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Let’s talk about that crown of yours—specifically, high porosity hair.
You know, that hair type that’s always thirsty for moisture but never seems to hold onto it?
If you’re constantly dealing with frizz, breakage, or curls that lose their bounce way too quickly, you might just have high porosity hair.
You’re not alone though! The hashtag #highporosityhair has a whopping 421 million views on TikTok, so clearly, we’re all trying to figure out the best way to care for those moisture-hungry strands!
High porosity hair can be a bit of a handful. It’s the hair type that loves to drink up moisture but lets it all go just as fast.
This can leave you in a never-ending cycle of trying to keep your curls hydrated and happy.
But don’t worry—there’s good news! The right oils can make a world of difference.😁
Whether your hair has been through the wringer with heat styling or colour treatments, or just needs some extra love, we’ve got the 411 on the best oils to use.
What Is High Porosity Hair?
Before we get into the good stuff (a.k.a. the oils), let’s break down what high porosity hair actually is.
Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.
High porosity hair tends to have cuticles that are more spread out, which means it soaks up moisture quickly but also loses it just as fast.
This can be a result of genetics, heat styling, colour treatments, or even just environmental factors.
If your hair dries super fast after a shower, frizzes up easily, or needs constant moisture love, you’ve most likely got high porosity hair.
But while your hair may be a bit of a moisture snob, the right oils can totally help you seal in that hydration and keep your curls popping!
The Best Oils for High Porosity Hair
Let’s get to the good stuff! Here are the oils you should be adding to your hair care routine:
1. Coconut Oil
Why It’s a Must: Coconut oil is the MVP when it comes to penetrating the hair shaft. It’s a natural oil that helps reduce protein loss, which is a major win for high porosity hair. Plus, it’s amazing for sealing moisture and adding shine.
How to Use: Apply it as a pre-shampoo treatment or use it in your deep conditioning routine to give your strands a major moisture boost.
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Why It’s a Must: Thick and rich, this oil is perfect for sealing in moisture, especially if you struggle with dryness or hair loss. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is known for promoting hair growth and adding serious shine to your curls.
How to Use: Use it to massage your scalp, or apply it to the ends of your hair to prevent breakage and split ends.
3. Shea Butter
Why It’s a Must: Okay, so technically, it’s a butter, not an oil, but Shea Butter is a heavyweight champ in the moisture game. It coats the hair, seals in hydration, and adds softness, making it ideal for high porosity hair that tends to be more fragile.
How to Use: Melt it down and mix it with lighter oils for a DIY deep conditioning treatment, or use it as a leave-in to lock in moisture post-shower.
4. Olive Oil
Naissance Organic Olive Extra Virgin Oil
Why It’s a Must: Olive oil is another heavy hitter that’s great for high porosity hair. It’s packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish the hair and scalp, plus it helps with hair elasticity and reduces breakage.
How to Use: Apply it as a hot oil treatment, or mix it with your favourite deep conditioner for an extra hydration boost.
5. Avocado Oil
Why It’s a Must: Avocado oil is lightweight enough to penetrate your hair shaft, but still rich enough to moisturise and protect. It’s loaded with vitamins A, D, and E, all of which are key for maintaining healthy hair.
How to Use: Use it as a daily moisturiser by applying a small amount to damp hair, or adding it to your hair products for a hydration kick.
How To Use These Oils In Your Routine
Knowing which oils to use is only half the battle; knowing how to use them is the key to achieving those dreamy, defined curls.
Here are 6 ways you can incorporate these oils into your haircare routine in more detail:
Pre-Shampoo Treatment: Apply coconut oil or olive oil to your hair before shampooing. This helps to protect your hair from losing too much moisture during the cleansing process.
Deep Conditioning Treatment: Mix a few drops of Jamaican Black Castor Oil or Shea Butter into your deep conditioner. Apply the mixture to your hair, cover it with a shower cap, and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Daily Moisture Sealant: After applying your leave-in conditioner or styling cream, seal in the moisture with a light layer of avocado oil. This helps to lock in hydration and keep your curls soft and defined.
Scalp Massages: Regular scalp massages with Jamaican Black Castor Oil or a blend of your favourite oils can help improve circulation, promote hair growth, and keep your scalp healthy.
DIY Hair Mask: For an ultra-nourishing treatment, create a DIY hair mask by blending equal parts honey, avocado, and your favourite oil, such as argan oil or coconut oil. Apply the mask generously to your hair, focusing on the ends and any particularly dry areas. Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the mask sit for 30-45 minutes. This deeply hydrating treatment will leave your curls feeling soft, bouncy, and full of life.
Hot Oil Treatment: Heat a mix of oils like jojoba, sweet almond, and grapeseed oil until warm, but not too hot! Apply the oil blend to your hair and scalp, then cover your hair with a warm towel or shower cap. Leave the treatment on for 20-30 minutes to allow the oils to penetrate deeply. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner routine.
What About Low and Medium Porosity Hair?
If you’ve got low porosity hair, stick to lighter oils like argan oil or grapeseed oil. These will hydrate without weighing your hair down.
RELATED: Got Low Porosity Hair? These Are The Best Oils To Use!
Medium porosity hair? You’re in luck—you can enjoy a bit of both worlds.
Your hair type can handle a wider range of oils, so feel free to experiment with both lighter and heavier oils to see what your curls love the most.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re battling frizz, chasing shine, or just looking to show your curls some serious love, these oils can make a big difference.
Remember, every head of hair is unique, so it might take some experimenting to find the perfect match.
Start with a small amount, listen to what your hair needs, and let these oils do the work. With a little patience, you’ll be well on your way to healthier, more manageable hair.
If you have a go-to oil that works wonders for your high porosity hair, share it in the comments below!
