The best products for low-porosity hair are designed to absorb quickly and impart moisture and shine, leaving it softer and more manageable. It’s important to note that any hair texture and thickness can be low porosity—curly, straight, thick or fine. Our top picks in this category include the lightweight and cleansing Shea Moisture Weightless Hydrating Shampoo and Pattern’s Detangling Nectar, which can be used on wet or dry hair.
When it comes to choosing the right products, look for formulas that are water-based and contain humectants like honey, glycerin and aloe. Steer clear of products with silicones, heavy oils or proteins that can weigh strands down and cause them to look flat. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best low-porosity hair products that nourish strands and bring back much-needed moisture.
Best Shampoo For Low-Porosity Hair: Shea Moisture Low Porosity Weightless Hydrating Shampoo
Best Conditioner For Low-Porosity Hair: Mielle Pomegranate And Honey Conditioner
Best Deep Conditioner For Low-Porosity Hair: Briogeo Superfoods Hair Mask
Best Leave-In Product For Low-Porosity Hair: Mizani 25 Miracle Milk
Best Detangler For Low-Porosity Hair: Pattern Detangling Nectar
Best Strengthening Treatment For Low-Porosity Hair: Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
Best Styling Product For Low-Porosity Hair: DevaCurl Light Defining Gel
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Low-Porosity Hair: K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Best Moisturizing Milk For Low-Porosity Hair: Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk
Best Shampoo For Low-Porosity Hair
An Affordable And Effective Featherweight Cleanser
Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, tea tree oil, glycerin | Size: 13 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Silicone-, paraben- and sulfate-free
- Ideal for those with dry hair
Keep in mind:
- Has a lingering scent
- Some say a lot of product is required
Since 1991, Shea Moisture has created ethically sourced products for textured hair. This superstar shampoo cleanses and removes product buildup that can cause low-porosity strands to look limp. The key for this wash is that it contains lightweight oils—grapeseed, tea tree and sunflower oils—that infuse moisture without weighing down or stripping hair. Reviewers love that it leaves hair soft and gives a tingly, refreshed feeling on your scalp.
Best Conditioner For Low-Porosity Hair
A Restorative Multitasker That Moisturizes And Strengthens
MOST POPULAR
Mielle Pomegranate And Honey Conditioner
Key ingredients: Honey, babassu oil, pomegranate extract | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Increases shine and decreases frizz
- Great for type 3 and type 4 curly hair
- Pleasant scent that’s not overpowering
Keep in mind:
- Some say the pump doesn’t function well and breaks easily
This formula softens and tames frizz but doesn’t leave behind a heavy, greasy residue. Translation: It helps curls achieve definition while still maintaining their elasticity and bounce. Key ingredients include honey, a humectant that helps hair absorb moisture from the air, and babassu oil, which is derived from palm fruit and has impressive hydrating properties. Users overwhelmingly agree that this leaves hair soft and silky.
Best Deep Conditioner For Low-Porosity Hair
Boosts Bounce, Shine And Hair Health
Briogeo Superfoods Hair Mask
Key ingredients: Avocado oil, kiwi fruit extract, spinach | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- For all hair textures
- Extremely moisturizing
- Color-safe
Keep in mind:
- On the pricier side
- Some prefer a pump or bottle to the tub
Proteins can weigh down low-porosity hair, but this lightweight, moisture-boosting conditioner is free of the ingredient. It contains phytonutrients such as avocado oil for moisture and shine, kiwi extract for antioxidant protection, chia seed oil to nourish and spinach for overall hair and scalp health. Curly-haired users say it decreases frizz and adds definition to curls, while many who color their hair report that it makes strands feel and look great.
Best Leave-In Product For Low-Porosity Hair
A Hardworking Conditioner With Long-Lasting Benefits
Mizani 25 Miracle Milk
Key ingredients: Fennel seed oil, coconut oil | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: No
What you’ll love:
- Works for a variety of thicknesses and curl patterns
- Detangles and defines
- Easy-to-apply spray bottle
Keep in mind:
- Can feel sticky if you over-apply
Many leave-in products are on the heavy side, but you can keep things light by spritzing on this water-based formula that detangles, moisturizes, provides heat protection and fights frizz. Its coconut oil hydrates and makes hair shiny, while its fennel seed oil helps prevent breakage. Reviewers say it can also refresh curls and waves on second-day hair, but be conservative when applying—a little goes a long way.
