There’s always so much talk about low porosity hair, but what if your hair holds too much moisture (or loses it rather quickly)? For those with high porosity hair, I’ve got you covered. If you fall into this category, you often may deal with dryness, frizz or breakage. Luckily, strengthening strands and preventing excess moisture is totally doable with the right products. Whether you’re looking for a new shampoo or ready to swap for a nourishing leave-in styler, I spoke to five hairstylists to share the best products for high porosity hair.
The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers
Slow down moisture
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Published Jul 31, 2024
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The Products for High Porosity Hair
1
Best Styling Cream
Verb Hydrate Styling Cream
read more
2
Best Conditioner
Pattern Heavy Conditioner
read more
3
Best Gel
Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel
read more
4
Best Shampoo
SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Replenish Shampoo
read more
5
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner
read more
Meet the Experts
- Juli Akaneya is a New York-based hairstylist who specializes in editorial, advertising and high fashion looks. She has previously worked with brands like Maybelline, L’Oreal, Verb and Veronica Beard.
- Bea Carmichael is a hairstylist and global educator for Aveda. She has 25 years of experience, specializing in color, cutting and styling. She has previously trained teams around the world in business and styling skills. Now, she develops live and digital courses for Aveda salons and institutes.
- Jennifer Thomas is a Beverly Hills-based stylist with over two decades of experience. She specializes in hairstyling, cutting and coloring. Thomas has styled the hair of numerous celebrities and world-class entrepreneurs.
How I Chose Products for High Porosity Hair
I tapped five professional hairstylists to share their tips and product recommendations. As experts who work on different hair types, they were able to provide their selections for high porosity hair. From there, I did some research on each product, paying specific attention to key ingredients and rave reviews to be able to compile this extensive list of the best products for high porosity hair.
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Best Styling Cream
What We Like
- non-greasy formula
- pleasant scent
- great for minimizing frizz
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers didn't appreciate the light hold
Verb
If you’re looking for a styling cream, Akaneya recommends this moisturizing formula from Verb. It has argan oil and babassu oil to lock in moisture, plus ceramides that work to improve shine and elasticity. The cream also has a light hold, so you can forget about it weighing down your locks. “It’s a lightweight cream that can be used as an air dry product or a pre-blow out cream,” adds Akaneya. “You can build on it or use it alone—and it smells so good.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: argan oil, babassu oil, ceramides
- Scent: amber, warm jasmine
- Best For: frizz, dryness
Best Conditioner
What We Like
- moisturizing
- easy to detangle hair
- great for minimizing frizz
What We Don't Like
- thick texture
- hard to get product out the bottle
Pattern
Pattern has loads of products dedicated to high porosity hair, but this heavy conditioner is high on reviewers’ list. It’s rich in safflower seed oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, which work together to maintain moisture and definition. Shoppers say it’s nourishing and has a creamy texture that’s great for detangling after washing your hair. It’s especially great for those with coily hair as it eliminates frizz and adds softness.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: safflower seed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter
- Scent: neroli, rose, patchouli
- Best For: dryness, color-treated, curly hair, coily hair
Best Gel
3. Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel
What We Like
- great for defintion
- sweet scent (like "butter cream frosting")
- offers light hold
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers say it has a strong scent
Camille Rose
This gel is praised for its moisturizing ingredients and offering a light hold. It has key ingredients like macadamia oil, which prevents breakage and seals in moisture, along with almond extract to condition strands. It also has aloe vera, which is known to retain moisture and promote healthy hair growth. Whether you prefer to use it on wet or dry hair, the gel provides great definition and tames frizz.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: aloe vera, almond extract, macadamia oil
- Scent: sweet
- Best For: dryness, curly hair, fine hair
SheaMoisture has an entire line for high porosity hair, starting with this shampoo that aims to cleanse and refresh dry, damaged hair. It has a blend of oils—including mongongo, jojoba and baobab—nourish strands. The formula also includes aloe vera and shea butter for even more moisture. Shoppers say it offers a deep cleanse and a rich lather that will make your scalp and hair very happy.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: mongono oil, jojoba oil, baobab oil, aloe vera
