What does hair porosity mean?
What does hair porosity mean? Your hair’s porosity is how well it can absorb and hold onto moisture. It also affects how your hair reacts to hydration, products, and external factors like humidity and heat. There are different hair porosity types—each influencing how your hair behaves and what it needs.
The state of your hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair strand and is made up of overlapping, scale-like cells, determines this trait. These layers of cuticle can be:
• Very open or damaged (high porosity),
• Partially lifted (medium porosity), or
• Tightly closed (low porosity).
It works like roof shingles: when they are tightly packed, water can’t get in. Water rushes in when they are raised or broken, but it also leaks out just as quickly.
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Why porosity in hair is important
Knowing how porous your hair is can help you:
• Choose the right hair care products
• Keep moisture in better
• Make hair stronger and more flexible
• Keep hair from getting dry, frizzy, and breaking.
Porosity impacts how hydrated, healthy, and easy to style your hair can be, no matter what type of hair you have: straight, curly, coily, or wavy.
Different Types of Hair Porosity
There are three main types of hair porosity, and each one has its own needs and ways to take care of it:
1. Low Porosity
• The cuticles are flat and tightly packed.
Moisture and products stay on top instead of quickly soaking in.
Hair can take a long time to dry and can build up products.
2. Medium (Normal) Porosity
• Cuticles are a little bit raised, which helps keep moisture in and out of the skin.
• Hair responds well to coloring, styling, and deep conditioning.
• Generally looks healthy and doesn’t require much care.
3. High Porosity
- Cuticles are wide open or damaged due to heat, chemicals, or genetics.
- Hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.
- Often frizzy, dry, or brittle if not sealed or treated properly.
How to Determine Hair Porosity
If you’re unsure of your hair type, you’re not alone. Learning how to determine hair porosity is simple and can be done at home with a few quick tests. Knowing your porosity type helps you build a personalized routine that supports moisture retention, growth, and overall hair health.
How to Test Hair Porosity at Home
There are several methods to try, but one of the most common and effective is the hair strand porosity test (also known as the water test).
Hair Strand Porosity Test (Water Float Test)
Water Float Test for Hair Strand Porosity
In detail:
1. To get rid of oil and product buildup, shampoo and rinse your hair.
2. Gather a few clean hair strands that have fallen out, ideally from your brush or comb.
3. Submerge them in a transparent glass filled with room-temperature water.
4. Wait 2 to 4 minutes and watch.
Results:
Low porosity = hair floats
Hair sinks slowly, which means it has medium porosity.
High porosity means that hair sinks quickly.
Tip: If the hair has products in it, the results may not be correct.
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Different Ways to Check Hair Porosity
The Slip Test
Run your fingers along a strand of dry, clean hair from the end to the scalp.
Smooth feel = Low porosity
Slight texture = Medium porosity
Rough or bumpy = High porosity
The Spray Bottle test
A tiny patch of dry hair should be sprayed with water.
Low porosity is indicated by water beads.
Slowly absorbs = Medium porosity
Instant soak = high porosity
Low Porosity Hair:
You may have low porosity hair if you’ve ever noticed that your hair feels greasy, heavy, or dry despite using a lot of moisturizing products. The secret to finding a routine that finally works for your hair is knowing your hair type.
Low Porosity Hair: What Is It?
Hair with low porosity has a densely packed cuticle layer that makes it difficult for products, oils, and moisture to get inside the hair shaft. Similar to closed roof shingles, your cuticle is meant to keep things out, including healthy things like water.
Oil and conditioner buildup, Longer drying periods and water and product remaining on the hair’s surface are common problems for people with low porosity hair..
A smooth, glossy appearance that comes naturally
This hair type requires extra attention to get and retain moisture where it belongs—inside the strand—even though it is generally less likely to break.
Test for Low Hair Porosity
Try this easy low hair porosity test (also called the water float test) at home if you’re not sure if your hair is low porosity:
Water Float Test:
1. Begin with hair that is clean and devoid of products.
2. Drop a few strands into a clear glass of water that is at room temperature.
3. Hold off for three to five minutes.
Findings: Your hair probably has low porosity if it floats for a few minutes before gradually sinking or not sinking at all.
