Best Oils for Each Hair Porosity Type
Choosing the right oil for your hair porosity can completely transform how your hair looks and feels. When your oil matches your porosity level, your hair absorbs nutrients properly instead of feeling greasy, dry, or weighed down.
Here’s how to choose wisely:
Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, which makes it difficult for oils and moisture to penetrate. This often causes products to sit on top of the hair instead of absorbing.
Best oils for low porosity hair are lightweight and fast-absorbing:
- Jojoba Oil – Closely mimics the scalp’s natural sebum and absorbs easily.
- Grapeseed Oil – Light, non-greasy and ideal for sealing moisture without buildup.
- Sweet Almond Oil – Adds softness and shine without heaviness.
- Argan Oil – A lightweight oil rich in vitamin E, perfect for dry low-porosity hair.
How to use:
Apply a small amount to damp hair or use during warm oil treatments to help open the cuticles for better absorption.
Medium Porosity Hair
Medium porosity hair has slightly open cuticles, making it the easiest to manage. It absorbs moisture well and holds styles beautifully.
Best oils for medium porosity hair:
- Avocado Oil – Nourishing and rich in vitamins A, D & E.
- Olive Oil – Excellent for strengthening and shine.
- Macadamia Nut Oil – Closely matches natural scalp oils, perfect for balance and hydration.
- Baobab Oil – Lightweight but deeply nourishing.
How to use:
Use as a weekly hot oil treatment or blend into leave-in conditioners.
High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair has open or damaged cuticles. It absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
Best oils for high porosity hair are heavier and more sealing:
- Castor Oil – Thick and deeply sealing, perfect for broken or weakened hair.
- Batana Oil – Intensely nourishing and amazing for damaged, processed hair.
- Coconut Oil – Penetrates the hair shaft to reduce protein loss.
- Shea Butter Oil – Helps lock in moisture and protect ends.
How to use:
Use as a sealing oil after washing or as part of a deep conditioning routine.
Quick Comparison Table (For Easy Reading)
| Porosity Type | Best Oils | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Low Porosity | Jojoba, Grapeseed, Sweet Almond, Argan | Lightweight, fast absorption |
| Medium Porosity | Avocado, Olive, Macadamia, Baobab | Balanced hydration |
| High Porosity | Castor, Batana, Coconut, Shea | Heavy sealing and repair |
