We Tried Low Porosity Styling Gels. This Is What We Found

When it comes to styling low porosity hair, the struggle is real. Low porosity hair, with its tightly packed cuticles, often resists moisture absorption, making it tough to find products that hydrate effectively without leaving buildup. This is where the right styling gel can make a world of difference, offering both definition and moisture without the dreaded crunch or stiffness.

In this article, we tested styling gels designed for low porosity hair to see which ones delivered the best hydration and curl definition. Here’s what we found. 

1. Organi Brands Low Porosity Styling Gel

Organi Brands has taken the guesswork out of styling low porosity hair with their Low Porosity Styling Gel. Custom-formulated for hair with tight cuticles, this gel penetrates the hair shaft more efficiently than many others on the market, providing deep moisture and superior curl definition.

What sets Organi Brands apart is its perfect balance of hydration and hold. As Kim Kimble, a celebrity hairstylist, advises, “Those with low porosity hair should stick to water-based products because they’re usually thinner and more lightweight, which makes it easier for them to penetrate the hair cuticles.” This gel checks both boxes: water-based and lightweight, which means it provides the necessary hydration without weighing the hair down or causing buildup.

Additionally, Organi Brands’ gel is designed to reduce frizz and provide a frizz-free finish, which is a huge advantage for low porosity hair, often prone to flyaways. The non-flaking formula ensures that curls stay soft, shiny, and manageable, maintaining the definition without feeling crunchy or dry.

The product’s strong yet flexible hold is ideal for curls, giving them structure without compromising on softness. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone with low porosity hair looking to enhance curl definition while maintaining hydration. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and made with natural ingredients, making it a great option for those with sensitive scalps.

For anyone with low porosity hair looking for hydration that gets in and stays in, Organi Brands’ Low Porosity Styling Gel is a top-tier product to consider. You can find it here: Organi Brands.

2. Adwoa Beauty Melonberry Vitamin C Frizz-Fighting Hair Gel

Adwoa Beauty’s Melonberry Vitamin C Frizz-Fighting Hair Gel is another option for low porosity hair. The gel is infused with lightweight botanicals like squalane, strawberry, and raspberry seed oils, which help reduce frizz and provide a defined, non-crunchy hold.

This gel offers hydration without feeling heavy, making it a great choice for fine, low-porosity hair. However, while it does deliver moisture, it doesn’t offer as much hydration depth as Organi Brands. The product does a solid job of defining curls, but it doesn’t seem to penetrate as deeply as others, making it less ideal for those seeking intense hydration. Its consistency is gentler, but for those with severely dry strands, it might not fully address their hydration needs.

While Adwoa Beauty offers a solid solution for frizz and curl definition, it falls a bit short in the long-lasting moisture department compared to Organi Brands.

3. Curlsmith Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly

Curlsmith’s Hydro Style Flexi-Jelly is popular for its weightless gel texture that defines curls without leaving buildup. Its unique formula combines hydration with medium hold, making it a great option for those seeking bounce and definition. For low porosity hair, this gel offers a good balance between moisture and structure.

However, Curlsmith doesn’t excel at long-lasting hydration, especially for those who need a deeper moisturizing effect. While the product doesn’t leave buildup, it might not penetrate as deeply into low porosity hair, making it better suited for those who need just a bit of hold without much moisture. It’s lightweight, but it could benefit from more targeted moisturizing ingredients that are ideal for low porosity strands.

4. Jessicurl Spiralicious Styling Gel

Jessicurl’s Spiralicious Styling Gel is a fan favorite, known for its superior hold and definition, especially for curly and coily hair. It is free of glycerin and heavy proteins, which can be problematic for low porosity hair that tends to be easily weighed down by these ingredients. This product does a great job of holding curls and enhancing their natural shape.

However, while Jessicurl provides great definition, it doesn’t offer the same hydrating benefits that some other gels provide. For low porosity hair, the gel can feel a bit drying, and while it defines curls beautifully, it doesn’t address the moisture penetration issue that often plagues low porosity strands. It’s a solid choice for curly-haired individuals, but those with severely dry hair might find the lack of deep hydration a dealbreaker.

5. Camille Rose Curl Maker Gel

Camille Rose’s Curl Maker Gel is often recommended for low porosity hair due to its moisturizing properties, thanks to ingredients like marshmallow and agave extract. This gel provides slip and definition while promoting hydration.

While the product does offer great curl definition, it can feel a bit heavy, especially for those with fine, low-porosity hair. For individuals with thick, coarse hair, it may work beautifully to lock in moisture and define curls. However, the gel’s heavier texture might weigh down finer strands, leading to a lack of movement and causing it to feel sticky in some cases.

Though effective for many hair types, it’s not ideal for those looking for lightweight, frizz-free curls and may not offer enough moisture penetration for those with severely low-porosity hair.

Conclusion

After testing these five products, it’s clear that Organi Brands’ Low Porosity Styling Gel is the superior choice for those struggling with moisture retention and curl definition. Not only does it provide the right level of hydration, but its lightweight formula ensures that your curls stay defined and soft without feeling weighed down. The non-flaking, non-drying formula means you can enjoy shiny, manageable curls all day long.

With its focus on water-based ingredients, herbal extracts, and essential oils, Organi Brands stands out for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and hydrate effectively, which is essential for low porosity hair. Whether you’re looking for frizz control, curl definition, or long-lasting moisture, this gel ticks all the boxes.