While understanding your hair’s porosity might not be top of mind, it’s crucial to your healthy hair journey. High porosity, especially, plays a pivotal role in moisture retention, significantly influencing the health and vitality of your curly hair. The confusion around determining the best products and treatments stems from not knowing what porosity is and how it affects us.
Instead of just offering a list of product recommendations, we’ll empower you with the knowledge to discern which proteins are ideal for high-porosity hair because not all proteins are created equal. By gaining this insight, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently choose products tailored to your needs.
Protein treatments for high-porosity hair are formulations designed to infuse your hair with essential proteins, aiding in the repair and strengthening of porous strands.
This in-depth look at protein treatments for high porosity hair is shaped by the expertise of a trusted hair scientist, our friend, and a Cosmetic Formulator holding a PhD in Chemistry. Let’s dive right into the specifics.
Best Proteins for High Porosity Hair
Incorporating regular protein treatments into your hair care routine can profoundly improve the health of your hair. By strengthening the strands, these treatments work to prevent breakage, while also enhancing moisture retention and boosting shine. It’s essential to select the appropriate type and amount of protein to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from these treatments.
For those with high-porosity hair, choosing hair products becomes even more critical. High-porosity hair, characterized by its ability to absorb moisture quickly but also lose it just as fast, benefits greatly from proteins listed among the top five ingredients on the product label, as per the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). This ensures the protein content is significant enough to effectively penetrate and repair the hair’s cortex, filling in the gaps where needed.
The key to effective protein treatments for high-porosity hair lies in the use of small protein fragments. These have a lower molecular weight and size, allowing them to deeply penetrate the hair shaft and provide substantial repair and strengthening. Examples of these beneficial proteins include:
- Hydrolyzed collagen
- Collagen amino acids
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol (silicone modified)
- Cystine bis-PG-propyl silanetriol (silicone modified)
- Hydrolyzed Brazil nut protein
- Hydrolyzed oat protein
- Hydrolyzed wheat protein, which is suitable for both low and high-porosity hair
Furthermore, we advocate for using functionally modified silicone proteins in these products. This new generation of proteins offers enhanced conditioning properties, significantly improving hair’s overall health and appearance. By focusing on these cutting-edge ingredients, including the specifically mentioned proteins, you can achieve the deep conditioning and strengthening of your hair needs.
Top 11 Best Protein Treatments to Revitalize High Porosity Hair
To make things convenient for you, we’ve included the ingredient lists for each product. However, please note that these lists may not reflect the latest updates. For the most accurate and current details, we advise checking the information on the product bottle. Always conduct a patch test before applying any new treatment for the best reaction.
#1 Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment
I swear by the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment—it surpasses single-step treatments with its heat-fused blend of activated proteins and magnesium. Enjoy reduced hair breakage for 4-6 weeks, making it perfect for perms, bleaching, or coloring, where it also minimizes fading. This treatment is my go-to for easy, long-term hair strengthening and vibrant color retention.
Proteins: Includes hydrolyzed collagen and hydrolyzed vegetable protein pg-propyl silanetriol (siloxane polymer, a blend of protein and silicone crafted to strengthen, fortify, and revitalize dry and damaged hair).
Pros: Strengthens and fortifies hair and reduces breakage.
Cons: This product contains silicone if you follow the Curly Girl Method.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Citric Acid, Magnesium Sulfate, Imidazolidinone, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Phytantriol, Magnesium Carbonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Dimethylol Urea, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Glycerin, Trideceth-12, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool.
#2 Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructor
This reconstructor rescues over-processed hair, providing protection and a solution to damage caused by chemicals and heat styling. It infuses protein into the hair cuticle, reducing porosity and creating a protective barrier against future damage. USDA-certified organic ingredients like rosemary leaf extract nourish the scalp for healthier hair growth cycles, ensuring renewed strength and shine for beautiful results.
Proteins: Contains vegan-friendly proteins.
Pros: Free of many of the harsh ingredients found in other products like sulfates, parabens, silicones, phthalates, petrochemicals, or animal-derived ingredients. It’s also color-safe & vegan-friendly.
