Taking care of highly porous hair doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. If your hair tends to soak up moisture faster than you can say “deep conditioner” but loses it just as quickly, you’re dealing with high-porosity strands.
Especially if you embrace your natural hair, you know that every unique texture thrives with the right products & techniques. High porosity curls are no different. Ready to learn about caring for high-porosity hair?
This guide is here to teach you how to care for high-porosity hair. Below, we’ll cover the signs of high porosity, the best ingredients to look for & tips for keeping your hair soft & vibrant.
Understanding High Porosity Hair: What It Means for Your Curls
High porosity hair has a unique relationship with moisture. It readily absorbs water, making it quick to hydrate, but it also releases moisture just as easily. This is because the cuticles, which act as your hair’s protective layer, are more open, allowing moisture to move in & out freely.
This hair type thrives when given the right attention & care. Its ability to quickly absorb moisture means it can benefit from deeply hydrating treatments & nourishing products. High porosity hair loves moisture-rich shampoos, conditioners & leave-in treatments that penetrate deeply to enhance softness & shine.
The beauty of high-porosity hair is how adaptable it is to layering products for optimal hydration & protection. By using moisturizing products & sealing oils, you can lock in all the goodness your curls crave.
How to Tell If Your Hair Is High Porosity
Understanding your hair’s porosity is a game-changer for building a routine that works. High porosity hair has specific characteristics that make it unique & learning how to spot them will help you give your strands the care they deserve. Here are some common signs of high porosity hair:
-
Quick moisture absorption – Your hair gets wet almost instantly when washing, indicating highly open cuticles.
-
Rapid drying – After washing, your hair air-dries much faster than other types because moisture escapes easily.
-
Product absorption – Your hair soaks up moisturizing products like conditioners, creams & oils quickly but may still feel like it needs more hydration.
-
Deep conditioning results – Your hair responds exceptionally well to deep-conditioning treatments, showing improved softness after just a few treatments (or maybe even just one).
While we’ll dive into an ideal moisture maintenance routine below, here’s the gist: High porosity hair thrives when you layer products to lock in hydration. Start with a leave-in conditioner, followed by oils or butters to seal in moisture.
The Benefits of High Porosity Hair (Yes, There Are Perks!)
High porosity hair has unique qualities that offer plenty of advantages, making it a rewarding hair type to care for. While it’s known for its ability to absorb moisture quickly, there’s much more to love about it!
Here are some standout benefits:
-
Quick absorption of moisture & nutrients – High porosity hair soaks up deep-conditioning treatments, leave-in conditioners & oils quickly, allowing for visible results after just one session.
-
Responsive to styling products – From curl creams to gels, high porosity hair holds onto styling products well, making it easy to achieve defined, bouncy curls.
-
Adaptable to different looks – Its openness to products means experimenting with new techniques & styles is a breeze.
-
Efficient heat styling – High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly, which also means it can lose it just as fast. Using heat on high-porosity hair can help create sleek styles or set curls more effectively, but it's essential to use the right heat tools & protectant products to prevent excessive dryness or damage.
-
Quick drying – Whether air-drying or blow-drying, high-porosity hair dries faster, saving time in your routine.
To make the most of these perks, it’s important to maintain a balanced routine. Keep your hair moisturized with hydrating products & that help seal in that hydration with oils or butters.
Top Ingredients to Look for in High-Porosity Hair Products
Wondering what makes high-porosity hair products rock? We've got the scoop on the top ingredients to amp up your hair game. From hydrating heroes to moisture-locking champs, these gems can provide your one-way ticket to luscious locks:
-
Hydrating Oils – Coconut, Jojoba & Avocado Oils are your BFFs. They dive deep into thirsty strands, smoothing & nourishing from root to tip.,
-
Shea Butter – Softness? Check! Shea Butter seals the deal, adding that extra dose of moisture your curls crave.
-
Protein Powerhouses – Silk & wheat proteins strengthen & repair, leaving your mane resilient & ready to slay.
-
Aloe Vera – This miracle plant strengthens & repairs, helping to soothe your scalp & hydrate like no other, while keeping flyaway strands at bay.
-
Glycerin – Say hello to hydration heaven. Glycerin attracts moisture like a magnet, keeping your curls defined & fabulous.
-
Cocoa Butter – Smooth & luxurious, cocoa butter locks in moisture & boosts shine for those Insta-worthy curls.
So, whether you're looking to level up your curl game or just want those strands to pop, these ingredients are your secret weapons. Embrace your high porosity hair with products packed with these goodies & watch those curls bounce with joy.
