- Best Products for Low Porosity Hair
- Best Shampoos for Low Porosity Hair
- Best Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair
- Best Styling Products for Low Porosity Hair
- Best Tools for Low Porosity Hair
- How to Spot Low-Porosity Hair
- What to Look For
- What to Avoid
- How We Chose
- Why Trust Marie Claire
- Meet the Experts
If you've ever felt like your hair is so dry that water and moisture almost seem to bounce off of it, there's a good chance that your porosity is low. Luckily for you, the best products for low porosity hair make hydrating your strands a lot easier, and figuring out what to add to your haircare routine often starts with understanding how well your hair can actually hold moisture in the first place.
Per Alicia Bailey, a licensed master cosmetologist and CEO of Iman Yvonne Beauty, low-porosity hair has "an outer layer that has a tight cuticle," making it difficult for product to actually settle into the hair strand. Since heavy products tend to sit on this type of hair, it's more prone to dryness and buildup, and you may also notice that your hair takes a bit longer to become saturated with water.
"Use lightweight products on the hair," Bailey adds, warning that thick, creamy, or protein-rich products sit on the hair shaft, further impeding moisture absorption.
With so many hair products on the market, how can one determine which products have the right consistency for use on low-porosity hair? I had Bailey and celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims break down everything there is to know about shopping for low-porosity hair—including the best products—ahead.
The Best Products for Low Porosity Hair
- Best Shampoo for Low Porosity Hair Overall: Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Shampoo
- Best Conditioner for Low Porosity Hair: PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Medium Conditioner
- Best Styling Product for Low Porosity Hair: Verb Curl Foaming Gel
- Best Tool for Low Porosity Hair: Modern Elements 1875W Ionic Pro Rollabout Tourmaline Dryer
The Best Shampoos for Low Porosity Hair
Bailey says that she loves the pomegranate and honey collection from Mielle Organics, explaining that the brand's products are “infused with babassu oil and citrus extracts,” among other natural ingredients, for a formula that supports hydrated hair from the inside out. She also notes that everything is “lightweight and prevents frizz”—an absolute lifesaver during humid summers. The line was made with curls (specifically type 4 hair) in mind, but Mielle promises it works on all curl types and patterns.
Size: 12 oz.
Key Ingredients: Honey and babassu oil (moisturizing)
What I Love: Affordable; Detangles hair
What I Don’t: May be too thick for looser curl types
Customer Review: "Ive never had a staple shampoo before but this is the best shampoo I've used. My stylist recently reccomended I detangle while shampooing and this provides the perfect amount of slip but cleansing. I like the packaging too one full pump is the perfect amount for one section of hair." — Ulta
This is technically a co-wash, but it's perfect for those who find traditional cleansing too stripping. Sims says, "This is my holy grail product for hair hydration! It’s great for those with low-porosity hair because it helps remove product buildup but also really hydrates and nourishes the hair."
Size: 8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Brazilian bacuri butter, rice oil, and moringa oil (hydrating)
What I Love: Gentle enough for daily use
What I Don’t: Some users say it doesn't lather easily
Customer Review: "This is the best cowash I have ever used! My hair smells great, feels so moisturized, and my curls are nicely defined even after drying. I use it in my hair (3B/C) and it also works great in my daughter’s hair (4A). Could not recommend this product enough." — Amazon
Scalp scrubs are excellent options for those who suffer from scalp and hair buildup, flakiness, dandruff, and more. This one from Ceremonia works on all hair types but is made with thick, curly hair in mind. Its unique formula features Bolivia mountain salt, papaya enzymes, and prickly pear extract, designed to banish buildup for good without stripping hair of its moisture. Customers love it for its frizz-defying impact.
Size: 8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Bolivian mountain salt and papaya enzymes (exfoliating); Prickly pear extract (moisturizing)
What I Love: Supports scalp health and hair growth
What I Don’t: Too harsh for daily usage
Customer Review: "This is a great scrub! I have thick, coarse hair and this made my hair so soft and manageable. The scrub does exactly what I want it to for my scalp!" — Sephora
If you’re experiencing severe buildup issues on your scalp (causing symptoms like itchiness, greasiness, dandruff, acne, and thwarted hair growth), consider this scalp scrub from one of my favorite haircare brands, Fable & Mane. It’s made to provide instant relief to irritated scalps through a formula that includes neem leaf, amla, and ginger, which is a natural antiseptic. Reviewers love how well it lathers and how clean their hair and scalp feel after just one use.
