What are the best oils for low porosity hair?

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The best oils for low porosity hair are argan oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, almond oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, apricot oil.

The reason these oils are effective for low porosity hair lies in their lightweight nature which allows them to more easily penetrate the tightly packed cuticles of the hair strands. These oils can deliver the necessary moisture and nourishment, thereby helping to improve the health and appearance of low porosity hair.

As a former professional hairdresser, I’ve had the pleasure of working with various hair types and textures, and I understand the importance of selecting the right oils for each hair type.

Today, I want to share the best oils that work wonders on low porosity hair. These oils have made a significant difference in my clients’ hair health and appearance, and I’m excited to share my personal experiences with you.

Best oils for low porosity hair

1. Argan oil

Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa L.), which is native to Morocco and southwestern Algeria. It is known for its rich content of fatty acids and antioxidants, which contribute to its varied uses in both cooking and cosmetics.

The oil’s composition includes approximately 43-49% oleic acid and around 29-36% linoleic acid. It also contains smaller quantities of other elements such as palmitic and stearic acids. Additionally, Argan oil boasts natural phenols, tocopherols (vitamin E), carotenes, and squalene, which are renowned for their nourishing and medicinal qualities.

The quality parameters of Argan oil, as indicated by an enzyme extraction study, suggest low oxidation levels, with acid values of 0.4–0.6 mg/g, iodine values of 95–100 g/100 g, dienes (K 232 < 2), trienes (K 270 < 0.35), and peroxide values of less than 1.5 meq. These figures indicate the high quality and stability of Argan oil, which contribute to its potential health benefits and effectiveness in cosmetic applications.

When it comes to low porosity hair, Argan oil is highly beneficial due to several reasons:

1. Lightweight Nature: Argan oil, being lighter than many other oils, can penetrate the tightly packed cuticles of low porosity hair, providing the necessary hydration.

2. Moisturizing Properties: Argan oil has excellent moisturizing properties, making it an effective conditioner for low porosity hair that typically resists moisture due to its structure.

3. Rich in Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants: The high concentration of oleic and linoleic acids, as well as antioxidants, helps nourish the hair from within, improving hair health and appearance.

4. Treatment for Dry and Damaged Hair: The oil is particularly beneficial for dry and damaged hair, common issues with low porosity hair. It can help treat split ends and frizzy hair.

Argan oil’s potent combination of nutrients and its lightweight nature make it an ideal choice for those with low porosity hair. It can penetrate the hair shaft effectively, delivering necessary nutrients without the risk of weighing down the hair.

• Hydration and protection: Argan oil hydrates and protects both hair and scalp, making it suitable for low porosity hair, which typically requires more hydration.
• Improved hair appearance: The lightweight formulation immediately impacts hair, transforming dull, dry hair into a radiant, lustrous appearance.

This product is formulated with pure Moroccan argan oil, which is authentic and imported directly from Morocco. It is incredibly rich in Vitamin E and natural antioxidants that work together to hydrate and protect your low porosity hair.

The best part is that you only need a few drops of the argan oil treatment to achieve the desired results, making it an economical choice as well.

Personal experience – review

As a former professional hairdresser, I’ve had the pleasure of using milk_shake Glistening Argan Oil on numerous clients, and I’d like to share a particularly positive experience with you. One of my clients, Emma, has low porosity hair, which can be quite challenging to manage. She was struggling with dryness, frizz, and lack of shine, so I recommended milk_shake Glistening Argan Oil to her.

After a few weeks of use, Emma came back to the salon, and I was amazed by the transformation her hair had undergone. The argan oil had worked wonders, leaving her hair looking lustrous, soft, and moisturized. The product’s lightweight and non-greasy formula was perfect for her low porosity hair, as it did not weigh it down or leave any residue.

2. Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is obtained from sweet almonds (Prunus dulcis). It’s often used as an ingredient in skincare and haircare products due to its beneficial properties. There are two types of almond oil: sweet and bitter, with the former being more suitable for skin application.

Sweet almond oil is packed with beneficial components such as fatty acids, fiber, and other plant substances. These fatty acids like Omega-3 are also considered emollients, which can help to build moisture retention in hair shafts and follicles, as well as condition and protect the scalp and hair.