Bonus Tip: The spray test is another option. Apply water to an area of dry hair. A classic indicator of low porosity is when water turns off the strand or beads up instead of absorbing rapidly.
How Should Low Porosity Hair Be Maintained?
Helping moisture enter and remain in the hair strand is the main goal of low porosity hair care. Here’s how to do it correctly:
1. Make Use of Warm Water
The cuticle can be gently opened with warm water to allow moisture and products to enter. Always use warm, not hot, water to rinse and deep condition.
2. Use Heat When Deep Conditioning
The tight cuticle layer is momentarily lifted by applying heat.
- Consider using a steamer
- Thermometric heat cap
- Warm towel wrap
Your deep conditioners work better as a result.
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3. Select Products That Are Lightweight
Steer clear of thick oils, butters, and heavy creams. They often cause buildup by sitting on top of the hair. Rather, search for:
- Water-based leave-ins
- Light moisturizing mists
- Gel creams including humectants, like aloe vera or glycerin
4. Make clear Frequently
Use a clarifying shampoo every two to four weeks to reset your hair because low porosity hair is prone to product buildup.
The Most significant Oil for Low Porosity Hair
Lightweight and easily absorbed oils are ideal for low porosity hair.
Recommended Oils:
- Argan oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Almond oil that’s sweet
- Rosehip oil and jojoba oil
After you’ve moisturized your hair, these oils will help seal in moisture without leaving a thick layer.
Steer clear of thick oils like castor or coconut oil unless you’re using them sparingly on ends.
Tips for Using the Product
- Always use moisturizers on hair that is damp but not drenched.
- To make sure water enters before sealing, use the LCO (Liquid-Cream-Oil) method instead of LOC.
- Avoid overstretching your strands; with low porosity, a little goes a long way.
Medium porosity Hair:
This hair porosity type is commonly referred to as the “sweet spot” in terms of hair health. It is one of the easiest hair types to manage as it attains a healthy balance between moisture absorption and retention. Don’t be misled, though; in order to keep its strength, softness, and shine, medium porosity hair still needs to be regularly cared for.
Medium Porosity Hair: What Is It?
Since the cuticle layer of medium porosity hair is slightly elevated, the ideal amount of moisture can enter the hair shaft without escaping too quickly. Hair can effectively absorb hair treatments and products and retain moisture thanks to its balanced porosity.
Medium porosity hair allows optimal hydration and product absorption, compared to low porosity hair, which resists moisture, or high porosity hair, which loses it too quickly.
Medium Hair Porosity Test
Here’s how to perform the medium hair porosity test, also known as the water float test, to find out if your hair is medium porosity:
1. Take a few clean, product-free strands of hair that have fallen out.
2. Submerge them in a glass of water that is at room temperature.
3. Observe the events over a period of two to five minutes.
Results: Medium porosity appears if your hair briefly floats before gradually sinking to the center.
Strand Slide Test
1. Gently run your fingers up a strand of dry hair to perform the Strand Slide Test.
2. You probably have medium porosity if it feels somewhat textured but not rough.
Indications of Medium Porosity Hair
- Hair gets wet easily but doesn’t feel drenched
- Dries in a fair amount of time—not too quickly or too slowly. Maintains styles and moisture well
- Responds predictably to color and chemical treatments
- It has a natural sheen and feels soft and manageable.
Tips for Hair Care with Medium Porosity
Medium porosity hair is the easiest to manage, but maintaining its balance and health requires regular care. It may shift toward high porosity if improperly cared for because of damage or over processing.
1. Preserve the equilibrium of moisture
Make use of hydrating shampoos and conditioners that do not cause your hair to feel heavy. To keep strength, switch up your protein treatments every four to six weeks.
2. Regularly Deep Condition
Maintaining elasticity, shine, and moisture levels can be achieved with a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a month.
3. Avoid Product Overload
Heavy product layers are not needed for hair with medium porosity. Use only light to medium oils, leave-ins, and creams.
