10 best expert-backed low porosity hair products we tested

It’s safe to say that if there’s a new haircare product hitting the shelves, I’m already on it.

As you can imagine, my bathroom shelves and cabinets are surrounded by a menagerie of tubes, bottles, and sprays that all have a different purpose — but not all products are suited for your hair type.

After lots of trial and error from more than four years of experience testing and reviewing beauty products for a living, I’ve learned that not every product is going to work for everyone, despite its gleaming packaging and lush vibe. (Especially if you were in my shoes: slathering on a litany of deep conditioners, hair masks and hair oils, *hoping* that they would all leave my hair TV commercial-fresh.)

Spoiler alert: they all didn’t, and that’s due in part to my low porosity hair.

RELATED: Best shampoos we reviewed

I didn’t even know what low porosity hair was until I did some top-button research. In short, it’s when hair doesn’t absorb moisture well. This also means certain styling products may weigh it down, resulting in greasy looking hair, which is a big no-no.

What is low porosity hair?

“Low-porosity hair refers to hair that is resistant to moisture and chemical products penetration, due to its outermost layer of cuticle,” Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, specializing in general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for more than 8 years, told the New York Post. According to Greenfield, you can tell if you have low porosity hair if “a product sits on your head instead of [absorbing]” into the strands.

How do you treat low porosity hair?

After my Einstein beauty epiphany, I realized that only lightweight formulas would do the trick. Gentle products like hair mists and sulfate-free shampoos work well, too. Here are some other tips for treating low porosity hair:

• Use Heat: Applying heat (like using a blow dryer or a hot towel) opens the cuticles temporarily, allowing products to penetrate more effectively.
• Lightweight Products: Choose products that are lightweight and won’t leave heavy residues. For example, use oils or leave-in conditioners that are easily absorbed.
• Avoid Protein-heavy Products: Low porosity hair is generally less responsive to protein treatments because the cuticle is already closed, and too much protein can make the hair feel stiff or brittle.
• Clarify Regularly: Since product build-up is a common issue, using a clarifying shampoo for low porosity hair also work from time to time, keeping hair clean and allowing moisture to penetrate better.

Ahead, find the list du jour of the best low porosity hair products that you may want to add to your haircare routine if you’ve been noticing your locks looking greasy and weighed down. And hey, these products are great to use in general, but they also won’t oversaturate your hair.

Check out our in-depth FAQ section for more on low porosity hair.

The amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo is a lightweight, sulfate-free formula that aims to provide volume and body to fine or flat hair without stripping natural oils. If you’ve been following my beauty reviews for a while, you know I love any and all amika products because they smell amazing and are versatile to integrate into your haircare routine.

One of its standout features is that it gently cleanses the scalp and hair while helping to add fullness, which is ideal for those with low porosity hair. Low porosity hair tends to have tightly closed cuticles, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This shampoo is designed to clean without over-drying or weighing hair down, which is a common concern for low porosity hair types that are more prone to product buildup.

Low porosity hair can often feel greasy or weighed down by heavier shampoos, as the tightly packed cuticles don’t easily absorb moisture. The amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo works well for this hair type because it offers a balance of gentle cleansing and volume-enhancing properties without overwhelming the hair with unnecessary ingredients. The formula contains natural ingredients such as plant-based proteins, which help maintain a lightweight feel while still supporting the hair’s natural structure.

Whenever I grab this shampoo (which is on the regular), I notice that it lifts my roots, adds body to my hair and leaves it feeling fresh, airy and full of life. To do this, without contributing to excess buildup or leaving the hair feeling heavy, is an impeccable feat.

Additionally, the shampoo is free from harsh sulfates and parabens, which can exacerbate product buildup on low porosity hair. The ingredients are carefully selected to ensure the shampoo won’t deposit unnecessary residues that could contribute to oiliness or dullness, too.

That said, for individuals with low porosity hair, using the Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo is the best I’ve found to maintain both volume and texture, as it helps to lift the cuticles slightly without causing excessive dryness or residue. The result? More bounce and movement in your strands.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, Glycerin, Sea Buckthorn (includes vitamins A and C, fatty acid omega 7 and antioxidants) | Size: 9.2 ounces

You saw this coming. Enter the matching conditioner to the amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo that, while holding a heavier formulation than its shampoo, is an excellent successor. You’ll want to use this product sparingly as overuse can be counterintuitive to its volume effect and end up weighing down the hair, which is what we don’t want for low porosity hair.

