Ever wondered why the same hair products can work magic on one person’s hair but barely make a dent in another’s?
The secret lies in hair porosity—how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. This factor greatly influences how your hair responds to products, styling, and various treatments.
Here’s a closer look at how to figure out your hair’s porosity level and tailor your hair care practices accordingly.
Defining Hair Porosity
Since hair porosity involves the ability of your hair to take in and retain moisture, the configuration of your hair cuticle, whether compact and smooth or loose and lifted, dictates the movement of moisture and oils through your hair.
There are three hair porosity levels:
- Low
- Medium
- High
Low porosity hair features tightly packed cuticles that repel moisture, complicating the penetration of water and products. Hair with medium porosity strikes a balance, effectively absorbing and holding moisture. Conversely, high porosity hair, with its cuticle gaps, soaks up moisture swiftly but loses it just as rapidly.
Can hair porosity change?
Absolutely! Hair porosity can change over time due to several factors. Environmental elements like sun exposure and humidity, chemical processes including colouring and perming, and even daily heat styling can alter the structure of your hair cuticles. These changes can either tighten or loosen the cuticles, shifting your hair’s porosity level.
It’s not uncommon for someone to start with medium porosity hair and find themselves dealing with high porosity strands after frequent colouring treatments or vice versa, as intensive care and restoration practices can improve the health of your hair cuticles.
How to Check Hair Porosity
If you want to test your hair, the float hair porosity test is a simple at-home method:
- The Setup: Fill a glass with room-temperature water.
- The Test: Drop a clean strand of your hair into the glass.
- The Outcome: Observe if the strand floats (low porosity), sinks slowly (medium porosity), or sinks immediately (high porosity).
Tailoring Hair Care for Different Porosity Levels
Now that you’ve identified your hair’s porosity level, it’s time to adapt your care routine to suit its specific needs. Here’s how you can do that:
Low Porosity Hair Care Strategies:
- Warmth is Key: Introducing warmth can make a significant difference for low porosity hair, aiding in cuticle opening. A warm rinse before product application or the use of a heated cap during deep conditioning can enhance product absorption.
- Product Selection Matters: Focus on light, hydrating options that moisturise without creating buildup. Ingredients such as argan oil and glycerin are ideal because they offer moisture without heaviness.
- Regular Clarification: Monthly use of a clarifying shampoo can help eliminate residue from products that linger on the surface, promoting better moisture absorption.
Medium Porosity Hair Care Strategies:
- Maintain Balance: Balancing moisture and protein is key to preserving medium porosity hair’s natural advantage. A routine that includes both moisturising and protein-based treatments can help maintain hair health.
- Product Exploration: This hair type allows for experimenting with a broad spectrum of products. However, moderation with protein treatments is essential to avoid making the hair too rigid.
High Porosity Hair Care Strategies:
- Strategic Layering: Employ the “LOC” method (liquid, oil, cream) to seal in moisture effectively. This approach is crucial for high porosity hair levels to ensure hydration lasts longer.
- Seek Out Nourishing Ingredients: Look for products rich in shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. These ingredients can help address the gaps in your hair cuticles and boost moisture retention.
- Minimise Damage: Prioritise the use of leave-in conditioners and heat protectants. Given high porosity hair’s susceptibility to damage, reducing exposure to harsh treatments and environmental factors is critical.
Universal Hair Care Tips
- Tune Into Your Hair: Observe how your hair responds to various products and treatments. Individual reactions vary, so what benefits one person might not suit another.
- Adaptability is Crucial: External conditions, health changes, or ageing can influence your hair’s needs. Being open to adjusting your hair care routine can help you keep up with these changes.
- Internal Health Reflects Externally: A well-hydrated body and a nutrient-rich diet can positively impact your hair’s condition, promoting health from the inside out.
Wrapping Up
Exploring your hair’s porosity offers a fresh perspective on hair care, moving beyond basic routines to a more thoughtful engagement with your grooming practices.
By identifying your hair porosity level and implementing tailored care strategies, you can optimise moisture retention, enhance hair health, and achieve your desired results.
Unlocking Your Hair’s Potential with EverythingHAIR
As you continue to tailor your hair care routine, remember that the right products are key to unlocking the full potential of your locks.
At Everything Hair, we understand the importance of matching your hair care choices to your hair’s unique characteristics, and we offer an extensive selection suited for all hair porosity types. Whether you’re looking for low-hair porosity products in South Africa, high-porosity remedies, or you’re simply looking to maintain your hair’s natural beauty, we’ve got you covered.
Visit our shop or explore our blogs for more hair care advice and make every day a good hair day.
