Low porosity hair requires lightweight oils that can penetrate the hair shaft and deliver moisture effectively. Such oils include Argan oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil among several others.
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My hair is on the lower side of the porosity scale. I have done some digging around and experimenting to understand the oils that are best suited for my low porosity hair. In this article, I will share 13 oils best suited for low porosity hair. These oils are light and therefore easily absorbed by low porosity hair.
In summary these are the best oils for low porosity hair:
- Argan oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Jojoba oil
- Baobab oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Pomegranate Oil
- Apricot oil
- Sunflower seed oil
- Sesame Seed Oil
- Rosehip Oil
- Safflower Oil
- Camela Seed Oil
- Avocado Oil
(Please note this article has been updated in 2024 to give you the latest information)
With that summary out of the way, lets get into the details.
Oils For Low Porosity Hair
These are the best oils for low porosity hair.
1. Argan Oil
Argan oil is good for low porosity hair because of its intense moisturizing properties. The oil intensely moisturizes the hair by forming a non-evaporating layer around the hair. The protective layer will lock in the moisture until it is washed out.
Argan oil contains vitamin E, ferulic acid, carotenoids, phytosterols, polyphenols and 80% unsaturated fatty acids.
Argan Oil is one of the ‘rarest’ and most precious hair Oils. The oil is often referred to as the ‘Moroccan oil’ because it is mainly found in Sous Valley in south-western Morocco.
The oil is extremely rare because the Argan tree grows in very limited locations and has an extremely low yield per tree. To produce 1L of Argan oil, you will need the total yield from 8 trees.
Check Current Price On Amazon2. Grapeseed Oil
Grape seed oil is one of the lightest oils that you can use in low porosity hair. This oil is extracted by cold-pressing the grape seeds. This Oil is a great choice for oily scalps and thin hair because it helps to seal in moisture without weighing the hair down.
Grapeseed oil is commonly used as a strengthener, it is also popularly used as a heat protectant when using heat styling using appliances such as flat irons and blow-dryers.
Check Current Price On Amazon3. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is made of fatty acids as well as esters composed of straight-chain alcohols.(1) Both the acid and alcohol portions of jojoba oil are difficult to synthesize. This makes jojoba oil excellent for hair that requires intense moisture and protection.
Jojoba Oil is extracted from the seeds of the Jojoba plant that is mostly found in North American. This Oil is a favorite to the natural hair community because it is easily absorbed and it is very similar to the natural hair oil, Sebum.
Apart from the fact that it’s easily absorbable, one reason this oil is a favorite of a lot of hair oil users is that it is very similar to the natural oils found in the hair.
View Current Price On Amazon4. Baobab Oil
Baobab oil is among the few natural oils that contain omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids. The oil is known for its moisturizing abilities as it contains acids such as linoleic acid which act as moisture retention agents. This makes it great for low porosity hair.
Baobab Oil is derived from the Baobab tree popularly known as the ‘Tree of Life’. The Baobab tree is valued for its powder and oil extracts which have used for centuries in wellness and beauty treatments.
The roots of the Baobab Tree reach the deepest soil in search of water and nutrients. The tree can store gallons of nutrient-rich water in its trunk to survive harsh droughts. A single tree can last for over 500 years.
The oleic acid and saturated fats help improve moisture penetration which makes it excellent for low porosity hair.
Check Current Price On Amazon5. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond is derived from the Almond Tree. This Tree is popularly known as the ‘King of nuts’ because of it’s medicinal and cosmetic benefits.
The Oil contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, proteins, potassium and zinc. It also contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Linoleic acid helps to promote moisture retention making it an excellent choice for low porosity hair.
The stearic acid helps to condition the hair without giving it a heavy feel, giving it more reason to use on low porosity hair.
Check Current Price On Amazon6. Pomegranate Oil
Pomegranate Oil is extracted from the pomegranate fruits. Because of its high concentration, only a little is required to reap the benefits of the oil.
This Oil stimulates blood flow and thus promotes nutrient supply to the hair follicles. In addition to increased blood flow, this Oil promotes hair growth as it supplies punicic acid, vitamin C, linoleic acid, flavonoids, and oleic acid.
Pomegranate Oil is considered a medium-penetrative oil that is light and thus recommended to be used on low porosity.
Check Current Price On Amazon7. Apricot Oil
Apricot Oil is an excellent oil for low porosity hair as it is easily absorbed into the hair. The oil contains acids like oleic acid, which improve the moisture absorption rate in hair.
