7 Best Deep Conditioners for Low Porosity Hair (2023)
Published by Aida Turner
A deep conditioner is a specialized treatment that penetrates the hair shaft, providing intense hydration and nourishment beyond what regular conditioners offer. This is particularly crucial for low porosity hair with tightly bound cuticles resisting moisture absorption.
An effective deep conditioner for this hair type hydrates with ingredients like glycerin and honey, nourishes with oils such as argan and jojoba, and seals in moisture with emollients like aloe vera gel and babassu oil.
It’s essential to strike a balance, ensuring hair remains soft without protein overload. Maintaining a pH level close to the hair’s natural range is vital for cuticle closure, preventing moisture loss and preserving hair integrity.
For best results, apply the conditioner to damp hair after shampooing, leave for 15-30 minutes, then rinse. Incorporating this treatment into a weekly or bi-weekly regimen can lead to enhanced manageability, reduced frizz, and improved hair health.
This article highlights top deep conditioners specifically designed for low porosity hair, emphasizing their efficacy in promoting moisture, vitality, and resilience.
- Best for curly hair: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Conditioner
- Best for fine hair: OVERTONE The Remedy Deep Conditioner
- Best for dry and damaged hair: Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioner
- Best protein free deep conditioner: Mielle Organics Protein-Free Deep Conditioner
- Best for natural hair: tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask Deep Conditioner
- Best cheap deep conditioner: Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioner
- Best moisturizing deep conditioner: CURLSMITH Vegan Moisturising Deep Conditioner
Best deep conditioner for curly low porosity hair
SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Conditioner
The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Conditioner is a legacy product from SheaMoisture, a brand that traces its roots back to Sofi Tucker, an entrepreneur who began selling Shea Butter and homemade beauty preparations in Sierra Leone in 1912.
This deep conditioner is specifically formulated for low porosity curly hair because its blends of natural ingredients, like Raw Shea Butter and Argan Oil, are adept at penetrating the compact cuticle layers of low porosity hair. These ingredients infuse the hair with moisture without causing product buildup, a common issue for low porosity hair types. Additionally, Sea Kelp Extract and Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) aid in moisture retention and balance, ensuring that the hair remains hydrated for extended periods, reducing the chances of dryness and breakage. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a product tailored to the unique needs of low porosity curls.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Deep Moisturization: The unique blend of Raw Shea Butter and Argan Oil provides intense hydration, ensuring that low porosity curly hair retains moisture effectively.
- Optimized for Transitioning Hair: The formula is tailored to support those transitioning from chemically treated hair to natural hair, addressing the unique challenges and nourishing the evolving hair textures.
- Ethical and Fair Trade Commitment: SheaMoisture’s dedication to fair trade practices and community reinvestment makes this product not just great for hair, but also for supporting ethical consumer choices.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Raw Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Sea Kelp Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5), Avocado Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply moisturizes and conditions dry, damaged hair |
| Scent | Shea Butter |
| Texture/Consistency | Highly viscous and somewhat gritty. |
| Packaging | 11.5 Fl Oz (326 g) |
| Brand | SheaMoisture |
| Eco-friendliness | Fair Trade Ingredients |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | No Animal Testing |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $10.54 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 3,071 ratings |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Ulta Beauty. |
2. Best deep conditioner for fine low porosity hair
OVERTONE The Remedy Deep Conditioner
Overtone, established by friends Maegan Scarlett and Liora Dudar in 2014, emerged as a response to the damage caused by vibrant dyes. They sought a healthier alternative to standard drugstore products, aiming for something semi-permanent that could still offer vibrant, beautiful locks. Their timely launch coincided with a rising demand for cruelty-free dyes formulated with minimal chemicals, positioning Overtone as an industry disrupter.
