Protein treatments for high-porosity hair are gaining attention in the hair care world. High porosity hair absorbs moisture fast but has trouble retaining it. This can lead to dryness and damage.
Protein treatments can help. They fill in gaps in the hair shaft. This makes your hair stronger and more resilient. Studies show that regular use can improve hair’s health.
This article dives deep into the benefits and how-to’s of protein treatments for this hair type. Get ready to transform your locks.
Best Protein Treatments for High Porosity Hair
Below is our curated list of the top protein treatments for high-porosity hair. These products will help nourish, strengthen, and restore your hair. They will give you healthier and more manageable locks.
So, get ready to discover the best solutions for your specific hair needs!
Best Overall
Best Duo
Best Manuka Treatment
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment
Best for Very Damaged Hair
Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Intense Protein Hair Treatment, 8 Fl Oz 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Best With Collagen
Best for Chemically Treated Hair
Roux Rejuvenating Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner
SheaMoisture Deep Conditioning Hair Masque
This SheaMoisture hair masque is a must-try for those struggling with high-porosity hair.
What we like
- Moisturizes and conditions hair in-depth
- Formulated without harmful ingredients
- Cruelty-free and ethically sourced
The SheaMoisture Deep Conditioning Hair Masque is great for high-porosity hair that needs extra hydration. With Mongongo and Jojoba Oils, Aloe Vera, and Fair Trade Shea Butter, this hair masque provides a rich conditioning experience. It helps keep moisture in and smoothen rough cuticles.
Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner with Protein
This protein treatment is perfect for those seeking to strengthen and nourish high-porosity hair.
What we like
- Strengthens hair elasticity and reduces breakage
- Replenishes follicles and skin for a healthy scalp
- Hydrates and adds shine to various hair types
The Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner with Protein works wonders for high porosity hair. This deep conditioner combines the benefits of babassu oil with nutrient-rich oils and amino acids. It replenishes and promotes a healthy scalp and soft, bouncy hair. The unique formula strengthens hair elasticity, reducing breakage and smoothing frizz and flyaways.
tgin Miracle RepaiRx Duo
This Miracle RepaiRx Duo is ideal for those seeking to repair and strengthen their high-porosity, damaged hair.
What we like
- Restores protein and strengthens hair from within
- Promotes hair growth and healthy scalp
- Ideal for dry, color or heat-damaged hair
The Thank God It’s Natural (tgin) Miracle RepaiRx CPR Protein Treatment and Deep Hydrating Hair Mask duo helps you restore your hair’s health. These products work together to moisturize your scalp, reduce breakage, and promote hair growth. The gentle formula also smooths the hair cuticle. This makes it a perfect choice for those with damaged hair due to excessive styling, color, or heat treatments.
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment
This protein-packed treatment is a great choice for those seeking a hydrating and repairing solution.
What we like
- Provides deep moisture with yogurt
- Natural humectant from Manuka honey
- Softens hair using Baobab and Mafura oils
The Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein Power Treatment is a hair mask and deep conditioner. It helps strengthen and moisturize high-porosity hair. Its yogurt content aids in revitalizing damaged hair caused by chemicals or over-processing. The Manuka honey’s natural humectant properties help attract and keep moisture. This gives your hair a healthy shine.
Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Intense Protein Hair Treatment, 8 Fl Oz 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
This protein hair treatment could work wonders for your damaged hair in about 2-5 minutes.
What we like
- Treats and corrects damaged hair
- Enhances strength to prevent breakage
- Detangles and improves manageability
Give your hair the help it needs with the Hi Pro Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Repair Intense Protein Hair Treatment. This salon-like formula has concentrated proteins and active moisturizers to protect, nourish, and strengthen your hair. This makes it an ideal choice for those struggling with high-porosity hair. The collagen builds moisture and improves manageability. The wheat amino acids provide water-binding properties for an enhanced sheen. Your hair will feel silky smooth after one use.
Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Protein Treatment
This Elizavecca hair treatment offers fast and convenient in-home care.
What we like
- Deep repairing treatment for over-processed and damaged hair
- Includes Ceramide 3 and collagen ingredients for added hair purity
- Suitable for all hair types and textures
This protein treatment provides deep repair and nourishment for damaged high-porosity hair. With Ceramide 3 and collagen ingredients, it works to restore hair’s strength and purity in 5 minutes. This treatment is suitable for all hair types and textures. This makes it a versatile option for users seeking an easy-to-use, at-home solution.
