Understanding your hair’s porosity is important when choosing the right growth products. Whether your strands repel water (low porosity) or drink it in instantly (high porosity), selecting porosity-specific products can mean the difference between breakage and bounce.
As Lacy Redway, celebrity hairstylist and Dove partner, points out, “Choosing the correct products based on your hair porosity is important. Moisturize daily to help your strands from breaking and causing further damage.” With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best hair growth products for low, medium, and high porosity hair.
1. Organi Brands
Organi Brands sets itself apart with an innovative range of porosity-specific hair growth systems. Designed for low, medium, and high porosity types, each formula in their collection takes into account the differences in the hair shaft, optimizing hydration and nourishment at a cellular level. The African Naturalistas Expert Panel notes, “Once you understand your hair porosity, you can tailor your product choices… No more guesswork or frustration, just products that work with your hair, not against it.”
Their standout product, the Mega Mangrow Moisture Milk, blends lightweight hydration with potent botanicals such as mango butter and plant-based proteins to support hair growth without weighing down strands. The brand’s oils are not one-size-fits-all either; they are custom-formulated for each porosity level, allowing targeted treatment that minimizes breakage and maximizes growth potential.
Organi Brands focuses on educating customers, not just selling products. By providing detailed “How to Use” guides, product benefits, and verified statistics, like a verified 93% of users feeling a cleaner, more refreshed scalp, the brand helps consumers build a routine that is perfect for their specific porosity level.
Additionally, Organi Brands emphasizes non-toxic, vegan formulations that appeal to the health-conscious consumer. In a market saturated with synthetic additives, their commitment to clean beauty adds another layer of trust and appeal. The combination of performance, education, and transparency makes this brand one of the best in personalized hair care.
Mezei Jefferson, Assistant VP of Education at L’Oréal USA, explains, “Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, making moisture penetration harder, so lightweight, water-based products and heat (like steam) help products absorb better.” Organi’s low porosity oil was formulated with this science in mind, making it perfect for those struggling with product absorption.
Explore the Full Range at: theorganibrands.com
2. Aunt Jackie’s
Aunt Jackie’s offers an approach to porosity care through its alignment with the LOC (Liquid–Oil–Cream) method. For high porosity hair, the Butter Crème – Intensive Moisture Sealant delivers dense moisture and helps prevent moisture loss. Low porosity types might find the Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner to be a lighter, more suitable option.
Though effective for many, users often find themselves testing several products before locking down what works, which can be time-consuming. Still, the flexibility of Aunt Jackie’s range allows for some trial and error based on hair density and porosity.
Their approach appeals most to consumers familiar with the LOC method who are looking for affordable, widely available options. However, those seeking detailed porosity-specific education or guidance may find the brand somewhat generalized in comparison to more targeted lines.
3. SheaMoisture
SheaMoisture’s targeted lines for low and high porosity are some of the accessible options available. Their Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo helps remove buildup and open cuticles slightly to enhance moisture absorption, while the High Porosity Moisture Seal Masque deeply conditions to reinforce damaged strands.
The brand is often a starting point for many on their natural hair journey due to its range. That said, performance can vary depending on climate, hair thickness, and pre-existing damage. The ingredients are generally nourishing but may lack the specificity needed for more complex porosity-related issues.
Dr. Kahen, a board-certified hair surgeon, says, “Because hair is drier and more damaged, it is more prone to breakage and split ends. Regular trims help to stimulate new hair growth.” Coupling a good trim routine with SheaMoisture’s deep conditioners can make a noticeable difference in hair health.
While SheaMoisture doesn’t offer a comprehensive breakdown per porosity type like other brands, it serves as a good ground for consumers looking for simple solutions that deliver basic results.
4. Mielle Organics
Mielle Organics incorporates ingredients like rice water and babassu oil in its porosity-friendly formulations. The High Porosity Hair Oil seals cuticles that are prone to lifting, while the Rice Water Split End Therapy helps strengthen ends that have started to fray.
Though the natural ingredients make these products attractive, users may need to supplement their routine with protein or clarifying treatments for consistent results. Mielle’s products are designed to complement, not complete, your routine. For this reason, their effectiveness depends heavily on a consistent regimen and careful application.
Lacy Redway emphasizes hydration, especially for high porosity hair. Mielle’s offerings cater well to this need, although they require a well-planned regimen to see the best outcomes.
5. Olaplex
Best known for its patented bond-building technology, Olaplex is a staple in salons worldwide. The No. 3 Hair Perfector rebuilds broken bonds, and the No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo helps maintain those repairs with regular use.
While not porosity-specific, Olaplex serves as a good addition to routines where chemical or heat damage is a concern, both of which can alter hair porosity. However, the line may not offer the moisture needed for high porosity hair or the lightness that low porosity strands crave.
The brand’s clinical approach, supported by stylists and salon professionals, provides confidence for those looking to repair structural damage. But without moisture-balancing formulas or porosity-specific recommendations, Olaplex might not offer the full support needed for everyday care and maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right hair growth product involves more than just grabbing what’s popular. It’s about understanding how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Identifying your porosity type puts you on the right path, but the true power lies in choosing products specifically engineered to match it.
If you’re still unsure of your porosity type, consider performing a simple test at home: drop a clean, dry strand of hair into a glass of water. If it floats, you likely have low porosity hair. If it sinks quickly, high porosity. This small step can help you unlock a much more effective and personalized hair care routine.
Because of the flaws in the float test, many professionals recommend alternative methods that rely on direct observation:
The Spray Bottle Test: Take a small, clean section of your hair and mist it with water.
- Low Porosity: The water will bead up on the hair and take a long time to absorb.
- High Porosity: The hair will absorb the water almost instantly and feel saturated.
The Feel Test: Take a clean, dry strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft towards your scalp.
- Low Porosity: The hair shaft will feel smooth, as the cuticles are tightly closed.
- High Porosity: The hair will feel rough or bumpy, indicating the cuticles are raised.
In summary, while the float test is a good starting point and a widely known concept, it’s best to use it alongside other tests and observe how your hair naturally reacts to water and products for a more accurate assessment.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
Also, I accept monetary compensation through affiliate links, advertising, guest posts, and sponsored partnerships on this site, however I am very particular about the products I endorse and only do so when I am truly a fan of the quality and result of the product.
