9 Best Oils for Low Porosity Hair

Published by Aida Turner

Low porosity hair essentially exhibits symptoms such as difficulty absorbing moisture, products sitting on top of the hair rather than penetrating it, and the hair taking a long time to dry. Hair oil effectively addresses these issues by aiding in moisture retention and providing much-needed nourishment. Scientifically, certain oils can penetrate the hair’s tightly bound cuticle layer, facilitating moisture absorption.

Furthermore, oil application after a water-based product can seal in the moisture, thereby resolving the inherent moisture retention problem of low porosity hair. Oils also offer a protective layer against environmental damage and heat styling tools, enhancing overall hair health and vitality.

BUT, not all hair oils are beneficial for low porosity hair, and this is primarily due to the structure of low porosity hair itself.

The ideal oil for low porosity hair should be lightweight, have small molecules, be rich in monounsaturated fats, and abundant in antioxidants. These properties make them particularly well-suited to overcoming the challenges associated with low porosity hair.

Based on the above criteria, 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.

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.

In this article, 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.

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.

Argan oil has many benefits for low porosity hair such as moisturizing, nourishing and penetrating.

Argan oil excels with low acid values (0.4–0.6 mg/g), helping hydration without build-up, and high oleic acid content, sealing in moisture for longer periods.

Argan oil boasts high oleic acid (43-49%) and linoleic acid (29-36%) content, nourishing hair internally. Its antioxidants, including phenols (36 mg/kg), Vitamin E (620 mg/kg), carotenes, and squalene, fortify hair and reduce damage.

Argan oil effectively absorbs into hair due to its high iodine value (95–100 g/100 g). Low dienes (K232<2) and trienes (K270<0.35) values maintain freshness, and a low peroxide value (less than 1.5 meq/kg) ensures minimal rancidity, offering superior protection.[1]

2. Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil, emanating from the kernels of the Prunus dulcis tree, is frequently utilized in both skincare and haircare formulations due to its remarkable properties. Sweet almond oil is endowed with an array of health-benefiting constituents, such as essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, and phytonutrients.

The oil contains approximately 56.64-64.03% oleic acid, an Omega-9 fatty acid, and around 24.57-29.80% linoleic acid, an Omega-6 fatty acid. As natural emollients, these essential fatty acids have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and follicles, aiding in moisture retention that serves to hydrate, moisturize, and protect both the scalp and hair.[2]

Sweet almond oil is also an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that provides numerous health advantages and contains approximately 26.2 milligrams per 100 grams.

This nutrient, coupled with other beneficial components such as Vitamin A, potassium (708 mg/100g), and zinc (3.08 mg/100g), can help nourish, revitalize, and strengthen hair, thereby fostering healthy growth and improving overall hair health.

3. Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil, extracted from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis tree, boasts exceptional properties that make it highly advantageous for various applications. Despite being commonly referred to as an oil, it is actually a liquid wax ester, closely resembling the sebum naturally produced by our skin.

This liquid wax ester penetrates the hair cuticle effortlessly, nourishing the hair and providing essential hydration. Its composition, including significant percentages of oleic acid (30-45%) and 11-eicosenoic acid (20-40%), allows for easy penetration, particularly crucial for low porosity hair types.[3]

By mimicking sebum, jojoba oil effectively nourishes the hair and scalp, harnessing its antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties, and docosanol content, which promotes hair health and stimulates collagen production in keratinocyte skin cells.

Additionally, jojoba oil’s lightweight nature, resemblance to sebum, and noncomedogenic properties ensure effective moisturization without causing buildup, maintaining optimal hair and scalp health.

Furthermore, it offers protective benefits by warding off microbial threats, preventing the evaporation of natural oils, and potentially safeguarding against viral infections. Simultaneously, it strengthens hair strands through collagen production, resulting in healthier, more resilient hair.

4. Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil (Vitis Vinifera) is originating from the seeds of grapes and is known for its impressive composition.