It is also rich in other nutrients such as Linoleic Acids, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E that nourish the hair and helps retain moisture.
Check Current Price On Amazon8. Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower Seed Oil is a popular oil extracted from the Sunflower plant. This Oil is light and easily absorbed in the hair and thus good for low porosity hair. Sunflower oil is used to conditions the hair and thus promotes hair strength and luster.
Sunflower oil is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E which are antioxidants and thus when applied to the scalp, the oil helps fight bacteria that cause dry scalp, improving the overall health of your scalp.
Check Current Price On Amazon9. Sesame Seed Oil
Sesame Oil is derived from the seed of the Sesame plant by cold-pressing the seeds to extract the oil. It is rich in vitamins, proteins, and other natural antioxidants. Its moisturizing ability helps it penetrate deeply into the hair.
Check Current Price On Amazon10. Avocado Oil
Whilst Avocado Oil is considered a heavier oil compared to the one listed above, it is a good choice for low porosity hair because of its ability to penetrate deeply into hair strands and moisturize the hair.
Check Current Price On Amazon11. Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia Seed Oil is also also known as tea seed oil. It is derived from the seeds of the Camellia sinensis plant.
This oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid and linoleic acid. These components help to moisturize the hair without making it greasy.
This oil is easily absorbed by low porosity hair, providing hydration and promoting a healthy shine.
Here are the key benefits of Camellia seed oil on low porosity hair:
- Camellia Seed Oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it an excellent choice for low porosity hair that tends to repel moisture.
- The oil’s molecular structure allows it to penetrate the hair shaft, providing hydration without leaving a greasy residue. This makes it effective in combating dryness common in low porosity hair.
- Camellia Seed Oil forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, shielding it from environmental damage. Additionally, it imparts a natural shine, enhancing the hair’s luster.
12. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3). It also contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and beta-carotene. These nutrients contribute to the oil’s ability to nourish the hair.
Rosehip oil is good for Low Porosity hair because of the following reasons:
- Rosehip Oil is light in consistency, making it suitable for low porosity hair that may struggle to absorb heavier oils. It easily penetrates the hair shaft without leaving a greasy residue.
- The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in Rosehip Oil contribute to the maintenance of hair elasticity. This can be particularly beneficial for low porosity hair that may be prone to stiffness.
- Vitamin A and C Content: Vitamin A supports the development of healthy cells, promoting overall hair health. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect the hair from environmental damage.
- Rosehip Oil helps in maintaining moisture in the hair shaft, preventing dryness and minimizing frizz. This is crucial for low porosity hair that tends to resist moisture absorption.
- The oil is loaded with antioxidants which protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals
Safflower Oil
Safflower Oil is extracted from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius), which is native to regions like the Middle East and parts of Asia. Safflower oil has been used for various purposes, including culinary and skincare, due to its health-promoting properties.
Safflower Oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid. It is also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant known for its hair benefits.
Safflower Oil has a light and non-greasy texture, making it well-suited for low porosity hair that may struggle to absorb heavier oils. It provides moisture without weighing the hair down.
Additionally, Oleic acid in safflower oil helps to soften and condition the hair, preventing dryness and improving overall hair texture. This is beneficial for low porosity hair that can be prone to stiffness.
People with low porosity hair should avoid the heavier oils such as Olive Oil and Castor Oil. These Oils are not easily absorbed and so they will only end up sitting on your hair.
Some people tend to mix up different oils and use techniques such as hot oil treatment to increase the absorption rate of the heavier oils. If you like experimenting, you can try different blends and see what combination is easily absorbed into your hair.
Why Does Hair Porosity Matter?
Understanding your hair porosity is very crucial in developing an effective natural hair care regimen. Knowing your hair porosity will help you understand the best products for your hair.
Hair porosity is the ability of the hair to absorb and hold moisture. It is affected by the flexibility of the outer hair layer known as the cuticle, which determines how easily moisture and oils pass in and out of your hair.
You can either have low porosity hair, normal porosity hair or high porosity hair. Always remember that within each scale, you can be on the lower, middle or higher end. For instance, you can a low porosity type that is more on the normal side of things or an extremely low on the scale.
Now that we know the basics of hair porosity, let’s dive into the Low Porosity hair and the best oils for this hair type.
