Hair porosity plays a crucial role in how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Understanding your hair’s porosity level can help you choose the best products and care techniques to keep it healthy, hydrated, and thriving. In this guide, we’ll explore the three porosity types—low, medium, and high—and provide tailored hair care tips for each.

What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is determined by the structure of the hair cuticle—the outermost layer of your hair shaft. Porosity is generally categorized into three levels:

• Low Porosity: Tight cuticles that make moisture absorption difficult.
• Medium Porosity: Balanced cuticles that allow moisture in and retain it well.
• High Porosity: Raised cuticles that absorb moisture quickly but lose it just as fast.

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity
Try one of these simple tests to identify your hair’s porosity level:

1. The Water Test

• Drop a clean, shed hair strand into a glass of water.
• If it floats, you have low porosity hair.
• If it sinks slowly, you have medium porosity hair.
• If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair.

1. The Slip and Feel Test

• Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up from the tip to the root.
• If it feels smooth, you have low porosity hair.
• If it feels slightly bumpy, you have medium porosity hair.
• If it feels rough and bumpy, you have high porosity hair.

How to Care for Different Hair Porosity Types

Low Porosity Hair Care

• Hydration Strategy: Use lightweight, water-based leave-in conditioners.
• Best Products: Look for humectants like glycerin and aloe vera to attract moisture.
• Avoid: Heavy oils and butters that can sit on the hair without penetrating.
• Washing Tips: Use warm water and occasional clarifying shampoos to lift the cuticle and allow moisture in.
• Deep Conditioning: Apply heat (steam or a warm towel) to help open the cuticles for better moisture absorption.

Medium Porosity Hair Care

• Hydration Strategy: Maintain a balanced moisture-protein routine.
• Best Products: Use a mix of moisturizing and strengthening treatments.
• Avoid: Overuse of protein treatments, which can make the hair brittle.
• Washing Tips: Use gentle shampoos and conditioners with natural oils for nourishment.
• Deep Conditioning: Use protein-based masks occasionally to maintain elasticity and strength.

High Porosity Hair Care

• Hydration Strategy: Layer moisture-sealing products to prevent water loss.
• Best Products: Use thick butters, creams, and anti-humectants to seal moisture in.
• Avoid: Harsh sulfates and alcohol-based products that can dry out hair.
• Washing Tips: Use cold water and apple cider vinegar rinses to help seal cuticles.
• Deep Conditioning: Opt for protein-rich treatments to repair damage and improve elasticity.

Best Products for Each Porosity Type

• Low Porosity: Camille Rose Curl Love Moisture Milk, Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner.
• Medium Porosity: SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner.
• High Porosity: TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask, Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave-In Conditioner.

Understanding your hair porosity is key to developing an effective hair care routine. By choosing the right products and techniques, you can ensure your hair stays hydrated, healthy, and strong.

Do you know your hair porosity? Share your experience and favorite products in the comments below!