Sweet almond oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that may provide numerous health benefits. It also contains other nutrients like Vitamin A, potassium, and zinc.

When it comes to its benefits for low porosity hair, here are the key points:

1. Moisturization: Sweet almond oil has strong moisturizing properties, which can be particularly useful for low porosity hair that tends to be more resistant to moisture. Using almond oil on the skin and hair can help treat and prevent dryness.
Check this article: How to Moisturize Low Porosity Hair?

2. Softening Effect: One of the benefits of almond oil for hair is that it softens it. This can be especially beneficial for low porosity hair, which often suffers from a lack of softness due to its tightly packed cuticles.

3. Light Weight: Like argan oil, sweet almond oil is light and can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively than heavier oils. This makes it a good choice for low porosity hair, which requires oils that can penetrate the cuticle layer without weighing the hair down.

4. Nutrient Rich: Sweet almond oil is rich in essential nutrients that nourish the hair, promoting healthy growth and improving overall hair health [5].

• Expertly Crafted with High-Quality Ingredients: This product is made from the finest source of Sweet Almond and is free of parabens, SLS, mineral oil, fragrance, artificial color, and cruelty. These factors make it an ideal preference for low porosity hair, which often requires gentle and non-irritating products to maintain its health and integrity.
• Simple and Effective: Coera Sweet Almond Oil is formulated with simple and honest ingredients, making it a reliable pick for your low porosity hair if you are looking for a straightforward and effective solution to your hair care needs.

Personal experience – review

What I love about Coera Sweet Almond Oil is its lightweight texture. It’s not heavy or greasy, which means you don’t have to worry about your hair looking weighed down or oily. It absorbs beautifully into the strands, instantly boosting their shine and manageability without any residue.

Whether you’re dealing with frizz, flyaways, or lackluster locks, Coera Sweet Almond Oil has got your back. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, a leave-in conditioner, or even as a styling aid to tame those stubborn strands. It truly does it all!

3. Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is an extract from the seed of the jojoba tree, and it’s scientifically known as Simmondsia chinensis. Although it’s referred to as an oil, it’s technically a liquid wax ester that closely resembles the sebum, the natural oil produced by human skin.

The oil is rich in essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, and zinc, which are nutrients that nourish hair. It also has an impressive molecular structure, primarily composed of straight chain esters of monounsaturated long-chain fatty acids and long-chain primary fatty alcohols. The predominant fatty acids are oleic acid (30%-45%) and 11-eicosenoic acid (20%-40%) .

One of the significant benefits of jojoba oil for low porosity hair is its resemblance to sebum. This means it can prevent the natural oils in the hair from evaporating, which helps the hair appear shiny and hydrated.

Furthermore, due to its lightweight nature and similarity to natural sebum, it can easily penetrate the hair cuticle, providing hydration without causing product buildup, which is crucial for low porosity hair types that are prone to product buildup.

Additionally, Jojoba oil is noncomedogenic (does not clog pores), antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and contains docosanol, a component that fights viral infections.

Studies have also suggested that jojoba oil can aid in wound healing, inflammation, aging skin, and hair growth. It’s also been shown to engage with keratinocyte skin cells, which produce more collagen, a protein crucial for skin health and hair strength, when jojoba oil is applied.

• Sebum-like properties: closely mimics the natural oils produced by the scalp, making it an ideal choice for those with low porosity 4c hair.
• Nutrient-rich: contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and B-complex that contribute to healthy-looking hair.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and non-greasy: a light, non-greasy oil that won’t weigh down low porosity hair.
• Single-ingredient product: a single-ingredient product with no synthetic additives, making it an all-natural choice.
• Certified organic: some brands of jojoba oil, such as Cliganic USDA Organic Jojoba Oil, are certified organic by the USDA and EWG, ensuring the highest quality and purity.

Personal experience – review

When I worked in my hair salon, I have seen my fair share of hair products, but Cliganic Jojoba Oil has been a game-changer for many of my clients with low porosity hair. One client in particular, Olivia, came to me with dry, dull hair that lacked shine. After learning about her hair’s low porosity, I recommended incorporating Cliganic Jojoba Oil into her hair care routine.

Olivia began using the oil as a pre-shampoo treatment by applying it directly to her scalp and massaging it in 20-30 minutes before her shower. She also mixed a few drops of the oil with her low porosity shampoo. The results were astounding. Her hair became softer, shinier, and silkier than ever before.

4. Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil (Vitis Vinifera) is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It’s a byproduct of winemaking, as the seeds left behind after pressing grapes for wine production are used to extract this oil.

The oil is known to offer several health benefits including improved heart health and healing properties. It’s high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which have been associated with better heart health.

In addition, research has shown that grapeseed oil might help lower cholesterol and manage weight. Grapeseed oil also contains compounds that can reduce inflammation and potentially improve the pain and swelling associated with sunburns, possibly due to its omega-6 fatty acids.

When it comes to skin health, grapeseed oil has been found to be quite beneficial. It contains high levels of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that can help control acne by decreasing clogged pores. Grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E, and omega fatty acids, such as linolenic acid, which are essential components for skin health.

In terms of its benefits for low porosity hair, grapeseed oil has unique properties that make it suitable.

• It’s lightweight, which allows it to be absorbed easily by low porosity hair without weighing it down.
• It can be used daily for thick, coarse hair and one to two times a week for fine hair.
• Grapeseed oil adds shine, fights frizz, and is beneficial for most hair types, making it a great option for those with low porosity hair that require light, non-greasy oils for adequate moisture and nourishment.

• It helps to moisturize the hair – One of the most significant benefits of grapeseed oil is that it’s lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair. This makes it an excellent moisturizer for 4c low porosity hair, which can be challenging to keep hydrated. With grapeseed oil, your hair will be more hydrated, and as a result, it will be more manageable.
• It strengthens the hair – Grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamin E, which can help to strengthen the hair and protect it from damage. This is especially important for 4c low porosity hair, which can be prone to breakage and split ends. By using grapeseed oil regularly, you’ll notice that your hair is stronger and less prone to damage.
• Grapeseed oil is a natural antioxidant, which means it can help protect the hair and scalp from free radicals and environmental damage. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to maintain healthy and strong hair over the long term.

Here are the main features of Maple Holistics Pure Grapeseed Oil:

• It’s 100% natural and pure, with no additives or preservatives.
• It’s cold-pressed, which means that the oil is extracted without the use of heat, preserving its natural nutrients.
• It’s lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair, without leaving a greasy residue.

So, why is grapeseed oil good for 4c low porosity hair?

Well, as I mentioned, it’s lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair, which makes it an excellent moisturizer. Additionally, its nutrient-rich composition helps to strengthen the hair, protect it from damage, and promote growth. All of these factors make it an ideal choice for those with 4c low porosity hair who want to achieve healthy, strong, and hydrated hair.

Personal experience – review

As a proficient hairdresser, I used Maple Holistics Pure Grapeseed Oil on my clients with 4c low porosity hair and the results were amazing! The most positive statements about this oil that I’ve experienced personally are:

Firstly, the lightweight nature of grapeseed oil makes it perfect for use on 4c low porosity hair without weighing it down or making it look oily.

Secondly, grapeseed oil is great for maintaining a healthy scalp. Incorporating this oil into your hair care routine, presumably you will not have experience issues with your scalp, even 30 days after not shampooing.

Lastly, Maple Holistics Pure Grapeseed Oil is incredibly versatile. I often mix it with other oils to create tailored treatments for my clients based on their specific hair needs.

5. Avocado oil

Avocado oil, derived from the fruit of the Persea americana tree, is rich in nutrients and beneficial compounds that make it suitable for low porosity hair. Here is the scientific information about avocado oil and its effects on low porosity hair:

1. Fatty Acid Composition: Avocado oil is primarily composed of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), particularly oleic acid (approximately 60-80%). Other fatty acids present in smaller amounts include palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. MUFAs help to nourish and moisturize low porosity hair without weighing it down.
   
2. Penetration and Moisturizing Properties: Avocado oil has a unique ability to penetrate the hair shaft due to its small molecular size and structure. Its penetration allows the oil to effectively moisturize the hair from within, addressing the common issue of low porosity hair that tends to resist moisture absorption. This helps to improve the overall moisture balance of the hair.
   
