How to Care for High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair needs protein to fill gaps and heavy moisture to prevent quick drying.

High porosity hair is damaged hair, so stop treating it like it's just a different hair type and start treating it like it needs repair.

1. Start with protein. Use a protein treatment once a week to fill the microscopic gaps in your hair cuticles. Look for hydrolyzed proteins that can actually penetrate the hair shaft. Your hair will feel stronger almost immediately.
2. Layer your moisture. Apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair, then seal with a heavier oil like castor or olive oil. High porosity hair loses moisture quickly, so you need to trap it in.
3. Wash less, condition more. Shampoo only twice a week maximum, but deep condition every wash day. Your hair cuticles are already open, so gentle cleansing prevents further damage while heavy conditioning fills the gaps.
4. Cool water rinses. Finish washing with cool water to help close the cuticles temporarily. Hot water makes porosity worse by keeping cuticles lifted and vulnerable.
5. Sleep protection. Use a silk or satin pillowcase and apply a light oil before bed. High porosity hair is fragile when dry, and friction damage happens fast.