry to stay beautiful and to stay young. And I’m really not interested in leaning into this idea of perfection,” she said.
While Hollywood often holds women to unrealistic beauty standards and limits their career opportunities as they age, men are often celebrated for their distinguished looks as they get older. Nia continues to restructure those double standards and embrace the natural aging process because she is the epitome of Black, not cracking.
"I am a proud 51, and eventually I’m going to age in a way where it’s obvious and I want it to happen beautifully and gracefully. I don’t really want the pressure of feeling like I have to be beautiful and perfect because I think beauty comes at any age…But I honestly think the real beauty comes from within."
Embrace Simplicity in Skincare
Nia believes in a "less is more" approach. She prioritizes keeping her skin hydrated and healthy rather than focusing on anti-aging. She told New Beauty that she swears by regular facials, exfoliation, and using moisturizing products like Yonka eye cream and almond oil on damp skin after showers. Microdermabrasion and oxygen treatments are also part of her skincare routine. These practices help keep her skin glowing and supple.
Stay Active with Yoga and Pilates
Fitness is essential for Nia, who stays in shape with yoga, Pilates, and jump rope exercises. She believes in maintaining a healthy weight to avoid common problem areas, especially for women of color. Consistency in movement helps her maintain her vibrant energy. In the New Beauty interview, Nia said, “I eat healthy, organic foods and keep the weight off with a lot of yoga, Pilates, and jump rope, which I try and do every day for the length of at least one song.”
Hydrate with Rosewater
To combat dryness under studio lights, she uses rosewater spray to refresh her skin and moisturizer to touch up cakey makeup areas. This keeps her face looking dewy and bright throughout long workdays. Nia explained in an interview with Glamour, "And what I've learned over the years is—Chantecaille has this amazing rosewater—and I spray the rosewater on my face, and then I dab a little bit of moisturizer in the areas where I see the foundation or powder is cakey. It just instantly brightens your skin. But the key is you can't wipe, you have to dab."
Listen to Your Inner Self and Ancestors
Nia emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and connecting with one’s inner voice and heritage. She credits her mental clarity and resilience to being attentive to ancestral guidance and focusing on a holistic sense of wellness. During the American Black Film Festival this summer, the actress shared a heartfelt story that made this all so real.
“When I was a young girl and my grandmother used to make me meditate, and she talked about therapy. This is in the very early ’70s when Black folks were like, ‘If you go to therapy, you’re crazy.’ She was very innovative in her thinking. And so her therapist’s name was Dr. Curtis. My therapist is Dr. Henry McCurtis. So as we’re talking, I go, what’s that black and white photo behind you? And he goes, ‘Oh, that’s my mentor. His name was Dr. Curtis.’”
She understood then that there was a purpose behind everything that was unfolding. “So listen and pay attention to those things, because angels are real. They’re real. Our ancestors are always pushing for our greatness. And so if you just settle into that listening and receiving, you’ll feel a sense of ease as you walk through this life, no matter how tough it gets.”
Celebrate Aging Gracefully
Nia rejects the pressure to remain "ageless" and instead embraces the beauty of aging naturally. She focuses on maintaining health and vibrancy rather than adhering to unrealistic beauty standards. This mindset allows her to enjoy her current phase of life with confidence.
A Natural Beat
The mommy mogul told Allure, “My look changes, but I do love the Nars lipstick pencils. I also love Laura Mercier's [Tinted Moisturizer]. [I use] a bronze powder by Nars called Punta Cana — that's my new favorite bronzer. Then, I usually top it all off with a Chanel gloss. I don't [get done up] so much unless someone else is doing my makeup. Then, I let them do whatever they want to do.”
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Featured image via Nia Long/Instagram