OVERTONE Remedy Deep Conditioner is specifically formulated for low porosity fine hair because its blend of lightweight natural oils and butter ensures that the hair receives the necessary hydration without being weighed down. Including ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil provides moisture that can easily penetrate the hair shaft of low porosity hair, ensuring that the moisture is locked in. Moreover, the formula is designed to avoid product build-up, a common concern for fine-haired individuals, ensuring the hair remains bouncy and voluminous. The conditioner’s ability to deeply moisturize without compromising volume makes it an ideal choice for those with low porosity fine hair.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Lightweight Hydration: The unique combination of ingredients ensures that fine hair is deeply moisturized without being weighed down, maintaining its natural volume.
- Natural Ingredients: Using natural oils and butter ensures the hair is nourished without harmful chemicals, making it safe for regular use.
- Refreshing Scent: The Rosemary Spearmint fragrance adds a refreshing scent and has therapeutic properties that can help revitalize the scalp and hair.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Water/Aqua/Eau, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Organic Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply moisturizes fine hair without weighing it down |
| Scent | Rosemary Spearmint |
| Packaging | 8 fl Oz. (237 ml) |
| Brand | OVERTONE |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | Vegan, Cruelty-free |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $27.00 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 3030 ratings |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Target |
3. Best deep conditioner for dry and damaged hair
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioner
Since its introduction, Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask has made significant waves in the haircare industry. Founded in 2013 by Nancy Twine, inspired by nourishing DIY recipes she learned from her grandmother, Briogeo has quickly become one of Sephora’s leading haircare brands. The Don’t Despair, Repair Mask, in particular, has garnered a reputation as an iconic product.
The Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioner is a standout product for those with dry and damaged low porosity hair. It boasts a unique blend of micro-encapsulated argan oil, allowing deeper penetration and repair. The antioxidant-packed algae extract nourishes and imparts a thicker feel and appearance to the hair. Additionally, including panthenol and rosehip oil ensures moisture and elasticity are restored to stressed strands. Notably, the formula is protein-free, addressing concerns that excessive protein can further damage hair. This conditioner is versatile, catering to various hair types, including color-treated, relaxed, or chemically-treated hair.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Intense Hydration: The mask’s blend of rosehip oil, almond oil, and vitamin B ensures that low porosity hair receives the deep hydration it needs, making hair feel soft and resilient.
- Restorative Properties: The mask promises to reduce hair breakage by up to 75% after just three uses, a testament to its potent repairing capabilities.
- Clean and Ethical Formulation: Briogeo’s commitment to clean beauty is evident in this mask. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful chemicals, making it great for hair and supporting ethical consumer choices.
Product Summary:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Rosehip Oil, Almond Oil, Vitamin B |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply moisturizes and conditions dry, damaged hair |
| Scent | Not specified |
| Texture/Consistency | Thick, creamy texture |
| Packaging | 8 fl Oz (236 ml) |
| Brand | Briogeo |
| Eco-friendliness | 97% naturally derived |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | Vegan, Cruelty-free |
| Application Instructions | As a weekly deep conditioning hair treatment |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $36.00 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 3,987 ratings |
| Where to buy | Available at Sephora, and Amazon |
4. Best protein free deep conditioner for low porosity hair
Mielle Organics Protein-Free Deep Conditioner
Mielle Organics is an American personal care company renowned for its extensive hair care products, mainly catering to wavy, curly, and coily hair types. Since their inception, they have emphasized hydration, strength, and growth, offering products that boost these essential hair health factors. Their offerings range from shampoos and conditioners to hair oils and styling products. Moreover, they have ventured into skincare, allowing customers to address hair and skin needs simultaneously. Since its launch, Mielle Organics has garnered significant media attention, with features on platforms like the Wendy Williams Show, Essence, and Allure magazine.
Mielle Organics Protein-Free Deep Conditioner is a standout product for those with low porosity hair. One of the challenges of low porosity hair is its difficulty absorbing and retaining moisture. This protein-free conditioner ensures no protein overload, which can sometimes lead to hair breakage. Instead, it focuses on deep hydration. Sub-Saharan African mongongo oil’s formula offers Intense Heat Defense™ and Curl Pattern Protection™, making it an ideal choice for those with protein-sensitive hair.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Deep Hydration: Mielle Organics Protein-Free Hydrating Conditioner is formulated to provide intense moisture, ensuring that low porosity hair retains hydration effectively.
