What Does Hair Porosity Mean? Understanding Your Hair’s Ability to Absorb Moisture

When it comes to hair care, one essential factor that determines how your hair responds to products is hair porosity. But what exactly is hair porosity, and how does it affect your hair care routine?

What is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Think of it like a sponge — when you pour water onto it, the sponge absorbs the liquid. However, just like a sponge, some hair types absorb moisture faster or more effectively than others. This difference in absorption is mainly determined by the condition of your hair’s outer layer, called the cuticle.

Your hair’s porosity can be classified into three main categories: Normal, Resistant, and Severe. Understanding which category your hair falls into can help you choose the right products and treatments for optimal hair health.

Types of Hair Porosity

1. Normal Porosity (Medium)Hair with normal porosity has a healthy balance of moisture absorption. The cuticle is slightly raised, allowing moisture to enter and exit the hair as needed. This hair type is usually well-maintained and responds well to professional, pH-balanced hair care products. If your hair falls into this category, it’s in good condition and requires regular hydration and protection to maintain its health.

2. Resistant Porosity (Low)Resistant porosity means that your hair has a tightly closed cuticle, making it more difficult for moisture and hair products to penetrate the hair shaft. Hair with this type of porosity may feel dry or stiff, as it’s not absorbing products effectively. This can occur naturally or as a result of excessive heat styling. For this type of porosity, using products that can gently open the cuticle and allow moisture to enter is key.

3. Severe Porosity (High)Severe porosity occurs when the cuticle is raised or damaged due to harsh chemical treatments, overuse of heat styling tools, or environmental stressors. This can cause hair to absorb moisture quickly, but it may also lose it just as fast. Hair with severe porosity tends to feel brittle, dry, and frizzy. Repairing severe porosity requires deep hydration treatments and nourishing products that seal the cuticle and restore moisture balance.

How to Test Your Hair Porosity

Not sure what your hair porosity is? It’s easy to test at home! Use the following method:

• Take a strand of clean, dry hair and place it in a bowl of water.

• Watch how the strand reacts:

  • If it sinks quickly, you likely have high porosity (severe porosity).

  • If it floats at the top or takes a while to sink, your hair probably has low porosity (resistant porosity).

  • If it floats but gradually sinks over time, your hair is likely medium porosity (normal porosity).

Why Does Hair Porosity Matter?

Knowing your hair porosity helps you choose the right hair care routine and products that work best for your hair type. For example:

• If you have low porosity hair, you may benefit from products that help open the cuticle and allow moisture to penetrate more effectively.

• If you have high porosity hair, look for products that help seal the cuticle and lock moisture in, preventing excessive dryness and breakage.

Need Help with Your Hair Care Routine?

Now that you understand hair porosity, it’s time to tailor your routine to your specific needs. Comment below with your hair porosity type, and we’ll be happy to recommend products and provide personalized tips to keep your hair healthy and nourished. Whether you need advice on strengthening damaged hair or boosting moisture in resistant hair, we’re here to help!