Roux Rejuvenating Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner
This Roux conditioner is an excellent choice for rejuvenating and repairing high-porosity hair.
What we like
- Infuses moisture and adds manageability
- Helps revitalize damaged hair
- Made in the United States
The Roux Rejuvenating Porosity Control Corrector and Conditioner has a formula designed to bring life back to your locks. It has ingredients focusing on moisture infusion and added manageability. You can expect to see improvements in your hair’s health and appearance in no time.
Fundamentals of Hair Porosity
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. There are three types of hair porosity:
- Low
- Medium (or normal
- High
Each type has unique characteristics that affect how your hair behaves and responds to treatments.
Low-Porosity Hair
Low-porosity hair has packed cuticles that close together. This makes it hard for moisture and nutrients to penetrate.
This type of hair tends to become oily fast and takes longer to dry.
Medium-Porosity Hair
Medium porosity hair has a healthy balance. This allows it to absorb and keep the right amount of moisture.
This hair type is generally easy to manage, as it can stay moisturized without getting oily.
High-Porosity Hair
High porosity hair has raised cuticles. This makes it easy for moisture to enter but difficult to maintain.
The characteristics of high-porosity hair are as follows:
- Dryness
- Frizz
- Tangling
- Some damage
This can be the result of factors like:
- Genetics
- Chemical treatments
- Color-treated hair
Understanding the different levels of hair porosity helps. You can better determine the appropriate treatment for your specific hair type.
How To Test for High Porosity Hair
One way to test is by performing a strand test. Take a single strand of your clean, dry hair and drop it into a glass of water. If your hair sinks fast to the bottom, it indicates high porosity.
Check out our hair porosity quiz!
What Are Hair Protein Treatments?
Hair protein treatments are products you use to strengthen and repair your hair. They work by attaching hydrolyzed proteins to the hair shaft. These proteins fill in gaps and improve its structure.
Be cautious not to overuse them. Protein overload can make your hair brittle and more susceptible to damage.
Does High Porosity Need Protein Treatment?
Yes, high porosity hair needs protein treatments. Protein treatments help your high-porosity hair:
- Maintain moisture
- Repair damage
- Prevent tangles and breakage
How Protein Treatments Benefit High-Porosity Hair
Protein treatments work by filling in those gaps and holes, which in turn helps:
- Keep moisture: The added protein reinforces the hair cuticle and makes it easier for your hair to keep moisture.
- Repair damage: Protein treatments can help repair damage caused by heat styling, chemical processing, and environmental factors.
- Prevent tangles and breakage: With a stronger hair cuticle, your hair is less likely to become tangled and more resistant to breakage.
Does Protein Reduce Hair Porosity?
Protein treatments do not reduce hair porosity for good. Protein treatments work by improving the health of your hair and promoting moisture retention. They can make your high-porosity hair more manageable and easier to care for.
Types of Protein Hair Treatments
Here are the various types of protein hair treatments:
- Keratin treatments
- Silk protein treatments
- Wheat protein treatments
- Mayonnaise treatments
- Egg treatments
Keratin Treatments
Keratin is a natural protein found in your hair. It strengthens and smooths your hair, reduces frizz, and adds shine.
Keratin treatments can be expensive and may cause damage if overused.
Silk Protein Treatments
Silk protein helps moisturize and adds softness to your high-porosity hair. It fills in the gaps between your cuticles, providing a smoother texture. The downside is that some people might have an allergy to silk protein.
Wheat Protein Treatments
Wheat protein adds volume and strength to your hair. It’s beneficial for high-porosity hair. If you have gluten sensitivity, this might not be the best option for you.
Mayonnaise Treatments
Mayonnaise made from eggs and oil provides both protein and moisture. It’s affordable and easy to make at home. The smell might not be pleasant, and it could weigh down fine hair.
Egg Treatments
Eggs are a great source of natural protein. Applying raw eggs to your hair can help strengthen and nourish it. The downside is the smell and the potential risk of salmonella if not handled as they should.
How Often Does High Porosity Hair Need A Protein Treatment?
High porosity hair may need a protein treatment every 6 weeks. It’s good to have 1-3 deep moisturizing sessions per month.
Your porous hair retains both moisture and protein. These treatments help fill in the gaps, keeping your hair healthy and strong.