Cons: None
Ingredients: Aqua (Purified Water), Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Natural Fragrance, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, *Betula Alba Extract, *Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, *Achillea Millefolium Extract, *Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, *Equisetum Arvense Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract, *Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, *Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Flower Extract, *Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract.
*USDA Certified Organic.
#3 Curl Junkie Repair Me! Reconstructive Hair Treatment
Formulated with apricot, sunflower oils, and amino acids, this formula helps fill in cracks in the hair shaft while simultaneously strengthening it and preventing further breakage. Its restorative benefits make it an excellent once-a-month treatment to keep your hair healthy and looking its best.
This is one of my favorite protein treatments of all time. You will notice a difference after one use!
Proteins: Contains keratin amino acids
Pros: Curly-Girl Friendly
Cons. It is a little pricey but worth it.
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol**, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Keratin Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Glyceryl Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycol Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopherol Acetate***, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance/Parfum, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, *Benzyl Benzoate.
*Fragrance Component **Derived from coconut oil. ***Sourced from Soy.
#4 Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Anti-Breakage
This professional grade leave-in conditioning treatment shields fragile hair from breakage and ensures resilience. According to their website, this formula is fueled by five forms of damage protection, actively fortifying against various types of damage and reducing breakage by up to 73%. I can confidently say that this protein treatment product is among the best I’ve ever used, providing unparalleled care for hair prone to breakage from heat styling or over-processing.
Proteins: Contains wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol (siloxane polymer, which is a protein and silicone blend), and arginine.
Pros: It’s effective.
Cons: Contains silicone, so if you follow the Curly Girl Method, this is not for you.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Amodimethicone, C13-14, Isoparaffin, Isopropyl Myristate, Parfum/ Fragrance, Laureth-7, Xylose, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Trideceth-6, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Arginine, Citric Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Benzyl Benzoate, Quaternium-33, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol.
#5 Redken Extreme CAT Anti-Damage Protein Reconstructing Rinse Out Treatment
Here is another Redken product I love. It is my go-to for strengthening distressed hair without added weight. This instant, intensive treatment enhances the resilience of damaged hair, offering protection before chemical services. Redken’s Strength Complex penetrates deep to restore strength and improve elasticity, free from unnecessary ingredients that can weigh down fine hair types. I can personally attest to its immediate effectiveness, making it a must-have in my hair care routine.
Protein: Contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and taurine, arginine, lysine
Pros: No silicones (if that is an issue for you). It works pretty quickly.
Cons: A little pricey.
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Magnesium Sulfate, Laureth-23, Taurine, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum/Fragrance, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-10, Arginine, Lysine Hydrochloride/Lysine Hcl, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol (D50156/2).
#6 Aphogee Curlific! Texture Treatment
Here’s another fantastic product from Aphogee—a strengthening conditioner designed for curly, natural hair. Packed with quinoa protein, it fortifies the oval structure of curls, preventing damage and breakage. With a rich blend of moisturizers, it keeps hair hydrated and healthy. It’s a must-have for color-treated curls, offering protection against color-induced damage. I use it from time to time for strength, moisture, and protection, regardless of my styling routine.
Proteins: Contains hydrolyzed quinoa, hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl, and keratin amino acids.
Pros: Provides both strength and moisture. Protects against damage caused by color treatments.
Cons: It contains a fragrance that may irritate sensitive skin. It also contains silicone, which is not Curly Girl Friendly.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Glycerin, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl, Silanetriol, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Sodium PCA, Cucurbita, Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Lactic Acid, Polyester-11, PVP, Isostearamidopropyl Morpholine Lactate, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, Trideceth-10, Silicone Quaternium-22, Laureth-23, Laureth-4, Keratin Amino Acids, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Trideceth-12, Citric Acid, Disodium, EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool.
#7 Aphogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor
This is a powerhouse in my hair care arsenal. It is a strong protein conditioner crafted to maintain moisture and elasticity in moderately damaged hair. Ideal for tinted, bleached, or relaxed hair, it’s my go-to after every shampoo until my hair is restored after a bleach session. This unique formula repairs damage from chlorine and hard water, enhances shine, and locks in moisture for healthier-looking hair strands. This non-greasy formula effortlessly detangles knots and frizz in just two minutes, leaving soft and silky-smooth results.
