Understanding Hair Porosity

Have you ever wondered why some hair products work wonders for your friends, but leave your own locks feeling lacklustre? Or maybe you struggle with dryness, frizz, or product buildup, despite trying countless remedies? The answer might lie in your hair’s porosity.

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s determined by the cuticle 1 layer, the outermost layer of your hair shaft, which acts like a protective shield. The cuticle consists of overlapping scales that can be tightly packed, moderately spaced, or widely spaced.  

What is Hair Porosity?

Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate.
Medium (Normal) Porosity: Cuticles are moderately spaced, allowing moisture to enter and exit easily.
High Porosity: Cuticles are widely spaced or damaged, leading to rapid moisture absorption and loss.

Why Does Porosity Matter?

Understanding your hair’s porosity is crucial for choosing the right products and techniques to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. Using products that are too heavy for low porosity hair can lead to buildup, while using lightweight products on high porosity hair might not provide enough moisture.

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity

There are a few simple tests you can try at home:

The Float Test: Take a strand of clean, dry hair and place it in a glass of room temperature water.
If it floats, you likely have low porosity.
If it sinks slowly, you likely have medium porosity.
If it sinks quickly, you likely have high porosity.
The Slip ‘n’ Slide Test: Run your fingers along a strand of hair from tip to root.
If it feels smooth, you likely have low porosity.
If it feels slightly bumpy, you likely have medium porosity.
If it feels rough or raised, you likely have high porosity.
The Spray Bottle Test: lightly mist your clean hair with water.
If the water beads on the surface, you have low porosity.
If the water absorbs evenly, you have medium porosity.
If the hair instantly soaks up the water, you have high porosity.

Hair Porosity and Hair Care

Low Porosity Hair:
Use lightweight, water-based products.
Apply products to damp hair.
Use heat to help open the cuticles (e.g., steam, warm towel).
Clarify regularly to prevent buildup.

Medium Porosity Hair:
Enjoy versatility with a wide range of products.
Maintain a balance of moisture and protein.
Use regular deep conditioning treatments.

High Porosity Hair:
Use heavier, moisture-rich products.
Incorporate protein treatments to strengthen hair.
Seal in moisture with oils and leave-in conditioners.
Avoid excessive heat styling.

Products and Ingredients to Consider

Low Porosity: Look for ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, and honey.

Medium Porosity: Any product line that balances moisture and protein.

High Porosity: Shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and hydrolyzed proteins.

Conclusion

Understanding your hair’s porosity is a key step towards achieving healthy, beautiful hair. By choosing the right products and techniques, you can enhance your hair’s natural beauty and keep it looking its best.

Thanks for reading,

Hannah x

Photo Credits: header photo by Nadir Valiyev.