With its high content of fatty acids, including the polyunsaturated linoleic acid (53.6-69.6%) and the monounsaturated oleic acid (16.2-31.2%), grapeseed oil deeply nourishes hair by supplying essential nutrients, fostering overall hair health and well-being.[4]

The oil’s ability to penetrate low porosity hair, owing to its lightweight nature, ensures optimal moisture levels without inducing greasiness or product buildup. This makes grapeseed oil an excellent choice for maintaining hydration in hair types that typically resist moisture absorption.

Grapeseed oil, abundant in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, can protect the hair from environmental damage by neutralizing free radicals. This helps to reduce oxidative stress, crucial in maintaining hair health and preventing premature hair aging.

Lastly, the oil’s omega-6 fatty acids content contributes to promoting skin health and ensuring scalp well-being when applied topically. These fatty acids have important roles in cellular functions, which can lead to improvements in scalp health and hair growth.

5. Avocado oil

Avocado oil, derived from the fruit of the Persea americana tree, offers numerous benefits for low porosity hair. Its rich composition of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), including oleic acid (47.2%), palmitic acid (23.6%), linoleic acid (13.4%), and others, nourishes and moisturizes the hair without weighing it down.[5]

Thanks to its small molecular size and structure, avocado oil easily penetrates the hair shaft, providing deep hydration from within. This ability to address moisture resistance is a game-changer for low porosity hair, resulting in improved hair health and vitality.

Avocado oil’s nutrient profile, including vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as a small amount of protein, contributes to its protective and nourishing properties. It shields the hair from free radical damage, enhances hair strength, repairs damage, and improves hair elasticity.

Likewise, the high smoke point of avocado oil (around 520°F or 270°C) makes it an excellent choice for heat protection during styling. It acts as a protective barrier, reducing damage caused by high temperatures and promoting healthier hair styling practices.

6. Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil, extracted from the seeds of the Helianthus annuus plant, offers numerous advantages for low porosity hair due to its specific properties and scientific composition.

With a high content of oleic acid (ranging from 41.04% to 81.99%) and linoleic acid (between 40.72% and 46.73%), sunflower oil easily penetrates low porosity hair due to its lightweight texture, providing deep hydration and nourishment without leaving any greasy residue.[6]

Its abundant vitamin E, including tocopherols and tocotrienols, acts as potent antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals, combating damage from environmental factors and styling tools, promoting hair growth, and maintaining the health and strength of low porosity hair.

Also, sunflower oil’s emollient properties create a protective film that seals moisture within the hair shaft, resulting in softer and smoother hair cuticles, improved manageability, and reduced frizz.

Moreover, the moisturizing characteristics of sunflower oil effectively nourish the scalp, reducing dryness and flakiness, and creating a healthy environment for optimal growth of low porosity hair.

Handcraft Sunflower Oil

• Key benefits: helps to hydrate and moisturize; reduces hair loss; calms the itchy and dandruff prone scalp.

• Features: chemical free, hexane free, preservative free and cruelty free.

CLICK FOR BEST PRICE

7. Apricot oil

Apricot oil, derived from the kernels of apricot fruits (Prunus armeniaca), offers a range of benefits for low porosity hair.

Its composition rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including oleic acid (70.70%) and linoleic acid (22.41%), provides nourishment to the hair without greasiness, maintaining a balanced and healthy appearance.[7]

The lightweight nature of apricot oil allows it to easily penetrate low porosity hair, delivering deep hydration and nourishment from within, without leaving any greasy residue. This makes it an excellent choice for moisturizing low porosity hair, preventing buildup and maintaining hair’s natural lightness.

Apricot oil’s high vitamin E content acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors, ensuring healthier and stronger low porosity hair.

Moreover, when applied to the scalp, apricot oil helps alleviate dryness, itching, and flakiness, promoting a healthier scalp environment and supporting optimal hair growth for low porosity hair.