Best Detangler For Low-Porosity Hair
An Impressive Formula That Banishes Knots And Adds Slip
Pattern Detangling Nectar
Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, aloe vera, sea moss, glycerin | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Fights frizz
- Adds shine and hydration
- Non-greasy feel
Keep in mind:
- A little goes a long way—can flake too much is used
Pattern Beauty products are especially designed for those with textured, curly hair. This multitasking formula works on wet or dry hair, so you can use it as a pre-shower product or during styling to knock out knots. One reviewer writes that it “has a nice, light scent,” and another says “it detangles hair quickly and keeps it manageable, cutting down on breakage.”
Best Strengthening Treatment For Low-Porosity Hair
Repairs Weak Strands And Boosts Shine
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin E | Size: 3.3 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Lightweight
- Softens and smoothes
- Works on all hair textures
Keep in mind:
- On the pricier side
Since low-porosity hair has a hard time absorbing moisture, it can suffer from breakage and flyaways—which is where this leave-in styling treatment comes in. Its patented ingredient bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate repairs and strengthens hair bonds, transforming dry, brittle strands. It also contains powerful moisture boosters like coconut oil and vitamin E for nourishment. The result? Less frizz, more shine and increased softness.
Best Styling Product For Low-Porosity Hair
A Great Match For Unmanageable Waves And Curls
DevaCurl Light Defining Gel
Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin E | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Non-flaking formula
- Soft, long-lasting curls
- Touchable style with non-sticky finish
Keep in mind:
- Has a strong scent
DevaCurl’s styler is silicone-free, so it won’t weigh hair down. Its humectant glycerin draws moisture into hair without leaving a heavy feel. The result is a light hold and crunchy-free texture, allowing waves and curls to retain their movement and bounce.
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Low-Porosity Hair
A Non-Stripping Cleanser That Removes Heavy Buildup
K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo
Key ingredients: Activated charcoal, salicylic acid, glycerin | Size: 8.5 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Optimized pH helps prevent over-drying
- Color-safe
- Enhances shine
Keep in mind:
- May not be ideal for sensitive scalps
- On the pricier side
Since moisture has a hard time penetrating low-porosity hair, products, oil and sebum can sit on top of strands, making hair limp and droopy. To give hair a fresh start, the activated charcoal in this shampoo absorbs oil and dirt, and salicylic acid clears sebum without removing lipids and critical moisture. The formula’s proprietary, protective K18 Peptide works to maintain proteins to keep hair healthy and strong and avoid over-stripping. Remember: It may be best to use clarifying shampoos less often depending on how your hair reacts.
Best Moisturizing Milk For Low-Porosity Hair
A Versatile Pick That Detangles, Conditions And More
Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk
Key ingredients: Avocado oil, jojoba oil, sage extract, aloe leaf juice, glycerin | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-free: Yes
What you’ll love:
- Increases hair manageability
- Sulfate-, paraben- and silicone-free
- No flakiness
Keep in mind:
- Can weight down finer strands
- Has a creamy coconut scent
Hair milks are beneficial for low-porosity hair because they absorb into strands without making them oily. Think of this product as a leave-in conditioner plus detangler and shine enhancer: It uses a blend of botanicals and humectants to moisturize and soften. One reviewer says, “I love using this product on wash days to help restore moisture.” Another says, “It takes my dry, brittle natural hair and restores it.”
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched and written dozens of haircare stories, such as the best scalp treatments, best anti-frizz products and best volumizing mousses.
- Molly Calhoun, the author of this piece, is a regular contributor with over a decade of experience covering beauty and wellness topics.
- The story was assigned and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming section, including haircare stories like the best shampoos for fine hair to the top curling irons according to rigorous testing.
- Calhoun also gathered key insight and guidance from two industry professionals: Nicole Henry, a senior stylist at Warren Tricomi Salon and Nataya Smalls, a hairstylist at Christopher Noland Salon.
How We Chose The Best Low-Porosity Hair Products
To select the best products for low porosity hair, we first took into account each product’s active ingredients: We sought out lightweight, water-based formulas that effectively deliver moisture, shine and volume.
- We were careful to avoid products with silicones, heavy oils and proteins that can weigh strands down and cause them to look flat.
- Our final list is inclusive of different hair types and textures, and features a range of price points for accessibility.
- Additionally, our experts chimed in with recommendations based on their own experiences, while customer reviews were examined for standout product traits and real-world insights.
WHAT WE UPDATED
We added additional retailer links, as well as sections to guide readers on what to consider when shopping for low-porosity haircare. We also addressed frequently asked questions about the category.
What To Consider In A Low-Porosity Hair Product
Low-porosity hair has a hard time absorbing and retaining moisture. For a quick primer, hair is made up of three layers: the cuticle is the outermost layer of hair; the cortex is the middle layer that gives hair strength, texture and color; and the medulla is the deepest layer. The cuticle is what determines a hair’s porosity. “A typical hair strand’s cuticle is made up of overlapping scales that lay tight to protect the interior of the hair strand,” says Nicole Henry, senior colorist at Warren Tricomi Salon. “A good analogy is to think of shingles on a roof.” With low-porosity hair, she says, the scales on the cuticle are tightly aligned, resisting or impeding the ability of the hair strand to absorb moisture or liquids.
Ingredients
When shopping for the right products, look for water-based formulas where water is listed as one of the first ingredients. These options absorb better into low-porosity hair instead of sitting on top of the hair shaft. Also, look for products that contain humectants like honey, glycerin and aloe as they attract and bind much-needed moisture to hair. Lightweight oils—like argan and grapeseed oil—can moisturize without weighing hair down. Steer clear of products with heavy oils, silicones and proteins because they may not penetrate the hair shaft and tend to sit on top of hair, causing strands to look limp and greasy.
Formula
Even though low-porosity hair needs moisture, formulas like creams and butters are typically too heavy, as are protein-rich formulas. Hair oils are usually too weighty and can make low-porosity hair look, well, oily, but products containing lightweight oils—like argan, rosehip or grapeseed oil—usually work well. Water-based hair milks and masks are a good option as well.
Application
The manner in which you apply products to low-porosity hair is important, too. Not only is it a good idea to use lightweight products, but when applying moisturizers it is also a good idea to use steam or a heat cap. “An easy way to do this is when you’re in the shower, wait 10 minutes after shampooing so the steam from the heat of the water will have time to open the hair’s cuticle,” says Nataya Smalls, hairstylist at Christopher Noland Salon. “Then, apply conditioner and let it sit for two minutes before rinsing with cold water to seal the hair cuticle.” This will ensure a product’s hydrating nutrients are absorbed effectively. Because everyone’s porosity, hair thickness and curl profile is slightly different, there may be some trial and error required when applying products to low-porosity hair.
“A bi-weekly clarifying shampoo goes a long way with low-porosity hair to ensure it doesn’t have buildup of product,” says Henry. However, bear in mind that clarifying shampoos can strip hair if used too often.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can You Tell If You Have Low-Porosity Hair?
“A good indicator is how fast it takes you in the shower to wet your hair completely,” says Henry. “It usually takes more time to soak low porosity hair.” Afterwards, it will also take more time to dry and get moisture completely out of the hair. Another telltale trick: Test your hair’s porosity by dropping a strand of non-conditioned hair into a glass of water. If it still floats after ten minutes, your hair is likely low porosity. If it sinks, your hair is likely high porosity.
Porosity of hair can change, according to Henry. “Damage to the hair cuticle—like from too much heat styling or chemical damage—can make the hair higher porosity,” she says. “Also, a person can have a mix of porosity on their head. You may have high porosity ends from previous color and heat damage, and low porosity at the root where there is new growth.”
What Type Of Products Are Best For Low-Porosity Hair?
“Low porosity hair can get buildup of products because the hair is not absorbing products—especially heavier, oil-based ones—and they are sitting on top of the cuticle,” says Henry. The best products for low-porosity hair are water-based and contain lightweight, moisturizing ingredients. Look for products with humectants like glycerin and aloe, which attract and bind moisture to hair. Also, go for emollients like argan oil, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil—they will maintain moisture and soften the hair.
What Should I Avoid With Low-Porosity Hair?
“Low porosity hair is best with minimal added proteins in the shampoo and conditioner,” says Henry, as protein-heavy conditioners with added keratin and collagen can build up on the hair’s surface and make low porosity hair limp and dull. Also, avoid formulas with heavier oils like castor oil and olive oil, which can have a hard time penetrating the cuticle.
How Often Should You Moisturize Low-Porosity Hair?
Everyone’s hair is different, but as a general rule you should aim to moisturize low-porosity hair every few days, says Smalls. To moisturize between washes, spritz a hydrating leave-in conditioner like the Mizani Leave-In Conditioner or the Pattern Beauty Moisture Hair Milk on damp or dry hair. Deep condition once a week to maintain a proper moisture balance.
