High Porosity Hair Do’s and Don’ts

If you have high porosity hair, chances are that you already know the struggle - your hair soaks up moisture like a sponge… and then loses it just as fast. Whether your porosity is due to genetics, heat styling, chemical treatments or color damage, the good news is that you can manage it once you understand what your hair needs.

Let’s break it all down with a user-friendly guide on the do’s and don’ts for high porosity hair, custom made for coily, kinky and curly hair.

What Is High Porosity Hair Anyway?

Hair that has raised or damaged cuticles is considered has high porosity, which means that moisture enters the hair shaft easily - but also escapes just as fast. This can leave your hair feeling dry, frizzy and prone to tangles or breakage.

You might have high porosity hair if:

• Your hair dries quickly after washing

• It easily absorbs water or product

• It tends to feel dry or rough

• It frizzes up in humid weather

• It tangles often

DO’s for High Porosity Hair

1. Use protein treatments (1–2x/month): strengthens weakened strands and fills in gaps in the cuticle.

2. Deep condition regularly (1x/week): use rich, creamy, moisture-based masks with a touch of protein. Always follow with a cold rinse to help close the cuticle.

3. Use the LOC or LCO method: helps layer and lock in moisture.

   • LOC: Leave-in → Oil → Cream

   • LCO: Leave-in → Cream → Oil

   • Choose heavier oils like castor, olive, or avocado.

4. Rinse with cool water or apple cider vinegar: seals the cuticle, adds shine and helps retain moisture.

5. Use butters and sealants: shea butter, mango butter and heavier oils help trap moisture inside porous strands.

6. Use film-forming humectants: aloe vera, flaxseed gel, marshmallow root extract - these attract and retain moisture without causing dryness.

7. Trim regularly: high porosity hair is prone to breakage and split ends - regular trims keep it healthy.

8. Sleep with satin or silk: use bonnets, scarves, or pillowcases to reduce friction and moisture loss overnight.

DON’Ts for High Porosity Hair

1. Don’t skip protein treatments: your hair likely needs it to rebuild structure - moisture alone isn't enough.

2. Don’t leave hair wet all day: repeated swelling and drying causes hygral fatigue - which leads to mushy and weak hair.

3. Don’t over-moisturize: avoid layering too many water-based products; balance moisture with strengthening treatments.

4. Don’t use harsh shampoos: avoid sulfates and strong detergents - they strip fragile hair further.

5. Don’t detangle aggressively: use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb on damp, conditioned hair. High porosity hair is more prone to snapping.

6. Don’t skip sealing: water alone isn’t enough. Always follow with oils or butters to trap moisture in.

7. Don’t use high heat frequently: blow dryers, flat irons and hot water can worsen cuticle damage and increase porosity.

8. Avoid light weight products: high porosity hair needs richer formulations to hold moisture longer.

Final Thoughts: Moisture Is the Mission

If you take anything away from this post, let it be this: adding moisture is key for high porosity hair - but so is keeping it in. Focus on layering hydrating products, sealing it all in. And always remember to be gentle with your hair. Your hair will thank you for it!