Product GuideBest Products for High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it just as fast. This makes it prone to dryness, frizz, and damage. Using the right products can make a significant difference in managing and improving the health of high porosity hair.

What Makes High Porosity Hair Different?

High porosity hair has cuticles that are lifted or damaged, creating gaps that allow moisture to enter and exit rapidly. This hair type:

• Absorbs products quickly
• Dries fast after washing
• Is prone to frizz and tangling
• Often feels dry and brittle
• May look dull without proper care

Because of these characteristics, high porosity hair needs products that can:

1. Provide deep hydration
2. Help repair the damaged cuticle
3. Seal in moisture effectively
4. Add protein for strength
5. Reduce frizz and improve manageability

Best Shampoos for High Porosity Hair

Look for shampoos that:

• Are sulfate-free or contain gentle sulfates
• Contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, or honey
• Include mild cleansers that won't strip the hair
• Have a pH between 4.5-5.5 to help close the cuticle

Best Conditioners and Deep Treatments

High porosity hair benefits greatly from:

• Protein-rich deep conditioners (use weekly or bi-weekly)
• Moisturizing deep conditioners with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, or coconut oil
• Products containing ceramides to help repair the cuticle
• Acidic rinses to help close the cuticle (apple cider vinegar diluted with water works well)

Leave-in Products and Oils

For daily moisture and protection:

• Cream-based leave-in conditioners
• Heavier oils like castor oil, olive oil, or avocado oil
• Butters like shea butter or cocoa butter
• Products containing humectants like glycerin (in moderate humidity) or honey

The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) methods work particularly well for high porosity hair, helping to layer products effectively to seal in moisture.

Styling Products

For styling high porosity hair, look for products that:

• Contain anti-humectants to combat frizz in humid conditions
• Provide hold without drying alcohols
• Include moisturizing ingredients
• Offer heat protection if you use hot tools

Ingredients to Avoid

High porosity hair should generally avoid:

• Sulfates - Can be too stripping for already damaged hair
• Drying Alcohols - Like SD alcohol, denatured alcohol
• Heavy Silicones - Can build up and require harsh cleansers to remove

Creating a Product Routine

A typical routine for high porosity hair might look like this:

1. Cleanse with a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo (clarify once every 2-3 weeks)
2. Deep condition with every wash, using heat for better penetration
3. Apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair
4. Seal with oil or butter using the LOC or LCO method
5. Style with anti-frizz products as needed
6. Refresh between washes with water and a light leave-in conditioner

Finding the right products for high porosity hair can significantly improve its health, appearance, and manageability. Focus on products that provide deep moisture, contain proteins for strength, and include ingredients that help seal the cuticle.

Remember that everyone's hair is unique, even within the high porosity category. You may need to experiment with different product combinations to find what works best for your specific hair needs.