For low porosity hair, which is often resistant to traditional heavy creams or oils, the Big Hit Volumizing Conditioner offers the ideal balance of moisture and volume for me. It works to gently open up the cuticle layers, allowing moisture to penetrate without the heavy ingredients that cause buildup.

I’ve noticed that the conditioner’s lightweight formula helps boost volume and texture to my hair once styled, providing the fullness that my low porosity hair often lacks, while leaving it soft and shiny. Its nourishing blend aids my hair in remaining hydrated and resilient, while the added volume prevents it from looking limp. This product works well with other shampoos as well, as I’ve tried it with the matching shampoo alongside other brands.

Some people are vehemently against using the matching conditioner but this is a pair I swear by (which is saying something as I’ve tried hundreds of shampoos and conditioners at this point, all of which are on a rotation in my shower). If you’re seeking a newly minted shampoo and conditioner to add to your routine, amika’s Big Hit line is, well, a big hit.

Key ingredients: Caffeine, Glycerin, Sea Buckthorn (includes vitamins A and C, fatty acid omega 7 and antioxidants) | Size: 9.2 ounces

Finally, a hair mask that doesn’t leave my hair feeling unwashed. Otherwise thought of as a blessing for low porosity hair, the 14th Night The Nourishing Mask is impressive in every sense of the word. Though pricey, it’s wholly worth it, and here’s why:

The 14th Night The Nourishing Mask is an intensely hydrating treatment designed to restore moisture and vitality to hair, making it an ideal choice for those with low porosity. Because low porosity hair is often characterized by tightly closed cuticles, it’s oftentimes challenging for moisture and nutrients to penetrate the strands. This mask is specifically formulated to overcome that barrier, featuring ingredients like deep-conditioning oils and humectants that soften and hydrate without weighing hair down. This may also be a good pick for those looking for low porosity thick or wavy hair products, as that hair type can sometimes be dry and benefit from the extra conditioning.

Unlike traditional heavy masks, I’m beyond obsessed with how the Nourishing Mask uses lightweight, highly absorbable ingredients that don’t sit on the surface of strands but instead nourish from within. Unique, thoughtfully curated ingredients like aloe, pomegranate seed oil, quinoa and sweet almond oil (among others) make it an antioxidant smoothie for your hair, nourishing your scalp and strands unlike any other I’ve tried. It’s a must try if you’re seeking a deep conditioner for low porosity hair.

What sets this mask apart for low porosity hair is its ability to provide deep moisture without causing build-up. People with low porosity hair often struggle with product accumulation, as their cuticles don’t easily open to allow proper absorption. The Nourishing Mask is designed to penetrate the hair shaft effectively, helping to break down any moisture barriers and deliver hydration where it’s needed most. The mask’s rich formula blend of natural oils, butters, and proteins infuses the hair with long-lasting moisture — the cherry on top to soft, smooth, and revitalized hair.

I typically reach for this hair mask once a week because of how much of a safe bet it is for my hair. Once I finish my last section of hair to blow dry, I always notice how shiny it is, along with how well it alleviates my dry scalp. Overall, it’s one of those just-buy-it products you won’t regret.

Key ingredients: Aloe, Argan Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Quinoa, Sweet Almond Oil (plus more nurturing ones, listed here) | Size: 8 ounces

Another round of applause for 14th Night, now for The Hair Elixir which is the best oil for low porosity hair I’ll grab right now. I’ve been hair oil-averse for a few years now, as most don’t seem to work on my hair — that is until I started using this one.

The 14th Night Hair Elixir is a specially formulated treatment designed to hydrate, nourish and enhance the health of low porosity hair. The elixir’s unique blend of lightweight oils and botanical extracts ensures that moisture is effectively locked in without weighing my hair down without a greasy residue.

It’s also well-moisturizing without delivering too much moisture. Its formula includes a combination of fast-absorbing oils like argan, jojoba and squalane, which are known for their ability to penetrate the hair shaft quickly, delivering moisture and essential nutrients without leaving a heavy residue. Each time I use it, my hair remains soft, shiny and manageable without the risk of buildup.

What’s more, low porosity hair can be prone to brittleness and damage due to its difficulty in absorbing moisture and nourishment. The elixir works to improve the overall integrity of the hair, making it more resilient and less prone to snapping or splitting. With regular use, about once a week, or even daily if desired, the 14th Night Hair Elixir replenishes well. Though a splurge, it’s the only hair oil you’ll need for low porosity hair.

