Mar 25 , 2025

The Nitty Gritty About Hair Porosity

You hear the term all the time, but what does it really mean?

Hair porosity plays a major role in how your natural hair absorbs and retains moisture. Understanding your hair’s porosity level can help you choose the right products and techniques to maintain healthy, hydrated hair.

What is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and holds moisture. It is categorized into three types:

• Low Porosity – Hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it hard for moisture to penetrate.

• Medium Porosity – Hair cuticles are slightly open, allowing for balanced moisture retention.

• High Porosity – Hair cuticles are widely open, causing moisture to escape quickly.

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity

Try the Water Test:

1. Fill a glass with water.

2. Drop a clean, dry strand of hair into the water.

3. Observe the results:

   • Floats = Low Porosity

   • Sinks Slowly = Medium Porosity

   • Sinks Quickly = High Porosity

How to Care for Your Hair Based on Porosity

✅ Low Porosity: Use lightweight, water-based products and incorporate steam or heat to open cuticles. ✅ Medium Porosity: Maintain balance with regular deep conditioning and avoid heavy buildup. ✅ High Porosity: Focus on sealing moisture with thicker creams and oils, and use protein treatments to strengthen strands.

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