What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to the level of ease or difficulty your strands have in absorbing and holding onto moisture. Knowing your hair’s porosity level (low, medium or high) is essential when choosing products for your routine in order to achieve the best results. A hair porosity test is the first step in figuring out what your hair needs — especially if you have waves, curls or coils.
How to Test Your Hair Porosity
Here's a quick test to help you determine whether you have low porosity, medium porosity or high porosity hair:
- Take some strands from your hairbrush.
- Drop them in a clear glass of water.
- Wait about 5 minutes.
If they float on top, you have low porosity, meaning your hair resists moisture absorption.
If they sink to the bottom, your hair has high porosity, meaning it absorbs moisture quickly but may also lose it just as fast.
If they hover in the middle, you have medium or normal porosity, which indicates a balanced ability to retain moisture.
Types of Hair Porosity: Low vs. Medium vs. High Porosity Hair
Learn the differences between hair porosity types to customize your at-home regimen.
Low Porosity
With low porosity, your hair is generally shiny and smooth, has a tight cuticle, repels moisture and tends to be hard to process. Because it resists penetration, products can often sit on top of your hair and cause buildup. Use moisturizers rich in emollients to help soften and open the cuticle. Since it can be hard for your hair to retain moisture, humectant products can compensate. Try shea butter, jojoba oil, and liquid-based products like hair milk that won't weigh you down.
Medium Porosity
With balanced, medium porosity, your hair has a fairly loose cuticle that allows the right amount of moisture to absorb and escape. Your hair generally requires little maintenance. The occasional deep conditioning protein treatment will keep your hair in great shape, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your daily routine.
High Porosity
If your hair has high porosity, that means it has large holes in the cuticle. This can allow too much moisture to penetrate it. Your hair may also lose moisture quickly, which leads to frizz and tangling. It can be genetic or a result of chemical processing or rough treatment. High porosity hair is also delicate and can be prone to further damage — even through everyday styling. Layer leave-in conditioners, moisturizers and sealers to protect your hair.
Caring For Your Hair Porosity Type: What Products To Choose
Low Porosity
Choosing the Right Products
Opt for lightweight, water-based products specifically formulated for low porosity hair. Avoid heavy oils and butters that can cause buildup and make your hair feel greasy.
Effective Moisturuzing Techniques
Low porosity hair struggles to absorb moisture, so it’s vital to use methods that open the hair cuticles. The LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method is effective. Begin with a water-based leave-in conditioner or moisturizer, follow with a lightweight oil or serum, and finish with a cream or butter to seal in moisture.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Be cautious with protein treatments; low porosity hair can become stiff and brittle if overwhelmed with protein. Regularly clarify your scalp & hair to remove product buildup that can obstruct moisture absorption. Learn about scalp care for curly hair here.
Medium Porosity Hair Products
Maintaining moisture balance and protecting medium porosity hair from damage is key to keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Maintaining Moisture Balance
Medium porosity hair can absorb and retain moisture moderately well. Use products that provide hydration without weighing your hair down. Look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners formulated for medium porosity hair. Leave-in conditioners or hair oils can help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Protecting From Damage
Avoid excessive use of heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons as they can strip the hair of its natural moisture, leading to breakage. Instead, use a heat protectant spray and try heatless styling techniques such as air-drying or using flexi rods. Regular trims can prevent split ends and keep your hair looking its best.
Best Styling Practices
Choose lightweight styling products like mousses or creams that provide hold without causing buildup. Experiment with different hairstyles and techniques, such as braids, twists or Bantu knots to enhance your medium porosity hair’s natural beauty. See more on protective styles here.
High Porosity
High porosity hair can be challenging to manage, but with the right techniques and products, you can maintain healthy and beautiful locks. A key aspect of managing high porosity hair is sealing in moisture. Due to more open cuticles, high porosity hair absorbs AND loses moisture quickly.
Sealing In Moisture
Use moisturizing products containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or argan oil. These ingredients create a barrier on the hair shaft, sealing in moisture and preventing it from escaping.
Protein Treatments
Protein helps strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and improving overall hair health. Look for protein-rich products, such as hair masks or deep conditioners, with ingredients like keratin or silk amino acids. Regularly incorporating these treatments into your routine can help restore and maintain your high porosity hair’s strength.
Reducing Frizz and Damage
High porosity hair is prone to frizz and damage due to its open cuticles. Use products that provide protection and nourishment, such as leave-in conditioners or styling creams with ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil or glycerin. These ingredients help lock in moisture, reduce frizz and protect against external stressors.
What Factors Impacts Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity is influenced by both genetics and external factors. Some people are predisposed to have higher or lower porosity due to the natural structure of their hair cuticles. However, external factors such as chemical treatments, heat styling and environmental exposure can significantly alter hair porosity over time. For instance, frequent use of hair dye, relaxers or other chemical processes can raise the cuticle, increasing porosity and making hair more prone to moisture loss. On the other hand, excessive heat from styling tools can weaken the hair shaft, leading to similar effects. Even environmental factors like sun exposure, wind and humidity can contribute to changes in hair porosity, especially for those who already have high porosity hair.