Size: 8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Ginger (removes flakes); Neem leaf (antifungal properties); Amla (soothing)
What I Love: Banishes buildup; Supports scalp health and hair growth
What I Don’t: Contains some protein, which tends to build up on low porosity hair
Customer Review: "This scrub is effective and cleans the buildup in my hair. I have noticed my hair stays cleaner longer between washes without needing to use dry shampoo. It smells nice too!" — Sephora
The Best Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair
This Tracee Ellis Ross-approved conditioner “blends jojoba oil and olive oil and provides hydration without weight,” says Bailey. It's no surprise: this conditioner is made specifically for low to normal porosity hair, promising to provide lightweight moisture that won’t clump into nasty buildup that disrupts users’ curl patterns. It’s also made to tame frizz and flyaways—the perfect option for curly girls like me who struggle with their baby hairs.
Size: 29 oz.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba and olive oil (hydrating)
What I Love: Tames frizz; Moisturizing; Made with low porosity hair and curls in mind
What I Don’t: Bigger sized bottle is a little expensive
Customer Review: "I have a wavy/curly hair type and have struggled to find a good conditioner that moisturizes my hair enough. I have been using this brand of shampoo and conditioner for about a year and a half and my hair loves it. It's worth the price!!" — Ulta
Bailey says this line of lavender-infused products by Design Essentials “is great because it provides moisture and protects the curls of the curly girls that desire to smooth their hair temporarily without weighing it down.” I'm also a huge brand fan and can attest to their lightweight consistency and curl-enhancing power.
Size: 12 oz.
Key Ingredients: Agave and lavender extracts (strengthening and moisturizing); Mango butter (softening)
What I Love: Light scent; Made to soothe scalp
What I Don’t: Some users find it too thick
Customer Review: "This conditioner is amazing! It melts away every tangle and makes your hair feel super soft. I love it! It's worth every penny." — Ulta
This Ouidad conditioner is perfect for low-porosity hair becuase it’s free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and non-water-soluble silicones. This means it won’t form any nasty buildup on your hair and will foster a smoother, more hydrated look. Reviewers love its immediate impact on reducing frizz, and several customers write that the conditioner even helped repair damage from heat tools, swimming, and more.
Size: 8.5 oz.
Key Ingredients: Lemon fruit extract (adds shine); Chamomile flower extract (addresses split ends); Echinacea extract and Pro-vitamin B5 (moisturizing); Wheat amino acids (strengthening)
What I Love: Curl-defining; Smoothing; Shine-enhancing
What I Don’t: Has protein (wheat amino acids) which can make low porosity hair feel stiff
Customer Review: "I have used this product for awhile and love the moisturizing benefit. Pairs well with any other Ouidad shampoo that works for you." — Ulta
The Best Styling Products for Low Porosity Hair
Because low-porosity hair is so sensitive to buildup and therefore averse to thick products, it can be challenging to find a styling mousse or gel that doesn’t leave this hair type limp and dried out. However, this foaming gel from Verb is lightweight, crunch-free, and still retains a firm hold that allows you to style your curls however you please. It’s perfect for defining curls and coils, and works to minimize frizz even on the most humid of days.
Size: 6.7 oz.
Key Ingredients: SunflowerCurl complex (nourishing, detangling, curl-defining); Castor and jojoba oils (moisturizing)
What I Love: Washes out easily; Crunch-free; Firm hold
What I Don’t: Scent is pretty strong
Customer Review: "This product is amazing! Its the best gel/foam I have ever ueed. It is very lightweight, keeps my hair in place all day even after ive put it up and I never get any frizz." — Ulta
I’m not sure what I did with my hair before I discovered this curl revitalizer from Design Essentials. True to its name, it never fails to restore curl definition to my hair after my ringlets have grown limp from styling or from not sleeping in my silk hair wrap. It has a flexible, medium hold that keep hair from looking too shiny or feeling crunchy, and it also conditions strands rather than sitting on the shaft like a film. Finally, it washes out easily, so I never have to worry about accumulating nasty buildup.
Size: 8 oz.
Key Ingredients: Almond and jojoba oils (moisturizing); Avocado oil (strengthening)
What I Love: Affordable; Lightweight
What I Don’t: Can make hair feel slightly sticky
Customer Review: "This product worked as advertised-my curls sprung back after a few [spritzes] and held. It also helps keep my hair moist." — Design Essentials
Latinx-owned brand Rizos Curls formulated this conditioning yet lightweight leave-in with curly hair in mind. It contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, which reduces frizz, aloe vera for deep conditioning, and shea butter for a deeply moisturizing effect that doesn’t leave hair greasy. It’s also free of additives like sulfates and silicones, which can form a thick buildup that prevents low-porosity hair from absorbing nutrients.