- Scent: shea butter
- Best For: frizz, dryness
Best Leave-In Conditioner
5. Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- lightweight formula
- improves shine
What We Don't Like
- finicky pump
- pricey
Aveda
Carmichael recommends the whole Nutriplenish line, but praises the leave-in conditioner for high porosity hair. “It offers 72 hours of hydration and has a UV filter that protects hair from drying effects of the sun,” she says. “It’s a must-have for anyone with high porosity hair. I love to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment for extra hydration benefits.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: organic pomegranate seed oil, sand ginger
- Scent: cocoa, ginger, cardamom
- Best For: detangling, dryness
Best Hair Mask
6. It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask
What We Like
- adds softness
- great at minimizing frizz
- suitable for chemically-treated hair
What We Don't Like
- pricey
It's A 10
According to the experts, a hair mask is essential to preventing moisture loss and combating frizz. This conditioning treatment delivers smoother and softer locks, while treating any moisture imbalance. It has keratin and hydrolyzed collagen to protect strands, along with apricot kernel and sweet almond oil to improve flexibility, shine and overall health of your hair. One reviewer says it best: “It is so worth it and I will say the key to my healthy long hair. I notice a big difference when I am using it consistently. Please give it a shot! Honestly the best hair mask I have ever tried.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: keratin amino acids, hydrolyzed collagen, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil
- Scent: sweet
- Best For: dryness, thick hair, chemically-treated hair
Best Co-Wash
7. As I Am Coconut CoWash Conditioner
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- nourishing ingredients
- improves shine
What We Don't Like
- might feel drying for some hair types
As I Am
A co-wash gives you the best of both worlds: cleansing and conditioning. It has two main ingredients—shea butter and coconut oil—to add and maintain moisture. The creamy texture also offers a nice slip and helps remove any product build up. Fans say it does a great job at softening hair, minimizing frizz and it smells like a coconut vacay.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil, palmetto
- Scent: coconut
- Best For: dryness, color-treated hair,
Best Sculpting Gel
8. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard
What We Like
- great for defining curls
- pleasant scent
- moisturizing
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers have experienced white residue
Mielle
This styling custard promises to improve definition and enhance your curls. Whether you have 3A or 4C swirls, this gel is moisturizing without weighing down your hair. Packed with babassu oil, coconut oil and honey, the formula combats dryness, dullness and frizz. Plus, shoppers can’t get enough of the pleasant scent.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: pomegranate extract, honey, citrus extracts, babassu oil, coconut oil
- Scent: sweet
- Best For: dryness, dullness, curly hair, coily hair
Best Protein Cream
What We Like
- safe for color-treated hair
- provides UV and thermal heat protection
- improves shine
What We Don't Like
- pricey
SH-RD
Whether you have frizz, chemically-treated and/or damaged locks, this protein cream works to repair and replenish hair. The salon-approved formula features silk protein, rosemary extract and vitamin B5, making it an essential product backed by Thomas. She tells me, “The best products are those that contain protein and moisture. My go-to is this protein cream from SH-RD. One of its special ingredients include silk protein, which helps tame frizz and gives shine. It works wonderfully as a leave-in conditioner, especially for porous hair to use just a dab extra [of product]. It also slicks down as well and will leave hair shiny, while giving your hair a healthy dose of protein.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: rosemary extract, vitamin B5, hydrolyzed silk protein
- Scent: n/a
- Best For: dryness, dullness, damaged hair
Best for Curly Hair
10. Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Leave-In Treatment
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- gentle formula
- adds softness
What We Don't Like
- not suitable for wavy and/or thick hair
Redken
Hair colorist and texture expert Leysa Carrillo suggests this leave-in treatment for your curls and coils. Its key ingredient, aloe vera, works to hydrate and lock in moisture. The formula also includes Inca Inchi oil, which helps minimize frizz and strengthen strands. Simply put, the nourishing combination delivers on bringing softness and shine to dry hair.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: aloe vera
- Scent: aloe
- Best For: dryness, curly hair, coily hair
Best Repair Mask
11. Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Hair Mask
What We Like
- creamy texture
- great for smoothing down hair
- safe for color-treated hair