4. Protect From Heat and UV Damage
Overexposure to the sun or flat ironing can harm the cuticle and cause your hair to become highly porous. In intense sunlight, always apply a heat-protective spray and think about donning a hat.
The Best Oil for Hair with Medium Porosity
Selecting the ideal oil for medium-porosity hair aids in retaining moisture without leaving the hair feeling oily or limp.
Suggested Oils:
- Lightweight and moisturizing sweet almond oil
- Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils found on the scalp.
- Argan oil is nourishing and shiny.
- Camellia oil is excellent for smoothing and softening.
- Avocado oil is nutrient-dense without being overly thick.
Following the application of your deep conditioner or leave-in, these oils are ideal for retaining moisture.
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Tips for Styling and Maintenance
- Depending on what your hair prefers, use the LOC or LCO method.
- Steer clear of protein overload by using light protein masks only once a month.
- To maintain softness and prevent split ends, don’t neglect everyday trimmings.
- Select water-based products to stay hydrated throughout the day.
High Porosity Hair:
Does your hair feel dry after a few hours but absorb moisture like a sponge?
No matter how much conditioner you use, do you still have brittle strands, frizz, or tangles?
Restoring moisture, strength, and shine to your hair may require an understanding of your high porosity.
High Porosity Hair: What Is It?
The cuticle layer of high porosity hair is widely separated, elevated, or even broken.
This indicates that while moisture can enter the hair shaft with ease, it can also leave just as quickly. The outcome? Always “thirsty” hair that is prone to breakage, frizz, and dryness.
Although this degree of porosity can be inherited,
- Heat damage from blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands is frequently the cause or aggravating factor.
- Chemical treatments, such as coloring, bleaching, and relaxing
- Environmental exposure (wind, pollution, and UV radiation)
- Harsh products (strong clarifiers, alcohols, and sulfates)
Typical Indications of Hair Porosity
Here are some indicators that your hair may have high porosity if you’re unsure:
- Hair gets wet and dries quickly.
- It feels dry, rough, or straw-like.
- Constant frizz, particularly in humid
- environments; tangles and breakage are likely; hair absorbs products quickly, but it still feels dry.
- Hair lacks shine and may look dull or puffy
How to Check for Hair with High Porosity
Hair Strand Porosity Test (Water Float Test)
1. Add dry, clean hair to a glass of water.
2. After two to five minutes, observe what transpires.
Result: Your hair probably has high porosity, which is an obvious indication that your cuticles are damaged or open, if it sinks to the bottom quickly.
Test of Texture:
1. From the tip to the root, slide your fingers up a single strand.
2. Rough or bumpy texture is a sign of damaged or lifted cuticles, which are common in hair with a high porosity.
Tips for Taking Care of High Porosity Hair
The main goals of high porosity hair care are to preserve moisture, fortify the cuticle, and shield the hair from additional harm.
1. Make Use of Protein Treatments
Proteins help “fill in” the gaps and reinforce structure in high porosity hair, which frequently has holes or gaps in the cuticle layer.
Apply protein masks or treatments every two to four weeks, or more frequently if your hair has undergone chemical treatment.
Seek out components such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, silk protein, or keratin.
2. Severe Condition Frequently
moisture must be locked in and refilled on a regular basis. Make use of deep conditioners that are rich and creamy and contain hydrating ingredients such as
- shea butter.
- Aloe vera
- Panthenol and honey
Use a steamer or heat cap to apply heat during deep conditioning so that nutrients can enter the hair shaft.
3. Keep Moisture Out
Seal your hair with oils or butters to retain moisture after using a leave-in or moisturizing cream. For high porosity, this is essential.
4. Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Avoid sulfates, products with a lot of alcohol, and overly clarifying shampoos as they further strip hair and exacerbate porosity.
5. Make Use of Cool Water Rinses
To minimize moisture loss and aid in cuticle closure, rinse out conditioner with cool water.
6. Protective Styling
To shield your hair from dryness, friction, and environmental stress, try twists, buns, or braids.
