Choosing the right shampoo for high-porosity hair can make a big difference.
That’s because this hair type absorbs and loses moisture fast, which can cause dryness, frizz, and damage.
But what is the right shampoo? What should you look for?
We’ll dive into ingredients that benefit high-porosity hair and highlight what to avoid.
Best Shampoos for High-Porosity Hair
Discover the top shampoos for high-porosity hair below. These products help retain moisture and repair your porous strands,. They also give them a healthy and vibrant appearance.
Consumer Favorite
Best for Natural Hair
tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo For Natural Hair (Duo)
Best with Rosemary
Best Deep Treatment
Best for Curly Hair
SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Replenish Shampoo for Curly and Coily Hair
Best for Repair
Best for Damaged Hair
Best for Soft Hair
Shea Moisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils Shampoo
Shea Moisture’s Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-seal Shampoo is an excellent choice for those looking to nourish and repair their high-porosity hair.
What we like
- Nourishes and smoothes curls and coils
- Repairs damage
- Provides all-day sleek and sexy hair
After using Shea Moisture’s High Porosity Moisture-seal Shampoo, your hair is softer and more manageable. This shampoo targets high-porosity hair, sealing in moisture and repairing damage. As a result, you may experience less breakage and fewer split ends, which is a major plus.
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Consider Olaplex No. 4 for revitalizing and strengthening high-porosity hair with an impressive rating of 4.7.
What we like
- Restores damaged hair bonds
- Boosts hair strength and moisture
- Improves manageability and shine
Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo stands out among other high-porosity hair shampoos, thanks to its bond restoration properties. You’ll notice your hair feeling stronger, more moisturized, and easier to manage. While the initial price might seem steep, you’ll find that a little goes a long way, providing excellent value in the long run.
tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo For Natural Hair (Duo)
The tgin Moisture Rich Duo is a solid choice for those looking to improve hair health and manageability.
What we like
- Soft, shiny, and moisturized hair
- Sulfate-free shampoo for gentle cleansing
- Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner for sealed moisture
This shampoo is perfect for those who want to revitalize their high-porosity hair. It has Coconut oil and Pro Vitamin B5. These ingredients provide a gentle cleansing while reducing breakage. After using it, your hair will feel nourished and moisturized.
Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo
This shampoo is a great choice for those with high-porosity hair seeking nourishment and strengthened locks.
What we like
- Intense moisture for all hair types
- Infused with biotin for added strength
- Nourishes hair through all three phases of growth
Upon using this Mielle Shampoo, your hair feels refreshed and rejuvenated. The rich lather cleanses your scalp, while the biotin-infused formula works to make your hair stronger.
GIOVANNI Eco Chic Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo
Transform your high-porosity hair into a silky masterpiece with this nourishing shampoo.
What we like
- Provides deep moisture and softness
- Calms frizz and detangles hair
- Color-safe and gentle on the scalp
This pearlescent formula has Apple and Aloe extracts. This not only moisturizes but also provides antioxidant protection. Your hair now feels soft, manageable, and rejuvenated, all thanks to this fabulous shampoo.
SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Replenish Shampoo
This shampoo is perfect for those looking to hydrate and cleanse their high-porosity hair.
What we like
- Cleanses without overdrying
- The ultra-hydrating formula for dry and damaged strands
- Cruelty-free and contains no harmful chemicals
SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Replenish Shampoo offers a gentle yet effective cleanse. It does not strip your hair of its natural oils. After using this shampoo, you will notice smoother, more manageable locks. The ultra-hydrating formula has Mongongo and Jojoba Oils, Baobab, Aloe Vera, and Fair Trade Shea Butter. It provides your hair with the necessary nourishment it needs to remain healthy and replenished.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Super Moisture Shampoo
A great choice for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair that needs deep cleansing and hydration.
What we like
- Ultra-hydrating and sulfate-free
- Packed with natural ingredients
- Suitable for treated hair
This shampoo is 95% naturally derived and free of sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, DEA, and artificial dyes. It’s certified gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan. This ensures you feel good about using a product that’s gentle on your hair and the environment. The formula is also ideal for maintaining color-treated hair or hair with keratin or chemical treatments.
Maria Nila Structure Repair Shampoo
This shampoo is worth considering as a nourishing and reparative option for high-porosity hair.
What we like
- Restores and moisturizes damaged hair
- Delightful mild scent
- Made from 100% vegan ingredients and free of sulfates and parabens
Upon using Maria Nila Structure Repair Shampoo for the first time, you’ll notice the enticing and mild scent of vanilla, rose, and jasmine. The shampoo’s consistency might feel thinner than what you’re used to, but don’t let that discourage you.
