Hey bestie, let’s talk about something we all deal with on this 4C natural hair journey, moisture. More specifically, how to moisturize high porosity 4C hair. I know it can be a struggle when your hair feels like it drinks up water and products like a sponge but still ends up dry a few hours later. If that sounds familiar, then your hair might be high porosity. Find more high porosity related posts here.

So, what does high porosity mean?

High porosity hair has gaps or tears in the cuticle layer, which means moisture gets in easily but it also leaves just as quickly. Think of it like a sponge with holes. It soaks up water super fast, but it doesn’t hold on to it for long. This could be your natural hair structure, or it could be from things like heat damage, coloring, or over-manipulation.

If your hair dries really fast after you wash it, or it feels rough, frizzy, or tangles easily, chances are you’ve got high porosity hair. Now let’s get into how to moisturize and actually keep that moisture locked in.

Step 1: Start with hydration, water is the foundation

Moisturizing your hair starts with water. And I don’t just mean drinking it, although that’s important too. I’m talking about literally using water as your base. Before you even think about applying any leave in conditioner, cream or oil, spritz your hair with plain water or a hydrating mist.

A product you may love for this step is the Maui Moisture Frizz-Free + Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Mist. It’s water-based, lightweight, and so hydrating. It gives your hair a quick moisture boost without weighing it down.

You can also use a DIY mix of distilled water, a few drops of glycerin, and aloe vera juice in a spray bottle. This is perfect for daily moisturizing or refreshing styles like twists or braid-outs.

Step 2: Add to Seal in that hydration with a leave-in

After your hair is damp, it’s time to add to that moisture with a creamy leave-in conditioner. This step is crucial for high porosity hair because we need to trap the water before it evaporates and add more moisture to your strands.

Look for leave-ins that are rich and contain ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and proteins that help strengthen your hair and fill in those cuticle gaps.

I love me African Pride Moisture Miracle Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Leave-In Hair Cream—it’s thick, creamy, and smells divine. It gives my hair the softness and nourishment it craves without making it greasy.

Step 3: Use oils and butters to seal everything in

Now that your hair is hydrated and conditioned, it’s time to seal it all in. Oils and butters act like a barrier, helping to slow down moisture loss from the hair shaft.

For high porosity hair, heavier oils and butters work best. Try things like castor oil, avocado oil, mango butter, or shea butter. These sealants really cling to the hair and help it hold onto that precious moisture longer.

Try tis sealing combo? A dollop of Pure Shea Butter mixed with a little Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Warm them up in your palms and smooth them over the strands, focusing on the ends.

Step 4: Use the LOC or LCO method (whichever your hair prefers)

If you’re not already doing this, now’s the time to pick a moisturizing method that suits your hair best. The LOC method stands for Liquid (or Leave-In), Oil, and Cream. The LCO method flips the last two steps, so it’s Leave-In, Cream, then Oil.

Try both and see which one your hair likes more. Personally, I found that the LCO method works wonders for my low porosity strands, it keeps my hair soft and moisturized for days.

Step 5: Deep condition regularly (like every wash day, girl!)

You can’t talk moisture without talking deep conditioning. For high porosity hair, this is non-negotiable. Deep conditioning on every wash day after cleansing helps repair your hair, smooth the cuticles, and improve moisture retention.

Use a protein-moisture balanced deep conditioner. Protein helps temporarily fill in those damaged cuticles and strengthens your strands, while moisture keeps them soft and manageable.

Don’t forget to apply heat while deep conditioning. A warm towel, heated cap, or hooded dryer helps the product penetrate more deeply into the hair shaft.

Step 6: Keep your hair protected at night

All that moisturizing work can go out the window if your hair is rubbing against cotton pillows all night. Cotton sucks the moisture right out of your strands.

Make sure you’re sleeping with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase. It makes a huge difference. You can also do a few chunky twists or braids before bed to keep your hair stretched and prevent moisture loss.

Step 7: Avoid ingredients that dry you out

High porosity hair is already prone to dryness, so avoid products with sulfates, drying alcohols, and heavy silicones. These ingredients can make your hair feel coated without actually moisturizing it.

Instead, go for products that are water-based, lightweight, and have ingredients that penetrate the hair shaft like coconut oil, aloe vera, and honey.

Final thoughts, from one natural girl to another

Moisturizing high porosity 4C hair isn’t just about slathering on products, it’s about understanding your hair and giving it what it needs. Once you figure out the right moisture routine, your hair will start to thrive. You’ll notice more shine, less breakage, and a whole lot more softness.

It’s okay if it takes a little trial and error to get there. Every head of hair is different, even if it’s all 4C. Keep showing your strands love, and they’ll love you right back.

So, what’s your moisturizing routine looking like these days? If you’re still figuring it out, don’t worry. I’m right here cheering you on every step of the way.