No doubt that you would want the best shampoo and conditioners for low porosity hair. These products are necessary for keeping such hair structure in good shape.
Low porosity hair is known to prevent moisture from getting absorbed into your strands due to its closely condensed structure.
Strands lacking porosity have overlapping cuticles that create a barrier to hinder moisture and water from penetrating. Also, the form of each curl locks in proteins, which makes it dry and leads to breakage.
As such, the best shampoo and conditioners for low porosity hair are better at this job rather than the regular shampoo and conditioners. These variants of hair cleanser specialize in moisturizing the innermost layer of hair with relative ease.
Knowing of your struggle, we have decided to conduct a detailed list of some shampoos and conditioners we found to solve this hair problem.
Every product in this article contains a high concentration of macadamia oil, nourishing butter, and fatty acids. These organic ingredients are well known to supply your thirsty hair with long-lasting moisture to the thickest layer.
Besides, thoroughly cleaning your hair is another important aspect. By washing away leftover products, you can help the moisture sink in deeply. Keeping your hair clean and free of residue has been proven to return your hair to its original porosity!
In-depth Reviews of The Top 6 Best Shampoo And Conditioners For Low Porosity Hair
Let’s not delay further and move to our handpicked hair care products for low porosity hair.
We highly suggest you read to the end of our article, as each pick has its strong points and shortcomings. You might not want to miss your favorite!
SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Shampoo – Best For Curls
Specification:
- Main ingredients: Baobab, tea tree oil, and organic shea butter
- Fragrance: Smell of a unique, essential oil blend
- Volume: 13 oz
- Sulfate-free and certified organic ingredients
- Exceptionally good on curly hair types
Best For Curls
Curly hair is one of the hardest hair types to maintain, especially if it suffers from low porosity.
You can easily validate this statement by looking at how drugstore shampoo for low porosity hair tends to be high on absorbent ingredients. They are the main culprits of drying and breaking up your hair fiber from the inside, damaging the exterior curl pattern.
That is why we recommend Hydro-Infusion shampoo by SheaMoisture. This suggestion is one of the most sought-after shea moisture products for low porosity hair. It gently cleanses your hair cuticle with a wide array of natural ingredients whilst deeply moisturizing fragile curls.
Additionally, the herbal Clary sage and spearmint enhance your curl texture and nourish your scalp. A strong scalp is a top priority if you want to restore low porosity hair.
This pick is also free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, which can dry out your hair and worsen its already low porosity. Such a characteristic is very important for a natural curl pattern and minimizing hazardous allergic reactions.
Caution
Unfortunately, this unit only comes in a bottle without a pump head, requiring you to buy one for easier application.
Furthermore, the product is tagged by SheaMoisture as a clarifying shampoo, which means it has a relatively strong cleansing capability. We advise you to use this once a month for a thorough but not stripping wash.
Verdict
The Hydro-Infusion shampoo is made for low porosity curly hair. It is a must-have if you want your curls to look the best for a long time
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Maintain and nourish curls
- Deeply moisture low porosity cuticles
- Free of porosity-reducing chemicals
- Healthy for scalp
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- No pump head included
Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Set – Best For Glistening Hair
Specification:
- Main ingredients: Aloe vera juice, clover extract, and shea butter
- Fragrance: Light vanilla
- Volume: Shampoo 12 oz, Conditioner 12 oz
- Safe for color-treated hair
- Shampoo and conditioner in one package
Best For Glistening Hair
Of course, you can easily find many hair care products for low porosity hair. But bringing home one that can not only apply intense moisture but also brings out the beauty of your hair is another topic!
It is hard to find a brand that can pass Carol’s Daughter.
The first thing you would notice is its amazing aroma. As the name of the product may suggest, it has a classy and notable vanilla scent. With a single wash, your hair will stay hydrated and smell fresh for a whole day!
Not only that, the maker avoids any cheap industrial additives, only picking beneficial herbal extracts, most notable aloe vera and sweet clover.
These botanical ingredients are top tier for rehydrating low porosity hair. Daily cleansing and conditioning are guaranteed to reward you with porous hair that shines brightly.
As far as we know, the shampoo does not produce much lather for removing deep debris. You should use a bath sponge to foam it up before applying for a better result.
Ladies should beware; from our experience, the bottles have proven to be too big to grasp with one hand, making it relatively difficult to get a hold of when your hands are wet.
Caution
Although the product does not contain sulfate, it does have traces of silicone. So ensure that the aforementioned compound is not on your list of allergies.
You can either go to a dermatologist or check it yourself at home through a simple procedure:
- Drop a minimal amount of the product on your arm. After a while, if there are no abnormal symptoms such as itches or red spots, you can wash your hair with it safely.
- The conditioner is very potent, calling for only a small amount. After 3 to 5 minutes, the mixture should already be absorbed into your strands of hair.