Key ingredients: Argan Oil, Camellia Flower, Green Tea Seed, Pomegranate, Sweet Almond, Sunflower Seed (plus more nurturing ones, listed here) | Size: 1 ounce

The Virtue Frizz Block Smoothing Spray is one of my hair go-to’s on wash days. It’s particularly beneficial for low porosity hair because it helps maintain moisture balance while providing frizz control, two checkmarks in my book, BTW. Low porosity hair typically struggles to absorb moisture due to tightly packed cuticles — not to mention many products sit on top of the hair — leading to buildup without penetrating. Luckily, this spray is formulated with the brand’s signature Alpha Keratin 60ku protein, which is designed to repair and smooth strands without weighing them down or causing further buildup.

The lightweight formula works well with low porosity hair, offering hydration without overloading the strands. Its ability to tame frizz and smooth the cuticle makes it a multipurpose product that justifies its price point. After all, low porosity hair tends to be more resistant to styling because the cuticles lie flat, making it difficult for hair to absorb products and retain moisture. The Frizz Block Spray forms a protective barrier around the hair, locking in hydration while also enhancing shine and providing a smooth finish every time I spritz it onto my damp hair. This is especially helpful for those with low porosity hair who often experience frizz as a result of moisture not being absorbed properly.

Void of a greasy and heavy feel, this leave-in spray is also heat-protective up to 450 degrees, doubling as a heat protectant, too (note to self: is there anything this spray can’t do?) Because the product is infused with lightweight silicones and plant-based ingredients, it allows my hair to remain flexible and bouncy rather than weighed down. This is crucial for my hair, which can easily become limp or lifeless if overloaded with products.

Key ingredients: Specialty Lipopeptide, Rice Protein, Sunflower Sprout, Tara Tree Fruit Extract, Chia Seed, Green Tea Leaf Extract | Size: 5 ounces

Meet one of the hair products that has been a mainstay in my product bin: the amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray. It includes nourishing ingredients that help maintain the hair’s overall health and is one of the most fitting for low porosity hair types; because it’s virtually weightless once sprayed, it delivers all of the goodness without the weight.

It’s infused with vitamins and antioxidants that work to condition the hair, making it more manageable. It also reduces. Over the years, I’ve noticed how my low porosity hair can sometimes appear dull or lackluster, but this product helps to enhance shine and smoothness without causing buildup. By improving texture and volume while maintaining the integrity of the hair, I’d say it offers the perfect balance for low porosity hair types that need extra care during styling.

In addition to its weightless texture, the Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray contains ingredients that help protect the hair from heat damage. Fact of the day: low porosity hair is often more susceptible to heat damage because it can be harder to distribute heat evenly.

This spray acts as a heat protectant, preventing damage from styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners. By shielding the hair from excessive heat, it ensures that low porosity strands stay healthy, shiny and smooth, even after frequent styling sessions.

Oh, and how can I forget the unbeatable scent? For $30, this product is used almost every time before I blow dry my hair. It’s hard to choose favorites, but this one may top the rest.

Key ingredients: Provitamin B5, Sea Buckthorn (includes vitamins A and C, fatty acid omega 7 and antioxidants) | Size: 6.7 ounces

Instant shine, here we (all) come. The milk_shake Insta.Lotion is a no-brainer for low porosity hair due to its lightweight, moisturizing formula that delivers hydration without weighing the hair down. Many products designed for low porosity hair are formulated with lighter ingredients that can easily be absorbed, and the Insta.Lotion fits this bill perfectly. Its formula is one of the most easily absorbable ones on the market, ensuring that moisture can seep into the hair shaft, even for those with low porosity hair.

Another reason the Insta.Lotion works so well for low porosity hair is its ability to balance moisture levels. Low porosity hair tends to accumulate product buildup, as it doesn’t absorb ingredients as quickly as high porosity hair. The Insta.Lotion is infused with natural emollients and conditioning agents that gently nourish the hair without contributing to buildup. It helps to maintain a soft, smooth texture and prevents the hair from feeling heavy or coated, a common concern for those with low porosity hair, as many products don’t fully penetrate to deliver a gorgeous salon effect.