Stick to this schedule and see the difference in your hair’s texture and appearance over time.
How To Choose A Protein Treatment For High-porosity Hair
Look for products formulated for high-porosity hair. These contain hydrolyzed proteins, natural oils, and humectants. They lack harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and silicones.
Which Protein Is Best For High Porosity Hair?
Hydrolyzed proteins are the best choice for high-porosity hair. They have a smaller molecular size, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
Examples of the hydrolyzed proteins used in protein treatments include:
- Hydrolyzed keratin
- Hydrolyzed silk protein
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
Ingredients To Look For in High-Porosity Hair Protein Treatments
Look for the following ingredients that can help strengthen and moisturize your hair:
- Hydrolyzed proteins – to strengthen the hair shaft and improve elasticity
- Natural oils – such as coconut, jojoba, or argan oil, to improve moisture retention
- Humectants – like glycerin, honey, or aloe vera, to attract and keep moisture
- Moisturizing agents – like essential fatty acids, ceramides, or panthenol
Ingredients To Avoid in High-Porosity Hair Protein Treatments
Avoid products containing harsh, harmful ingredients that could damage high-porosity hair. Here are some ingredients to avoid:
- Sulfates – like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which can strip natural oils and moisture from your hair
- Parabens – synthetic preservatives that have correlated to health concerns
- Silicones – which can weigh down high-porosity hair and accumulate over time. This leads to buildup and reduced moisture intake
Protein Treatment Application Methods
To get the most out of protein treatments for high porosity hair, follow these application methods:
- Use the L.O.C. Method: Apply a liquid (L) such as water, oil (O) like coconut oil, and cream (C) like a leave-in conditioner in that order.
- Focus on the Ends: Apply the protein treatment to the ends of your hair, as they’re more vulnerable to breakage and damage. Ensure even coverage throughout your hair strands.
- Heat Styling: Use a hooded dryer or a hair steamer to help open your hair cuticles, allowing the protein treatment to penetrate deeper.
- Protective Styling: Style your hair with braids, twists, or updos to reduce manipulation and protect your hair.
- Processing Time: Check the instructions on your protein treatment (around 30-60 minutes).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Caring for high porosity hair requires proper attention to avoid problems. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid and tips on how to prevent them:
- Over-processing
- Excessive sun exposure
- Insufficient protein
- Rough detangling
- Skipping hydration
Mistake 1: Over Processing
High-porosity hair is often damaged by chemical processes. To avoid this, limit your use of chemical treatments and opt for gentler styling methods.
Mistake 2: Excessive Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can further damage your hair by making it dry and brittle. Protect your hair by wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection.
Mistake 3: Insufficient Protein
Your hair needs protein to strengthen its structure and reduce breakage. You should use protein treatments designed for high-porosity hair on a regular basis.
Mistake 4: Rough Detangling
Tangling is a common issue for high porosity hair. Avoid rough handling when detangling. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb and detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up.
Mistake 5: Skipping Hydration
Proper hydration is essential for high-porosity hair care. Make sure to follow the L.O.C. method (leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream) to keep your hair moisturized.
Common Mistake | How to Avoid Them |
---|---|
Over Processing | Limit chemical treatments and heat styling |
Excessive Sun Exposure | Wear a hat or use UV protection hair products |
Insufficient Protein | Use protein treatments for high porosity hair |
Rough Detangling | Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb |
Skipping Hydration | Follow the L.O.C. method |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does high porosity hair always need protein treatments?
No, high porosity hair does not always need protein treatments. High-porosity hair usually needs more protein or oil to help seal in moisture due to the gaps in the hair cuticle. The right amount of protein treatment depends on your hair’s specific needs and damage. It’s essential to find a balance between protein and moisture to keep your hair healthy.
How can I determine if my hair needs protein?
To determine if your hair needs protein, look for signs like dryness, breakage, and loss of elasticity. You can also perform a simple strand test at home. Wet a small section of your hair and stretch it. If your hair breaks fast or doesn’t return to its original shape, it may need more protein. If your hair feels too stiff and brittle, it might have too much protein.
Are certain hair types more prone to high porosity?
Yes, certain hair types are more prone to high porosity. Hair exposed to heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental damage can have high porosity. Some people may have porous hair due to genetics. It’s important to understand your hair type and adapt your hair care routine to address high porosity issues.