Hair porosity refers to the ability of your hair to absorb and retain moisture. This is an important factor to consider when choosing hair care products, as it can help you select the best options for your specific hair type.
If your hair has high porosity, it easily absorbs moisture but also loses it quickly. This can lead to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage. On the other hand, low porosity hair may be resistant to moisture and require extra hydration to maintain a healthy balance.
Knowing your hair's porosity can help you choose products that are tailored to your hair's specific needs. This can help you achieve the best results and maintain healthy, moisturised hair
Low Porosity
You're likely to have low porosity if your hair stays wet for a long time after washing, low porosity hair keeps moisture on the hair before it is absorbed due to its flat, overlapping scales.
Medium Porosity
You're likely to have medium porosity if your hair is easily managed, does not get too dry or too oily. Medium porosity hair does not need a lot of maintenance
High Porosity
You're likely to have high porosity hair if your hair dries very quickly after washing, high porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but does not retain it due to its raised cuticles. High porosity hair often gets tangled quickly.
How to test!
Test 1:
See how quickly your hair drys after washing
- Within 8hrs or more = Low porosity
- Within 4-6hrs = medium porosity
- Within 2hrs = high porosity
Test 2:
Place a naturally shredded clean strand of hair into a glass of water
- It floats = Low porosity
- Slowly sinks = Medium porosity type 4 hair
- If it sinks = High porosity
It's important to know that curly hair is likely to have a different porosity in different parts of your head so it's important to test more than once
Porosity tips
Low porosity
- Avoid heavy products
- Use products in wet hair instead of dry.
- Avoid proteins high up the ingredient list
- Use heat caps & steamers
- Style hair wet (in the shower is best)
- Deep Condition regularly
High porosity
- Rinse hair with cold water to help close cuticles
- Seal hair with oil
- Use the LOC/LCO method for optimal hydration
- Do not use heat
- Avoid all dyes
- Use proteins
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