Though its application can be a bit messy if you’re like me and like dispensing hair products into your hair first, I’ve learned to love this product by applying it straight to the base of my neck and working it through the ends of my hair in the shower. It has a sweet, candy-inspired scent, not to mention its smoothing and shine benefits that trump others I’ve used.

Even better, the Insta.Lotion offers heat protection, which is especially beneficial for hair that is more prone to styling damage. With its ability to moisturize, protect and maintain softness, the milk_shake Insta.Lotion is an ideal product for those seeking to improve the overall health of their hair. It also pairs well with the brand’s insta.light Shampoo ($28).

Key ingredients: Fruit Extracts, Hyaluronic Acid, Milk Proteins | Size: 8.4 ounces

I’ve raved about the Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist so many times, it truly deserves an award.

Its feather-light formula works well for low porosity hair due to its ability to prevent heat damage without overwhelming my hair’s structure. The Bb. Heat Shield acts as a barrier between my hair and high heat tools, protecting it from the damaging effects of styling without causing excess buildup.

I recommend this heat protectant to anyone, anytime, anywhere because it’s a hardly there mist that protects the ends of my hair. Holistically, its formula is targeted for low porosity hair, as it prevents the hair from becoming coated in heavy silicones or other ingredients that could contribute to product accumulation, making the hair look limp or dull. It’s also the ideal travel size, even with a good amount of 4.2 ounces. Trust me, it’ll last a while.

Beyond its glorious nature, the Bb. Heat Shield provides moisture to low porosity hair in a way that is both effective and gentle. Unlike other heat protectants that might leave a residue or add unwanted weight, this mist offers a fine spray that evenly distributes across my hair whenever sprayed, sealing in moisture while keeping my strands smooth and frizz-free. For low porosity hair, which often struggles with retaining moisture, the Bb. Heat Shield helps lock in hydration without disrupting the hair’s natural balance, ensuring a soft, shiny finish even after styling with heat tools.

Key ingredients: Honey Protective Complex | Size: 4.2 ounces

Found: an effective heat protectant for low porosity hair types, including fine and medium hair textures, that is OK to use on dry hair. Sometimes, I don’t want to do the full shebang of straightening my hair and then curling it to perfection. Sometimes, that can wait until the next day.

As far as a dry heat protectant goes, the R+Co Chainmail Thermal Protection Styling Spray is a salon in a bottle and doesn’t leave my hair wet, damp or greasy looking. As is the case with the Bumble and bumble Bb. Heat Shield Thermal Protection Mist, its light-as-air finish is a blessing to low porosity hair.

This product offers both heat protection up to 450 degrees and lightweight moisture without weighing down my hair. It’s not overloaded with heavy oils or silicones, either, allowing its protective benefits to work its magic on my naturally limp hair.

Additionally, the R+Co Chainmail Thermal Protection Styling Spray includes ingredients that help smooth the cuticle layer of the hair, which is essential for low porosity hair. By using ingredients that help soften and condition the hair, the spray also reduces friction during styling, making it easier for me to manage my preferred hairstyle. I’ve also noticed this smoothing effect is excellent for detangling, leaving my hair feeling more manageable, even if I haven’t just stepped out of the shower to style my hair.

Key ingredients: Avocado Oil, Celery Seed Extract, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Water Lily Extract | Size: 5 ounces

If you want a shampoo that makes a difference in the hair growth department, you’ll reach for the Kérastase Resistance Bain Extensioniste Shampoo and never look back. That’s what I did, anyway.

This shampoo is designed to provide a delicate yet thorough cleanse that removes product buildup without over-drying, ensuring that my hair always retains its essential moisture. Its lightweight formula doesn’t weigh down the hair, which is a key concern for those with low porosity hair like me, as heavy products can leave it looking flat and greasy.

Additionally, the shampoo contains key ingredients such as the Ceramide Complex, which helps to fortify and strengthen the hair while promoting healthier growth. For low porosity hair, strengthening is vital because the cuticles are tightly packed, making it harder for nutrients to be absorbed. The Ceramide Complex works by penetrating deep into the hair shaft to reinforce the internal structure, reducing breakage and split ends while supporting smoother and more manageable hair. This fortification process, in turn, strengthens my hair’s resilience, allowing it to better withstand damage from heat styling and environmental stressors.

The Bain Extensioniste Shampoo is also infused with a blend of salicylic acid, which exfoliates the scalp to maintain a clean and healthy base for hair growth. Low porosity hair can sometimes suffer from scalp buildup, preventing optimal growth and scalp health. By gently exfoliating the scalp, the shampoo helps to improve blood circulation and ensure that the follicles receive proper nourishment.

