Dry, damaged, and done? These will change your routine.
You know those days when your hair feels like it’s personally offended by your existence? You deep condition, seal, and pray to the hair gods—and still end up with frizz, breakage, and that dry, crunchy texture that laughs in the face of leave-in. If this sounds like your life on wash day, there’s a good chance you’ve got high porosity hair. And no, it’s not just a buzzword from that one curly hair Reddit thread—it’s a thing, and your products might be making it worse.
High porosity hair is thirsty. Like, "will-not-hold-onto-moisture-for-more-than-a-second" thirsty. Think lifted cuticles, open hair shafts, and a constant cycle of hydration in → hydration straight back out. It’s exhausting—and it’s not your fault.
The fix? Not magic. Not coconut oil. Not another TikTok trend with 72 steps. The real game-changer is using the right products, made to work with your porosity, not against it.
And babe, we’ve done the digging, testing, and ingredient label squinting so you don’t have to. This is the only list of high porosity hair products you need to bookmark, screenshot, or text to your group chat. Ready to stop fighting your hair and start feeding it what it’s been missing? Shopping list at the ready, girlie. You’re in luck.
What is high porosity hair (and how do you know you have it)?
If your hair feels soft for exactly five minutes after your wash day before it reverts back to frizz, breakage, or puffiness, your porosity might be the culprit. More specifically? You’re probably dealing with high porosity hair—aka strands that are all too welcoming to moisture, but not exactly great at keeping it.
Imagine your hair cuticle like the surface of a pine cone. Instead of lying flat and holding onto hydration, high porosity strands have gaps or lifted “shingles” that let water and product in and out with zero chill.
What are you left with? Dry ends, dullness, endless tangling, and a routine that feels like a full-time job with no PTO.
This isn’t just a random trait—it can be genetic, especially for curly, coily, or color-treated hair. But over-processing, heat styling, bleaching, skipping protective products, or just being alive during summer humidity can push your porosity levels higher, too.
Not sure if this sounds like you? Spot the signs below.
– Hair that soaks up product fast, but still feels dry hours later
– Frizz that appears out of thin air (literally)
– Tangles, knots, and breakage more often than you'd like to admit
– Hair that air dries in record time (a little too fast)
– Ends that split before you even notice your roots growing out
There’s even a test: Drop a strand of clean, dry hair in a glass of water. If it sinks like a rock? Congrats, you’re officially in the high porosity club.
But don’t worry, this isn’t a hair type death sentence. Once you understand what your strands are asking for (moisture, protein, barrier support), you can build a routine that works with your hair instead of against it. And we’re about to hand you the receipts: the products, the steps, the solutions. Let’s fix this.
What high porosity hair needs (and what to avoid)
Here’s the thing: high porosity hair isn’t just thirsty—it’s leaking. Every bit of moisture it takes in slips right back out, which means your products aren’t the problem—it’s the lack of a barrier that’s leaving your hair high and dry (literally).
So, what does your hair need to stop acting like a broken water balloon?
1. Moisture that sticks around
Your hair craves hydration, but not just any hydration. You need ingredients that penetrate the shaft and help your strands hold on to water. Think: fatty alcohols (like cetyl and stearyl alcohol), glycerin, and deep-penetrating butters and oils like avocado, shea, and argan. These are your moisture MVPs.
2. Protein—but not too much
Because the cuticle is lifted and damaged, a little protein can help strengthen and rebuild your strands. But balance is key. Go overboard and you’ll get brittle, stiff hair that feels like straw. Look for hydrolyzed proteins—they’re broken down into small molecules that can slide into those porous spots and fill in the gaps.
3. Sealing ingredients
This is where most people miss the mark. You’ve hydrated your hair—amazing. Now you need to seal it all in. Without an oil, serum, or cream to trap that moisture, it’ll vanish. Sealing oils like castor oil, jojoba, or even a lightweight silicone-based serum can help smooth the cuticle and keep hydration locked in.
4. Frizz-fighting formulas
Frizz isn’t just a mood killer, it’s your cuticle screaming for help. Anti-humidity, heat-protective, and smoothing formulas with film-forming ingredients (like panthenol or silicones) help keep your hair sleek and protected from the outside world.
But girl, just as important as what you do use? What to avoid like the frizz-inducing plague.
🚫 Harsh shampoos that strip your natural oils
🚫 Alcohol-heavy stylers (they’re drying your hair out more)
🚫 Heavy humectants like honey and aloe on super humid days—they can pull water out of your hair if the air is too dry
🚫 Too much protein—balance is everything
Your hair isn’t difficult. It’s just misunderstood. Give it the right care and it’ll return the love tenfold. And now that you know what it’s craving? Let’s get into the exact high porosity hair products that are actually worth your money.
The best high porosity hair products (that your strands will drink up)
Not all products are created equal, and if you’ve got high porosity hair, you already know that trial and error can get expensive. So we’ve done the homework (and the bad wash days) for you. These are the tried, tested, and TikTok-approved heroes that work.
1. Color Wow Money Masque
This deep conditioner does way more than hydrate. It’s like damage control and gloss treatment in one. Created with celeb stylist Chris Appleton (yep, the man behind Kim K’s mirror hair), this mask targets dryness, breakage, and lackluster texture—all hallmarks of high porosity hair.
Why it’s great
– Penetrates the hair shaft for deep hydration
– Strengthens brittle ends and smooths split strands
– Boosts shine without weighing hair down
– Works in just 5 minutes
– Free from sulfates and silicones
2. Vegamour HYDR-8 Deep Moisture Repair Mask
This award-winning mask is basically a glass of water for your hair. It hydrates and repairs damage in record time. Perfect for strands that feel rough, look dull, or frizz out faster than you can say "air-dry."
