Hair porosity is one the most confusing hair subjects for us naturals! Is your hair low, medium, or high porosity? However, once you figure out that part, you will be able to control how your hair behaves and completely transform your tresses. But what products do I use after learning what level of porosity my hair is? Great question! Look no further because we have compiled a list of the best hair products for low, medium, and high porosity hair. Our list includes pre-poos (yes, we covered the group who loves an extra step), shampoos, conditioners, etc. Keep scrolling to see these amazing products.
Hair Porosity
First, what is hair porosity? Our hair’s ability to soak up moisture and products. There are three levels of porosity: low, medium, and high. And the most straightforward way you can determine your hair’s level is by placing a strand or two of hair in a cup (or bowl) of water. After a few minutes, see where your hair strands land. If the strand sinks, then it is high porosity; if it lands in the middle, it is medium porosity, and if it floats, it is low porosity.
High porosity: Unfortunately, this level typically means your hair is damaged. The damage can stem from UV, heat, or chemical damage. Your hair absorbs moisture, but it may not always hold it. Hair will dry quickly after washing, your hair loses definition quickly (wash and go), and you cannot retain a style for more than a day or two (twist-out, etc.).
Medium porosity: A medium porosity level is a perfect balance. This means your hair takes in moisture, but it also holds it. Luckily, you can try almost any (natural) hair product, but you would want to avoid silicones and heavy oils. And even though this level is the “holy grail” for hair, many companies market only to high or low porosity, thus, making it harder to find specific products.
Low Porosity: Your hair usually looks weighed down, and that is because your hair doesn’t absorb products; the product sits on top of your hair. You’ll want to stay away from oils such as coconut and castor oil because they seal the cuticle. That means they’ll work against your efforts to get moisture inside. Other ingredients to steer clear of include highly acidic products like apple cider vinegar rinse. This is generally used to keep the cuticle closed, so it is not ideal for hair with low porosity.
Top Hair Products for Low, Medium, and High Porosity
High Porosity:
- Olaplex Hair Perfector No 3
- Mielle Rice Water Split End Therapy
- Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse
- Mielle Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner
- Mielle Organics Rice Water Clay Masque
- Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor
Medium Porosity:
- Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate & Repair Multi-Action Leave-In Conditioner
- Lush Revive Hair Moisturizer
- Tangle Teezer Thick and Curly Detangling Hair Brush
- Grapeseed Oil
Low Porosity:
- Mixed Chicks Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
- Shea Moisture Low Porosity Protein Free Shampoo
- I Am As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo
- Lottabody Moisturize Me Curl & Style Hair Milk
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler
- Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Moisturizing & Detangling Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Daily Damage Repair Ultra Nourishing Hair Mask
- DevaCurl One Condition
- Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo
These are some of the top products for low, medium, and high porosity hair. Now, in true natural hair fashion, discovering what works for you is a trial and error process. All we can do is provide the tools that will help you on your natural hair journey.
Which hair product are you trying? Comment below!
