This is Why Knowing Your Hair Porosity Can Be Life Changing
What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s a key element in determining the best hair care routine for your hair porosity type, as it affects how the hair interacts with water, products and environmental factors. If, like me, you have kinky, coily or curly hair, understanding your hair’s porosity is essential to achieving healthy, hydrated strands because if we don’t tailor our hair care routine around our hair’s porosity, then it’s likely that it’ll only lead us to frustrations and “hair-break” (did you see what I did there? 😅).
Why Is Hair Porosity Important for Textured Hair?
Textured hair is naturally more prone to dryness due to its unique structure. Porosity further influences how the hair retains moisture and how it responds to products and knowing your porosity will help you:
Select the right products: different porosity levels thrive with specific types of ingredients and formulations.
Build an effective routine: tailor your wash days, moisturizing steps and styling methods to your hair’s needs.
Prevent damage: Minimize issues like protein overload, buildup or dryness by using appropriate techniques.
How to Test Your Hair Porosity
Understanding your hair’s porosity starts with testing it. There are a few simple ways that you can use to to assess your hair’s porosity, but keep in mind that these tests can be fallible and that you may have different levels of porosity throughout your hair. Here are three simple and generally considered reliable methods:
1. The Water Test
Glass of water hair porosity test method illustration
Take a clean strand of your hair (free of oils and products).
Drop it into a glass of room-temperature water.
Watch what happens next:
High Porosity: the strand sinks quickly due to open cuticles absorbing water rapidly.
Medium Porosity: the strand floats in the middle, indicating balanced moisture absorption.
Low Porosity: The strand stays on top as the tightly closed cuticles resist water absorption.
2. The Slip Test
Gently slide your fingers along a strand of your hair, from tip to root.
If it feels smooth, your hair likely has low porosity. If it feels bumpy or rough, the cuticles are raised, which suggests high porosity.
3. The Product Absorption Test
Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or oil to clean, damp hair.
Observe how quickly the product absorbs:
High Porosity: products are absorbed almost immediately but may leave your hair feeling dry again quickly.
Medium Porosity: products absorb well and leave the hair hydrated.
Low Porosity: products tend to sit on the surface and take longer to penetrate.
Characteristics of Different Hair Porosity Levels
Low Porosity Hair
Traits: tightly closed cuticles that resist moisture.
Challenges: product buildup is common and hair usually takes longer to dry.
Hair Care Tips:
Use lightweight, water-based products to avoid buildup.
Incorporate steam or heat during deep conditioning to open cuticles and enhance moisture absorption.
Avoid heavy oils and butters that can sit on the surface.
Medium Porosity Hair
Traits: balanced cuticles that allow moisture to flow in and out efficiently.
Benefits: relatively easy to maintain and style.
Care Tips:
Use a mix of moisturizing and sealing products to maintain balance.
Avoid overusing protein treatments, as this hair type typically doesn’t need them frequently.
High Porosity Hair
Traits: raised cuticles that absorb moisture quickly but lose it just as fast.
Challenges: hair can feel dry, tangle easily and be prone to breakage.
Care Tips:
Focus on heavier, cream-based moisturizers and sealing oils like shea butter or castor oil.
Incorporate regular protein treatments to repair and strengthen the cuticles.
Avoid over-shampooing or using harsh cleansers that strip natural oils.
Why Hair Porosity Matters for Kinky, Coily and Curly Hair
The unique structure of coily and curly hair means that managing moisture is a top priority. Low porosity hair may struggle to absorb water during wash days, making steaming or heat essential for effective hydration. Meanwhile, high porosity hair requires more sealing products to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. Medium porosity hair benefits from a balanced routine, ensuring it stays hydrated without becoming weighed down. Understanding your hair’s porosity enables you to make more informed decisions - especially when building a regimen that is aligned with your hair’s specific needs - saving time, effort and frustration.
In-Depth Care Tips for Textured Hair by Porosity
Low Porosity Hair Care Routine
Pre-wash treatment: use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove buildup.
Deep conditioning: use heat caps or steamers to help conditioners penetrate your strands.
Leave-in products: opt for lightweight leave-ins that won’t sit on the hair’s surface.
Styling: avoid heavy creams; try water-based gels or mousses instead.
Medium Porosity Hair Care Routine
Shampooing: use a moisturizing shampoo to maintain hydration.
Conditioning: alternate between moisturizing and protein-rich conditioners.
Leave-in products: choose products with balanced moisture and protein.
Styling: experiment with various products, as this porosity is versatile.
High Porosity Hair Care Routine
Pre-wash treatment: use a pre-poo treatment with oils to minimize water absorption.
Deep conditioning: focus on protein-based treatments to strengthen the hair. But “listen” to your hair (don’t go too hard on protein treatments or you may risk a protein overload).
Leave-in products: opt for creamy, heavy moisturizers to lock in hydration.
Styling: seal with thick oils or butters to reduce frizz and moisture loss.
Quick Tips for All Porosity Levels
Protective styling: regardless of your hair porosity, it’s always a good idea to use styles that reduce manipulation and retain moisture.
Satin or silk accessories: protect your hair at night to minimize friction and moisture loss.
Hydration first: always ensure your hair is hydrated before sealing with oils or butters.
Listen to your hair: adjust your routine based on how your hair responds.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your hair’s porosity is the foundation for creating a tailored and effective hair care routine. By knowing how your hair absorbs and retains moisture, you can select products and methods that work best for your unique curls, coils or kinks. Whether you have low, medium or high porosity, embracing your hair’s needs will lead to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant textured hair.
