When your curls seem to absorb every drop of moisture, break easily, and struggle to retain hydration, you may be dealing with high porosity curly hair. But don’t worry: understanding your hair’s characteristics is the first step to caring for it properly. In this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize high porosity, which treatments to use, and which products help keep your curls soft, strong, and defined.
Hair porosity refers to the hair fiber’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. When hair is high porosity, it means the cuticles — the outermost layer of the hair — are lifted or damaged, allowing moisture to enter and escape very easily.
Signs of high porosity curls
High porosity curly hair:
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Absorbs water quickly but loses it just as fast, often feeling dry and dehydrated
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Breaks easily, especially after chemical treatments or heat styling
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Frizzes easily, particularly in humid environments
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Looks dull and feels rough to the touch
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Dries very quickly after washing
Simple test: place a clean, dry strand of hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, it is likely high porosity.
High porosity curls need targeted care to restore strength and lock in moisture. Here are the most effective strategies:
- Seal in moisture: after applying your leave-in conditioner, always use a lightweight oil to seal in hydration. This helps close the cuticles and prevents moisture from escaping too quickly. Light oils such as jojoba or argan oil are ideal: they penetrate deeply without weighing the hair down and keep curls soft and shiny for longer.
- Use nourishing and protein masks: high porosity hair loses proteins easily, which makes regular strengthening treatments essential. Masks containing hydrolyzed proteins, keratin, or amino acids help reinforce the hair structure and reduce breakage.
Apply once a week, ideally under a heat cap, to help the ingredients penetrate more effectively. - Avoid excessive heat: frequent use of hot tools like blow dryers and flat irons can further damage already open cuticles. Whenever possible, let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat.
If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant to minimize damage. - Follow the LOC method (Leave-in, Oil, Cream): this layering technique helps trap moisture inside the hair shaft: Leave-in conditioner to hydrate, Oil to seal in moisture, then cream to nourish and define. The LOC method keeps curls softer, more elastic, and better defined for longer.
- Protect your hair at night: friction while you sleep can cause moisture loss and breakage. Use a silk pillowcase or a satin bonnet to protect your curls.
You can also wear your hair in a loose pineapple (a high, soft ponytail) to preserve curl definition overnight.
Soft satin scarf suitable for protecting hair from frizz, both day and night.
Pillowcase made of 100% pure silk anti-frizz, ivory color.
Choosing the right products is essential for an effective Curly Routine and for keeping high porosity curls healthy and well defined. Here are the I Love Riccio products best suited for high porosity curly hair.
Gentle, hydrating shampoo
For cleansing that respects the structure of high porosity curls, choose Curlshine. Its gentle formula cleanses thoroughly without over-drying, helping maintain the hair’s natural moisture. It’s ideal for preventing frizz and leaving curls soft and shiny.
Reconstructing mask
A weekly treatment with Delight Milk Mask is essential to repair porous hair. Rich in nourishing and strengthening ingredients, this mask helps restore the hair fiber, improve elasticity, and reduce breakage. Leave it on for at least 15–20 minutes for best results.
Leave-in conditioner
Slide On is a lightweight leave-in that keeps hair soft and hydrated throughout the day. Its balanced formula makes detangling easier and prepares curls for styling, helping prevent breakage and enhance definition.
Oils to seal in moisture
To lock in hydration after moisturizing, choose castor oil, coconut oil, or argan oil. These natural oils help close the cuticles and retain moisture, keeping hair soft and protected for longer.
Styling gel or cream
For long-lasting, well-defined styling, use products such as Rock’n Go, Delicious Curl, or Twist’n Go. They help shape curls, control frizz, and provide natural definition without weighing the hair down.
With the right care and the right products, even high porosity curly hair can express its full natural beauty. Start your personalized Curly Routine and give your curls all the attention they deserve
Protein and nourishing mask specifically for curls with medium to fine texture.
Slide On is a leave-in conditioner that does not require rinsing, offering moisturizing, cuticle-sealing, and detangling benefits.
Pure moisturising, sublimating and softening oil; nourishes and restructures dry and damaged curls.