Top Oil for Hair with High Porosity
Heavy and nourishing oils work best for high porosity hair because they coat the hair shaft and help prevent moisture loss.
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Suggested Oils:
Castor oil is a thick, sealing substance.
Avocado oil is nutrient-dense and deeply absorbed.
Olive oil: Protective and moisturizing
Shea butter is a solid fat that protects and coats cuticles.
Mango butter is a lightweight substitute for shea butter that has sealing qualities.
These oils help reduce porosity over time by smoothing the cuticle and preventing excessive water loss.
Styling Tips for High Porosity Hair
While styling hair with high porosity, always use a heat protectant.
Avoid using heat tools every day; instead, let them air dry.
Between washing days, use hydrating sprays to refresh.
To lessen friction, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or wear a bonnet.
Concluding
Hair porosity is about understanding what your hair needs, not about being “good” or “bad.” There are different hair porosity types, and each requires a unique method of caring for your cuticles that will enhance your strands—whether they are tightly closed, perfectly balanced, or wide open. Determine which of the hair porosity types you have first, then create a routine that fits it. Additionally, keep in mind that your hair journey is exclusively yours.
Is high porosity hair damaged?
High porosity hair isn’t automatically damaged, but it often has that tendency. Sometimes, it’s just in your genes that your hair has naturally high porosity, meaning the cuticle layers are more open by default. However, in many situations, high porosity hair can result from damage due to heat styling, chemical treatments, bleaching, or even environmental factors. These things can lift or break the cuticle, making it hard for your hair to retain moisture. As a result, your hair might become dry, frizzy, and more prone to breakage. The silver lining is that even if your high porosity hair is damaged, you can bring it back to life with the right care—like deep conditioning, protein treatments, and protective styling—to help rebuild its strength and improve moisture retention over time.
Is rice water good for low porosity hair?
Rice water can be a fantastic friend for those with low porosity hair, but it’s crucial to use it the right way. It’s loaded with protein, which can sometimes cause buildup or make your hair feel stiff, especially if your cuticles are tightly closed. So, it’s a good idea to use it sparingly—perhaps once every few weeks—and always follow up with a light moisturizer to keep everything in harmony and avoid any protein overload.
Is steaming good for high porosity hair?
Absolutely! Steaming can do wonders for high porosity hair, but it’s crucial to use it wisely. High porosity hair tends to absorb moisture easily due to its open cuticle structure, so too much steam can actually lead to overhydration and a condition known as hygral fatigue, which is essentially damage caused by excess moisture. That said, treating yourself to an occasional steam session can really enhance your deep conditioning treatments by allowing those nutrients to penetrate deeply into the hair. It works especially well when paired with protein-rich or strengthening masks. To keep everything in balance, try to limit your steaming to once every 2–3 weeks, and always wrap up with a sealing oil or butter to lock in that hydration and protect your hair cuticle.
Can porosity be changed?
Hair porosity is one of those things that you can’t really change for good, but you can certainly work on improving or managing it over time. Your natural porosity is inherited from your genes, but factors like heat styling, chemical treatments, and even the environment can ramp up porosity by causing damage to the cuticle. With the right care—think protein treatments, deep conditioning, locking in moisture, and avoiding harsh products—you can temporarily restore your hair’s moisture balance and boost its overall appearance and texture. While you can’t completely “close” the cuticle or make it permanently low porosity, sticking to a consistent hair care routine can help keep your locks healthy and reduce the effects of high or damaged porosity.
which hair porosity is good?
Medium porosity hair is often considered the ideal hair type, and for good reason! It finds that sweet spot between absorbing moisture and keeping it locked in. The cuticle layer is slightly raised, allowing moisture, oils, and nutrients to easily penetrate the hair shaft while still retaining that all-important hydration. This hair type generally gets along well with a variety of products, styling methods, and treatments, so it won’t feel overly dry or weighed down. However, it’s important to remember that any hair porosity type can flourish with the right care. The key is to understand your hair’s specific needs and tailor your routine to ensure it stays moisturized, strong, and manageable.