15 Products for Low Porosity Hair to Nourish Your Dry Strands

Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. The level of porosity can determine how much water and other products are able to penetrate your hair and scalp. As Dr. Karen Kagha, a board-certified dermatologist, previously explained to us: “The hair cuticle plays a role in the porosity of the hair because it acts as a protective barrier to the hair shaft,” adding that “the cuticle can be damaged by heat, over-manipulation or chemicals, thus altering the hair’s porosity.”

If you need help figuring out your own hair porosity, the water test is your best bet. Simply grab a glass of water, gather a few strands and drop them into the water. Watch how your hair reacts to the H2O. If it floats to the surface, you have low porosity hair; if it sinks, you have high porosity hair. And if it stays in the middle of the glass, you likely have medium to normal porosity.

Don’t fret, folks. If you have low porosity hair, there are some tried-and-true solutions to bringing back moisture.

1. Use hydrating ingredients. It starts with using products that cleanse, strengthen and nourish your low porosity locks. Whether it’s a clarifying shampoo or a hydrating hair mask, look for fatty acids (like avocado) and humectants (like honey) in your hair care products. These nourishing ingredients help penetrate your cuticles, seal in moisture, add softness and shine, as well as improve elasticity overtime. 
2. Avoid protein-based products. On the flip side, those with low porosity hair should steer clear of heavy butters and oils (i.e., shea butter, coconut and castor oil). These ingredients can weigh down your locks and cause product build up. If you need to add hair oil into the mix, look for lightweight formulas with ingredients like argan oil, vitamin E oil and grapeseed oil instead.  
3. Try deep conditioning. Invest in a hair mask and add some heat to your wash routine. After applying a mask, use a conditioning cap or try hair steaming. The latter method is known to lift the cuticle and make it easier to seal in moisture.