How to Condition and Moisturize High Porosity Hair

Hair porosity doesn't get the same attention as other hair characteristics like length or curl pattern, but it's an essential part of truly understanding your texture. Porosity is your hair's ability to absorb and hold moisture, oils, or chemicals like color. Different degrees of porosity are low, medium and high.

Why porosity matters

Low porosity - Hair cuticles with low porosity are very resistant & tight to opening for water and other forms of moisture. Women with low porosity often complain about products that simply sit on their hair.

Medium porosity - Hair cuticles are high enough to easily absorb moisture, oils, and chemicals. Normal porosity hair tends to retain moisture, shine, and absorb color and chemicals better than low or high porosity strands.

High porosity - the hair cuticle which is very high or even chipped and therefore quickly absorbs moisture. The downside is that because it is lifted and stays high, you can lose moisture as quickly as it was absorbed. Often times, this type of hair is damaged by harsh chemicals, dyes or bleach, high heat, or harsh shampoos that strip the hair. Because the cuticles are aggressively lifted, the strands cling to each other and get tangled easily.

What are the characteristics of high porosity hair?

You are having high porosity hair if:

1. Looks and feels dry
2. Tends to be frizzy
3. Tangles easily
4. Is subject to breakage
5. Air dries very quickly
6. Absorbs products quickly
7. Rarely looks bright/shiny

It becomes very important in keeping your hair at its best since high porosity hair does not get much shine, curl patterns or length retention. Those with high porosity may often experience frizzy, dry and lifeless curls. You might end up using more of a product just to obtain a specific style. If this happens to be you and you’re tired of using excess product to get minimal moisture, here are five tips on how you can keep high porosity hair moisturized.

While hair porosity doesn't have much shine as curl patterns or length retention, it then becomes very important in keeping your hair looking its best. People with high porosity, for example, can often have dry, thirsty hair that produces frizzy, dry and lifeless curls. They may also find themselves using a product more just to achieve a specific style. If that's you and you're tired of applying the product to get minimal moisture, here are six tips on how to keep high porosity hair hydrated.

1. Protein treatments

Incorporating protein treatments into your diet is important so that high porosity hair gains strength and does not break as often. Often times, very porous hair is the result of damage, so if you haven't incorporated any protein, now is the time to start. Very porous hair has holes in the hair shaft, and proteins temporarily fill these holes and strengthens your hair. It is generally advisable to use protein treatments once a month. For giving an extra boost to your hair, you can also use light protein treatments every few weeks between the monthly heavy protein treatment. Remember, protein is not a moisturizer and should never be treated as such.

Products Suggested: ApHogee Two step Treatment Protein

2. Must have conditioner

No matter how porous your hair is, you need to condition it regularly. However, for high porosity hair, finding the right conditioner that does not contain silicones is extremely important. This conditioner should be able to move easily between your palms, but be rich enough to cover your entire hair. There should also be good glide to help detangle.

Products Suggested: Motions Active Moisture Plus conditioner 947ml

3. Deep condition regularly

Just as you should have a conditioner of choice, you should also implement deep conditioner or use a mask in your regular routine. Intensive conditioning treatments can be used when needed or whenever you wash depending on you and the condition of your hair. Deep conditioning helps hair retain moisture and this is something that women with high porosity hair needs.

Products Suggested: Dark and Lovely Ultra-Cholesterol Conditioning Mask | Camille Rose Deep Conditioner

4. Find a good leave-in conditioner

High porosity hair needs to get and hold as much moisture as possible, and finding the right leave-in conditioner can help. The Knot On My Watch - instant detangling therapy - which helps detangle hair - can also be used as an amazing leave-in conditioner on washed hair and for hair in need of refreshment.

Products Suggested: KeraCare Leave In Conditioner

5. Be sure to use heavier products to make up for what you are missing

Finding the right moisturizer for your high porosity hair can be difficult, but the key to retaining moisture is using products that will help you lock it in. For high porosity hair, heavier products containing natural oils are very helpful in retaining moisture. Our Seal It Up - moisturizing sealer butter - which includes heavy butters and oils like avocado and shea butter - is a great place to start.

Products Suggested: Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard | Aunt Jackie’s Curl Mane-Tenance Defining Curl Whip

6. Seal with the right butter or oil

The right butters and oils can help seal in and strengthen the moisture your hair absorbs without returning it. Follow the Seal It Up - Moisturizing Sealer Butter with a Hair oil for optimal moisture retention.

Final Thoughts

If you have high porosity hair, water and oils can be easily absorbed, but your hair will have a hard time retaining this moisture. This can lead to hair that is dry, frizzy, and prone to tangling and breakage.

However, there are some products you can use and strategies to try that can improve the health of your hair and make it easier to manage and maintain. If your hair continues to break or is lacking in moisture, talk to your stylist about ways to improve the texture and overall health of your hair.