3. Essential Nutrients: Avocado oil contains essential nutrients that promote healthy hair growth and provide nourishment to low porosity hair. These include vitamins E and B, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting the hair from damage caused by free radicals, while the B vitamins support overall hair health and strength.
4. Protein Content: Avocado oil also contains a small amount of protein, which can help strengthen low porosity hair strands. The protein content assists in repairing and fortifying the hair, reducing breakage, and improving elasticity.
5. Heat Protection: Avocado oil has a relatively high smoke point (around 520°F or 270°C), which makes it suitable for heat styling. When applied to low porosity hair before heat treatments such as blow-drying or flat ironing, avocado oil acts as a protective barrier, reducing the damage caused by high temperatures.

Recommended product: Pure Cold Pressed Apricot Kernel Oil

8. Coconut oil

Coconut oil, taken from the meat of coconuts (Cocos nucifera), offers numerous benefits for low porosity hair. Here is the scientific information about coconut oil and its effects on low porosity hair:

1. Fatty Acid Composition: Coconut oil is predominantly composed of saturated fatty acids, with lauric acid being the primary component (approximately 45-53%). Other saturated fatty acids present include capric acid, caprylic acid, and myristic acid. These fatty acids have low molecular weight, allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft and provide nourishment to low porosity hair.
   
2. High Affinity for Hair Proteins: Coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins due to its molecular structure and low molecular weight fatty acids. This affinity allows coconut oil to easily penetrate the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and strengthening low porosity hair. The oil forms a protective layer around the hair strands, reducing moisture evaporation and increasing hair elasticity.
   
3. Moisturizing and Sealing Properties: Coconut oil exhibits excellent moisturizing properties, helping to hydrate low porosity hair. It forms a protective barrier on the hair strands, sealing in moisture and reducing water loss.
   This sealing effect helps to improve the moisture retention capacity of low porosity hair, preventing dryness and enhancing hair softness and manageability.
   
4. Antifungal and Antimicrobial Effects: Coconut oil possesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties, primarily attributed to its high content of lauric acid. These properties can help combat scalp conditions such as dandruff or fungal infections, providing a healthier environment for low porosity hair growth. A healthy scalp is essential for maintaining the overall health and appearance of the hair.
   
5. Heat Protection: Coconut oil has a relatively high smoke point (approximately 350°F or 177°C), making it suitable for heat styling. When applied to low porosity hair before heat treatments such as blow-drying or flat ironing, coconut oil acts as a protective barrier, reducing the damage caused by high temperatures.
   It helps to minimize protein loss and maintain the integrity of low porosity hair strands.

Recommended product: Oliology Coconut Oil 10-in-1 Multipurpose Spray

9. Safflower oil

Safflower oil, procured from the seeds of the Carthamus tinctorius plant, offers several properties that make it beneficial for low porosity hair. Here are safflower oil effects on low porosity hair:

1. Fatty Acid Composition: Safflower oil is primarily composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with linoleic acid being the major component (approximately 70-80%). It also contains a significant amount of oleic acid (approximately 10-20%) and a small percentage of saturated fatty acids. The high linoleic acid content in safflower oil helps to maintain the moisture balance in low porosity hair, preventing excessive dryness and brittleness.
   
2. Light Texture and Absorption: Safflower oil has a light texture, which allows it to be easily absorbed by low porosity hair without leaving a greasy residue. This property makes it an excellent choice for moisturizing low porosity hair without causing buildup or weighing it down. The oil penetrates the hair shaft, providing hydration and nourishment from within.
   
3. Moisturizing and Emollient Properties: Safflower oil exhibits excellent moisturizing and emollient properties, helping to hydrate and soften low porosity hair. It forms a protective barrier on the hair strands, preventing moisture loss and improving the hair’s overall moisture balance. This moisturizing effect helps combat dryness and frizz, leaving the hair smooth, manageable, and more receptive to other hair care products.
   
4. Antioxidant Activity: Safflower oil possesses antioxidant properties due to its content of vitamin E, particularly α-tocopherol. Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. This antioxidant activity helps to maintain the health and vitality of low porosity hair.
   
5. Scalp Health: In addition to its benefits for the hair, safflower oil can also contribute to scalp health. It helps moisturize and soothe the scalp, reducing dryness, itching, and flakiness. A healthy scalp environment is essential for optimal hair growth and the overall health of low porosity hair.

Recommended product: Daana Organic Safflower Oil