What do you need to know about Porosity
Porosity is your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture-and it affects how your hair responds to every product you use. It's one of the reasons that, no matter how many moisturizing treatments you throw on your curls, if it's not compatible with your hair's porosity level, your hair can still feel dry.
We measure porosity in three different categories:
High Porosity: Your hair absorbs moisture easily, but likely doesn't retain it easily.
Medium Porosity: Your hair absorbs moisture and maintains it well.
Low Porosity: Your hair has difficulty absorbing moisture, but once it's in there, it holds.
How do you determine your Porosity?
The easiest way to find your hair's porosity is to try a Float Test. The method is simple.
Fill a glass with water.
Drop a few strands of your hair into the glass of water.
Observe the strands for 1-2 minutes.
High Porosity: Your hair sinks quickly.
Medium Porosity: Your hair sinks slowly.
Low Porosity: Your hair floats.
Having moisture in your curls is critical for your curl health. Discovering a balance of moisture and, protein will give optimal curl results.
What if my hair is high in porosity?
High porosity hair absorbs moisture easily, it also loses moisture easily, too. The cuticle likely has gaps or holes which makes it vulnerable to more damage. A balance of moisture and protein helps close the cuticle to prevent any damage.
What if my hair is medium in porosity?
Medium porosity hair has a more uniform cuticle that allows it to absorb the right amount of moisture and retain it. Medium porosity hair needs balanced moisture (without too much protein) and gentle products that protect it from heat, UV, and chemical damage.
What if my hair is low in porosity?
Hair with low porosity has a tight cuticle that lays flat. Your hair is generally shiny and tends to repel water. Low porosity hair may be more prone to build-up on strands and your scalp because it resists penetration and struggles to retain moisture. Low porosity hair needs to use clarifying treatments often to prevent and remove excess build-up.
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