PHYTO Phytoelixir Intense Nutrition Shampoo
Treat your high-porosity hair to luxurious nourishment with PHYTO Phytoelixir Intense Nutrition Shampoo.
What we like
- Nourishing for dry, high-porosity hair
- Subtle, pleasant floral scent
- Made in France with high-quality ingredients
PHYTO’s Phytoelixir Intense Nutrition Shampoo is a game-changer for those struggling with high-porosity hair. Upon using it, you’ll notice a floral scent that surrounds you. The rich formula works well to provide the much-needed nutrition for your parched locks. Your hair will feel softer and more manageable after a few uses.
What is High Porosity Hair?
High porosity hair is a hair type where your strands have large pores. This makes it easy for it to absorb moisture but also loses it fast.
| Hair Porosity | Pore Size | Ability to Absorb & Retain Moisture | Shampoo Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Porosity Hair | Large Pores | Absorbs quickly but loses moisture rapidly | Shampoos that retain moisture and seal hair cuticles |
| Medium Porosity Hair | Moderate Pores | Balanced ability to absorb and retain moisture | Balanced shampoos suitable for normal hair |
| Low Porosity Hair | Small Pores | Difficult to absorb moisture but retains it once absorbed | Lightweight shampoos that won’t build up on the hair shaft |
Try out our hair porosity quiz to find your porosity now.
High Porosity Hair Characteristics
To better understand how to choose the best shampoo for high-porosity hair, you need to understand its characteristics.
In summary, some key high-porosity hair characteristics are:
- Rapid moisture absorption
- Quick to dry
- Prone to frizz
- Lack of shine
- Tendency to tangle
- Feeling rough or coarse
- Struggling with moisture retention
- Easily colored
- Prone to breakage and split ends
- Rapid product build-up
- Lack of volume
- Difficulty holding styles
- Dull appearance
Causes of High Porosity Hair
Heat, coloring, and genetics play a role in high porosity hair.
Regular use of heat-styling tools can lead to heat damage. Coloring or bleaching hair weakens your locks.
Your hair’s natural structure may also give it high porosity, whether it’s from your parents or due to daily habits.
15 Ingredients To Look for in a High-porosity Hair Shampoo
Here are the ingredients to look for in shampoos for porous hair:
- Moisturizing ingredients
- Aloe vera
- Honey
- Glycerin
- Shea butter
- Argan oil
- Jojoba oil
- Protein-based ingredients
- Natural oils
- Panthenol
- Biotin
- Amino acids
- Vitamins A, E, and C
- Gentle cleansers like Cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside
- pH balanced formula
1. Moisturizing Ingredients
Look for shampoos with moisturizing ingredients that will help hydrate and nourish your hair.
These ingredients are essential for high-porosity hair, as they help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent ingredient for high-porosity hair, as it not only provides hydration but also promotes scalp health.
It helps soothe and moisturize your scalp, creating a healthy environment for hair growth.
3. Honey
Honey is both a humectant and an emollient, attracting moisture to your hair and keeping it there. It can help create a healthy moisture balance and boost your hair’s shine.
4. Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in your hair.
Including this ingredient in your shampoo can help improve the health of your high-porosity hair.
5. Shea Butter
Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for high-porosity hair, as it provides deep hydration and helps seal the cuticles.
It can also help improve elasticity and reduce hair breakage.
6. Argan Oil
Argan oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which are beneficial for high-porosity hair.
It can help replenish lost moisture, improve shine, and reduce frizz.
7. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil resembles the natural oils produced by your scalp. this makes it a perfect ingredient for high-porosity hair.
It can help moisturize and deep-condition your hair while also promoting growth.
8. Protein-based Ingredients
High-porosity hair may benefit from protein-rich ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin or silk proteins.
These ingredients can help:
- Strengthen your hair
- Protect it from damage
- Increase its elasticity
9. Natural Oils
Opt for shampoos with natural oils, such as coconut, olive, or avocado oil.
These oils can penetrate the hair shaft, adding moisture and improving hair health.
10. Panthenol
Panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, can help moisturize and strengthen high-porosity hair.
It can also add shine and improve manageability.
11. Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient for hair growth.
Including this ingredient in your shampoo can help promote strong and healthy hair.
12. Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and high-porosity hair can benefit from their inclusion in your shampoo.
They can help strengthen and repair the hair shaft, making it more resistant to damage.
13. Vitamins A, E, and C
Vitamins A, E, and C are essential for healthy hair and can help nourish and repair high-porosity hair.