- Perfect for Protein-Sensitive Hair: The conditioner is devoid of proteins, making it an excellent choice for those whose hair is sensitive to protein, preventing potential protein overload.
- Natural Ingredients: The use of Sub-Saharan African mongongo oil not only offers heat protection but also ensures that the hair’s curl pattern is maintained and protected.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Sub-Saharan African mongongo oil |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply hydrates and conditions low porosity hair |
| Scent | Not Unscented |
| Packaging | 8 fl. Oz. (236 ml) |
| Brand | Mielle Organics |
| Eco-friendliness | No DEA |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | No animal testing |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $8.29 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 1,277 ratings |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Target, Ulta |
5. Best deep conditioner for natural low porosity hair
tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask Deep Conditioner
The tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask Deep Conditioner is a renowned hair care product known for its luxurious formulation.
This deep conditioner boasts a rich blend of raw honey that imparts softer and shinier tresses. Additionally, it contains jojoba and olive oils, both renowned for their nourishing and healing properties. These ingredients make the product an excellent choice for natural low porosity hair, ensuring that moisture is effectively retained and strands needing repair are addressed.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Deep Hydration: The raw honey in the formula ensures that hair is deeply moisturized, addressing issues of dryness and damage.
- Nourishment and Repair: The combination of jojoba and olive oils works to heal strands, making it particularly beneficial for hair that has undergone color treatments or other forms of damage.
- Ideal for Specific Hair Types: The product is especially recommended for natural type 3c and 4c hair, catering to its unique needs and ensuring optimal health and appearance.
Product Summary:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Raw Honey, Jojoba Oil, Olive Oil |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply moisturizes and conditions dry, damaged hair |
| Scent | Miracle Hair Mask |
| Packaging | 12 oz (340 g) |
| Brand | tgin |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | No Animal Testing |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $15.00 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 6,345 ratings |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Ulta Beauty, Target |
6. Best cheap deep conditioner for low porosity hair
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioner
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioner is a part of Palmer’s long-standing tradition of creating quality hair care products.
This deep conditioner is formulated with ethically and sustainably sourced Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, which is known for its moisturizing properties. The Palmer’s Coconut Oil deeply penetrates the hair shaft, ensuring that moisture is effectively retained, making it an excellent and affordable choice for low porosity hair.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Deep Conditioning: The presence of coconut oil ensures that hair is deeply conditioned, addressing issues of dryness and damage.
- Strength and Repair: The protein pack in the formula works to strengthen hair, making it particularly beneficial for hair that has undergone damage.
- Natural Ingredients: The use of ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients ensures that the product is not only effective but also environmentally conscious.
Product Summary:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply conditions and hydrates hair |
| Scent | Coconut |
| Texture/Consistency | Rich and creamy |
| Packaging | 12 Oz (356 ml) |
| Brand | Palmer’s |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | Cruelty Free |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $6.59 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 285 ratings |
| Where to buy | Amazon |
7. Best moisturizing deep conditioner for low porosity hair
CURLSMITH Vegan Moisturising Deep Conditioner
CURLSMITH’s Double Cream Deep Quencher is a part of the brand’s commitment to creating high-quality, vegan hair care products.
The Double Cream Deep Quencher is specifically formulated for ultra-dry and dull hair. Its nourishing mask has a thick, buttery texture, ensuring that moisture is effectively retained, making it an excellent choice for low porosity hair. The CURLSMITH Vegan Moisturising Deep Conditioner boasts ingredients such as Avocado, Rose of Jericho, Aloe Vera, and Apricot Kernel Oil, which are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Why Lippie Hippie Recommends This Product:
- Deep Moisturization: The unique blend of natural ingredients ensures that hair is deeply moisturized, addressing issues of dryness and damage.
- Vegan Formula: The product is vegan, catering to those who prioritize cruelty-free and plant-based hair care solutions.
