Hair Porosity

What is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity is determined by the condition of your hair's cuticle layer. The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft, consisting of overlapping cells that resemble fish scales. The porosity of your hair is categorized into three main types: low porosity, normal/medium porosity, and high porosity.

Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This type of hair is prone to product buildup and can be challenging to style. To effectively moisturize low porosity hair, use lightweight products that won't weigh the hair down.

Normal/Medium Porosity Hair

Normal porosity hair has a balanced cuticle layer, allowing it to absorb and retain moisture effectively. This type of hair is the easiest to maintain and style. To maintain normal porosity hair, use a balanced regimen of moisturizing products.

High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle layer, leading to quick moisture loss. This type of hair is often damaged from heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors. To care for high porosity hair, use protein-rich products to strengthen the hair shaft and seal the cuticle.

Tips for Managing Your Hair Porosity

Regardless of your hair porosity type, there are some general tips to keep your hair healthy. Deep conditioning treatments can help improve moisture retention, while avoiding heat styling tools can prevent further damage. Understanding your hair's porosity is the first step to finding the right products and techniques for your hair care routine.

By identifying your hair porosity and tailoring your hair care routine accordingly, you can achieve healthier, more manageable hair. Experiment with different products and techniques to see what works best for your unique hair porosity type. Remember, healthy hair starts with understanding and caring for your hair's specific needs.

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity

An easy way to determine your hair's porosity is the water test. Simply take a strand of clean hair and drop it into a glass of water. If the hair floats on the surface, you have low porosity hair. If it sinks slowly, you have normal porosity hair. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair.