Have you ever used a hair product that worked well for someone else but did not do anything for your hair? The reason might not be the type of hair you have. How long it is. It could be because of your hair porosity.
Hair porosity is something that people often do not think about when they’re taking care of their hair… It is actually very important because it affects how well your hair can absorb and keep moisture. If you understand what your hair porosity is you can choose products that will work better for you and create a routine that’s good for your hair.
What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity is about how well your hair can absorb and hold onto moisture. The outer layer of your hair is called the cuticle. It is made up of tiny scales that overlap each other. The condition of these scales determines how easily moisture can get into and out of your hair.
There are three types of hair porosity:
- Low porosity
- Medium porosity
- High porosity
Each type is different and needs different kinds of hair care.
Why Hair Porosity Matters
A lot of people only think about whether their hair’s straight, curly or wavy… Hair porosity is also very important because it affects how well products work on your hair.
Hair porosity affects things like:
- How well your hair absorbs moisture
- How well your hair keeps moisture
- How long it takes for your hair to dry
- How much product builds up in your hair
- How easy it is to manage your hair
If you know what your hair porosity is you can avoid wasting money on products that’re not good for your hair.
Low Porosity Hair
If you have porosity hair the scales on the outer layer of your hair are packed tightly together. This makes it hard for moisture to get into your hair.
Some common signs of porosity hair are:
- Water sits on your hair for a time before it absorbs
- It takes a time for your hair to get fully wet
- Products just sit on the surface of your hair
- Product builds up easily in your hair
- It takes a time for your hair to dry
Even though low porosity hair has trouble absorbing moisture it can actually keep moisture well once it gets in.
Best Care Tips for Low Porosity Hair
If you have porosity hair here are some tips:
- Use products that are not too heavy
- Avoid using a lot of oil or thick hair products
- Apply products to your hair when it’s damp
- Use a bit of heat when you are deep conditioning to help your hair absorb the product better
Using lightweight products usually works better than using a lot of heavy products.
Medium Porosity Hair
Medium porosity hair is often the easiest to take care of. The scales on the layer of your hair are not too tight or too loose so moisture can get in and stay balanced.
Some common signs of medium porosity hair are:
- Your hair absorbs products easily
- Your hair keeps moisture well
- Your hair dries at a rate
- It is easy to style your hair
- Most products work well on your hair
Best Care Tips for Medium Porosity Hair
To take care of medium porosity hair:
- Follow a routine that is balanced
- Deep condition your hair every now and then
- Do not use much heat on your hair
- Use products that are right for your hairs specific needs
Most people with medium porosity hair can use a lot of different products and they will work well.
High Porosity Hair
If you have porosity hair the scales on the outer layer of your hair are more open than usual. This means that moisture can get into your hair quickly. It can also escape quickly.
High porosity can happen naturally. It can be caused by things like:
- Using heat on your hair
- Getting treatments
- Bleaching your hair
- Damage from the environment
Some common signs of high porosity hair are:
- Your hair absorbs water quickly
- Your hair dries quickly
- You get frizz easily
- Your hair feels dry often
- Your hair tangles easily
- Moisture does not stay in your hair for
Best Care Tips for High Porosity Hair
If you have high porosity hair here are some tips:
- Focus on keeping moisture in your hair
- Use conditioners that are rich and moisturizing
- Apply leave-in products to your hair regularly
- Use products that help seal moisture into your hair
- Do not use much heat on your hair
It is very important to be consistent when you are taking care of high porosity hair.
The Water Test: Is It Accurate?
Some people use a test called the water test to figure out their hair porosity. This test involves putting a strand of hair into a glass of water and seeing if it floats or sinks.
This test is not always accurate because things like product buildup and hair damage can affect the results.
Instead paying attention to how your hair behaves every day can give you an idea of your hair porosity.
How Hair Porosity Affects Product Choices
For Low Porosity Hair
Look for products that’re
- Lightweight conditioners
- Leave-in products that’re water-based
- Oils that are not too heavy
Avoid using many heavy products on your hair.
For Medium Porosity Hair
Most products work well including:
- conditioners
- Leave-in products
- Hair masks as needed
Just make sure to keep your routine balanced.
For High Porosity Hair
Look for products that’re
- Deep conditioning treatments
- Moisturizers that are rich and hydrating
- Leave-in conditioners
- Products that help seal moisture into your hair
The goal is to help your hair keep moisture for a time.
Hair Porosity and Protein Treatments
Hair porosity can also affect how your hair responds to protein.
If you have porosity hair you might benefit from using protein treatments every now and then because your hair structure might be more fragile.
If you have low porosity hair using too much protein can make your hair stiff.
So it is very important to find a balance between moisture and protein.
Common Hair Porosity Mistakes
Using Products Based on Hair Texture
Just because you have curly hair it does not mean you need the same products as someone else with curly hair.
Applying Many Heavy Products
This can cause buildup in your hair especially if you have low porosity hair.
Ignoring Moisture Retention
If you have porosity hair you need to pay extra attention to keeping moisture in your hair.
Following Trends Without Understanding Your Hair
Not every popular product is good for your hair.
You need to understand what your hair needs and find products that’re right for you.
Simple Hair Care Routine Based on Porosity
Low Porosity Hair
- Use a shampoo
- Use a conditioner
- Apply a water-based leave-in product
- Deep condition your hair every now and
Medium Porosity Hair
- Use a shampoo
- Use a conditioner
- Apply a leave-in product if you need to
- Use a hair mask once a week
High Porosity Hair
- Use a moisturizing shampoo
- Use a conditioner
- Apply a leave-in conditioner
- Condition your hair once a week
Final Thoughts
Hair porosity is very important when it comes to taking care of your hair. If you understand what your hair porosity is you can choose products that will work better for you and create a routine that’s good for your hair.
Of trying a lot of different products take the time to understand how your hair absorbs and keeps moisture. Once you know your hair porosity it is much easier to find the products and take good care of your hair.
Disclaimer:
Hair porosity is different for everyone. Can change over time because of things like chemical treatments, heat styling and damage from the environment. If you want advice, on how to take care of your hair you should talk to a hair care professional.