Hair porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has an easier time absorbing moisture, but has more difficulty retaining it. The reason being is because the scales of the hair cuticle are in a raised state. To retain and seal moisture, the hair cuticle should lay flat. Highly porous hair is often caused by damage to the hair cuticle – heat, hair dye, etc. However, for some it is a natural trait of their hair.
Although it can be more difficult to retain moisture with highly porous strands, there are a variety of helpful natural hair products for high porosity hair. These products will aid in the promotion of moisture retention with the inclusion of hydrating and sealing ingredients in the form of butters, oils, and other natural extracts.
Here are 10 good products for high porosity hair:
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1. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
The L.C.O. and L.O.C. methods are both methods of applying and sealing moisture in your natural hair. The use of an oil is a part of the process and serves as a sealant to help lock in moisture from your applied products. For high porosity hair, you want a thicker oil that will really smooth and seal the hair cuticle. Jamaican black castor oil makes a beneficial choice.
Its thick consistency contains a variety of nourishing vitamins and fatty acids that provide multiple conditioning properties for your hair, all the while helping to smooth the hair cuticle and trap moisture. Apply this oil to the ends of your hair as well to alleviate dry and brittle ends.
2. Shea Moisture Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-seal Shampoo
This shampoo is formulated to alleviate dryness and other complications associated with highly porous hair. It features a blend of nourishing ingredients like mongongo and hemp seed oils that help to strengthen damaged strands and promote moisture retention. The sulfate-free formula cleanses your hair without the loss of moisture nor does it strip the hair of its natural oils.
This choice of natural hair products for high porosity hair sets a good foundation for the rest of your regimen. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner and leave-in conditioner to seal.
3. Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment
With high porosity hair, the scales of the hair cuticle being in a constantly lifted state is often the result of damage to the hair cuticle. Our hair strands are comprised of proteins that too become damaged in the process. Completing a protein treatment monthly can help to gradually improve the damaged protein structure. To note, damaged hair can be improved but not repaired and will eventually need to be cut.
The Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Treatment is a mild protein treatment that won’t leave your hair feeling stiff and hard like some other protein treatments do. Your strands are still getting a beneficial delivery of strengthening essential amino acids. Even if your hair is not damaged, protein treatments are still important. They help to maintain a balance of moisture and protein which leads to healthier strands.
4. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler
Those with high porosity hair may notice frequent tangling with their strands. The lifted hair cuticle can easily intertwine with other raised hair strands. The Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner is a great solution to this. It is formulated with a combination of herbal ingredients that form a creamy consistency. This combination helps to smooth the hair cuticle, alleviating frizz and loosening tangles.
5. Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10-In-1 Renewal System Hair Masque
As it states in its name, this hair masque from Shea Moisture is designed to benefit 10 different areas of concern you may have with your natural hair. To name a few, this masque helps to hydrate, strengthen, and soften your strands. It also contains anti-aging and anti-stress benefits for the hair. All of which can in turn benefit dry-prone high porosity hair. As a bonus, there are a combination of fruit extracts and natural oils in this masque that provide a lush scent.
6. Amara Organics Aloe Vera Gel from Organic Cold Pressed Aloe
Aloe vera contains a variety of nutrients including vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and enzymes to name a few. These nutrients and their nourishing properties transfer to your hair, benefiting its overall health. Aloe vera has a natural soothing and moisturizing property, hence its popularity in skin care, and is additionally great for highly porous hair. Use it in a DIY hair mask for a rejuvenation of your strands.
Click here to read more about the amazing benefits of aloe vera for natural hair:
7. As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer
Thicker sealants like butters and creams can provide more benefit for high porosity natural hair. They give a thorough coverage of the hair strands, helping to smooth the hair cuticle and trap moisture. The As I Am Double Butter Rich Daily Moisturizer is a favorable choice of moisturizing products for high porosity hair.
The creamy consistency contains a blend of moisture-retaining ingredients including shea butter, cocoa butter, and natural oils. You can use it as a night time moisturizer for soft and smooth hair the next morning.
8. The Roots Naturelle Virgin Hair Fertilizer Conditioning Treatment
This conditioning treatment is formulated to promote hair growth and strength. It features a mix of proteins, vitamins, oils, and other nourishing ingredients. Once applied to the hair, it produces a cooling sensation which can be attributed to the stimulating peppermint oil additive. For high porosity hair, this conditioning treatment provides your strands with a variety of healthful nutrients that promote stronger and healthier hair.
9. As I Am Coconut CoWash
The As I Am Coconut CoWash makes the list of good products for high porosity hair because it is a deeply moisturizing product that cleanses the hair without stripping it of its natural oils. The creamy consistency provides lots of slip and makes detangling a breeze. Whenever your hair needs a refresh, but you don’t feel like going through your entire wash day routine, co-washing (using a conditioner only) is a quick and easy way to do so.
10. Taliah Waajid Shea-Coco Condition Daily Leave-in Conditioner
For those times where your hair is feeling on the drier side, a quick moisturizing spray can be very helpful. The Taliah Waajid Shea-Coco Leave-in comes in a convenient size great for travel. Within its contents is a fusion of shea butter and coconut oil that work to hydrate your strands. For high porosity hair, consistent moisture is key to keep your strands smooth and longer hydrated.
What are some of your tips when caring for high porosity natural hair?
