Hair oils are a fantastic way of nourishing, conditioning, and moisturizing low-porosity hair but you need hair oils that have small molecules, as these penetrate best into the hair.
In this article, I’ve listed 20 of the best hair oils for low porosity hair.
What Is Low Porosity Hair?
When people discuss hair porosity, they are referring to your hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture.
High porosity hair absorbs and retains moisture with ease whereas low porosity hair can struggle to retain moisture.
This is because the cuticles of low porosity hair overlap, which limits the amount of moisture from entering the hair shaft.
Because low porosity hair can struggle to both absorb and hold onto moisture, it’s more prone to dehydration and dryness.
You can tell if you have low porosity hair if you find that your hair doesn’t absorb moisture well.
On the other hand, when low porosity hair does take in moisture, it can therefore take a significant amount of time to air dry.
Similarly, if a product sits on your hair without absorbing into it, then you may well have low porosity hair.
The 20 Best Hair Oils For Low Porosity Hair
Remember, any oils that are heavier with larger molecules, such as coconut and castor oil, won’t be good for low porosity hair.
They will sit on the hair instead of penetrating into it, resulting in build-up and a greasy feeling.
Below are the best hair oils for low porosity hair. We’ve grouped them according to the different types of hair oil for low porosity hair, listing a few of our favorite products for each type of oil.
1. Premium Nature 100% Pure Cold Pressed Argan Oil
Typically found in Morocco, argan oil is one of the best kinds of hair oil for low porosity hair. It’s intensely moisturizing but still lightweight and will form a protective layer around each hair shaft, helping to seal that moisture in.
Argan oil also contains ingredients that will nourish low porosity hair, including vitamin E and fatty acids. Argan oil has also been linked to hair growth and reduction of split ends, all of which are added bonuses.
Cold-pressed oils are best, as this type of extraction process helps to retain the highest number of nutrients from the argan seeds.
Some products advertised as argan oil are actually other chemical solutions like silicone with added argan oil, whereas this argan oil is 100% pure.
It’s non-greasy, so ideal for moisturizing low porosity hair, and is fast-absorbing and lightweight, too.
2. Kate Blanc Certified Organic Argan Oil
Kate Blanc oils are consistently ranked amongst the best-selling, and it’s easy to see why.
With a light scent and lightweight, non-greasy feel, this argan oil will replenish and hydrate thirsty hair.
It’s certified organic via the USDA and made from completely natural ingredients.
3. Moroccanoil Argan Oil Treatment
Moroccanoil isn’t the cheapest of brands, but there is a reason why their argan hair oil is rated number one in the whole country.
It’s incredible for low porosity hair thanks to its antioxidants and fatty acids and is free of nasty chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Plus, there’s the signature Moroccanoil scent, which is pretty hair to beat.
4. Cliganic Organic Argan Oil
Available in 16fluid-ounce dispensers, this argan oil is ideal for those with low porosity hair who also love a bargain.
Certified organic by the USDA, it’s also non-GMO certified and is vegan and cruelty-free, too.
5. Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Sweet Almond Oil
Derived from the almond tree, sweet almond oil contains vitamins including A and E, as well as other nourishing ingredients like potassium and zinc. Linoleic acid promotes moisture retention, which is why this is one of the best hair oils for low porosity hair. It doesn’t feel too heavy and will help to seal in moisture thanks to its low molecular size.
An ideal carrier oil, this sweet almond oil will also help low porosity hair to lock in moisture. It’s cold-pressed and absorbs easily, helping to deliver intense hydration.
Plus, it’s cruelty-free and contains no parabens, sulfates, preservatives, or fragrances.
6. Pura D’or Organic Sweet Almond Oil
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, this sweet almond oil is ideal for low porosity hair and may help to maintain scalp health too. It has a light texture and feel and will help to lock moisture into dehydrated strands. It can also be used in combination with argan oil as a nourishing hair mask for maximum effect.
7. Pure Body Naturals Sweet Almond Oil
Cold-pressed so as to retain as many nutrients and vitamins as possible, this sweet almond oil is ideal for those with low porosity hair.
With vitamins A, E, and B, this non-greasy formula will moisturize and nourish strands without weighing them down. It has a light scent and comes with both a pump and press top for ease of use.
Jojoba Oil
With plenty of fatty acids and vitamin E, jojoba oil is one of the most lightweight on this list – in fact, it’s probably the closest in consistency to naturally occurring oils – so is perfect for low porosity hair.
It can be used daily, and may also help to ease unpleasant symptoms like itchy or sensitive scalps and dandruff.
8. Kate Blanc Certified Organic Jojoba Oil
The jojoba oil from Kate Blanc is another winner for low porosity hair. It has a slightly more pungent smell than other products, but is 100% certified organic and cold pressed, and contains nothing but jojoba oil.
9. Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Jojoba Oil
Handcraft Blends hair oils are bestsellers for a reason, and their jojoba oil doesn’t disappoint. A professional-grade formula is lightweight, containing plenty of vitamins E and B to help hydrate and nourish parched strands.
Free from chemicals, hexanes, and preservatives, this jojoba oil is also cold-pressed for maximum benefit.
10. Now Solutions Organic Jojoba Oil
A multi-purpose hair oil, this Now Solutions formula is ideal for individuals with low porosity hair. It’s 100% pure and formulated without the addition of parabens, GMO, or hexane, and is suitable for vegans, too.