Smelling like a dream and feeling like one, too, you’ll certainly notice a difference in the bounce of your hair. After using this particular shampoo for years, I’ve noticed new hair growth with consistent washing. It pairs phenomenally with either the brand’s matching Resistance Fondant Extensioniste Conditioner ($48) or the Resistance Masque ($65).

Key ingredients: Ceramides, Creatine R, Taurine | Size: 8.5 ounces

An FAQ on Low Porosity Hair

How can I tell if I have low porosity hair?

There are some key characteristics that allow you to spot low porosity hair. When you wet your hair, if you notice water beads on the surface of your hair, that’s an indicator you have this hair type. With low porosity hair, water tends to bead up and sit on the surface rather than soaking in quickly.

Since moisture doesn’t easily enter the hair, it can take a long time for hair to dry after washing as well. Also, be vigilant to product buildup. Low porosity hair may accumulate product residue more quickly, since the cuticle layer doesn’t easily let products penetrate, leading to a build-up that can weigh the hair down.

For those with low porosity hair, their tightly packed cuticles reflect light well, so strands often appear shinier than other hair types, too.

What products should I avoid for low porosity hair?

For low porosity hair, the key is to avoid products that may weigh the hair down or create buildup. As a rule of thumb, avoid heavy oils, butters, and silicone-based products (silicones coat the hair shaft, which may initially make your hair feel smooth, but over time, they can create buildup that makes it harder for the hair to absorb moisture).

In short, any formulation that feels too heavy is usually a major red flag for low porosity hair types.

Low vs High Porosity Hair: How often should low porosity hair be washed?

Generally, low porosity hair tends to stay cleaner longer because it doesn’t absorb oils and buildup as quickly as high porosity hair. Therefore, you likely don’t need to wash it as frequently. For severely low porous hair, washing every 7 days or so is usually sufficient, though you can also wash every other day or every three days if you strictly stick to lightweight products.

“Do rinse with warm water for a few minutes prior to application of ingredients to allow the pores in the cuticles to soften and open for more absorbency, and allow more time for products to absorb,” Dr. Greenfield said. “Do not apply thick layers of products in hopes it will be absorbed.”

Does low porosity hair need hydration or moisture?

Low porosity hair has tightly packed cuticles that resist absorbing moisture. This means it can be more difficult for water or water-based products to penetrate the hair shaft. However, hydration is still essential because water is the most effective way to moisturize and maintain healthy hair.

How to achieve this? Always start with water-based products like leave-in conditioners, hydrating sprays or hair mists. For bonus points, use a steaming or heat cap when applying a deep conditioner to help open the cuticle and allow better penetration of hydration. You can also mist your hair with water regularly between wash days, especially if you’re using a moisturizing product that’s water-based.

Once the hair is hydrated, moisture refers to products that lock in that water and help prevent it from evaporating, keeping the hair nourished and flexible. Because low porosity hair is less prone to absorbing oils or heavier moisturizers, you want to be careful not to use too many heavy products that may sit on the hair’s surface.

To achieve suitable moisture levels for low porosity hair, use lightweight oils, such as argan oil, grapeseed oil or jojoba oil — or the best one tested in this guide, the 14th Night The Hair Elixir — to lock in moisture after hydrating the hair.

Avoid heavy butters or oils like coconut oil or shea butter as well, as these can sit on the hair’s surface and create buildup without penetrating the hair shaft effectively.

How I tested

While testing the best low porosity hair products for more than 4 years, here’s the Post Wanted testing criteria followed:

• Weightless feel: For low porosity hair, you’ll want a light-as-air feel regardless if it’s a shampoo, oil or heat protectant. With weightlessness comes absorption levels, which is another factor considered.
• Hydration and moisture levels: Low porosity hair needs hydration and moisture levels to be adequate (more on that in our FAQ section)
• Effective end-result: Once styled, I assessed how bouncy, shiny, and full my hair looked, an opposite effect from my naturally too-quenched hair.
• Versatility: Some products on this list double-dip: some are heat protectants and styling sprays while others are shampoos and antioxidant-carriers. This was taken into account for each formula tested.

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest and greatest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include reviewing the viral Korean beauty brand, Cosrx, and testing dermatologist-recommended acne cleansers. Victoria has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.