The Best Deep Conditioner For Your Hair Based On Hair Porosity

Conditioners are a vital part of your hair care routine. Choosing the right conditioner for your hair can be a challenge, but one way to narrow down your options is to choose the best conditioner based on your hair porosity, which is more important that curl pattern! But first, let’s talk about what porosity means.

What Is Porosity?

Porosity is a measurement of your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture, and it is determined by the structure of your cuticle — the outer layer of your hair. Low-porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. However, it also makes it difficult for moisture to escape, once it’s in your hair. On the other hand, high-porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, allowing moisture to easily pass in and out. Medium porosity is a perfect balance of the two.

Porosity is determined by genetics, but factors like heat and chemical processing can raise your hair’s porosity. Hair experts recommend the use of natural hair products to help maintain frizz and have your natural hair growing and looking healthy and shiny.

Now let’s talk about how your hair porosity determines what type of conditioner you should use.

Find the Perfect Conditioner

For Low-Porosity Hair

Low-porosity hair can be prone to buildup, especially when it comes to products that are protein-rich or heavily oil-based. We recommend protein-free conditioners with humectants like honey or glycerin that draw moisture into the hair strand. The Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner is an ultra-moisturizing organic hair conditioner that is perfect for low-porosity hair. Made with organic ingredients like almond oil, sacha inchi oil, and sub-Saharan African mongongo oil, this all-natural formula provides the nutrients your hair needs for intense hydration.

For Medium-Porosity Hair

Your hair care routine for medium-porosity or normal-porosity hair should include protein-rich deep conditioning periodically, but not too often. Try our new Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque to enjoy deeply penetrating moisture.

For High-Porosity Hair

In caring for your high-porosity hair, your routine should include protein-rich conditioners more frequently in order to close those gaps in the cuticle layer and repair damaged hair. Our Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner is enriched with fatty acids and natural oils, as well as complex amino acids from wheat, soy, and other all-natural ingredients, to help hydrate and replenish your hair. It infuses your hair with protein and moisture, and it can be used for both medium- and high-porosity hair.

Porosity vs. Curl Pattern

While some in the natural hair community focus on curl type, keep in mind that people with similar curl patterns may have different porosity, and therefore need to use very different products. Knowing your hair’s porosity is key to choosing the right organic hair conditioner for you.