How I manage my high porosity hair
Spilling the chai on moisture loss, frizz, and how I finally got my hair to behave.
If you’ve ever wondered why your hair feels soft when it’s wet… and then turns into a frizzy, tangled puff the second it dries: welcome to the high porosity club. And trust me, I lived here rent-free for YEARS without even knowing.
High-porosity hair basically means your cuticle layer is a little too open, like a roof with shingles lifted up. So yes, it drinks up all the moisture… but it also lets it escape super quickly. That’s why you can oil your hair, deep condition, do all the things - and still feel dry the next day.
This is exactly how I manage mine now (and how I got my bleached, stressed, fried hair to become shiny, bouncy, and manageable again).
1. Start with warm oils + scalp care
You already know I’m a scalp-oiling girly. If you have high porosity hair, oils aren’t optional - they’re literally your moisture sealant.
My go-tos:
Alma, coconut, or sesame oil for deep nourishment
Fenugreek + rosemary for growth
Massage in gently (don’t scratch!)
Leave in for 30 minutes before washing
Warm oils penetrate better into lifted cuticles, nourish from the inside out, AND help reduce breakage.
2. Co-wash or use gentle shampoos
High porosity hair gets dry FAST, so stripping shampoos are the enemy.
Look for shampoos labeled:
“Moisturizing”
“Hydrating”
“Sulfate-free”
“Curl-friendly” even if you're not curly
And yes, co-washing 1–2x a week literally kept my hair from feeling like straw during PA school.
3. Condition like it’s your religion
I’m not joking: your conditioner matters more than your shampoo.
What I look for:
Protein + moisture balance (hydrolyzed wheat protein, keratin, silk amino acids)
Humectants (aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid)
Occlusives (shea butter, castor oil)
High porosity hair loves protein because it helps temporarily fill in the gaps in your cuticle.
Tip:
Apply conditioner from mid-length to ends
Detangle with a wide-tooth comb IN the shower
Leave it on for at least 3–5 minutes
4. Seal everything in
We do not let our hard work fly away into the Miami humidity, babes.
After rinsing:
Use a leave-in conditioner
Seal with a lightweight oil or hair cream
Finish with a styling gel/cream if your hair gets frizzy
This creates a moisture “sandwich” that actually stays.
5. Avoid heat unless you want chaos
High porosity hair + heat = frizz + breakage + trauma.
If you blow-dry:
Always use a heat protectant
Use medium heat
Don’t over-stretch or brush too aggressively
Air-dry the last 20%
6. Sleep like a princess (because you are one)
Nighttime matters so much more than we think.
Use:
A satin pillowcase
A loose braid or bun
A satin bonnet if you want that extra smoothness
This prevents friction, moisture loss, and breakage.
7. Don’t skip your trim schedule
High porosity hair splits easily, and once it splits… it climbs the strand like a vine.
Trim every 8–12 weeks.
Not 6 months later.
Not “when it looks fried.”
Consistent trims = healthier, fuller-looking ends.
8. Deep condition weekly - non-negotiable
Babes… ONE deep conditioning session changed my hair more than any product.
High porosity hair needs:
Protein masks (every 3–4 weeks)
Moisture masks (weekly)
If you want your hair to go from fried → shiny, this is your step.
9. Water quality matters more than you think
If you live somewhere like Miami (hi, me), the hard water can literally wreak havoc on your cuticle.
Install:
A shower filter
A clarifying wash once monthly to remove mineral buildup
Your hair will feel softer immediately.
10. Be patient, be consistent, be gentle
High porosity hair is dramatic, yes. Sensitive, yes. But with consistency? It thrives.
If your hair is frizzy, dry, or “puffy” - it’s not bad hair, babes. It just needs different care :)