Have you ever wondered why certain hair products work wonders for some but not for you? The answer could lie in a critical but often overlooked aspect of hair care: porosity. Hair porosity is your hair's ability to absorb and hold moisture. It influences how well oils and moisture pass in and out of the outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle.
What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity is divided into three categories: low, medium, and high. Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles that resist moisture absorption. Medium porosity hair has a looser cuticle layer that allows for balanced moisture retention. High porosity hair has gaps in the cuticle, leading to excessive moisture absorption, often resulting in frizz and tangles.
Determining Your Hair's Porosity
The float test is a simple at-home method to assess your hair's porosity. Take a few strands of clean hair and put them in a bowl of water. Watch to see if they float (low porosity), stay submerged in the middle (medium porosity), or sink (high porosity).
Caring for Your Hair's Porosity
High Porosity: Reduce exposure to heat and chemical processes, use heavier creams and butters to seal in moisture, and incorporate anti-humectants in humid climates to prevent frizz.
Understanding your hair's porosity can transform your hair care routine. With the right knowledge and products, you can achieve the luscious, vibrant hair you've always desired.