Why it’s great
– Intensely moisturizes and softens high porosity hair
– Restores elasticity to reduce breakage
– Smooths the cuticle for shine and frizz control
– Works in 5 minutes flat
– Vegan, cruelty-free, and color-safe
3. Aveda Be Curly Advanced Shampoo
Curls and coils with high porosity tend to be fragile and easily dehydrated. This shampoo gets it. It gently cleanses without stripping, while adding much-needed moisture back into your strands.
Why it’s great
– Sulfate- and silicone-free formula
– Strengthens with plant-based peptides
– Hydrates and enhances curl definition
– Smells like a citrus grove (yes, please)
– Safe for all curl patterns from 2A–4C
4. Sisley Intense Nutrition Hair Care Mask
This is your spa day in a jar. Rich oils and kokum butter deeply nourish, while ceramides reinforce the hair structure. It’s a luxury mask, but honestly, it performs like one, too.
Why it’s great
– Five oils + kokum butter = intense nourishment
– Repairs damage from heat, color, or styling
– Adds lasting softness and mirror-like shine
– Strengthens with baobab proteins
– Great for visibly transforming hair texture
5. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Twisting Soufflé
Not just for twists. This thick, creamy soufflé styles and hydrates in one go—ideal for sealing in moisture on high porosity natural hair types.
Why it’s great
– Delivers long-lasting definition without crunch
– Honey and pomegranate deeply hydrate
– Great for twist-outs, braids, and bantu knots
– Prevents flaking and dryness
– Smells amazing (trust us)
6. As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner
Shampoo who? This co-wash gently cleanses without stripping your scalp or strands. It’s perfect for porous curls that can’t handle harsh detergents.
Why it’s great
– Removes product buildup without drying
– Infused with coconut oil, castor oil, and tangerine
– Encourages growth and reduces breakage
– Ideal between wash days
– Color- and keratin-safe
7. Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
The only gel you'll need when humidity is the villain. This frizz-fighting formula defines curls, locks in hydration, and keeps your style intact all day.
Why it’s great
– Strong but soft hold for curl definition
– Blocks humidity with Anti-Frizz Nano Technology
– Contains UV protection
– Non-sticky and lightweight
– Can be layered over leave-ins or creams
8. Silksilky 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Think of this as your nighttime protective style. It reduces breakage, keeps moisture in, and leaves your curls looking less chaotic in the AM.
Why it’s great
– 100% 30-momme pure mulberry silk
– Reduces friction and split ends
– Hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and breathable
– Helps hair retain moisture overnight
– Chic and functional (comes in multiple colors)
How to build a routine for high porosity hair that works
So you’ve got the right products. That’s already half the battle. But how do you use them? That’s where the magic happens. High porosity hair isn’t high-maintenance, it’s just high-strategy. This is your certified blueprint for bounce, strength, and moisture retention.
Step 1: Start with a gentle, moisture-rich cleanse
Your hair's already prone to letting go of moisture faster than a TikTok trend. Use a cleanser that gets rid of buildup without stripping essential oils. As I Am Coconut CoWash or Aveda Be Curly Advanced Shampoo are both perfect here.
✦ Use lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water lifts the cuticle even more, making it easier for moisture to escape.
Step 2: Deep condition like your strands depend on it (because they do)
This is the non-negotiable step. Use something packed with nourishing oils, fatty acids, and proteins—like the Sisley Intense Nutrition Mask or the Vegamour HYDR-8 Mask. These formulas help restore what high porosity hair naturally loses.
✦ Pro tip: Add a heat cap or warm towel over your mask to help it penetrate deeper. Your curls will thank you.
Step 3: Lock in the hydration
Hydration without sealing is like pouring water into a leaky cup. After your mask, reach for leave-ins like Color Wow Coconut Cocktail or Mielle Twisting Soufflé. These add a layer of moisture and definition.
✦ Always apply on damp hair and use the “praying hands” method to smooth the product in evenly.
Step 4: Seal with something nourishing
Seal in all that juicy hydration with an oil or serum. Lightweight oils (like Manketti or argan) work well to keep things smooth and shiny without weighing curls down. If styling, go in with the Ouidad Climate Control Gel to lock it all into place and fight frizz.
✦ Don’t skip this if you live somewhere humid—this is your curl shield.
Step 5: Protect while you sleep
Silk pillowcase = moisture retention + fewer tangles. It’s a must. The Silksilky pillowcase doesn’t just feel bougie, it works to keep hydration locked in while you sleep (and it’s easier on your skin, too).
✦ Bonus: swap out your regular towel for a microfiber one or wrap your hair in a silk bonnet for even more protection.
Moisture is the main character
If your strands feel like they soak up products only to ghost you hours later, you’re not imagining it. High porosity hair needs a little extra care, and now you’ve got the receipts (and the routine) to give it just that.
From deep conditioners that work overtime to pillowcases that do the most while you sleep, the right high porosity hair products don’t just help your hair look better—they help it feel stronger, silkier, and a whole lot less stressed. The best part? You don’t have to overhaul your life or drop $$$ on salon treatments to make it happen. Just a few key swaps, some intentional layering, and boom—your hair’s officially living its best (hydrated) life.
So go forth, my queen, and treat your routine like the self-care moment it is. Your high porosity strands? They’re ready for their redemption arc.
