Hair porosity is an important factor in determining how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. Knowing your hair’s porosity can help you select the right products and treatments to maintain healthy, vibrant hair. Let’s explore how to determine your hair porosity and recommend the best products for high and low porosity hair.
What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is determined by the condition of the hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft. The cuticle can be tight, loose, or somewhere in between, affecting how easily moisture and products penetrate the hair.
How to Determine Your Hair Porosity
There are several methods to determine your hair porosity.
The Float Test
Step 1
Take a few strands of clean, product-free hair and drop them into a bowl of room temperature water.
Step 2
Wait for 2-4 minutes.
Observation
If your hair floats, you have low porosity hair.
If it sinks slowly, you have medium/normal porosity hair.
If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair.
The Slip ‘n’ Slide Test
Step 1
Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft towards the scalp.
Observation
If it feels smooth, you have low porosity hair.
If it feels slightly rough, you have medium/normal porosity hair.
If it feels very rough or bumpy, you have high porosity hair.
Absorption Rate
Step 1
Apply a small amount of water to a section of your hair.
Observation
If the water sits on top of your hair or takes a long time to absorb, you have low porosity hair.
If the water absorbs quickly, you have high porosity hair.
Best Products for High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, making it easy for moisture to enter but also to escape. This type of hair often feels dry and can be prone to frizz and breakage. Here are the best products for managing high porosity hair:
Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
Look for products with ingredients like shea butter, which helps to lock in moisture. We recommend Innersense’s Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Hydrating Cream Conditioner.
Deep Conditioners and Masks
Use deep conditioning treatments such as amika’s hydro rush intense moisture hair mask regularly to provide intensive hydration. Ingredients like keratin, aloe vera, and avocado oil are highly beneficial.
Leave-In Conditioners
Use leave-in conditioners to provide continuous moisture and protection throughout the day. Look for formulas with glycerin, coconut oil, and honey.
Sealing Oils
Use heavy oils such as amika’s water sign hydrating hair oil to seal in moisture and smooth the hair cuticle.
Best Products for Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer that repels moisture. This type of hair often feels smooth but can be prone to product buildup and may take longer to dry. Here are the best products for managing low porosity hair:
Clarifying Products
Use a clarifying product like Innersense’s Detox Hair Mask once a month to remove buildup and allow moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. Look for shampoos with apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil.
Lightweight Shampoo and Conditioner
Choose lightweight shampoo and conditioners that can penetrate the cuticle easily. We recommend R+Co BLEU’s Essential Shampoo and Conditioner.
Minimal Protein Conditioners
Low porosity hair can be sensitive to protein, leading to stiffness and breakage. Choose conditioners that have minimal protein and focus on hydration like R+Co BLEU’s Sleep Masque Night Repair Serum.
Heat Treatments
Incorporate heat treatments, such as our steam-bath treatment, to open the cuticle and allow products to penetrate more effectively.
Understanding your hair porosity is key to developing a hair care routine that ensures your hair remains healthy and hydrated. By identifying whether you have high or low porosity hair, you can select products specifically formulated to meet your hair’s unique needs. If you’re unsure what your hair’s porosity is, consult with one of our hairstylists and find the right products for you! With the right products and care, you can achieve strong, shiny, and well-nourished hair.
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