How To Understand Hair Porosity

The term “hair porosity” describes the hair’s capacity to take in and hold onto moisture. The state of the hair cuticle, which is the hair strand’s outer layer, determines the porosity. Understanding one’s hair’s absorbency aids in selecting suitable products and tailoring one’s approach to enhance its health, control, and moisture retention.

Continue reading to learn more about hair porosity.

High Porosity Hair

Hair with a high porosity level struggles to hold onto moisture and absorbs it more slowly. Due to elevated or broken cuticles, hair with high porosity absorbs moisture quickly but finds it difficult to hold onto, leading to frizz and dryness. It may also feel abrasive or harsh to the touch and is more prone to breakage and split ends.

Low Porosity Hair

Hair with firmly sealed cuticles that resist absorbing moisture is referred to as having low porosity. Low absorbency hair with closed cuticles struggles to absorb moisture, resulting in a glossy appearance and reduced frizz. Given its difficulties penetrating the cuticle layer, it is prone to product buildup and may resist chemical treatments like dyes and perms.

Three women with their hair out facing the water.

Tips

High-porosity hair requires frequent cuts, heat styling, protein treatments, sealing agents, deep conditioning, and protective hairstyles. These procedures increase suppleness, fortify cuticles, and lessen moisture loss. Avoid overusing high-temperature styling.

Use clarifying shampoos, rinse with warm water before applying conditioners or receiving deep treatments, and use lightweight, water-based hair care products when taking care of low-absorbency hair. For more moisture, use steam treatments, leave-in conditioners, and moisturizers. Avoid overusing protein treatments, as this might lead to breaking and stiffness. During deep conditioning, apply heat to the hair to help open the cuticles and improve product absorption.

Conclusion

Keeping one’s hair moisturized and healthy is vital by learning about its unique qualities and applying the proper care methods for easier handling and less breakage. Understanding the difference between low and high-absorbency hair is crucial for creating tailored hair care routines.

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