Understanding hair porosity is essential for choosing the right hair care products and maintaining healthy hair. Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. There are three main categories: high porosity, medium porosity, and low porosity. Each type requires specific care to address its unique needs. The picture above demonstrates how to test for your specific porosity. Before trying the test make sure your hair is shampooed and free of product build up. After testing, continue reading on how to care for your specific porosity type.
Let's start with High Porosity Hair...
High Porosity Hair:
High porosity hair is prone to frizz, dryness, and tangles. Products absorb quickly, but the hair struggles to retain moisture due to cuticle scales remaining open, which allow moisture to easily enter and exit the hair shaft.
Best Products for High Porosity Hair:
1. Deep Conditioning Treatments: Use protein-rich deep conditioners to strengthen and repair damaged cuticles.
2. Leave-in Conditioners: Provide a protective layer to lock in moisture.
3. Sealants: Apply natural oils like jojoba, olive, or argan oil to seal the cuticles and reduce moisture loss. The Herbal hair oil works great as a sealant!
4. Protein Treatments: Regular protein treatments help restore and maintain the hair's structural integrity.
Medium Porosity Hair:
In medium porosity hair, the cuticles aren't too open or too closed which allows for balanced moisture absorption and retention. Medium porosity hair tends to be easily styled and holds curls well but it does require a balanced hair care routine to achieve healthy medium porosity hair. Going too long without washing and conditioning can easily dry out medium porosity hair.
Best Products for Medium Porosity Hair:
1. Balanced Conditioners: Use a mix of protein and moisture-based conditioners for optimal care.
2. Styling Products: Gels, creams, and leave-in conditioners work well for styling without causing excess buildup.
3. Regular Deep Conditioning: Maintain moisture balance with periodic deep conditioning treatments.
4. Heat Protectants: Protect hair from heat styling tools to prevent damage.
Low Porosity Hair:
In low porosity hair, the cuticles are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. Low porosity hair is prone to product buildup, takes longer to dry and may resist chemical treatments.
Best Products for Low Porosity Hair:
1. Clarifying Shampoos: Use to remove product buildup and open cuticles for better moisture absorption.
2. Lightweight Moisturizers: Choose water-based, leave-in conditioners and products to avoid weighing down the hair.
3. Steam Treatments: Open cuticles with steam to allow moisture penetration during deep conditioning.
4. Humectants: Products with glycerin or honey can attract moisture to low porosity hair.
General Tips for All Porosities:
1. Regular Trims: Keep hair healthy by trimming split ends when needed.
2. Protective Styling: Minimize exposure to environmental factors that can affect porosity.
3. Balanced Diet: Ensure a diet rich in nutrients for overall hair health.
4. Hydration: Drink enough water to promote healthy hair from the inside out.
Understanding your hair porosity is a crucial step towards building an effective hair care routine. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your unique hair type and enjoy healthier, more vibrant locks.