The Best Products For Low Porosity Hair: Shampoos, Masks, Serums & More

Finding your ideal hair care routine involves way more work than labeling your locks straight, wavy, curly, or coily. As us beauty gals know, strands are so nuanced! There is truly a world of possibilities in hair care! 

Before diving into products, it helps to know what low porosity hair actually means. "Hair porosity describes how the hair's cuticle absorbs and holds on to moisture in its pores—hence, the term porosity," says hairstylist Miko Branch, co-founder of hair care brand Miss Jessie's. 

Low porosity hair is not very porous at all, which means it may have trouble absorbing moisture. 

"The outer layer of the hair strand is called the cuticle layer," hairstylist Danielle Malary of Lumiere Vive Salon reminds us. "The cuticle layer is made of little tiny cuticles that lie slightly over one another. When the hair has low porosity, the cuticles are packed so tightly onto each other, it makes it very difficult for moisture or water to penetrate the strand. Typically, those with kinky curls tend to have low porosity hair."

High porosity hair, on the other hand, has much sparser cuticles, so water flows in and out of the hair with ease. So it doesn't have trouble absorbing moisture—but it may find it difficult to hold on to that hydration. 

It can be difficult to decipher which camp you fall into (especially because porosity exists on a spectrum). Take this quick quiz here to figure out whether you have high, low, or medium porosity hair. 

"Massage stimulating oils onto the scalp regularly to promote the production of natural oils," says Malary regarding low porosity hair tips. You can't go wrong with rosemary, which has been lauded for encouraging hair growth. A 2015 randomized comparative trial even found that rosemary essential oil was just as effective1 as minoxidil (the active ingredient in many commercial hair-growth products) for reversing hair loss caused by androgens—also known as male- or female-pattern baldness—after six months.

You can't go wrong with a shampoo made specifically for low porosity strands. See, because the cuticles are so tightly packed, products don't easily absorb into the hair. As a result, you might deal with buildup sitting atop the strands. That said, a good clarifying shampoo is a must. 

According to stylist and globally acclaimed hair expert Joel Warren, brainchild of NYC-based The Salon Project, those with low porosity hair should use lightweight stylers, like mousse or sprays, to help control the strands without contributing to buildup on top. Enter, this lightweight, heat-activated spray with smoothing, shine-enhancing properties.

Conditioners are a tricky feat for those with low porosity hair. You want a cream that delivers enough moisture, but you don't want it too thick that it weighs down the strands. This Pattern confection is the perfect medium, for lack of a better word. With jojoba oil, olive oil, and aloe, it provides hydration and slip in between the cuticles, but the slightly thinner consistency means it won't ever weigh down curls. 

Those with low porosity hair can use thicker creams; they just need to be smart about it. "Since you're only using conditioner sparingly, use a moisturizing masque once a week," Warren suggests. But rather than relying on heavy oils or silicones that easily build up on the hair strand, look for moisturizing butters and humectants that provide slip in between the cuticles. 

For low porosity hair, lightweight oils are sublime. This adwoa beauty number contains argan oil, grapeseed oil, and blue tansy flower oil, all of which are known for their quick absorption rate. Translation: They seep into the hair shaft upon application rather than coating the surface of the strands and making them appear slick. 

"I like a light leave-in conditioner to help with hair health," says Warren. Look for creamy, silicone-free confections with plenty of humectants to draw water into the strands. This water-based leave-in from Ceremonia features glycerin and aloe for that very purpose, plus agave and guava fruit extract to shield hair from free radical damage. 

A nutrient-rich banana coconut smoothie for your strands. This shampoo-conditioner duo is made with dry hair types in mind, so you know it really delivers on the moisture. Specifically, bananas also have antimicrobial properties2 that can help people with dry, flaky scalps. Bananas are also rich in silica, a natural molecule that closely resembles silicone—so it can provide that same glorious slip without causing buildup. 

With low porosity hair, it's oh-so-important to make sure your hair products aren't sitting on top of the hair shaft. A good clarifying shampoo is a godsend, but you could also fold in a proper scalp scrub if you please. I personally swear by Arkive's scalp-healthy range, including this glorious blend of nourishing oils, fruit enzymes (from pineapple), and menthol. The enzymes chemically exfoliate up top, while the ultrafine granules manually lift debris, so it's like a two-for-one deal for removing buildup. 

Curls already need a ton of moisture, but those with low porosity ​​strands especially need to prioritize hydration. This is the lightest weight styler from Miss Jessie's, so it moisturizes and provides soft hold without making curls appear limp.

Just know that this curl cream does contain protein, and low porosity strands tend to be protein sensitive—that's not to say you can't use anything with hydrolyzed keratin, but simply keep a tally of how many protein-rich products you layer on. 

mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler specifically loves this formula for lift, weightless hold, and hydration. "The formula sinks into hair, provides just enough hold—while also giving me the volume and lightness I crave. (Since my hair is a blend of waves and curls, it looks best when the hair feels airy and effortless—too-tight curls can read crunchy.) It also stays hydrated, largely thanks to the blend of plant extracts and oils, like safflower, avocado, and wheat germ oil," she says. "A not-so-inconsequential bonus? When hair is hydrated, it better reflects light. Read: My curls are shiny, too."

As the brand states, "This is not your traditional gel." With a light, buildable hold and water-based formula, it feels more like a hydrating leave-in than a standard styling gel. Personally, my strands lap up the jojoba- and tsubaki-infused formula. I can also attest to its light-as-air hold—thanks to the unique gel-cream consistency, it helps my waves maintain their shape and keeps them touchably soft. 

"Low porosity hair tends to tangle," says Warren. That said, a detangler is a great product to have in your hair care arsenal—especially this water-based Nuele number, which contains aloe, glycerin, and wasabi and ginger extracts to infuse the strands with hydration and antioxidants. 

At the end of the day, yes, you can slather on any cream or gel you please. But if you want to find the best products for your healthiest mane, you do need to dabble in some self-education. Consider these products above the créme de la créme for low porosity locks.