How to Moisturize High Porosity Hair & Keep It Hydrated
Moisturizing your unique texture is all about building a routine that keeps your curls nourished & full of life. Here’s how to take care of high-porosity hair to keep it looking lush.
Step 1: Use the Right Products
Swap harsh formulas for the PATTERN Hydration Shampoo. This gentle cleanser removes buildup while keeping your hair’s natural moisture intact.
Step 2: Layer It On
After washing & rinsing your tresses, start with a leave-in conditioner—this is your foundation for hydration. Look for products like the PATTERN Leave-In Conditioner.
Packed with Aloe Vera, Honey & lightweight oils, it’s a great base to quench thirsty strands & set the stage for styling.
Step 3: Seal the Deal
Lock in all that moisture with a nourishing oil or butter. Think Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil & Argan Oil. These gems – the PATTERN Jojoba Oil Blend & Argan Oil Blend, in particular – help create a barrier to keep hydration from escaping.
This nourishing blend of oils work to create a barrier to prevent hydration from escaping & leaves your hair soft & shiny.
Step 4: Deep Treat Weekly
For some extra va-va-voom, treat your highly porous hair to a deep conditioning mask, such as the PATTERN Treatment Mask, once a week. Products with protein & hydrating ingredients like Honey or Coconut Oil support repairing & moisture..
Step 5: Protect at Night
Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to prevent moisture loss overnight.
How to Use Oils & Butters to Seal in Moisture for High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair loves moisture, but keeping it locked in is the real game-changer. That’s where oils & butters come in. They’re the MVPs of hydration, creating a barrier that seals in moisture & keeps your curls looking their best.
Start with damp hair, as it’s the perfect canvas for sealing in hydration. After using leave-in conditioner, reach for the PATTERN Jojoba Oil Blend. Jojoba Oil mimics your scalp’s natural oils, making it lightweight yet incredibly effective for high- porosity hair.
Apply a small amount to your palms, rub them together & gently press the oil into your hair. Focus on your ends, as they’re more prone to dryness than your scalp & roots. Start small—you can always add more if needed.
Incorporating these oils & butters into your routine will keep your curls hydrated, defined & oh-so-fabulous!
How to Avoid Over-Moisturizing High-Porosity Hair
While high porosity hair craves moisture, it’s possible to overdo it. Here’s how to moisturize high-porosity hair without weighing down your curls.
One way to avoid over-moisturizing is to listen to your hair. If your curls start to feel heavy or lack definition, it might be time to scale back. Alternate between moisturizing & strengthening treatments. For example, use the PATTERN Treatment Mask once a week to nourish your hair while its blend of proteins & oils helps maintain structure.
Over-moisturizing can leave your curls feeling limp or overly soft, reducing their natural bounce. Finding balance is key to keeping your strands healthy & vibrant.
Maintaining Long-Term Health for High Porosity Natural Textures
When it comes to caring for high-porosity hair, it’s all about consistency & thoughtful maintenance. With the right habits, you can keep your natural texture strong, hydrated & beautiful for the long haul.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your hair’s long-term health:
-
Prioritize moisture retention – Use a hydrating shampoo & leave-in conditioner to cleanse & replenish moisture. Incorporate weekly treatments with deep conditioning masks to help repair & nourish your strands.
-
Protect from everyday stressors – To keep your tresses cool, calm & collected, schedule regular trims. This can help keep split ends at bay & maintain healthy hair growth.
-
Focus on nutrition – Stay hydrated & eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins like biotin & omega-3 fatty acids.
-
Embrace protective styles – Choose styles like braids or twists to reduce daily manipulation & give your hair a break.
By following these tips, your high-porosity curls will stay hydrated, resilient & absolutely stunning.
Care for Your High-Porosity Hair with PATTERN
Learning how to moisturize high-porosity hair is the ticket to maintaining healthy, vibrant curls. From layering hydrating products to using oils & butters to lock in moisture, caring for your high-porosity hair can become a joyful ritual.
With PATTERN’s collection of high-porosity curly hair products, you’ve got everything you need to create a routine that celebrates your natural texture & keeps your hair thriving.
Whether you’re refreshing your curls, treating your strands to a deep conditioning mask, or embracing protective styles, PATTERN has your back. The journey to mastering how to moisturize high-porosity hair looks a little different for everyone. Here’s to making every strand shine with confidence, one step at a time.
Sources:
Byrdie. How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair, According to Experts. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-apply-coconut-oil-to-hair
Harper’s Bazaar. The Expert Guide to Using Jojoba Oil in Your Hair. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/hair/a35567396/jojoba-oil-for-hair/
Healthline. Aloe Vera for Your Hair: What Are the Benefits?
Healthline. What Type of Hair Porosity Do You Have? https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-porosity
