What Is Low Porosity Hair?
Understanding the porosity level of your hair can be challenging. If your hair has low porosity, it means your hair bonds are tightly packed and resistant to moisture. If you take the strand test, your hair strand will float on the top due to its incapability to absorb water. This shows that low porosity hair cannot absorb hair care products easily. To get the best of your hair care products, use shampoos and conditioners that are alkaline to lift the hair cuticles.
What Causes Low Porosity?
1. Blame It On Your Genes!
If low hair porosity runs in your family, there is a high chance that you inherited it. But taking good care of your tresses at the earliest will prevent hair issues.
2. Not Cleansing Your Hair Properly
Make sure to cleanse your hair thoroughly, as that can be a significant reason for low porosity. If you notice residue buildup on your scalp, use a clarifying shampoo once a month to deep clean your hair and scalp.Here are a few symptoms of low porosity hair.
How To Tell If Your Hair Has Low Porosity?
The hair does not absorb moisture readily and repels water in the shower.
The hair takes a long time to dry.
Products sit on the surface of low porosity hair instead of getting absorbed and tend to build up.
The hair takes time to absorb chemical treatments and hair dyes.
The hair lacks elasticity.
You need steam to activate the effects of the products you use.
To know more about different porosity tests that can help you understand your hair’s porosity, check out this article.Take a look at the list of the 15 best low porosity hair products available on the market right now!
Top 15 Products For Low Porosity Hair
1. Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment
The Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment is a daily, thick conditioner that claims to moisturize and strengthen the hair in just one use. It contains cocoa and shea butters that intensely nourish damaged locks. It also detangles knots to give you soft and bouncy curls. This hydrating conditioner repairs damaged cuticles and promote healthy and shiny hair. It also does not have any synthetic fragrances that might irritate your senses. This video review will help you understand more about the product.Pros
Lightweight Suitable for all hair types Hydrates the hair Non-greasy Does not weigh the hair down No added fragrances Travel-friendly packaging Affordable
ConsNone
2. tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo
This moisture-rich shampoo is created specifically for natural hair. Its unique formula is enriched with coconut and amla oils that cleanse your hair gently and reduce breakage by increasing moisture retention. It is also infused with pro-vitamin B5 that smoothens the cuticle surface to give you healthy, silky, and shiny hair. These ingredients calm unruly, frizzy hair and make it more manageable. If you are still unsure, check out this honest review.Pros
Hydrates the hair Softens the hair Tames frizz Makes the hair manageable Lathers well Paraben-free Sulfate-free No artificial colors Cruelty-free Petrolatum-free Lanolin-free
ConsNone
3. Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
Want to get rid of the product residues on your scalp? Use the Kinky-Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo. Its new and improved formula contains phytic acid that acts as a natural cleansing agent and clears hard water minerals from your scalp. It also includes extracts of soy and corn that soften the hard water residues, rinse your scalp, and prevent buildup on your hair. The exclusive blend of mandarin orange extract and sea kelp helps balance the moisture levels of your hair and scalp. Click this video to learn more about the product.Pros
Ideal for dry and damaged hair Suitable for daily use Balances moisture levels pH-balanced Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Not suitable for all hair types.
4. Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk
Want to hydrate your strands using natural ingredients? Check out this conditioning cream! The Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk is a softening, leave-in conditioner cream made with macadamia oil, vanilla, organic avocado, and castor oil. They are whisked along with rosehip, aloe, and green tea extracts to form this milk-cream mixture. This conditioner protects your strands, prevents breakage, and gives you soft, silky, and smooth hair instantly. Learn more about the product in this video.Pros
Suitable for all hair types Prevents tangles Moisturizes the hair Adds shine and bounce Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Might make your hair greasy.
5. SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Conditioner
This lightweight conditioner claims to soften your hair and make it more manageable. It is infused with fast-absorbing baobab and tea tree oils, spearmint, and clary sage that improve the health of your scalp. It also contains certified organic shea butter that nourishes and hydrates your hair. The best thing about this conditioner is that it provides long-lasting moisture without any product buildup.Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Lightweight Provides intense hydration Non-greasy formula Does not weigh the hair down Balances pH level of the hair and scalp Suitable for fine hair Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Propylene glycol-free Mineral oil-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Strong fragrance
6. SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo
This shampoo is a must-have for making your low-porosity hair regain its health. It gently cleanses and removes dirt and product buildup from your hair and scalp. This clarifying, sulfate-free formula is perfect for low-porosity curly and coily hair types, especially if they are moisture-resistant. The formula is enriched with tea tree and baobab oils, clary sage, and spearmint that nourish the scalp. It also contains organic shea butter to provide your hair with much-needed hydration.Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Lathers well Mineral oil-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Cruelty-free Propylene glycol-free Mineral oil-free
Cons
Strong fragrance
7. Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Ultra-Nourishing Mask
Is your hair damaged beyond repair? Don’t lose hope yet! Here’s a product that can help reverse the damage and restore life to your shriveled hair. This hair mask is specially made for extremely damaged and over-processed hair. It nourishes your hair and repairs each strand from within to make it soft, silky, and healthy-looking. This rejuvenating mask contains ingredients like almond oil, aloe butter, shea oil, coconut oil, shea butter, rosemary leaf extract, sweet almond protein, and olive oil that curb damage to give you gorgeous and luscious hair.Pros
Strengthens the hair Protects against future damage Softens the hair Tames frizz, artificial colors Paraben-free Mineral oil-free Silicone-free Petroleum-free
Cons
Strong fragrance
8. Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme
Use this conditioning cream for soft and defined curls. Its moisture-rich formula makes your hair more manageable. It contains argan oil and shea butter that adds intense moisture to dry and damaged hair. This product adds volume to your hair and creates bodacious, bouncy spirals. It is made especially for textured and relaxed hair to nourish the curls and elongate kinky coils. It softens dry hair and helps you style it with versatility.Pros
Lightweight Tames frizz Suitable for daily use Softens the hair Adds shine Paraben-free Sulfate-free
Cons
Strong smell Might make the hair greasy.
9. Roux Anti-aging Porosity Control Corrector & Conditioner
The Roux Anti-aging Porosity Control Corrector & Conditioner is designed to balance the porosity of chemically treated hair. It adds a protective barrier on the hair strands to guard them against the potential damage from heat and chemical treatments. It restores your hair balance, making it smooth and shiny. The corrective treatment helps prepare your hair for any chemical treatments and minimizes the chances of causing damage.Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Does not weigh the hair down Paraben-free Sulfate-free Affordable
Cons
May not work on all hair types.
10. Ouidad Curl Immersion Triple Treat Deep Conditioner
This deep conditioner softens your curls by imparting moisture to them. It is powered with a Triple Treat Deep Conditioner that infuses intense moisture and nourishment into your curls. It contains coconut, avocado, and grapeseed oils that hydrate your hair without weighing it down. These emollients restore natural ceramides to retain the moisture and strength of your hair.Pros
Safe for color-treated hair Moisturizes the hair Prevents breakage Adds shine Restores natural curl formation Cruelty-free Paraben-free
Cons
Expensive
11. Zotos Porosity Equalizer Leave-In Spray-On Treatment
The Zotos Porosity Equalizer Leave-In Spray-On Treatment is formulated with a nourishing blend of sunscreen, thermal protectants, and moisturizers. These ingredients work to equalize your hair porosity before a perm or dye treatment. It provides uniformity and enhances the quality of your color and perm results. It also makes your hair strong, healthy, and shiny.Pros
Repairs dry, damaged hair Strengthens the hair Softens the hair Adds shine Protects against sun damage Offers thermal protection
Cons
Sticky consistency Not suitable for all hair types.
12. Senscience Cuticle And Porosity Reconstructive Treatment
The Senscience Cuticle And Porosity Reconstructive Treatment are also called C.P.R for severely damaged hair. The package contains two tubes for the dual steps of this treatment – a porosity reconstructor and cuticle repair. This product from Shiseido contains silk amino acids and keratin that reach deep within the damaged cuticles of your hair and provide lasting protection.Pros
Repairs damaged hair Adds shine Pleasant fragrance Makes the hair healthy Replenishes vital nutrients Seals damaged hair cuticles
Cons
Expensive Not suitable for all hair types.
13. Curl Junkie BeautiCurls Argan & Olive Oil Daily Hair Conditioner
This detangling conditioner is perfect for dry and frizzy, kinky, natural hair. It is infused with hydrating emollients like aloe vera, argan, olive, jojoba, and virgin coconut oils. These ingredients moisturize dry and depleted hair and provide a glossy look too dull and lifeless hair. This shampoo claims to add volume to fine and fragile curls. It fights breakage and makes your hair frizz-free, silky, and soft.Pros
Suitable for all hair types Lightweight Pleasant tropical fragrance Provides intense hydration Paraben-free
Cons
Expensive Insufficient coverage
14. Natural Rizado Creme Brulee Melting Moisturizer Hair Mask
The Natural Rizado Creme Brulee Melting Moisturizer Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment for low-porosity natural hair. It is lightweight and penetrates easily into protein-sensitive curls to keep them smooth, soft, and well-defined. This hair mask is infused with organic ingredients and botanical extracts. It detangles, hydrates, and conditions your curls while eliminating frizz and making your hair manageable.Pros
Silicone-free Alcohol-free Protein-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Coconut oil-free Protein-free Detangles the hair Softens the hair
Cons
Not suitable for all hair types.
15. Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Natural Styling Elixir
This serum contains coconut and shea, which is a perfect combination for overworked and frazzled hair. This invigorating blend makes your hair and scalp healthier than before. The 100% pure coconut oil is an excellent emollient that smoothens and softens your hair. It is powered with fatty acids and has antibacterial and antifungal properties that soothe and heal your scalp. It also repairs breakage and mends split ends. This styling serum claims to restore moisture and alleviate dryness and itchiness of the scalp.Pros
Suitable for 4B and 4C hair types Prevents frizz Adds shine Makes the hair healthy Pleasant fragrance Paraben-free Sulfate-free
Cons
Very thick consistency Expensive
If you have low porosity hair, you know how frustrating it can be to try to retain moisture. Your hair may feel dry and brittle, and no matter what products you use, it always seems to fall flat. But do not worry! There are plenty of great products out there that can help you get the moisture your hair needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing products for low porosity hair.
Things To Look For In Products For Low Porosity Hair
Ingredients: Avoid products with alcohol or other drying ingredients. These will only make your hair more dry and difficult to style. Instead, choose products that are rich in moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, shea butter, or coconut oil.Shea butter is an excellent natural moisturizer for low porosity hair. It is thick and creamy, which makes it ideal for coating the strands and helping them retain moisture. Coconut oil can penetrate into the hair shafts while hydrating the scalp and strands from within. Olive oil is another good option for moisturizing low porosity hair. It is packed with nutrients that can help repair damage and make your hair look healthier. Apply a small amount of olive oil to your hair and massage it in. You can leave it on for a few hours or overnight, then shampoo it out.Budget: While there are some great high-end products available for low porosity hair, you do not necessarily need to spend a fortune to get good results. There are plenty of drugstore brands that offer effective products for this type of hair. Just be sure to read the ingredients list carefully before making your purchase.Reviews: Before you purchase any products, be sure to read reviews in different e-commerce websites from people with low porosity hair. They will be able to tell you what has worked well for them and what hasn’t. And if you are still not sure which product is right for you, ask your stylist or another expert for their opinion.Now that you know which products to look for to treat low porosity hair, here are a few tips on caring for this hair type.
How To Care For Low Porosity Hair
Look for products with the right formulation. They should contain ingredients that penetrate into your hair easily.
Apply products on warm and wet hair for the best results. Heat lifts the hair cuticles, allowing better penetration of moisture and oils.
Shampoos with honey or glycerin work better than the ones with oils, as these ingredients penetrate your hair cuticles more easily. Avoid products that may leave a residue.
While applying conditioner, dilute it with a little water to make it more absorbable. You can also look for lightweight conditioners with a thin consistency.
A weekly deep conditioning treatment with a steamer or hooded dryer can help open the cuticles for intense nourishment.
Avoid protein treatment conditioners as protein might dry out your hair and lead to breakage.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Sakshi Bahal, is a hair care expert and loves experimenting with different hair care products. She has carefully researched and gone through brand websites to compile the list of the best products for low porosity hair. Additionally, she has considered the needs of this hair type and reviewed feedback from several users to shortlist the best ones. These products can allow your hair to absorb moisture and leave it shiny and soft.How long does it take for low porosity hair to grow?Low porosity hair experiences dryness and breakage more than any other hair type, which leads to thinking that it takes time for this hair type to grow. However, it is not true. Low porosity hair takes the same time to grow as any other hair type.How often does low porosity hair be washed?Use a moisturizing shampoo to wash low porosity hair twice a week.How often should low porosity hair be moisturized?Low porosity hair has difficulty absorbing moisture due to the closed cuticles. Therefore, they should be moisturized very often. So, moisturize low porosity hair whenever they feel dry, even though it is twice a day. Make sure to incorporate moisturizing shampoos, deep conditioners, leave-in treatments, and creams in your hair care routine.Can low porosity hair use rice water?Yes, low porosity hair can use rice water treatment. Rice water adds moisture and does not dry out the hair. However, use it not more than once a week in moderation.Is coconut oil good for low porosity hair?Yes, coconut oil is great for low porosity hair. It hydrates the hair and keeps the moisture sealed for a long period.
Recommended Articles
Best Deep Conditioners For Low-Porosity Hair – Reviews And Buying Tips Best Conditioners For Low Porosity Hair Products To Use When Transitioning To Natural Hair