Verdict
Want your hair to look glossy and smell luxurious? The Black Vanilla set is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Fabulous fragrance
- Make hair shiny
- Provide deep moisturize
- Exclude industrial additives, only contain herbal extracts
Cons
- Contain traces of silicone
Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-in Conditioner – Best For Deep Conditioning Treatment
Specification:
- Main ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, marshmallow root, and enriched shea butter
- Fragrance: Sweet fruity smell
- Volume: 12 oz
- Free of parabens, sulfate, mineral oil, and petroleum
- Leave-in conditioner
Best For Deep Conditioning Treatment
Your thirsty hair would crave for a sip of Aunt Jackie’s Quench. It is the ideal water-based leave-in conditioner for low porosity hair.
This unit is capable of delivering a strong boost of moisture without weighing your hair down. How does it work?
It consists of a carefully researched blend of seed oil and plant fibers. Through these natural minerals, the formula fortifies moisture, which, as you may have known, is key to recovering your hair porosity.
One attribute that should catch your attention is its refreshing fruity scent. Because the compound stays on your hair for a while, it ensures maximum comfort for you and the people around!
However, the product is too watery for a water-based conditioner’s standard, resulting in possible struggles to keep it on your head.
If you are concerned about this like we did, try adding castor oil! It is a great addition for its moisture sealing attribute, tremendously helping keep low porosity hair smooth and silky.
Caution
If this is your first time using a leave-in conditioner, here are some important steps to ensure a correct application:
- Make sure you damp the hair beforehand, then foam the product up in your hands.
- Rub it on your hair, use a comb to spread the liquid out evenly. Remember to apply from the top to the root of your hair.
- And that is it! Rinsing is unnecessary; you can apply more or less depending on how thick and long your hair is.
Verdict
This product is our personal favorite for the title: Best leave-in conditioner for low porosity hair. It does not weigh down your hair strands, has a pleasant fragrance, and provides proper moisture!
Pros
- Weightless ingredients
- Fresh aroma
- Thorough moisturization, thanks to seed oil-rich formula
- Convenient leave-in application
Con
- Watery texture
Camille Rose Honey Hydrate – Best For Protein-free Conditioners
Specification:
- Main ingredients: Pure honey, olive fruit oil, and aloe leaf juice
- Fragrance: Aromatic combination of honey and orange
- Volume: 9 oz
- Free of protein oil
- Contain no chemical additives
Best For Hair Hydration With a Protein-free Formula
We highly suggest this exceptional product for people with protein-sensitive scalps. The unit offers an all-natural hydrating formula with a generous volume of honey.
World wide professional hair salons have promoted honey as the “holy grail” of conditioning agents.
Akanksha from eMediHealth suggests that: “Honey, being a natural humectant, is an effective conditioner as it makes the hair smooth and soft. Using honey to condition your hair can also improve its health, making it appear shiny and bouncy.”
Not only that, it is full of antioxidants and anti-bacterial, which are necessary for rejuvenating low porosity hair.
Most importantly, the product is free of protein ingredients. You will not miss any important compound exclusively in protein treatments! Because low porosity hair already struggles with a lack of moisture, excessive protein will weigh your hair down and dry it out further.
Other than that, the Camille conditioner is super moisturizing, ensuring nutrients can absorb fully into your porous-lacking waves.
The unit is not without drawbacks, and most notably, it slightly weighs thin hair down due to the heavy syrup design.
One member of our team has been using the product and recommends mixing it with some eco-styler gels. You would be surprised by how much lighter it is!
Caution
Be careful not to put too much product on your hair! Low porosity hair can not take in too much liquid. The excessive residue may stay on your hair, creating a lot of build-ups. As long as it covers the entire outer layer, you are good to go.
Verdict
It is the only product on our list to provide a wide variety of nourishments without using protein oils. If you love honey, wait no more and throw it in your cart!
Pros
- Protein-free ingredient
- High concentration of honey
- Authentic honey scent
- Hair hydrated for prolonged duration
Con
- Thick texture
- Quite strong scent
BIOLAGE Clean Reset Shampoo – Best Deep Cleansing
Specification:
- Main ingredients: Lemongrass extract, sage leaf extract, and Matricaria flower extract
- Fragrance: Refreshing lemongrass
- Volume: 13.5 oz
- Paraben-free formula
- Certified Climate Pledge Friendly
Best For Deep Cleansing
You might be wondering, “Aren’t deep cleansing shampoos unsuitable for low porosity hair?”
What makes the BIOLAGE shampoo on our list is how well it cleanses without drying out your hair follicles.
The product utilizes intense cleansing agents like salicylic acid and combines that with natural plant extracts. This design choice yields a shampoo that removes build-ups from dirty hair, which in return, leaves more space for hair products to seep in extensively.
In contrast to its strength, the shampoo has a slight hint of fresh lemongrass for your comfort. If you are not a hardcore athlete, the scent can last with you for a full day.
It is sad to announce that the unit is not for those who are sensitive to sanitizing chemicals like sodium and alcohol.