Long-chain fatty acids help to nourish low porosity hair and lock in much-needed hydration.
11. Handcraft Blends 100% Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed is a very light oil that helps to seal moisture into low porosity hair without weighing it down.
In fact, grapeseed oil has such protective qualities that it’s even used as an all-natural heat protectant in some haircare circles.
It also contains vitamins A and E, both of which help to nourish low porosity hair, and is a great everyday oil that won’t leave a greasy residue.
A fantastic carrier oil, grapeseed oil is a must-have hair oil for anyone with low porosity hair.
Handcraft Blends hair oils are amongst the best out there. The oil contains no alcohol, parabens, or sulfates, and is 100% cold-pressed and cruelty-free.
12. Now Solutions Grapeseed Oil
Ideal for those with oilier scalps thanks to its lightweight quality, this grapeseed oil is certified cruelty and GMO-free. It’s silky in texture, and smooths onto hair easily, helping to seal in moisture without clogging or leaving a residue.
13. Brooklyn Botany Grapeseed Oil
This 100% pure grapeseed oil is free of chemicals, parabens, sulfates, and hexane, and is also completely vegan and cruelty-free, too. It will gently penetrate hair strands and moisturize from the outside – plus, it’s ideal for use as a carrier oil if you want to use it for other purposes.
Baobab Oil
Coming from a tree traditionally found in South Africa, baobab oil is intensely moisturizing, and will help to make hair both more manageable and less prone to breakage. Plus, it’s naturally anti-bacterial, which helps with scalp conditions like dermatitis and/or psoriasis. It also contains plenty of omega fatty acids, all of which help low porosity hair to retain moisture.
14. Difeel Premium Deep Conditioning Baobab Oil
With vitamins A, D, and E, as well as omega fatty acids 3, 6, and 9, this baobab oil helps to nourish and nurture the hair follicles, helping strands retain their strength and elasticity.
Formulated without chemical additives like petroleum, preservatives, and alcohol, you can rest assured that you’re giving your hair the best possible deep conditioning treatment.
15. UpNature 100% Pure Baobab Oil
GMO and cruelty-free, this baobab oil is formulated in the US without the addition of additives or toxins.
Its therapeutic grade and 100% pure baobab oil will help low-porosity hair to retain and boost moisture levels.
16. Handcraft Blends 100% Pure Apricot Oil
Apricot oil absorbs easily into the hair thanks to its natural minerals and vitamins, which include oleic acid, linoleic acids, and vitamins A and E.
Nourish and hydrate low porosity hair, smooth flyaways or frizz, and keep your scalp looking and feeling healthy all in one with apricot oil.
This apricot oil is ideal for low porosity hair as it smooths onto strands without feeling either greasy, heavy, or oily. It will make parched strands feel silky soft and is pleasantly lightweight. Plus, there’s no unpleasant strong smell and it has a long shelf life, too.
17. US Organic Apricot Kernel Oil
Certified USDA organic, this apricot oil comes with a handy eyedropper for ease of application. Containing no chemicals, paraben, alcohol, or fragrance, this formula is also not tested on animals, but is still rich in fatty acids for low porosity hair.
18. Now Solutions Apricot Kernel Oil
We like Now Solutions because they are a small, family-owned and operated company with a no-fuss approach and high-quality products.
This apricot oil is fantastic for low porosity hair. It’s free of GMOs, formaldehyde, petroleum, and hexane, and helps to moisturize dry hair. Plus, it absorbs quickly, which we love.
19. Leven Rose Pomegranate Seed Oil
Pomegranate oil is not for everyone, as it can be a little on the greasier side, but it’s packed full of beneficial nutrients and minerals for low porosity hair. Plus, many pomegranate oils have a delicious smell, which is an added benefit to their use.
Packed full of linoleic and punicic acid, pomegranate oil has also been linked to the prevention and reduction of hair loss, as well as an overall reduction in dandruff.
Cold-pressed and unrefined, this is an organic pomegranate seed oil that will help to hydrate and smooth low porosity hair.
Bear in mind that pomegranate oil is a medium-penetrative hair oil, so it does tend to sit on your hair (or skin) slightly more than any of the other hair oils in this list – but if you can bear the oiliness, your hair will reap the benefits!
20. SVA Organics Pomegranate Seed Oil
This cold-pressed pomegranate oil is full of beneficial omegas, fatty acids and antioxidants to help nourish and hydrate low porosity hair.
With vitamins like E and B, this pomegranate oil will help to promote and support healthy hair. It’s completely naturally derived. Just be aware that it can have quite a strong smell.
What To Avoid With Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair struggles to either absorb or hold onto moisture. As such, if you use oils that don’t easily penetrate the hair shaft, you may notice build-up on your strands.
Lighter oils will smaller molecules are best for low porosity hair. These won’t build up and block the hair cuticle, but will better penetrate your strands.
If you have low porosity hair that’s feeling dry and lackluster, your natural instinct might be to reach for heavier products like shea butter. However, whilst butters like shea have many wonderful properties, they aren’t the best idea for low porosity hair.
It’s for this reason that you should also avoid heavier hair oils like olive, castor, or coconut oil if you have low porosity hair.
These kinds of oils and hair butters will sit on the hair instead of absorbing into it, so are really best avoided.
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