High-porosity hair products are gaining popularity in the beauty market. Why? Because high-porosity hair absorbs moisture with ease but struggles to keep it.
These products target this specific issue. The right products can improve hair health.
This article delves into the best options for those seeking solutions for high-porosity locks. Dive in to discover your hair’s next best friend.
7 Best High Porosity Hair Products
We’ve gathered a list of the top high-porosity hair products for you. These items help your hair keep moisture, reduce frizz, and improve health.
Keep reading to explore your options and find the perfect product for your hair care routine.
Best Overall
Best for Porosity Control
Roux Rejuvenating Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner
Best Hair Mask
Best Conditioning Cream
Carol’s Daughter Marguerite’s Magic Restorative Conditioning Cream
Best for Damaged Hair
Elizavecca cer-100 collagen coating hair protein treatment 100ml 3.30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best Detangling Primer
SheaMoisture Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
This SheaMoisture Hair Masque is perfect for deep conditioning and moisture retention.
What we like
- Ultra-hydrating formula
- Natural ingredients and cruelty-free
- Helps reduce hair breakage
Using this Hair Masque is simple – after sectioning clean, wet hair, apply it in abundance and distribute it with a wide-tooth comb. Leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing. If you feel like giving your hair an extra treat, cover it with a plastic cap and apply heat for up to 30 minutes for deep penetration.
Roux Rejuvenating Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner
This product is worth a try for those seeking to revive damaged hair and achieve a younger-looking appearance.
What we like
- Infuses moisture and adds manageability
- Enhances luminous shine
- Made in the United States
Despite its target is aging or chemically treated hair, this product has the potential to suit a wide range of hair types. The ease of use is impressive, as you can either apply it to damp hair after washing or as a deep conditioner. There is a significant improvement in hair texture after consistent use.
tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask for Natural Hair
Experience the magic of honey for your dry, damaged, or color-treated hair with this luxurious deep conditioner.
What we like
- Raw honey for softer, shinier hair
- Nourishes and repairs with jojoba and olive oils
- Easy to use and suitable for all hair types
When you try the tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask, you’ll be amazed at the transformation your hair undergoes. The raw honey not only adds moisture but also gives your hair an incredible shine. You’ll find that the jojoba and olive oils work wonders in repairing damaged strands, leaving your hair feeling healthy and strong.
Carol’s Daughter Marguerite’s Magic Restorative Conditioning Cream
Ideal for those struggling with dry, damaged, or over-processed hair.
What we like
- Nourishes in depth and restores strength
- Improves manageability and softens hair
- No silicones, parabens, mineral oil, artificial colors, or petrolatum
The rich, thick formula penetrates deep into your hair strands. this restores strength and prevents breakage. It is free from harmful chemicals like silicones, parabens, or petrolatum. Some users might find the cream too heavy or the fragrance too strong. It’s worth noting that not all hair types may experience the same benefits, so it’s best to test it on a small section of your hair.
Elizavecca cer-100 collagen coating hair protein treatment 100ml 3.30 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
This collagen hair treatment is a game changer for damaged and over-processed hair, leaving it smoother and healthier.
What we like
- Quick 5-minute in-home treatment
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
- Affordable with many uses per tube
This collagen hair treatment works well for all hair types and textures, from fine to coarse. It’s particularly effective on damaged hair from excessive heat and sun exposure. Your hair will feel silkier and healthier, with noticeable improvements in both its shine and texture.
African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo
A great choice for nourishing and detangling natural coils and curls.
What we like
- Moisturizes and detangles hair with ease
- Contains natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Coconut Water
- Free of parabens, mineral oil, sulfates, and petrolatum
The African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe & Coconut Water Pre-Shampoo is a fantastic product for those with curly or coily hair. After using it, you’ll notice your hair feels nourished, conditioned, and much easier to detangle. This pre-shampoo has natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Coconut Water. These provide hydration and strength to your hair.
Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer 5.9 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
A great addition to your hair care routine to tackle high porosity hair without effort.
What we like
- Detangles hair with ease
- Boosts shine and breakage control
- Provides heat protection
You’ll find that the Oribe Run-Through Detangling Primer is like magic when it comes to brushing your high-porosity hair. If you test it on damp hair, the tangles will disappear, leaving you with smooth and manageable locks.