After a week of testing, we found that it can cause dryness when used individually. We suggest using a conditioning product in conjunction if you plan to use the shampoo daily.
Caution
The shampoo is compatible with colored hair and natural hair. It is pretty much applied the same way as conventional shampoos. Note that rinsing with cold water is preferred to seal your scalp.
Verdict
We would surely show anyone this shampoo for low porosity straight hair. It clears up the tiniest remnants with no notable loss in moisture.
Pros
- Deep cleansing to improve hair’s absorption property
- Do not dry out hair
- Light fragrance
Con
- Contain chemical cleansers
Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment – Best For Damaged Hair
Specification:
- Main ingredients: Aromatic leaves, botanical extracts, and shea butter
- Fragrance: Natural citrus and lavender
- Volume: 8 oz
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free
Best For Damaged Hair
There is no better solution to low porosity and damaged hair than to moisturize it. It is why conditioners are created, and the best deep conditioner for low porosity hair that has been through chemical and heat treatments is Jessicurl.
The secret to its success is a unique element called horsetail-infused water. In short, this formula restores hair from damage, particularly dull hair caused by heat damage.
One common weak point of deep conditioners is that they tend to create unwanted build-ups. It can disfigure the shape of your hair strands, resulting in bad hair textures. Worry not! Jessicurl is here to save the day.
The wide array of fruit oils (avocado, grapefruit, and orange) contributes to creating a thinner formula, keeping your dry scalp hydrated and free of residues.
As an intense conditioner, the mixture is too thick to penetrate through the hair shaft. So we do not think it is effective on fine, straight hair.
Caution
For the deep conditioner to take effect, you should apply it to wet hair (instead of damp) and give it time to air dry for around 30 minutes to an hour.
Rinsing afterward is not necessary if you have extra thick curls. This product can work as a leave-in. Add some heat for faster results if you are in a hurry.
Verdict
It is time to resurrect your lifeless and damaged hair from chemical and heat treatments with this game-changer. Moisturizing dry, coarse hair has never been easier!
Pros
- Revitalize damaged hair
- No build-ups after each use
- Double as a leave-in conditioner for curly low porosity hair
Con
- Have little effect on straight hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions most people have while browsing through our article. And we are more than happy to answer them for your convenience.
What Are Some Symptoms Of Hair With Low Porosity?
When your hair cuticles are tight and your hair doesn’t hold moisture properly, you have low porosity hair.
Natural oils tend to sit on your head and do not get absorbed into hair strands. This is the major reason why you wash your hair regularly, but it is still collecting dirt and forming dandruff.
Low porosity hair has several symptoms, including a lack of moisture retention and a failure to function with conditioners, which leaves your hair greasy or dry.
Of all hair types, curly hair suffers the most from low porosity. Without enough moisture, curls will become brittle and lose shape over time. They also take significantly longer to air-dry. While using a blow-dryer is faster, your hair will become oily again in no time.
Another clear sign you have low porosity hair is conditioners only take effect once the heat is applied. More specifically, you will have to use a conditioning heat cap for the products to be absorbed.
Testing Your Hair Porosity
A straightforward way to determine your hair moisture is to just feel the strands.
Stretch a lock of hair between your fingers gently. Then slide down from your hair shaft to the scalp.
If each of your fingertips slips easily through, that means you have low porosity hair. On the flip side, you probably are having high porosity hair should it feels brittle and dry.
Another scientific way is to test your hair with moisturizer.
It is quite simple, get a cleansing shampoo and wash your hair thoroughly. Then cut a small bit of curl and drop it in a glass of diluted moisturizer.
After a couple of minutes, low porosity hair should not absorb the mixture and float at the surface. and vice versa.
What Ingredients Are Bad For Non-absorptive Hair?
Thick butter and oils are too heavy for low porosity hair, especially ones with fine strands.
Thick products build up quickly, resulting in dead cell accumulation and dryness, especially when used numerous times between wash days.
Furthermore, heavy-duty styling products should also be on the blacklist because they only add weight to your hair, resulting in a heavier build-up on your hair – what you’re attempting to get rid of!
Does Low Porosity Hair Dry Quickly?
Since the water rolls off the firmly sealed cuticle of low porosity hair, it appears to dry fast after washing, similar to how a glass plate dries fast after cleaning.
Last Words
We are finally reaching the end of our list of best shampoo and conditioners for low porosity hair available on the market in 2021.
Have you found any product of your interest? If not, try to answer these questions before making your purchase:
- Are you sensitive to any ingredient of the product?
- Is the unit recommended for your hair type?
- Do the item’s features solve any of the low porosity hair problems?
In our personal opinion, the Camille Rose Honey Hydrate would be an all-around hair mask. It contains no irritating additives, protein-free, and filled with healthy nutrients for your prone-to-dry hair.
An ideal shampoo we would suggest is BIOLAGE Clean Reset Shampoo due to its powerful cleansing power and moisture-retaining ability.
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