Handcraft Sunflower Oil

• Key benefits: restores hydration and nourishment to the hair; can be used as a sealing oil to lock in moisture and prevent moisture loss; can be applied on beards;

• Features: Non-GMO, hexane free, no added ingredients

CLICK FOR BEST PRICE

8. Coconut oil

Coconut oil, derived from the meat of coconuts (Cocos nucifera), boasts a range of benefits for low porosity hair due to its unique composition and scientific properties.

Its low molecular weight fatty acids, notably lauric acid (approximately 47%), easily penetrate the hair shaft, providing nourishment and strength from within.[8]

The oil’s exceptional moisturizing capabilities are also evident as it effectively hydrates the hair and creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture and prevents water loss. This sealing effect enhances the moisture retention capacity of low porosity hair, resulting in improved softness and manageability.

Furthermore, coconut oil’s high content of lauric acid contributes to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable option for combating scalp conditions such as dandruff or fungal infections.

Lastly, coconut oil acts as a heat protectant for low porosity hair, thanks to its high smoke point (approximately 350°F or 177°C). When applied before heat styling, it forms a protective barrier, reducing damage caused by high temperatures and minimizing protein loss, thus preserving the integrity of low porosity hair.

9. Safflower oil

Safflower oil, derived from the seeds of the Carthamus tinctorius plant, offers numerous benefits for low porosity hair.

With its high linoleic acid content (76-79%), it plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture balance, preventing excessive dryness and brittleness. The oil’s light texture allows for easy absorption, effectively hydrating and nourishing the hair from within.

It forms a protective barrier that helps retain moisture and improve overall moisture balance, making safflower oil an excellent choice for moisturizing low porosity hair without causing buildup or weighing it down.

Moreover, safflower oil’s rich vitamin E content, particularly α-tocopherol, acts as a potent antioxidant, safeguarding the hair from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. Its moisturizing effect combats dryness and frizz, leaving the hair smooth, manageable, and more receptive to other hair care products.

Besides, safflower oil’s soothing and nourishing properties support scalp health, promoting a healthy foundation for strong and lustrous strands.

FAQ

How should I apply hair oils for low porosity hair?

Gently warm the oil in your palms and distribute it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the ends. Use your fingertips to massage the oil into your scalp to promote blood circulation and nourish the hair follicles. Leave the oil on for a recommended time, depending on the specific oil and desired results, before rinsing or leaving it in. Click here to learn how to moisturize low porosity hair!

How can I enhance the effectiveness of hair oils for low porosity hair?

Consider using a clarifying or sulfate-free shampoo in conjunction with the oils. These types of shampoos are gentler on the hair and scalp, preventing excessive stripping of natural oils. Click here to check the best shampoo for low porosity hair!

What are the potential side effects of using hair oils for low porosity hair?

While hair oils can provide numerous benefits, using too much oil can lead to a greasy or weighed-down appearance. On the other hand, not using enough oil may not provide adequate moisture. It’s important to find the right balance based on your hair’s needs. Additionally, some individuals may have allergic reactions to certain oils. Performing a patch test before full application is recommended to check for any allergic responses.

What results can I expect from using hair oils for low porosity hair?

Using the right hair oils for low porosity hair can lead to improved moisture retention, increased softness, and enhanced manageability. These oils help nourish and protect the hair strands, reducing breakage and improving overall hair health. Consistent use can result in healthier, shinier, and more vibrant-looking hair.

Author of this article: Aida Turner

Founder & Hair Care Consultant

Aida is a cosmetologist and hair care consultant with over 7 years of experience in the beauty industry. Aida has worked with various top salons and smaller hair care brands, offering her product development, formulation, and testing expertise.

Her extensive knowledge of hair care ingredients and their effects on hair health enables her to provide thorough, well-researched, and unbiased reviews on a wide range of shampoos and hair care products. In her spare time, Aida enjoys experimenting with new hair care routines, blogging about her experiences, and helping others achieve their hair goals.

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