Proteins: Contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol (siloxane polymer, which is a protein and silicone blend ), hydrolyzed keratin, and collagen amino acids.
Pros: Free of dyes.
Cons: Contains silicone, which is not ideal for anyone following the Curly Girl Method.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum, Huile Minerale), Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, l, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Phytantriol, Petrolatum, Polysorbate 60, Amodimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Trideceth-12, Cetrimonium Chloride, Collagen Amino Acids, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Linoleic Acid, Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Trimethylsiloxyamodimethicone, C11-15 Pareth-7, C12-16 Pareth-9, Linolenic Acid, Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate.
#8 Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack
This product is ideal for strengthening and repairing weak or damaged hair. It is an intensive treatment, rich in pure coconut oil, coconut milk, vitamin E, keratin, and silk protein, and provides a deeper and more intense repair and moisturization experience than daily conditioners. Perfect for those who’ve colored, styled, or processed their hair and even for sun-exposed hair.
Proteins: Contains keratin and hydrolyzed silk protein.
Pros: Contains some natural ingredients.
Cons: Contains silicone, which is not ideal for anyone following the Curly Girl Method.
Ingredients: Natural Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Water (Aqua), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-40 Stearate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Nonfat Dry Milk (Sine Adipe Lac), Hydrolyzed Silk, Stearalkonium Chloride, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Decylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Acetate, Cellulose, Quaternium-26, Myristyl Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Cetearamidopropyldimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin.
#9 Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Protein
This intense treatment is my go-to for strength and nourishment for damaged, over-processed hair. Packed with reparative proteins, shea butter, antioxidant manuka honey, yogurt powder, yogurt extract, baobab oil, and mafura oil, it creates a powerful formula for hair health. Regular use ensures the restoration, repair, and maintenance of gentle, wavy hair, or curly hair.
Proteins: Contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol (siloxane polymer, which is a protein and silicone blend), yogurt extract, and yogurt powder.
Pros: Contains a variety of reparative and nourishing ingredients. It contains no silicones (for those following the CG Method).
Cons: None
Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Glycerin (Vegetable), Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Fragrance, Honey, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Yogurt Powder, Yogurt Extract, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Trichilia Emetica (Mafura) Seed Butter, Allantoin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Tocopherol, Sodium Hydroxide, Triethyl Citrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Inulin (Chicory Root), Benzoic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate.
#10 Carol’s Daughter Almond Milk Daily Damage Repair Mask
Carol’s Daughter products are always a good choice for curly hair. This mask helps reverse the damage and strengthen and protect hair from harsh environmental aggressors like flat-ironing or blow drying. Enriched with oils that are great for high porosity hair – almond oil, shea oil, coconut oil, sweet almond protein, and olive oil; also butters, such as aloe butter and shea butter this carefully crafted formula provides essential nutrients for repairing hair from the inside out.
Proteins: Contains prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) protein, hydrolyzed vegetable protein PG-propyl silanetriol (siloxane polymer, which is a protein and silicone blend), extracts, and hydrolyzed keratin.
Pros: This mask is packed with nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as almond oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and rosemary leaf extract that help repair damaged hair from the inside out.
Cons: Contains silicone, which is not ideal for those who follow the Curly Girl Method.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Amodimethicone, Cetyl Esters, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Propanediol, Isododecane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Jojoba Esters, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride, C11-15 Pareth-7, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Cystine Bis-PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Polysilicone-15, Laureth-9, Trideceth-12, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Protein, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Keratin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Coumarin. Ingredients may vary.
#11 Curly Hair Solutions Pure Silk Protein Deep Moisturizing Treatment
Featuring a unique blend of silk proteins, this treatment helps strengthen your hair while preventing frizz and curl formation as well as protecting it from heat damage. Its advanced formula penetrates deep into your locks to help reduce color fading, leaving you with the healthiest and softest hair possible.
Unlike other conditioners, the Silk Conditioner contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera extract and honey extract that provide essential moisture to each strand of hair. It also includes amino acids which work to replenish nutrients and vitamins in the scalp while stimulating growth. This advanced formula always leaves your hair feeling smooth and healthy, meaning you can enjoy vibrant, glossy curls without effort!