Size: 10 oz.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera (addresses flakes and dandruff); Coconut oil (frizz-reducing); Shea butter (moisturizing)
What I Love: Affordable; Lightweight; Curl-defining
What I Don’t: Some reviewers don't find it defining enough on its own
Customer Review: "I have used SO MANY different hair products in my life and couldn't find anything that gave me the results like this cream does. First day using it and my hair is so bouncy and soft. Smells so nice too. My hair isn't hard, sticky, or heavy." — Ulta
The Best Tools for Low Porosity Hair
If you’re looking to incorporate heat into your conditioning routine, as Bailey suggests, but you don’t have the time to go to the salon regularly, consider bringing the salon home to you. This portable steamer is conveniently positioned on wheels so you can push it around your home whenever it’s time for a deep conditioning treatment. And at a price that’s more affordable than most premium hair dryers, you truly can’t go wrong.
Type of Tool: Dryer
What I Love: Minimizes frizz; Moisturizes hair; Dries hair quickly
What I Don’t: Large
Customer Review: "I really love this dryer. It dries my curls just like the one my hairstylist uses at the salon. It was easy to put together and it’s cute." — Sally Beauty
Bailey recommends that those with low hair porosity hydrate their hair by applying heat during the conditioning phase. "The heat can be applied by using a plastic cap over the hair under a pre-heated hooded dryer, or a steamer without a cap," she advises. "The heat allows the cuticle to expand and allows the conditioner to penetrate the hair strands." Then, she recommends washing the conditioner out with lukewarm water. This cap, which is lined with terry cloth, is perfect for comfortably sitting under a steamer or hooded dryer.
Type of Tool: Shower cap
What I Love: Lined for a comfortable fit; Keeps hair securely inside; Helps hair retain moisture
What I Don't: Must be washed frequently
Customer Review: "I really have enjoyed using this. I have naturally curly hair so when i do straighten it i try to keep it dry and out of humidity (from the shower) as much as possible. This kept my hair dry without making it greasy or frizzy like some of the others had." — Ulta
How to Spot Low-Porosity Hair
A mixture of nature and nurture determines one's hair porosity, so it's important to note how changes to your routine and environment impact your hair health. "Heat styling tools, such as flat irons and blow dryers, can damage the hair cuticle, putting you at higher risk for low-porosity hair," Sims says. He adds that if you don't wash your hair frequently, you may foster low-porosity hair because of the amount of product buildup.
"Hair porosity is also largely determined by genetics. If you have family members with low-porosity hair, there's a good chance you will too," he explains. "Something not many people know is that someone can have a mixture of both low- and high-porosity hair." The latter often is displayed by dryness and damage, so if you feel you have combination porosity, be sure to prioritize hydration while avoiding buildup.
What to Look For
Lightweight textures: Bailey suggests that people with low-porosity hair gravitate towards lightweight ingredients. "Water-based products that can easily penetrate the hair are great choices," Sims adds.
Oils: "If the product has oil in it, look for lightweight oils like jojoba, babassu, black seed oil, argan or aloe vera," says Bailey. "These oils all have a good comedogenic rating, which means they won’t clog the skin's pores." Sims adds that honey and glycerin are also great for hydrating low-porosity hair from the inside out without weighing it down.
What to Avoid
Protein: Both Bailey and Sims recommend steering clear of protein-packed products, explaining that people with low-porosity hair can be protein-sensitive. This means that too much protein would result in buildup, moisture retention issues, and a weighed-down look.
Heavy butters and creams: Because low-porosity hair needs an environment that facilitates moisture absorption, Bailey advises avoiding heavy butters and creams. They can sit on top of the hair shaft and cause buildup. For instance, options like olive oil and castor oil may be too heavy. "Additionally, avoiding silicones is wise because they create a barrier and sit on top of the hair, making it difficult for the hair to absorb moisture," she adds.
How We Chose
For this story, the Marie Claire team consulted two expert hairstylists for their individual recommendations for the best products for low porosity hair. Additionally, dozens of other products were tested and vetted by our editors before we narrowed down a list based on a wide variety of needs.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
Alicia Bailey is a licensed master cosmetologist and the CEO and Global Hair Education Director at Iman Yvonne Beauty with over 30 years of experience. She is also an author, life coach, and public speaker, and has owned salons such as Flawless Sessions Hair Salon in Georgia and Flawless Unisex Hair Salon in Hampton, Virginia. She has also worked as an educator for McBride Research Laboratories since 1999, and has worked with a number of women's magazines to promulgate education about black haircare.
Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a haircare brand made with curls in mind. He has worked with the likes of Union (of course), Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Janet Jackson, and more.
