Updated June 2026
The best products for high porosity hair are rich creams and butters, protein or strengthening treatments, and a sealing oil to lock moisture in. High porosity hair has a raised cuticle with gaps, so it absorbs water fast but loses it just as quickly — common in coily, colour-treated or heat-styled hair. Our top UK picks below — all checked and curl-community tested — are led by the SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil range for deep moisture and the SheaMoisture JBCO Strengthen & Restore Conditioner for strength.
What is high porosity hair?
High porosity hair has a cuticle that's raised or has gaps, often from genetics, colour, bleach or heat. It gets wet quickly, dries quickly, and tends to feel dry, frizzy or rough because moisture escapes as fast as it goes in. The fix is moisture plus a way to seal it in.
What should you look for in high porosity products?
- Look for: rich creams and custards, shea butter and castor oil, protein and strengthening treatments, and a sealing oil or butter as your final step (the LOC/LCO method).
- Go easy on: skipping the seal — without it, all that moisture escapes again.
Not sure if your hair is high porosity? Here's how to test your hair porosity at home in a few minutes.
Best products for high porosity hair (UK)
1. Best moisturising shampoo: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration (£12.99)
High porosity hair needs cleansing that doesn't strip. This rich, sulphate-free shampoo uses manuka honey (a humectant) and mafura oil to cleanse while flooding parched strands with moisture.
2. Best strengthening conditioner: SheaMoisture JBCO Strengthen & Restore Conditioner (£12.99)
Damaged, high porosity hair benefits from strength. This Jamaican black castor oil conditioner helps rebuild and reduce breakage — ideal for colour-treated or over-processed curls.
3. Best rich leave-in: Aunt Jackie's Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In (£8.99)
A mega-moisturising leave-in with marshmallow root for slip and shea butter for softness — the kind of deep daily moisture high porosity hair drinks up.
4. Best definition custard: Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard (£11.99)
Thick, creamy and rich, this custard combines pear extract and argan oil for soft, defined curls with serious hydration — perfect for medium to thick high porosity hair.
5. Best budget leave-in: Palmer's Coconut Oil Leave-In (£5.99)
An affordable, rich leave-in with coconut and monoi oil that softens and helps protect against breakage — a great-value daily option.
6. Best refresh & seal: As I Am Jamaican Black Castor Oil Water (£9.99)
Use this castor oil spray to refresh curls between washes and help seal in moisture — castor oil is a high porosity staple for locking hydration in.
7. Best deep treatment: Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask (£11.99)
Ideal for high porosity hair, this royal-jelly mask is an intensive weekly treatment that restores elasticity and softness to dry, damaged strands.
High porosity products compared
| Product | Type | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Shampoo | Shampoo | Hydrating cleanse | £12.99 |
| SheaMoisture JBCO Strengthen & Restore Conditioner | Conditioner | Strength & repair | £12.99 |
| Aunt Jackie's Quench Leave-In | Leave-in | Rich daily moisture | £8.99 |
| Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Custard | Styling custard | Definition + moisture | £11.99 |
| Palmer's Coconut Oil Leave-In | Leave-in | Budget softening | £5.99 |
| As I Am JBCO Water | Refresh spray | Refresh & seal | £9.99 |
| Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Mask | Deep mask | High-porosity deep repair | £11.99 |
Prices correct at the time of writing (June 2026).
How to lock moisture into high porosity hair
Try the LOC/LCO method: apply a Leave-in, then an Oil and a Cream (in whichever order works for your hair) to layer and seal moisture. Cooler final rinses help the cuticle lie flatter, and regular protein or bond treatments keep high porosity hair strong between washes.
The Curldrop Standard
Every product here has passed the Curldrop Standard — checked ingredient by ingredient and tested by real people with curly and coily hair before it earns a place in the shop. Every product. Every ingredient. Checked — so you don't have to.
Frequently asked questions
How often should high porosity hair use protein?
Around every 1–2 weeks for damaged or colour-treated hair, less often if your hair feels strong. Protein fills the gaps in a raised cuticle, but too much can cause stiffness — balance it with moisture.
What oils are best for sealing high porosity hair?
Heavier, sealing oils like castor oil work well as a final step to lock moisture in. Lighter oils absorb rather than seal, so they're better mixed into leave-ins than used on their own.
Is high porosity hair always damaged?
No — some people are naturally high porosity. But heat, colour and bleach raise the cuticle over time, so gentle, ingredient-conscious care helps keep it healthy.
If your hair beads water on top and is slow to absorb, you may be low porosity instead — see our best products for low porosity hair. Otherwise, browse the full Curldrop shop, and shout if you'd like help building a routine. (Last updated June 2026.)