- Rich Texture: The thick, buttery texture of the mask ensures that hair is coated evenly, providing optimal hydration and nourishment.
Product Summary:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Avocado, Rose of Jericho, Aloe Vera, Apricot Kernel Oil |
| Moisturizing Properties | Deeply moisturizes and nourishes ultra-dry and dull hair |
| Scent | Fresh |
| Texture/Consistency | Thick, buttery |
| Packaging | 8 fl. Oz (237 ml) |
| Brand | CURLSMITH |
| Cruelty-free and Vegan Status | Cruelty Free, Vegan |
| Typical price (at the time of publication) | $27.55 |
| Customer’s rating | 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 1,427 ratings |
| Where to buy | Amazon, Ulta Beauty |
How to choose a deep conditioner for low porosity hair?
When it comes to the selection process of a deep conditioner for low porosity hair, understanding the product’s pH is crucial. Hair has a natural pH between 4.5 and 5.5. A deep conditioner with a pH value between 4 and 6 can lift the hair cuticle slightly, facilitating better moisture absorption.
Additionally, while not an ingredient per se, applying mild heat during the deep conditioning process can be beneficial. Heat can cause the hair’s cuticle to lift slightly, allowing for better penetration of the conditioner. This can be achieved using a heated cap or sitting under a hooded dryer for 15-30 minutes.
In summary, the science of selecting a deep conditioner for low porosity hair revolves around understanding molecular structures, ensuring optimal ingredient concentrations, and leveraging techniques like heat application for maximum benefit
What are the key ingredients in a deep conditioner for low porosity hair?
When considering the key ingredients in a deep conditioner for low porosity hair, it’s essential to focus on molecular size and functionality. Hydrolyzed proteins are a prime example. The term “hydrolyzed” indicates that the protein has undergone a process to break it down into smaller fragments. This transformation is crucial because the smaller molecular size allows these proteins to penetrate the tight cuticles characteristic of low porosity hair. Examples of such proteins include hydrolyzed silk and wheat proteins.
Humectants, like glycerin, play a pivotal role in attracting environmental moisture. Their function is to draw water molecules into the hair shaft. However, the concentration is vital. A balanced concentration of around 1-5% glycerin is effective for low porosity hair. Too much or too little can lead to frizz in high humidity or pull moisture out of the hair in dry conditions.
Emollients, specifically lightweight oils such as grapeseed, argan, or sweet almond oil, are essential for sealing and smoothing the hair cuticle. Their molecular structure makes them more suitable for low porosity hair, ensuring they don’t just sit atop the hair but are absorbed, providing nourishment.
On the other hand, heavy waxes like petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil can be counterproductive. They tend to sit on the hair’s surface, leading to buildup and preventing moisture absorption. If they are part of a conditioner’s ingredient list, their concentration should ideally be less than 1% to avoid these issue.
How Can I Improve My Low Porosity Hair?
Improving the health and manageability of low porosity hair involves more than just the right deep conditioner. Regular hair care practices tailored to its unique structure can make a significant difference. For starters, consider incorporating a clarifying shampoo into your routine. It effectively removes product buildup, ensuring your hair remains receptive to moisture. Pair it with a shampoo and conditioner for low porosity hair; its formulation is designed to moisturize and hydrate. Hair oils can act as sealants; Argan oil is beneficial as its molecular structure closely resembles the hair’s natural sebum, ensuring it doesn’t just sit on the hair but gets absorbed. Lastly, a leave-in conditioner can provide ongoing moisture and ease detangling, thanks to its slip-enhancing properties.
Conclusion
In the quest for the ideal deep conditioner for low porosity hair, understanding the science behind hair care is paramount. From the significance of molecular sizes in ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins to the balanced use of humectants and the strategic application of heat, each element plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal moisture absorption and hair health. With seven top-notch options at your disposal, selecting the right product becomes an informed choice rather than a gamble. By prioritizing conditioners that align with the unique needs of low porosity hair, you’re not just investing in a product but in the long-term health and vibrancy of your tresses.
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.