Ever wonder why some hair products work like magic for others but leave your hair dry, greasy, or just blah? The secret isn’t in the brand or price, it’s in your hair porosity.
If you’ve never heard of hair porosity before, keep reading! Understanding it can change your entire hair care routine. It affects how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, which means it can make or break your hydration game.
So, let’s figure out your hair’s porosity and how to pick the right products to keep it happy, healthy, and thriving!
What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and holds onto moisture. This depends on your hair cuticle, the outermost layer of your hair strand.
Think of it like a sponge:
- A dense, tightly packed sponge doesn’t absorb water easily.
- A moderate sponge absorbs just the right amount.
- A wide, open sponge soaks up everything but loses moisture just as quickly.
Your hair behaves the same way! There are three types of porosity:
- Low Porosity: Tightly packed cuticles that resist moisture.
- Medium Porosity: A balanced cuticle that absorbs and retains moisture well.
- High Porosity: Open cuticles that absorb moisture quickly but lose it just as fast.
How to Test Your Hair Porosity
Before choosing the right products, let’s determine your porosity level with a quick test!
1. The Water Test
- Take a clean strand of hair (preferably shed, not pulled out!)
- Drop it into a glass of water.
- Observe what happens:
Floats on top? → Low Porosity
Sinks slowly? → Medium Porosity
Sinks quickly? → High Porosity
2. The Slip ‘n’ Slide Test
- Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers upward from the tip to the root.
- If it feels smooth, your cuticles are tightly packed (low porosity).
- If it feels slightly bumpy, you’re in the middle (medium porosity).
- If it feels very rough and bumpy, your cuticles are raised (high porosity).
Got your results? Now, let’s find the best products for your hair type!
Choosing the Right Products for Your Hair Porosity
Low Porosity Hair: Moisture-Resistant but Prone to Build-Up
Your hair repels water like a raincoat—moisture just sits on top instead of sinking in.
What You Need:
✔ Lightweight, water-based products (avoid heavy butters and oils).
✔ Clarifying shampoo to prevent product buildup.
✔ Heat or steam to help open the cuticles and let moisture in.
Best Ingredients:
- Aloe vera (lightweight and hydrating)
- Redensyl (revitalise hair stem cells)
- Honey (natural humectant)
Avoid:
✖ Thick, heavy butters like shea butter (they just sit on your hair).
✖ Protein-heavy products (can make hair feel stiff).
Medium Porosity Hair: The Low-Maintenance Sweet Spot
Lucky you! Your hair absorbs moisture well and holds onto it without much effort.
What You Need:
✔ A balanced hair care routine—not too heavy, not too light.
✔ Regular deep conditioning to maintain moisture.
✔ A leave-in conditioner for added hydration.
Best Ingredients:
- Coconut oil (moisturizing without being too heavy)
- Silk proteins (strengthens without stiffness)
- Jojoba oil (mimics natural scalp oils)
Avoid:
✖ Overloading on protein treatments (too much can make hair brittle).
High Porosity Hair: Soaks Up Moisture But Loses It Fast
Your hair drinks up moisture like a sponge, but it evaporates just as quickly.
What You Need:
✔ Heavy, creamy products that seal in moisture.
✔ Layering method (LCO/LOC method) – Liquid, Cream, Oil to lock hydration in.
✔ Protein treatments to help strengthen and repair cuticle damage.
Best Ingredients:
- Coconut (seals in moisture)
- Castor oil (prevents moisture loss)
- Keratin (rebuilds damaged hair)
Avoid:
✖ Frequent heat styling (already fragile cuticles will suffer more).
✖ Overwashing (can strip away necessary oils).
Finally, Work With Your Hair, Not Against It!
Your hair porosity isn’t a problem, it’s just about learning how to work with it instead of against it. Choosing the right products based on how your hair absorbs moisture will completely transform your hair health.
Now that you know your porosity type, what’s the first change you’re making to your routine?
