Weekly Haircare Routine for High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair is thirsty - it drinks up water and product fast… but then it struggles to hold onto it. Whether it’s from heat, color or genetics, having a consistent weekly hair care routine can make a big difference in how your coils and curls feel and look.
If your strands are feeling dry, frizzy, or always breaking, don’t panic - there’s a remedy for that. Here’s a complete weekly routine guide for high porosity hair, with step-by-step breakdowns to lock in moisture, strengthen your strands and keep frizz away.
Step 1: Pre-Wash / Hot Oil Treatment (Once a Week)
Why it matters:
This step, commonly known as pre-poo, preps your hair by boosting moisture before you even shampoo - and helps protect it from moisture loss during the wash.
How to do it:
Warm up oils that are known for their nourishing properties like avocado, olive, or coconut oil
Apply to dry or slightly damp hair
Cover with a plastic cap and apply gentle heat for 15–30 minutes (use a heat cap or hooded dryer)
Pro tip: This step is especially helpful for color-treated or heat-damaged high porosity hair.
Step 2: Cleanse Gently (Once a Week)
Use a sulfate-free, moisture-retaining shampoo to avoid stripping your hair.
Recommended:
Clarify 1–2x/month
To remove product buildup and hard water minerals.
Use:
Cool water rinse helps start sealing the cuticle after cleansing!
Step 3: Deep Conditioning + Protein Treatments
Every Week, Alternate Between:
Moisture masks:
Protein treatments (1–2x/month):
Apply with heat to help your hair soak up all that goodness - think steam, a heat cap, or a warm towel.
Step 4: Use a Rich Leave-In Conditioner
When: Every wash day
How: On damp- not soaking wet - hair
Great options:
Rich, creamy leave-ins help fill gaps in your cuticle and prep hair for styling and sealing.
Step 5: Seal In Moisture with LOC or LCO
High porosity hair loves layered products. If you’re not sure, play out with the different methods (LCO or LOC) and pick what works best for you:
LOC: Leave-in → Oil → Cream
LCO: Leave-in → Cream → Oil
Best oils to seal:
Castor oil
Avocado oil
Shea butter
These thicker oils help seal in moisture and keep your strands hydrated longer.
Step 6: Style Smartly with Hold
Choose styling products that will help you retain moisture and reduce frizz. Look for those with humectants and hold.
Try:
Bonus points if they include film-forming humectants like flaxseed, aloe, or marshmallow root.
Step 7: Night Care to Retain Moisture
Don’t let your good wash day go to waste while you sleep!
At night:
Wrap with a satin or silk bonnet/scarf
Use the pineapple method or two-strand twists
In the morning, refresh with a light spritz of water + leave-in or aloe vera juice
Monthly Add-Ons
ACV Rinse (1x/month)
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 3 parts water
Pour after shampooing and rinse out after a few minutes
Helps close cuticles, boost shine, and reduce porosity-related frizz
Scalp Massage
Use peppermint or tea tree oil in a carrier like jojoba or almond oil
Massage for 3–5 minutes to boost blood flow and promote a healthy scalp
What to Avoid with High Porosity Hair
Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do, so save this list for later.
Final Thoughts
Caring for high porosity kinky, coily and curly hair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right weekly routine, you can strengthen your strands, reduce breakage and keep moisture locked in longer. Remember, it’s all about intentional layering - start with gentle cleansing, follow up with rich deep conditioning, apply a nourishing leave-in, and seal the deal with oils or butters that your hair loves.
Consistency is key. The more you understand what your high porosity kinks and curls need - and what they don’t- the easier it gets to maintain softness, definition and healthy growth. Listen to your hair, be patient with the process and celebrate every small win along the way.
