The Best High Porosity Conditioners for Natural Hair

In this post we are going over our top 10 recommended High Porosity Conditioner for Naturally curly hair . If you’ve got high porosity hair, you know the struggle is real when it comes to retaining moisture.

Your hair might drink up moisture like a sponge, but just as quickly, it lets it all go. That’s because the cuticles are raised, making it easy for moisture to get in… and out.

But don’t worry, there’s hope! The right conditioner can make a huge difference in how your hair looks, feels, and behaves. Whether you’re after deep moisture, frizz control, or a little protein love, I’ve rounded up some of the best conditioners and deep treatments that high porosity hair will adore.

If you’re working with low porosity strands instead, check out my post: The Best Products for Low Porosity Hair.

Not sure about your porosity? Read this: How to Determine Hair Porosity: Do You Have High or Low Porosity Hair?

Heads up: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog, boo! xx

What Is High Porosity Hair?

High porosity hair means your hair cuticles are lifted or damaged, which makes it easy for moisture to enter—but also easy for it to escape. This hair type tends to absorb water and products super fast but struggles to retain moisture, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

You might have high porosity hair if:

• Your hair dries quickly after washing.
• It feels dry or rough, even after moisturizing.
• It tangles easily or feels weak and prone to breakage.
• Water and products soak in right away (no sitting on top).

High porosity can be genetic, but it’s also common in hair that’s been chemically treated, colored, or heat-styled frequently.

What to Look for in a High Porosity Conditioner

When shopping for a conditioner, here’s what your thirsty curls and coils really need:

• Moisture-boosting ingredients: Think shea butter, aloe vera, honey, and glycerin.
• Protein (in moderation): Ingredients like keratin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, or silk amino acids help strengthen and fill in gaps in the cuticle.
• Rich oils: Look for coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or babassu oil to nourish and seal in moisture.
• pH-balanced formulas: Products that help smooth and close the cuticle will reduce frizz and lock in hydration.

And remember: it’s all about balance—too much protein can make your hair stiff, while too little can leave it limp and fragile.

The Best High Porosity Conditioner for Curly Hair

1. SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner

This ultra-hydrating conditioner is a go-to for parched, overworked hair. Manuka honey helps attract moisture to the hair shaft, while mafura and baobab oils add softness and shine. It’s thick, creamy, and smells heavenly.

Why you’ll love it: It melts into dry strands, making detangling a breeze. Great for weekly use or as a deep treatment.

Heads up: It may feel a bit heavy on finer hair types.

2. Pattern Beauty Heavy Conditioner

This one’s a dream for thick, high porosity curls that crave extra love. Created by Tracee Ellis Ross, the Heavy Conditioner is rich, buttery, and made to drench your strands in lasting moisture without weighing them down.

Why it works: Super creamy formula, perfect for coily textures, and packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil.

Pro tip: The thickness can make it a bit tough to distribute evenly, just be sure to detangle thoroughly and apply in sections!

3. Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner – best damaged high porosity conditioner

Luxury meets moisture with this deep conditioner from Beyoncé’s haircare line, Cécred. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients like African oils and fermented rice water that penetrate deep into high porosity strands, restoring softness and strength.

What’s to love: Rich, creamy texture that melts into the hair, powerful hydration, and a clean formula free of sulfates and parabens.

One downside: It’s on the pricier side, but if your hair is feeling dry and damaged, the splurge might just be worth it!

4. Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair

A fan favorite for a reason, this rich mask brings dry, high porosity hair back to life. Argan oil is the star here, helping to restore elasticity, boost shine, and deeply condition brittle strands.

Why people rave about it: Salon-quality results at an affordable price, easy to find online, and leaves hair feeling silky smooth without heaviness.

Just a heads-up: It’s a bit on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way.

5. OBIA Naturals Babassu Deep Conditioner

This plant-based deep conditioner uses babassu oil to hydrate, soften, and strengthen. It’s also packed with panthenol and plant proteins to fortify fragile strands.

Why it’s awesome: It’s vegan, pH-balanced, and gentle enough for sensitive scalps.

Keep in mind: Some users find the scent a bit strong, but it fades once your hair dries.

6. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor

Short on time but need a quick protein boost? This is your girl. It’s designed to give tired, damaged strands a shot of keratin and amino acids in just two minutes.

Perfect for: Chemically-treated, color-damaged, or heat-stressed hair.

Warning: Don’t overdo it—too much protein can make hair feel hard or stiff. Use once every couple of weeks or when your hair feels extra fragile.

7. Carol’s Daughter Sacred Tiare Restoring Hair Mask

This creamy mask is great for frizz control, smoothing rough cuticles, and strengthening from the inside out. Coconut oil, monoi oil, and tiaré flower extract work together to leave hair soft and bouncy.

What’s to love: Great for tackling breakage, smells amazing, and leaves hair feeling noticeably softer and more manageable. Many reviewers say it leaves their hair feeling like silk after just one use!

One downside: Contains silicones, which some naturalistas prefer to avoid—though they do help with slip and shine.

8. DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Moisture Treatment

Curls feeling parched? This rich, buttery treatment is made to deeply moisturize and define curls without weighing them down. It’s silicone-free and super hydrating.

Why it’s great: It defines and softens curls beautifully—especially type 3 and 4 hair.

Downside: It’s definitely a splurge, but many say it’s worth every penny.

9. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea CoWash – Best lightweight high porosity conditioner

Need something that cleanses and conditions at the same time? This co-wash does it all—cleanses without stripping and leaves hair feeling soft and refreshed.

Best for: Wash days when you want something gentle and moisturizing.

Bonus: It’s budget-friendly and comes in a generous size!

10. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner – best leave-in high porosity conditioner

This cult-favorite leave-in works wonders for detangling high porosity strands. It’s lightweight but offers enough slip to make combing and styling a breeze.

Why we love it: It works on all textures and doubles as a styler under gels or creams.

Good to know: If your hair needs heavy moisture, you might want to pair it with a cream or butter.

A Few Tips

Finding your perfect conditioner might take a little experimenting, what works for one curly might not work for another. But once you land on the right one, your hair will absolutely thank you.

Quick Tips for Success:

• Use warm water when conditioning to open up the cuticles.
• Try steaming your hair or using a heat cap with deep treatments.
• Alternate between moisture-rich and protein-rich conditioners for balance.
• Seal in moisture with a light oil or cream after conditioning.

Got questions or want to share your favorite high porosity hair product? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!

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