How to take care of low porosity hair
When your hair is low porosity it means the cuticles are tightly clamped down preventing moisture from easily being absorbed. Low porosity hair takes longer to saturate with water and natural oils.
This leads to build-up if inappropriate oils are used since the oils sit on the hair. Low porosity hair requires products that attract and hold moisture to your hair.
Oils are not the only things to consider when you have low porosity hair, below are a few tips I have found helpful on my natural 4C low porosity hair.
- Use products rich in emollients to help soften the cuticle and aid in moisturizing the hair. During the warmer months, humectant products are beneficial because they attract moisture from the air
into your hair. - Generally, use products that are low in proteins. Protein has the tendency to build-up on low porosity hair, causing the hair to be even less porous.
- Using heat is a great way to open the cuticle to allow moisture to penetrate the hair that is least porous. Therefore, whenever you deep condition, cover your hair with a conditioning cap and sit under a thermal heating cap for at least 15 minutes.
- Use warm water when washing your hair as this will open up the pores of your scalp and the cuticles of your hair to help in moisture and product absorption.
- Always rinse your hair with cool water. This will seal the hair cuticle and lock in moisture and shine.
Key Take Away
- Low porosity hair requires lightweight oils that can penetrate the hair shaft and deliver moisture effectively. Such oils include Argan oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, Baobab oil, Apricot Oil and many others.
- When you have low porosity hair, it means your hair cuticles are tightly clamped making it difficult for moisture and nutrients to penetrate. This type of hair requires oils that are light and can penetrate easily.
23 Comments on “13 Best Oils For Low Porosity Hair (To Try in 2024)”
I have better results with creams than I do with oils. The oils tend to make my frizzy hair just show up more. Leave in moisturizers work the best. I need moisture not oil.
Seems your hair loves creams. I have a few friends who’ve told me the same.
Oils are great for sealing in moisture so you retain the moisture from the creams if you are using the LCO method (Liquid, Cream, Oil).
For some people LOC ( Liquid, Oil, Cream) works better. This simply shows that we all have unique hair that behaves differently from the next.
Glad that you’ve found what works, keep at it! Thanks for sharing.
This is a list of 13 oils but you only went into detail about 10. Why didn’t you provide any information on Rosehip, Camela Seed and Safflower oils?
Hey Kellee, I haven’t been able to come back to the article to get down to the 13 but I will in due course. Thanks
Thank you for the 13 best oils on low porosity hair, can I use sunflower oil from my kitchen?
Yes you can
Some are new, I wanna try something different. Yeah it is a good blog. I have been wondering if I can use this for hair extensions.
Yes to trying new things! Yes, you can use it on your extension but in moderation.
Absolutely loved this article very thorough and opened me up to more than just grape seed oil !
Glad you did! Thanks for stopping by
wow..so happy that i found this article
Glad you did! Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for stopping by.
Love this! Thank you for the info 😍
You are most welcome
Can you mix the oils to make one ?
Yes you can mix some to make a blend that you prefer
Love the oils especially jojoba oil. That seems to be the only oil my hair likes. My hair don’t like leave ins or butters. I have low porosity curly hair. I just tried using warm water then warm Rosemary water then I applied the jojoba oil. My have loved it. Is it ok to just do that.
Hey Angel,
It good that you’ve found what your hair loves, if your hair is healthy and growing well, then just maintain that. No need to apply the butters.
This is a very informative article. I am a Caucasian mom with a 7 year old biracial Black daughter. Best I can tell, she has 3A-3b low porosity hair. It’s long and thin, and super dry. I’m trying the LOC method. The question I have is this: I’ve read that warm water opens the cuticles to receive moisture, then cool water seals it in by closing them, thus the wash warm/ rinse cool protocol. But if I rinse cool, and pat damp, won’t the cuticles then be closed before I add the oil and creme on the damp hair? I guess I want to know exactly the steps to take on wash night. Thank you!
Hey Criss,
Very good question that I need to research more on.
You may want to try both ways and observe how the hair behaves.
Given that your daughter has low porosity hair, for sure she would benefit from a little heat when applying products.
My personal preference is to use Luke warm water all through if am not deep conditioning and warming up my oils to increase absorption.
Can i use mustard oil for low procity hair or its better to dilute it with other oil
Safer to dilute it as the oil has not been used widely so there is little known on how it reacts on low porosity hair. The oil is lightweight therefore you can try both option and see what works best for your hair.