How to Moisturize and Seal Low vs. High Porosity Hair

Moisture. It’s the lifeline of healthy natural hair, but getting it right can feel like a science experiment. And honestly? It kind of is. The key factor? Hair porosity.

If you’ve been moisturizing faithfully but still dealing with dry, brittle strands or heavy, greasy buildup, your porosity might be working against you instead of with you.

Let’s break it all down and give your hair the moisture routine it actually needs.

First, What Is Hair Porosity?

Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It’s not about curl pattern, it’s about the structure of your hair cuticle.

There are three main types:

1. Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly packed and resistant to moisture.
2. Normal/Medium Porosity: Moisture goes in and stays in fairly easily.
3. High Porosity: Cuticles are raised or damaged—moisture enters quickly but escapes just as fast.

You can find your porosity with a simple water test (drop clean hair into a glass of water, if it sinks fast, it’s high porosity; if it floats, it’s low). But even better? Pay attention to how your hair behaves after wash day.

Moisturizing Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair is like a picky house guest, it doesn’t let anything in without a little convincing.

What It Needs:

Lightweight, water-based products

Humectants like aloe vera or glycerin

Gentle heat to open the cuticle and help moisture penetrate

How to Moisturize:

• Start with warm water to lift the cuticle.
• Apply a light leave-in conditioner or aloe vera juice.
• Use a light cream or milk, nothing too thick.
• Seal with a light oil (like argan, grapeseed, or moringa oil).
• Consider steaming or warming your deep conditioner for better absorption.
•  Avoid heavy butters and thick oils, they’ll just sit on top and block moisture.

Moisturizing High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair drinks up moisture fast—but leaks it out just as quickly.

What It Needs:

Thicker, heavier products

Protein-rich treatments for repair

Layered moisture for long-lasting hydration

How to Moisturize:

• Apply a protein-rich leave-in conditioner to strengthen strands.
• Follow up with a thick cream or butter, think shea, mango, or avocado-based.
• Seal everything in with a thick oil (castor oil is your bestie).
• Refresh mid-week with a mist of water + leave-in if needed.
• Avoid over-washing: stick to once a week or every 10 days to retain moisture.

The LOC vs. LCO Debate

Which method is better?

🌸LCO (Liquid-Cream-Oil) is often better for low porosity hair: it allows moisture in before sealing.

🌸LOC (Liquid-Oil-Cream) works well for high porosity hair: the oil slows moisture loss, and the cream locks everything in.

Test both and see what works. Your hair will tell you.

Tips for All Porosity Types

🌸Always detangle with water and conditioner, never dry.

🌸Use satin or silk scarves and pillowcases to reduce moisture loss.

🌸Drink water and eat hydrating, nutrient-rich foods, moisture starts from within!

And finally, moisture isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding your hair’s porosity can help you stop guessing and start seeing results.

Whether your strands need lightweight hydration or thick, rich layers, the right routine is out there and once you find it? Magic.