With its protein-enriched formula and botanical extracts that provide essential moisture, this treatment helps promote stronger locks while reducing color fading and heat damage. Plus its pleasant scent leaves behind a light floral aroma after every use – perfect for those who want even more from their conditioner!
Proteins: Contains silk amino acids and silk protein.
Pros: Sulfate-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free, EU allergen-free.
Cons: Contains DMDM Hydantoin, which can be irritating to some people with sensitive skin.
Ingredients: DI Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-33, Cetrimonium Chloride, Silk Amino Acids, Jojoba Oil, Panthenol, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Polyacrylamide.
What is High Porosity Hair?
Hair porosity describes the physical state of the hair fiber. Hair is a porous material having numerous opening channels across the cuticle layer.3
High porosity hair is characterized by an abundance of opening pores, larger pore sizes, and expanded spaces in the cortex matrix. This condition arises due to physical abrasion and chemical treatments, which increase pore magnitude, creating large empty spaces within the hair cortex.4
In contrast, low-porosity hair features smaller pore density and a comparatively smaller pore size.
High Porosity Hair Characteristics
- Higher density of pores
- Large pore size
- Hair is weak with poor tensile strength
- Highly frizzy
- High water/Moisture uptake
- Easy to break, difficult to comb, manage, and style
- Hair with high porosity tends to absorb more active and dye pigment during coloring. This increased absorption can lead to color results that differ from what was expected or desired.
- Highly sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature
What Causes High Porosity?
Inherited traits pass down high porosity hair from generation to generation. Alternatively, you may experience higher porosity as a consequence of the following:
- Chemical treatments
- Bleach
- Using too many heat styling tools on the hair
- Excessive sun exposure
- Swimming in chlorinated water or saltwater
- Rough handling of hair
- Daily wear and tear
- Excessive use of sulfates, etc.
The more harmed the hair cuticle is, the higher its porosity and the less capable it becomes of retaining moisture.
How to Tell You Have High Porosity Hair
Determining if your hair has high porosity can often be challenging when not caused by a chemical or physical process. Here are a few tell-tale signs you may have highly porous hair:
- Your hair dries quickly – in minutes or less.
- Your hair is easily tangled and prone to breakage.
- Your hair feels rough when you run your fingers across a hair strand.
- Your hair easily absorbs products.
- Your hair may be very frizzy and resistant to styling.
- Your hair loses moisture quickly and can feel inherently dry.
- Your hair absorbs a lot of product, but it doesn’t seem to do anything.
There are also three common methods that exist to assess your hair porosity;
- Float test
- Spray bottle test
- Slide test
- Sometimes, the stretch test
Although not always precise or dependable, these tests can provide a useful foundation for further exploration.
Benefits of a Protein Treatment
Your hair, primarily composed of keratin proteins, faces significant impact from the sun, environmental pollutants, inadequate care, chemical treatments, and heat styling. High-porosity hair, characterized by larger cuticle openings, struggles to maintain proper hydration in the inner cortex layer, resulting in weakness, breakage, split ends, and damage.
To address this, consider using a protein treatment for exceptional benefits. These treatments bridge gaps between cuticles, fusing hydrolyzed proteins onto both the outer and inner layers, creating a smooth surface that seals in moisture and defends against breakage. They strengthen hair, enhance moisture absorption, and are ideal for treating high-porosity hair by repairing the cortex and providing essential proteins for a healthier look.
References
1. Syed, A. N.; Ayoub, H., Correlating porosity and tensile strength of chemically modified hair. Cosmetics and toiletries 2002, 117 (11), 57-64.
2. Hessefort, Y. Z.; Holland, B. T.; Cloud, R. W., True porosity measurement of hair: a new way to study hair damage mechanisms. J. Cosmet. Sci. 2008, 59 (4), 303.
3. Zviak, C., The Science of Hair Care. Taylor & Francis: 2005.
4. Shiel, S., Hair health and management of common hair disorders. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2007, 6, 12-17.
5. Neudahl, G. A.,Proteins for conditioning hair and skin. In Conditioning Agents for Hair and Skin, Schueller, R.; Romanowski, P., Eds. Taylor & Francis: 1999; pp 139-166.