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Wella
Hairstylist Dereq Clark recommends applying this repairing hair mask once a week. Why? It’s infused with AHA and omega-9, which targets dullness and damaged locks. The creamy texture also promises to improve shine, smooth down frizz and repair from within. He shares, “I suggest this product because the mask can provide intense hydration and repair damaged cuticles. The nourishing formula also has a lightweight texture that won’t weigh down the hair.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: omega-9, AHA
- Scent: n/a
- Best For: damaged hair, dullness
Best Hair Oil
12. K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- helps minimize frizz
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- thin consistency
- pricey
- not great for fine hair
k18
If you’re dealing with massive frizz and a lack of shine, this hair oil should be on your radar. It’s designed to strengthen strands (no split ends here), tame frizz and improve shine. Rich with peptides, squalane and avocado oil, the combo helps to reverse any damage and lock in moisture. Shoppers say all you need is a few drops for silky, smooth locks.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: peptides, squalane, avocado oil
- Scent: light
- Best For: frizz, split ends, dullness
What to Consider When Shopping for Products for High Porosity Hair
- Invest in sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. “These are specifically formulated to hydrate and [add] moisture the hair without stripping any of the natural oils,” says Carmichael.
- Look for moisturizing products. Since high porosity hair craves moisture (sans frizz and buildup), the experts recommend lightweight oils, serums or creams. Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter and aloe vera as “these ingredients help to moisturize and seal the cuticles, improving the overall health and appearance of the hair,” shares Clark.
- Incorporate protein treatments into your routine. Carrillo notes, “Protein treatments and gentle handling are crucial to maintaining your hair health.”
- Avoid alcohol-based products. “Avoid dry shampoos, texture sprays and hairspray,” says Akaneya. “Highly porous hair is usually dry, frizzy and lacks shine, so these products will only add to it. Any products with too much alcohol or powder will further dry out the hair and enhance frizz.”
Additional Experts
- Leysa Carrillo is a hair colorist and texture expert based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with over 12 years of experience. She is also a brand ambassador for Redken and is nationally recognized for her hair color transformations on textured hair and continues to pave the way with her artistic flair and creative techniques.
- Dereq Clark is a hairstylist and a brand ambassador for Wella Professionals. He has over two decades of experience in the industry, specializing in trendy cuts and coloring services in the Atlanta area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is High Porosity Hair?
High porosity hair has the ability to absorb and retain moisture. As Carmichael explains, “This hair type typically has raised cuticles that allow moisture to easily enter the hair shaft, but also makes it prone to losing moisture just as quickly— think of it as a door that’s constantly open. High porosity hair often feels dry to the touch, looks frizzy and is prone to damage.”
What Should a Haircare Routine for High Porosity Hair Look Like?
The experts say you shouldn’t wash your hair too often, as overwashing can strip your natural oils and lead to dryness. They recommend washing your hair at least once or twice a week. Carmichael notes, “The frequency of washing high porosity is dependent on the individual lifestyle and other factors such as scalp oil production and styling preferences.” The experts also suggest implementing a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a month for more hydration.
How Often Should You Style High Porosity Hair?
For styling products, the hairstylists say stick with hydrating conditioners, hair masks, creams, oils and leave-ins. However, every hair type’s routine might differ depending on what your hair needs. “When it comes to using hair products on high porosity hair, it’s essential to strike a balance between moisturizing and nourishing the hair without causing build up or weighing the hair down,” says Carmichael. “Always start with a small amount of product and then add more as needed. The benefit of using high quality products is that you tend to be able to use less and still get the results you’re looking for.”
However, if you rely on heat tools to style your hair. Carmichael suggests minimizing your usage, especially if you have high porosity hair. “Styling high porosity hair requires a delicate balance to prevent further damage; things like flat irons, curling irons, and even hair dryers when too hot can be damaging when used regularly,” he explains. “Think of days in the week you can have a heat free styling day. Consider wearing your hair up, letting your hair air dry or wear a protective styles that can give your hair a longer break
from heat styling.”
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