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When shopping for your favorite shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and other hair care products, there are several factors to consider: hair texture, hair volume, curl level, and hair porosity. The latter “describes the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture,” explains celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims. Low-porosity hair is less able to absorb water and therefore retain moisture more easily. That’s why you need the best low-porosity hair products to ensure healthy hair and nourished scalp.
“Low-porosity hair has a tight outer cuticle,” explains Alicia Bailey, a licensed master esthetician and CEO of Iman Yvonne Beauty. Because of this structure, the follicles don’t allow water to easily soak into the hair shaft. “Use lightweight hair products,” she adds, cautioning that heavy, creamy, or protein-rich products can cling to the hair shaft and make it even harder for moisture to be absorbed.
But with so many hair care products on the market, how do you know which ones have the right texture for low-porosity hair? I asked Bailey and celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims to break down everything you need to know about shopping for low-porosity hair products, including the best ones.
Bailey says she loves the Pomegranate Honey collection from Mielle Organics, explaining that the brand’s products are “infused with natural ingredients like babassu oil and citrus extracts” and are designed to nourish hair from the inside out. She also notes that all of the products are “lightweight and frizz-free,” making them a lifesaver during the humid summer months. The line is aimed at curly hair (especially type 4 hair), but Mielle promises that it will work for all curl types and styles.
Benefits: Expert-approved; Designed for curly and non-porous hair; Made with natural ingredients; Cruelty-free; Free of sulfates, SLS, and SLES; Affordable; Easy to comb
Technically a conditioner, it’s perfect for those who find traditional shampoo too harsh. “This is my absolute favorite hair product! It’s especially great for those with low-porosity hair because it not only removes product buildup, but it also hydrates and nourishes the hair,” says Sims.
Scalp scrubs are a great option for those who suffer from hair and sebum buildup, dandruff, etc. This product from Ceremonia is suitable for all hair types, but is especially good for thick, curly hair. Its unique formula with Bolivian mountain salt, papaya enzymes, and cactus extract is designed to thoroughly remove buildup without stripping hair of moisture. It is a favorite among customers for its frizz-fighting properties.
Benefits: Made with natural ingredients; Supports scalp health; Promotes hair growth; Vegan; Cruelty-free; Free of gluten, sulfates, SLS and SLES
If you have a lot of dirt buildup on your scalp (causing symptoms like itching, oiliness, dandruff, acne, and slow hair growth), consider this scalp scrub from one of my favorite hair care brands, Fable & Mane. It’s formulated with neem leaves, amla, and ginger (a natural antibacterial) to instantly soothe scalp irritation. Reviewers rave about how rich the lather is and how clean their hair and scalp feel after just one use.
Benefits: Free of silicones, sulfates, SLS and SLES; vegan; cleanses; eliminates build-up; supports scalp health and hair growth
“This Tracee Ellis Ross-approved conditioner contains a blend of jojoba and olive oils to hydrate and nourish hair without weighing it down,” says Bailey. It’s no surprise: Designed for low- to normal-porosity hair, this conditioner promises to deliver lightweight hydration without creating clumps that can ruin curls. It’s also effective at taming frizz and flyaways—perfect for curly-haired girls like me who struggle with baby hair.
Benefits: Expert-approved; Free of sulfates, SLS, SLES and parabens; Smoothes frizz; Hydrating; Formulated for low porosity curly hair
SheaMoisture has long been a favorite among those with curly hair, and for good reason. Designed for low-porosity curly hair, this conditioner has a lightweight, protein-free formula. It also includes grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, and jojoba oil for balanced, lightweight moisture that won’t leave a residue. Plus, it includes shea butter to control frizz and nourish hair damaged by breakage, pollution, styling, or heat tools.
Pros: Protein-free; Cruelty-free; Paraben-free; Gentle on hair; Specially formulated for low porosity hair; Affordable
Bailey says this lavender line from Design Essentials is “great because it hydrates curly hair, protects curls, and temporarily detangles without weighing hair down.” I’m also a big fan of Design Essentials and can attest to the product being lightweight and delivering impressive curl results.
This Ouidad conditioner is ideal for low-porosity hair because it’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and water-insoluble silicones. This means it won’t leave your hair feeling greasy, smooth, and hydrated. Reviewers rave about the instant frizz-reducing results, and some customers even say it helps repair damage caused by heat tools, swimming, and more.
Benefits: Free of silicones, sulfates, phthalates and parabens; defines curls; smoothes; enhances shine
Because low porosity hair is so sensitive to dirt buildup, it doesn’t handle heavy styling products well, so it can be difficult to find a mousse or gel that won’t leave this type of hair feeling limp and dry. However, this foaming gel from Verb is lightweight, non-breakable, and still provides a strong hold, allowing you to style your curls the way you want. It’s perfect for creating curls and waves, and it’s also effective at reducing frizz on even the most humid days.