What Is High-Porosity Hair?
High-porosity hair is a hair type where the cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair strand, is open and rough. This means your hair absorbs water, oils, and other products with ease.
One unpleasant characteristic of high-porosity hair is that it can dry out fast. This often leads to frizz and a dry appearance.
| Porosity | Cuticle Structure | Moisture Retention | Microscopic Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Porosity Hair | Cuticles are open, allowing easy absorption. | Struggles to retain moisture. | Resembles a rough Christmas tree. |
| Low-Porosity Hair | Cuticles are tightly closed. | Difficult for moisture to enter or leave the hair shaft. | Resembles the smooth skin on a snake’s back. |
| Medium-Porosity Hair | Balanced cuticle structure with moderate openness. | Allows for a moderate amount of moisture to enter and exit the hair shaft. | Between the smooth snake skin and rough tree. |
Why Is Hair Porosity Important in Hair Care?
Hair porosity plays a crucial role in how your hair retains moisture and absorbs oil. High porosity hair tends to lose moisture fast. It often requires more attention in terms of:
- Moisturizing
- Hydration
- Conditioning
This ensures that your hair stays healthy and strong.
With high porosity hair, the outer layer (cortex) and the innermost layer (medulla) of your hair shaft have small, open cuticles. This may lead to damaged hair.
By understanding this, you can select products that penetrate those open cuticles. They provide the necessary hydration and nourishment.
Test for High-Porosity Hair
High-porosity hair tends to have damage from bleach, chemical treatments, or relaxers. It often experiences frizz, tangles, breakage, dryness, and split ends.
To test if your hair is high-porosity, follow these simple steps:
- Clean your hair: Wash and dry your hair, removing any products or residue.
- Get a strand of hair: Pluck one hair strand from your head, making sure not to break it.
- Water test: Fill a glass with water and place the hair strand in it. Observe the hair for a few minutes.
Interpret the results:
- If the hair sinks fast, it is likely high-porosity, as the cuticles are open, allowing water to enter with ease.
- If it floats, your hair has low porosity.
Check out our hair porosity quiz!
How To Care for High-Porosity Hair
Moisture is vital for high-porosity hair to maintain its vibrancy and health. To ensure optimal hydration, here’s a comprehensive list of recommended steps:
- Cleansing and Conditioning: Begin with a hydrating shampoo for high-porosity hair. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to retain hydration and smoothness.
- Leave-In Conditioning: Incorporate a leave-in conditioner for additional hydration and easier detangling.
- Deep Conditioning: Use deep conditioners weekly for added moisture and overall hair health.
- L.O.C. Method: Apply a liquid or leave-in conditioner first. Follow with a cream product. Seal everything with oil to lock in moisture.
- Detangling: Be gentle. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to minimize breakage.
- Daily Moisturizing: Hydrate your hair daily to maintain healthy strands. Choose a suitable daily moisturizer and incorporate it into your routine.
- Specialized Hair Products: Opt for products specifically crafted for high-porosity hair.
Ingredients Beneficial for High Porosity Hair
If you have high-porosity hair, the first ingredients you need to consider are natural oils and butter. Still, some oils and butters don’t make the best choice.
Natural Oils
Here is a list of the best natural oils in high-porosity hair products:
- Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft, moisturizes, and adds a protective layer.
- Argan Oil: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it smoothes and adds shine.
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the scalp’s natural sebum, hydrating without causing build-up.
- Olive Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft and holds in moisture.
Butters
If you are looking for a stronger treatment, look for the following butters:
- Shea Butter: Acts as an emollient, sealing moisture into the hair.
- Mango Butter: Softens the hair and seals in moisture.
- Cocoa Butter: Provides deep hydration and can help reduce breakage.
