All You Need To Know About Hair Porosity

All You Need To Know About Hair Porosity

What is hair porosity? Well, hair porosity refers to the ability of your hair to absorb and retain moisture. Understanding your hair porosity is essential because it can help you further develop an effective hair care routine that will keep your hair healthy, strong, and looking its best. Continue reading to find out about the 3 different types of hair porosity, how to determine yours, and what you can do about it!

There are three levels of hair porosity: low porosity, medium porosity, and high porosity. Here's what you need to know about each level:

  1. Low Porosity Hair: Low porosity hair has a tightly closed cuticle layer, which makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This type of hair may be resistant to products and can appear dull and dry. However, once moisture is absorbed, it tends to stay locked in for longer periods.

  2. Medium Porosity Hair: Medium porosity hair has a more open cuticle layer that allows for moisture to be easily absorbed and retained. This type of hair generally requires less maintenance and is less prone to damage.

  3. High Porosity Hair: High porosity hair has a very open cuticle layer, which allows for moisture to easily enter and exit the hair shaft. This type of hair can be prone to damage, as it is more susceptible to breakage and frizz. However, high porosity hair can benefit from regular deep conditioning treatments.

So, how do you determine your hair porosity level? One easy way to find out is the "strand test". Simply take a clean strand of hair and drop it into a glass of water. After a few minutes, observe how the hair behaves in the water:

  • Low porosity hair will float on top because it is not absorbing much water.
  • Medium porosity hair will sink to the middle of the glass and slowly absorb some water.
  • High porosity hair will sink to the bottom of the glass almost immediately, absorbing water quickly.

Another way to determine your hair porosity level is to feel the texture of your hair. If it feels rough and tangled, you may have high porosity hair. If it feels smooth and soft, you may have low porosity hair. If it feels somewhere in between, you may have medium porosity hair.

Once you have determined your hair porosity level, you can choose the right products and techniques to care for your hair. Here are some tips:

  • For low porosity hair, use lightweight products that won't weigh your hair down. Avoid heavy butters and oils that can make your hair greasy. Use warm water when washing your hair to help open the cuticles and allow products to penetrate more easily. For low porosity hair we suggest our Hydrating or Moisturizing formulas.
  • For medium porosity hair, use products that provide balanced moisture to maintain the health of your hair. Deep condition regularly to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. For medium porosity hair we suggest our Balancing or Purifying formulas.
  • For high porosity hair, use products that will help seal in moisture, such as rich oils. Avoid using heat on your hair, as it can further damage the cuticle layer. Use cooler water when washing your hair to help close the cuticles and reduce frizz. For high porosity hair we suggest our Hydrating formula and Intensive Conditioner

In conclusion, understanding your hair porosity level can be key to developing an effective hair care routine. By using the right products and techniques, you can keep your hair healthy and beautiful, no matter what your hair porosity level may be. 

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