How to Know If You Have Low-Porosity Hair (and the 12 Products That Can Help)
1. Moisture-Boosting Masks
Key Ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, and bio-fermented coconut water
Customer Review: "This is my first time trying a product from Amika. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about their masks and this one did not disappoint at all! i have very coily color-treated type 4 hair that needs a lot of moisture. this made my curls pop while also being hydrated. good slip, thick and creamy. my new favorite deep conditioning mask, literally what i was searching for!"
Key Ingredients: aquaxyl, sodium hyaluronate, coconut
Customer Review: "This is definitely the perfect mask to grab when your hair is feeling dry, lifeless and just overall drab. I work hair masks into my routine at least once every other week and this week I reached for this one and got the biggest drink of moisture and even a little boost of shine!"
Key Ingredients: proprietary curl complex, oil and butter blend (avocado, castor, chia, and flax seed oils), hydrolyzed quinoa
Customer Review: "Love this mask for my hair! I've been a fan of Briogeo products for a while and their Don't despair, Repair mask is one of my favorites. I was hoping for similar hydrating effects but with a little lighter feel on the hair. This mask delivered just that! It takes away the frizz and defines my curls without weighing my hair down."
Key Ingredients: keratris, hemisqualane, amino acids
Customer Review: "Amazing hydration hair mask! I've tried many hair masks before but this one takes the cake. It gets into your hair strands and hydrates. I notice my hair is softer, less frizzy, and amazing to use right after I use my detox shampoo since my hair is dehydrated and damaged since I've bleached and colored my hair a lot."
Key Ingredients: karmatin (a vegan silk alternative), marula and moringa seed oil, milk thistle
Customer Review: "This mask is so hydrating, I used it before blowing out my hair and it hydrated my ends so well! My hair feels brittle after blowing it out but this made it feel healthy and fuller. Helped my ends looked bonded together, which is something I need."
2. Lightweight Serums and Moisturizers
Key Ingredients: jojoba oil, lavender oil, safflower oil
Customer Review: "I’m not even kidding, this stuff is amazing. I’ve always used the garnier oil and it has done nothing for me, but this one has healed it and got rid of the frizz after using a little every day. This coming from someone who deals with severe frizz and has curly hair, this is amazing."
Key Ingredients: plant-based proteins, niacinamide
Customer Review: "As someone with super fine, color-treated hair who is trying to fix damage and dryness, this product has been a life saver over the past 3 weeks I have implemented it into my night routine. I’m so happy with this product and the results I have seen in such a short amount of time. My hair already seems to be so much healthier, softer and more hydrated. I can’t wait to see my results over more time and consistent use!
Key Ingredient: macadamia seed oil, rice milk, elm bark
Customer Review: "I really love this product. First of all the smell is amazing, but not overpowering. I will wash my hair, add some of this and let it air dry. I love that it makes my hair feel moisturized, and I might be imagining it, but I think it helps my curls, stay curly! Also the price is reasonable."
Key Ingredients: amber extract and soy protein biopolymer, wheat amino acids, Oribe signature complex
Customer Review: "Oribe’s Super Shine Light Moisturizing has the consistency of a normal conditioner and is meant to be used after washing your hair. It smells so nice! The scent isn’t overwhelming but still strong enough that it lingers a bit. I found it to be moisturizing and it didn’t leave any residue or change the texture of my hair."
3. Hydrating Shampoos and Conditioners
Key Ingredients: coconut oil, aloe vera, tiger herb
Customer Review: "I liked this shampoo a lot! I have fine hair so I typically stray from “hydrating shampoo” but am glad I tried this one. It felt like my hair could take a breather and not be so stripped. My scalp was noticeably more comfortable but my hair didn’t fall any flatter than it does with volumizing shampoo. I think this is a great addition to a hair routine, even for finer hair. I just use a clarifying shampoo once a week as well!"
Key Ingredients: Tsubaki meadows, red algae extract, coconut-based surfactants
Customer Review: "I'm becoming increasingly obsessed with Crown Affair, and I absolutely love this new shampoo and conditioner! The shampoo is wonderful for my dry winter hair. It leaves my hair feeling moisturized, sleek and smooth. I love the signature Crown Affair scent, and the nice packaging. 10/10"
Key Ingredients: Ocean Silk Technology, waxes extracted from natural vegetable oils
Customer Reviews: "I only had a deluxe sample to try, but I got four washes out of it and I was hooked. The hair cleansing cream was great for my hair when it was dry and damaged, but it is also an excellent choice when your hair is perfectly healthy. Gentle and effective, it leaves your hair looking healthy and abundant. Smells delicious too."
4. Deep Conditioning Tools
Features: rotating nozzle, hood, PTC ceramic heating element
Customer Review: "The Hair and Skin Steamer impressed me with its sleek design and sturdy build. It's easy to use, heats up quickly, and offers dual functionality for hair and skincare treatments. After using it, my hair felt softer and my skin looked clearer. It's a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their beauty routine at home."
Features: steamer, 6' 90˚ swivel cord, cleaning kit
Customer Review: "Another win. I don't think there's anything in this line that I've not tried. I've noticed considerably less breakage, and my hair is soft and supple; at my last wash, I really did a double take, and my hair looks so healthy! Love it."
Features: aluminum body, elastic band
Customer Review: "Found this foil cap more effective at retaining warmth and moisture on my 4c hair while deep conditioning. Soft black trim surrounds the cap making this cap more comfortable than the dreaded plastic shower cap. Highly recommended as the cap has held up well thus far."
Features: microfiber cotton, linenseed fabric lining
Customer Review: "I have low porosity hair so I like to deep condition it at least once a week and this cap makes it so easy. After I pop it in the microwave for two minutes, I can put it on over a plastic cap and go about my business. I've had it for almost a year and haven't had any issues with it. It's become really therapeutic for me, so I'd highly recommend it!"
Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.