Have you ever wondered why some hair products work wonders for your friend but leave your own locks limp and lifeless? The answer may lie in a hidden factor: your hair's porosity.
What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Think of your hair strand as a shingled roof. The way those shingles lay – tightly sealed or slightly lifted – dictates how easily water can penetrate. In hair, these "shingles" are cuticle cells. Understanding your hair's porosity is crucial for choosing the right products and techniques to keep it healthy and hydrated.
The Three Levels of Porosity
• Low Porosity The cuticles are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to enter. Hair tends to be shiny but can feel dry and brittle. Products often sit on top of the hair rather than being absorbed.
• Medium or Normal Porosity The cuticles are moderately open, allowing moisture to enter and exit at a balanced rate. This hair type is generally easy to manage and styles well.
• High Porosity The cuticles are widely spaced or damaged, allowing moisture to be absorbed quickly but also lost just as fast. Hair can feel dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. It may also absorb products quickly.
How to Determine Your Hair's Porosity
There are several simple tests you can perform at home to get an idea of your hair's porosity:
• The Strand Test Take a clean, dry strand of hair and place it in a glass of water. If it floats on top, it likely has low porosity. If it sinks slowly, it likely has medium porosity. If it sinks quickly, it likely has high porosity.• The Water Spray Test Spray a section of your hair with water. If the water beads up on the surface, you likely have low porosity. If the water is absorbed quickly, you likely have high porosity.
Caring for Different Porosity Levels
Once you know your hair's porosity, you can tailor your hair care routine to meet its specific needs:
• Low Porosity Use lightweight products that won't weigh your hair down. Apply heat (like a warm towel or steamer) when conditioning to help open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate.• Medium Porosity Lucky you! Your hair is relatively easy to manage. Focus on maintaining a healthy balance of moisture and protein.
• High Porosity Focus on sealing in moisture with heavier products like butters and oils. Use protein treatments to help strengthen the hair shaft and repair damage to the cuticle. Minimize heat styling to prevent further damage.
Read our original review here
** If the product is for a food or supplement item, please review the ingredients to ensure there will be no issues with allergies, diet, nutrition, etc. You should always have a personal consultation with a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, medication, or exercise routine.