Benefits: Lightweight; Curly; Enhances shine; Easy to rinse; No cracking; Strong hold; Moisturizing
I had no idea what to do with my hair until I discovered Design Essentials Curl Revitalizer. As the name suggests, it always restores volume to my hair, especially after it’s gone limp from styling or sleeping without a silk headband. It provides a smooth, medium hold that keeps hair from looking too shiny without drying it out, and it hydrates strands without clinging to the hair shaft like film. Lastly, it’s easy to clean, so I never have to worry about nasty residue building up.
Latin American brand Rizos Curls created this lightweight leave-in conditioner specifically for those with curly hair. It’s formulated with natural ingredients like frizz-busting coconut oil, deeply conditioning aloe vera, and deeply moisturizing, non-greasy shea butter. It’s free of additives like sulfates and silicones, which can form a thick layer on hair and prevent low-porosity hair from absorbing nutrients.
If you want to incorporate heat treatments into your hair care routine, as Bailey suggests, but don’t have time to make regular salon visits, consider bringing your salon experience to your home. This portable steamer has wheels for easy transport, so you can roll it around your home when you need a deep treatment. And it’s more affordable than most high-end dryers, making it a great choice.
Bailey recommends that people with low-porosity hair use heat to hydrate their hair during conditioning sessions. “You can put a plastic cap on your hair and heat it up with a preheated hooded blow dryer or a capless steamer,” she advises. “The heat expands the cuticle, allowing the conditioner to penetrate the hair strands.” She then recommends rinsing the conditioner out with warm water. The hood is lined with terry cloth, making it easy to use under a steamer or hooded blow dryer.
Your hair’s porosity is determined by a combination of natural factors and care, so it’s important to be aware of how changes in your daily habits and environment can affect your hair’s health. “Heat styling tools like straighteners and blow dryers damage the hair cuticle and increase the risk of decreased hair porosity,” says Sims. He also adds that if you don’t wash your hair regularly, your hair’s porosity can decrease due to the buildup of hair product residue.
“Hair porosity is also largely determined by genetics. If your family has low porosity hair, you’re more likely to have it,” he explains. “Many people don’t realize that some people can have both types of porosity.” The latter usually manifests as dryness and damage, so if you think you have combination porosity, be sure to prioritize moisturizing while avoiding dirt buildup.
Bailey suggests that people with low-porosity hair may benefit from products with a lighter texture. “Water-based products that penetrate the hair easily are a good choice,” Sims adds.
“If a product contains oil, choose a lightweight oil like jojoba, babassu, black seed, argan, or aloe vera,” says Bailey. “All of these oils have a high comedogenic rating, meaning they won’t clog your pores.” Sims adds that honey and glycerin are also great for hydrating open-pore hair from the inside out without weighing it down.
Both Bailey and Sims recommend avoiding high-protein foods, explaining that people with low-porosity hair may be sensitive to protein. This means that too much protein can lead to hair buildup, moisture retention issues, and weighed-down hair.
Because low-porosity hair requires an environment that is conducive to moisture absorption, Bailey recommends avoiding heavy hair oils and creams. These can cling to the hair shaft and cause buildup. For example, hair products like olive oil and castor oil can be too heavy. “It’s also wise to avoid silicone-based hair products, as they can create a barrier that clings to the hair and makes it difficult for moisture to be absorbed,” she adds.
Alicia Bailey is a certified Master Esthetician and the CEO and Global Director of Hair Education at Iman Yvonne Beauty with over 30 years of experience. She is also an author, life coach, and speaker, and owns several hair salons including Flawless Sessions Hair Salon in Georgia and Flawless Unisex Hair Salon in Hampton, Virginia. She has also been an educator at the McBride Research Lab since 1999 and has contributed to several women’s magazines to spread the word about black hair care.
Larry Sims is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a hair care brand designed specifically for curly hair. He’s worked with Union (of course), Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Janet Jackson, and more.
Gabrielle Ulubay is a beauty writer for Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual health, politics, culture, and fashion for Marie Claire, as well as for The New York Times, Huffington Post Personal, Bustle, Alma, Muskrat Magazine, O’Bheal, and more. She began her professional writing career in 2018 with a personal essay published in The New York Times’ Modern Love column, which was later included in the 2019 revised edition of Modern Love. She has studied history, international relations, and film, has made films about politics and gender equality, and has written about film for Film Ireland, University College Cork, and her personal blog, gabrielleulubay.medium.com. Before joining Marie Claire, Gabrielle worked in local government, higher education, and sales, and lived in four countries. Since 2020, she has been active in eCommerce and sales and spent two years at Drizly, where she gained experience in finding the best, highest quality products and experiences money can buy.
She is politically savvy and believes that skincare, hair care, and sexual health are core principles of overall personal well-being, and strives to make these principles meaningful, especially for people of color. She also enjoys exploring makeup as a form of artistic expression and uses her background as an artist to analyze beauty trends. She currently lives in New York City and, when not writing, enjoys watching movies or dabbling in art business. You can follow her work on Twitter @GabrielleUlubay, Instagram @gabrielle.ulubay, or @suburban.graffiti.art.
The actress attended the premiere of Die, My Love with her husband Cooke Maroney and wore a Dior outfit suitable for a wedding.
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