Does your hair always feel dry, even when you try to hydrate it?
Does it seem like your hair just won’t retain moisture?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, then this article is for you.
To achieve healthier, more hydrated hair, it’s essential to understand hair porosity.
In this article, I will explain what hair porosity is, why it matters, and what you can do based on your porosity level.
WHAT IS HAIR POROSITY AND ITS LEVELS?
To begin, it’s important to establish a common understanding of what hair porosity is.
Simply put, hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to retain moisture.
However, we all have a unique porosity level that typically falls into one of three categories: low, medium, or high porosity.
Low Porosity Hair
If you notice that hair products sit on your hair without being absorbed, or if your hair feels dry despite appearing moisturized, you likely have low porosity hair.
This means your hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Low porosity hair tends to resist water and product absorption, making it harder to process with treatments or chemicals.
Medium Porosity Hair
If your hair absorbs moisture well, holds onto it, and responds well to hair color and other treatments, you likely have medium porosity hair.
In this case, your cuticles are slightly raised, allowing an adequate amount of moisture, oils, and products to be absorbed. Medium porosity hair requires minimal maintenance, and occasional protein treatments and deep conditioning can help keep it balanced. However, protein should not be a part of your daily routine.
High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair can result from chemical processing, excessive heat styling, rough treatment, or environmental damage.
This hair type has gaps in the cuticle layer, allowing too much moisture in—leading to frizz, tangling, and increased breakage, especially in humid climates. Everyday activities such as washing, swimming, and shampooing can further damage highly porous hair because of its ability to absorb excessive moisture.
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR HAIR POROSITY LEVEL
The questions above provide a good starting point for identifying your hair’s porosity.
However, to be more precise, here are two simple tests you can try:
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The Hair Strand Test:
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Run your thumb and index finger along a strand of hair.
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If it feels smooth, your hair likely has low porosity.
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If it feels rough or bumpy, your hair is highly porous.
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The Water Test:
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Fill a clear glass with room-temperature water.
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Take a few shed strands of hair from your brush or comb and drop them into the water.
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If the hair sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair.
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If the hair floats and does not sink, you have low porosity hair.
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(Note: These tests are not 100% accurate but can give you a general idea of your hair’s porosity.)
WHAT TO DO BASED ON YOUR HAIR POROSITY LEVEL
Low Porosity Hair Tips:
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Use a steamer or trap heat using a plastic cap when applying conditioners or creams to help open the cuticle layer and allow moisture to penetrate.
Medium Porosity Hair Tips:
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Occasional deep conditioning treatments with protein-based conditioners can benefit medium porosity hair.
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However, avoid using protein too frequently in your hair care routine.
High Porosity Hair Tips:
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Use leave-in conditioners to help retain moisture.
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Layer your hair with moisturizing creams (such as butters and lotions) and sealing oils to lock in hydration.
By understanding your hair’s porosity, you can create a routine that keeps your hair healthy, hydrated, and thriving!