Other Ingredients To Look for in High-Porosity Hair Products
If you have high porosity hair, certain ingredients other than oils and butters can be especially beneficial to help:
- Retain moisture
- Smooth the hair’s cuticle
- Strengthen the hair shaft
Here are some ingredients to consider:
| Ingredient | Description/Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | A moisturizing agent that can help balance pH and close cuticles. |
| Glycerin | A humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the hair. |
| Honey | Natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture. |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | Helps improve hair elasticity and moisture retention. |
| Hydrolyzed Proteins | Temporarily fills gaps in the hair cuticle (e.g., hydrolyzed wheat, silk, or keratin protein), strengthening the hair. |
| Fatty Alcohols | Moisturizing agents that give a creamy consistency to conditioners (e.g., cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl alcohol). |
| Ceramides | Lipids that fill in gaps in the hair cuticle, aiding in moisture retention and strength. |
| Amino Acids | Help in strengthening the hair structure and replenishing lost nutrients. |
| Water-soluble Silicones | Aid in detangling and add shine without the heavy build-up of non-soluble silicones. |
| Marshmallow Root | An herbal extract that aids in detangling and smoothing hair. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Used occasionally for rinses to enhance shine and close the cuticle. Dilute well before use. |
Ingredients to Avoid in High-Porosity Products
When shopping for products for your high-porosity hair, you should avoid the following ingredients:
- Sulfates
- High amounts of protein
- Alcohol
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Salt
- Harsh dying agents
- Synthetic silicones
Sulfates
Found in shampoos, sulfates can be too harsh for your hair. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate strip away your hair’s natural oils, leading to dryness and damage.
High Amounts of Protein
While protein treatments can benefit high-porosity hair. they patch up gaps in the cuticle. Too much protein can make your hair stiff and brittle.
Alcohol
Stay away from hair products with high alcohol content. Avoid short-chain alcohols like isopropyl alcohol and SD alcohol. These can be drying to your hair.
Fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol are moisturizing and can be beneficial.
Mineral Oil
This ingredient can create a barrier that prevents moisture from entering your hair shaft.
Petrolatum
Like mineral oil, petrolatum can block moisture from entering your hair.
Some people find it beneficial for sealing in moisture when used in very small amounts but be cautious.
Salt
Sodium chloride, or table salt, can dry your hair and is sometimes found in shampoos and other hair products.
Harsh Drying Agents
Ingredients like witch hazel or clarifying agents can be too harsh for high-porosity hair. this happens if you use them often.
Synthetic Silicones
Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone can cause build-up if not washed out for good. They can make your hair feel smooth and shiny but may also prevent moisture from penetrating the hair shaft.
If you want to use products with silicones, choose water-soluble ones. You can sometimes use a clarifying shampoo. These shampoos prevent build-up.
How To Avoid Further Damage to High Porosity Hair
To prevent more damage to your high-porosity hair, try these tips:
- Use sulfate-free shampoos to cleanse your hair gently.
- Avoid high heat styling and use heat protectant sprays when heat styling is necessary.
- Minimize chemical treatments like coloring and perms.
- Deep condition regularly to maintain hydration.
- Wear protective styles such as braids and buns.
- Trim split ends regularly to minimize breakage.
- Avoid brushing wet hair and use a wide-tooth comb for detangling.
- Protect your hair at night with satin or silk scarves or bonnets.
- Limit exposure to chlorine and saltwater when swimming.
- Avoid tight hairstyles like tight ponytails that can stress your hair.
- Minimize direct sun exposure and use a hat or scarf for protection.
- Rinse with cold water after washing your hair to seal the cuticles.
- Avoid excessive protein treatments, as too much protein can cause dryness and breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of leave-in conditioner works well for high-porosity hair?
Choose leave-in conditioners that are ultra-moisturizing and free of harsh sulfates. They should contain ingredients that reduce frizz and seal in moisture. Look for cremes, oils, and butters that improve hydration and protect hair from heat damage.
Should I focus on protein or moisture for high-porosity hair?
Focusing on moisture is crucial for high-porosity hair, as it’s prone to dryness and frizz. Protein treatments can also be beneficial if you don’t use them often. Find the right balance between moisture and protein to maintain healthy, beautiful hair.
How do high-porosity hair products differ from low or medium-porosity products?
Products for high-porosity hair address the unique challenges of hair with open cuticles. They contain more moisturizing agents and focus on reducing frizz and maintaining hydration. These products may include proteins to help strengthen hair strands. In contrast, low or medium-porosity hair products focus on retaining or balancing moisture. They avoid product build-up.
