The Baggy Method for Hair (Greenhousing Moisture)
Written by Jane Schlosser
Updated on
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The baggy method for hair is one of the most effective solutions for infusing moisture into your dry strands.
It’s a simple process that involves applying a deep conditioning mask and covering your hair with a plastic bag or shower cap to create a greenhouse effect.
Then allow the hot steam within to melt the goodness of your hydrating mask into every single strand.
It’s like treating your tresses with a lovely relaxing spa at home.
Let me explain why baggying works like a charm for moisturizing and sealing resistant hair.
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Why is The Baggy Method So Effective For Low Porosity Hair?
The main characteristic of low porosity hair is its tightly-packed cuticles which repel moisture.
That’s why, no matter how much you try to deep condition it, moisture will never break through the stubborn cuticle layers.
The baggy method helps with the hydration process by creating a humid environment that forces hot steam to pierce through and shuttle nutrients deep into the hair strands.
Here’s how it works:
The plastic cap traps in heat naturally produced on your scalp to generate a steamy enclosure around your hair.
The steam then activates the follicles and gently opens the cuticles to allow moisture to seep in. And that vapor moisture going into your hair carries all the nutrients that are melting from the masque!
Without steam, moisture molecules would just sit on top, causing buildup in your hair.
Whenever you have heat, the hair cuticle opens, and the moisture — whatever hair mask or conditioner you’re using— is able to penetrate a lot deeper than you just putting deep conditioner on the hair, and it just kind of sitting on the outside. Ina Toregano
Natural hairstylist at Ina Styled studio in Minnesota's Twin Cities - Harpersbazaar.com
You can also use the baggy method in the shower while you are letting your conditioner sit. The heat from the shower and the heat from your head combined will make a lot of steam and humidity. It’s also one of the tips we recommend for moisturizing curly natural hair at night.
Make your shower cap work like an incubation so that no curl runs thirsty!
The baggy technique is excellent for hair with low porosity because when your locks are tucked inside the cap with heat and the mask, your hair has no choice but to swallow the moisture.
However:
You need to be cautious about how long you leave the mask on.
Especially if it’s an intensely moisturizing treatment, do not think that leaving it on for extended periods will heighten the amount of moisture your hair can retain.
Of course, you do not want to leave it on for any time less than recommended on the bottle/container, or it will not be very effective. Also, do not go about doing things like sleeping with the mask and plastic cap still on.
Keeping your hair saturated with an intense moisturizer for several hours on end can be damaging in the long run, and you could experience hygral fatigue.
Hygral fatigue means your hair follicles swell and repeatedly unswell, causing damage. Some of the visual effects include dull and lifeless hair that feels brittle.
Over moisturizing your hair can actually leave you with some pretty damaged locks and end up doing the opposite of what you set out for your leave-in treatment to accomplish because too much of anything is no good.
Do not stress though, the only way you will experience such things is if you are careless and lacking some common sense.
It’s the same as caring for a plant.
You wouldn’t go and use a whole watering can on a small flower every day, or else it will die, right?
Instead, you will give it an appropriate amount of water every often to make sure it’s hydrated and healthy.
So read the usage instructions carefully on your product’s label.
The Baggy Method Step-by-step Instructions
The baggy greenhousing method for natural hair is a simple and straightforward process.
All you need is:
- A hair mask
- A shower cap or a plastic bag
Optional:
You may also use a hair steamer for better results.
Here’s how to do it at home:
- Apply your deep conditioner mask
- Spread it evenly throughout the hair
- Grab a plastic bag and cover your hair
- Don’t cover the whole head – only the hair
- Secure it in place
- Put a timer on your phone (Depends on product instructions)
For more incubation, you can wear a bonnet over the plastic cap.
If your scalp is sensitive to hair products, apply the moisturizer masks on your hair’s mids and ends only.
Best Masks and Treatments to Pair With The Baggy Method
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Mask
The SheaMoisture mask literally melts in to immerse your curls in moisture.
It feels luxurious, creamy, and packs a freaking-amazing wallop of revitalizing ingredients like shea butter, mafura oil, and manuka honey to give low po hair an instant surge of hydration.
For maximum benefits, you can also use this mask with a hooded hair steamer.
Blondwood Keratin Hair Mask for Dry, Damaged Hair
This intensifying mask delivers moisture and nourishment to any hair type or texture, regardless of density or hair porosity.
It’s made to replenish damaged hair structures and is deeply penetrating to repair any hair’s compromised areas.
Since the mask is highly intense, you only have to keep it on for about 10 minutes, making it very time convenient.
I recommend investing in this product for those who do not like waiting an hour or two to see results from a hair mask because it provides stunning results in minutes!
Arvazallia Hydrating Mask For Dry Or Damaged Hair
If you struggle with damage due to overprocessing or just dehydrated hair because of low porosity, I would suggest trying this mask out.
Why?
Because it contains argan oil, an excellent oil for healing fragile and damaged hair.
The mix of vitamins and oils works together to restore moisture and nutrients into the hair shaft while promoting growth and moisture retention.
ArtNaturals Argan Hair Mask Conditioner
This ArtNaturals hair mask is an all-natural moisturizing treatment. The mix of jojoba oil, aloe vera, and keratin are beneficial in repairing damage. It leaves you with smooth and silky locks that are shiny and full of life!
You can use it in various ways, but the baggy method is one of the most simple and effective.
Throwing it into your hair care regimen is a step that you can do in a matter of seconds and will give you excellent results along your hair journey. Another way to baggy your hair is by using an oil treatment such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil.
There are dozens more, so pick whichever one works best for you and go from there!
Benefits of Baggying Low Porosity Hair
No Product Build Up
If you’re just slathering your mask, hoping for moisture to kick in, then you’re making the problem worse if your hair is on the low porosity side.
Doing so will create buildup and even protein overload causing dry and brittle hair.
The greenhousing approach will ensure all moisture goes in and nothing stays on top as residues.
Maximum Moisture Absorption and Retention
The greenhouse method enables your curls to hold on to moisture for more extended periods without weighing them down.
Once you get used to it, you’ll realize your hair won’t need a lot of hair products to keep its curl pattern and shape. You’ll experience better hair elasticity and, overall, better hair quality.
Soft and Flowy Curls
Better moisture retention also prevents natural hair from deconstructing when humidity is high.
Your curls will stay soft and flowy without a single strand out of place. Yep! Less frizz.
Related: How to stop natural curly hair from frizzing when it’s humid.
Less Breakage
More moisture retention = more spring in your curls and more elasticity. This enables your hair to stretch without snapping into pieces.
You can detangle and brush without worrying too about hair breakage.
Better Retention and Hair Growth
If your hair doesn’t break as much, you can retain more length and help your hair grow faster. Most people who practice the baggy method rave about its effectiveness for improving hair growth.
Grab Your Plastic Bag and Start Baggying!
The only way to allow moisture to infiltrate low porosity hair is by using steam.
That’s why the baggy method should be an essential part of a low porosity hair care regimen. Think of greenhousing as the perfect sister to deep conditioning.
Consistency in using the baggy method will give you beneficial results and help your strands retain moisture more effectively.
Any natural hair type will adore this technique, so you should go try it out for yourself and see just how moisturized your locks will become!
SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Mask
About the Author
Jane SchlosserJane is a freelance writer who occasionally writes for us.