Ensure your shampoo contains these essential vitamins to support healthy hair growth. This also helps to keep it shiny.
14. Gentle Cleansers
Choose shampoos with gentle cleansers like Cocamidopropyl betaine or decyl glucoside.
These cleansers will remove dirt and oil without stripping your hair of its natural moisture.
15. pH Balanced Formula
Ensure your shampoo has a pH-balanced formula, as it is essential for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.
A pH-balanced shampoo can help prevent dryness and irritation.
13 Ingredients to Avoid in High-Porosity Hair Shampoos
Here are the ingredients you shouldn’t have in your high-porosity hair shampoo for best results:
- Sulfates (like sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate)
- High alcohol content
- Silicones
- Synthetic dyes
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde releasers
- Polyethylene glycols (PEGs)
- Artificial fragrances
- Mineral oil
- Sodium chloride
- Harsh surfactants
- Ingredients you may be allergic to
1. Sulfates
You should avoid sulfates because they strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
High porosity hair already struggles to retain moisture. Using harsh cleansers like sulfates can worsen the problem.
2. High Alcohol Content
Alcohol is often used in hair products for faster drying, but it can be drying to high porosity hair.
It’s important to avoid shampoos with high alcohol content. Look for products that are alcohol-free or contain beneficial alcohols, such as cetyl alcohol. They have moisturizing properties.
3. Silicones
Avoid silicones because they can build up on your hair and weigh it down.
While they may provide temporary shine and smoothness, silicone buildup makes high-porosity hair difficult to manage.
4. Synthetic Dyes
Synthetic dyes can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
Stick to shampoos with natural colorants or those labeled as colorant-free to avoid these issues.
5. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that can be harmful and linked to health issues.
Look for shampoos that use alternative preservation methods and are paraben-free.
6. Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals used as plasticizers found in fragrances. They can cause hormonal disruptions and health problems.
Choose shampoos that either use phthalate-free fragrances or are fragrance-free.
7. Formaldehyde Releasers
Formaldehyde releasers are preservatives that release small amounts of formaldehyde. This can cause skin irritation and sensitization.
8. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
PEGs are synthetic chemicals used as thickeners or solvents. They can be harmful and irritating.
It’s a good idea to look for shampoos without PEGs or with natural alternatives.
9. Artificial Fragrances
Artificial fragrances can be irritating to your skin and scalp, as well as hazardous to your health.
Aim to use shampoos with natural fragrances or no added fragrances.
10. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a petroleum byproduct that can create a barrier on your hair, trapping dirt and oils. This prevents your hair from absorbing much-needed moisture.
Look for shampoos without mineral oil or with natural alternatives, like plant-based oils.
11. Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is a thickener ingredient in some shampoos, but it can strip your hair of moisture and damage your scalp.
12. Harsh Surfactants
Surfactants can strip your hair of its natural oils. These include:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Sodium laureth sulfate
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate
These can cause high-porosity hair to become more dry and brittle.
Look for shampoos with gentler surfactants like sodium cocoyl isethionate or decyl glucoside.
13. Ingredients You May Be Allergic To
Be aware of any personal allergy triggers. If you know you’re allergic to a specific ingredient, make sure to avoid it in your shampoo selection. Your scalp and hair will thank you.
How Do You Wash High Porosity Hair?
Here is how to wash your high-porosity hair the right way:
- Ensure your hair is completely wet before applying shampoo.
- Apply a small amount of shampoo to your scalp and massage it with your fingertips.
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water, ensuring the shampoo runs through the rest of it as it rinses out.
- Use a conditioner formulated for high-porosity hair.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream to help your high-porosity hair keep moisture and prevent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any home remedies to improve the health of my high-porosity hair?
Yes, there are home remedies to improve your high-porosity hair. One effective method is the apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. Mix one part ACV with three parts water and apply it to your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it out. This helps close the hair cuticles and balance your hair’s pH, reducing frizz, and increasing shine.
How can a clarifying shampoo help my high-porosity hair?
A clarifying shampoo can help your high-porosity hair by removing product buildup and excess oils from your hair shaft. This ensures that your hair can better absorb and keep moisture from other hair care products, such as conditioners and hair masks.
How can I best grow and maintain my high-porosity hair?
Begin with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Always follow with a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioning treatment. This hydrates and seals the hair shaft. Incorporate protein treatments into your routine to strengthen the hair. don’t overdo it, as too much can make hair brittle. Protect your hair from environmental damage by wearing protective styles.
