Do you ever feel like your hair care products aren’t working as well as they should? Or maybe you’re struggling with frizz, dryness, or products that just seem to sit on top of your hair without absorbing. The answer to these issues might lie in something often overlooked - your hair’s porosity. Understanding hair porosity can be the missing piece to optimising your hair care routine and choosing products that truly meet your hair’s needs.
In this post, we’ll uncover what hair porosity is, how to identify your hair’s porosity level, and why it matters for a healthy, effective hair care routine.
What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s largely determined by the structure of the outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle. When the cuticle is healthy and smooth, it protects the inner parts of the hair strand. But when it’s damaged or overly porous, moisture can escape easily, leading to dryness, breakage, and frizz.
Types of Hair Porosity:
- Low Porosity – The cuticle layer is tightly closed, making it hard for moisture to enter but great at retaining moisture once absorbed.
- Medium (Normal) Porosity – The cuticle is slightly open, allowing for a balanced absorption and retention of moisture.
- High Porosity – The cuticle is highly open or damaged, which leads to quick moisture absorption and loss, often resulting in frizz and dryness.
How to Determine Your Hair’s Porosity
Testing your hair’s porosity at home is simple and can provide insight into what your hair needs. Here are two easy methods:
1. The Water Float Test
- Take a few clean strands of hair (no product on them) and place them in a glass of water.
- If your hair floats on top, it likely has low porosity.
- If it sinks slowly to the middle, you may have medium porosity.
- If it sinks quickly to the bottom, this indicates high porosity.
2. The Slip and Slide Test
- Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft, from the tip to the root.
- If your fingers feel smooth, it’s likely low porosity.
- If you feel slight bumps, your hair may be medium or high porosity.
Why Hair Porosity Matters for Your Hair Care Routine
Knowing your hair’s porosity can help you select products that work in harmony with your hair’s unique needs, avoiding wasted products and maximizing results.
Low Porosity Hair
Low porosity hair has a tight cuticle layer, which can make it resistant to moisture but prone to build-up.
Recommended Routine:
- Use lightweight, water-based products like Aurasense Hair Growth Serum, as these are less likely to sit on the hair’s surface.
- Avoid heavy oils and butters that can weigh down the hair and lead to build-up.
- Incorporate heat into your routine (such as a warm towel wrap) to help open up the cuticle and allow products to penetrate more effectively.
Pro Tip: Look for products with humectants like glycerin and honey, which attract moisture without being too heavy.
Medium Porosity Hair
Medium porosity hair is often the easiest to manage, as it allows for a balanced moisture flow. This type is typically less prone to dryness and frizz.
Recommended Routine:
- Use a balanced approach with lightweight oils and hydrating products to maintain moisture without overwhelming the cuticle.
- Incorporate deep conditioning biweekly to keep your hair healthy and smooth.
- Experiment with light protein treatments occasionally to strengthen the hair without causing stiffness.
Pro Tip: Medium porosity hair can usually handle a variety of products, so try alternating between hydrating and strengthening treatments for optimal health.
High Porosity Hair
High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, often due to cuticle damage from heat, colouring, or environmental factors.
Recommended Routine:
- Use thicker creams, butters, and oils to seal in moisture and create a protective barrier around the cuticle.
- Incorporate protein treatments to reinforce the hair’s structure and reduce porosity over time.
- Layer products (the LOC/LCO method): Start with a leave-in conditioner, followed by an oil, and finish with a cream to lock in moisture.
Pro Tip: Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemicals that can increase porosity. Look for moisturising and strengthening products to help repair and fortify your hair.
How to Care for Hair with Different Porosity Levels
Each type of porosity benefits from specific care techniques that enhance moisture retention and hair health. Here’s how to care for each type:
- Low Porosity: Focus on hydration with lightweight, water-based products. Try steam treatments or warm water rinses to help open the cuticle.
- Medium Porosity: Maintain balance with occasional deep conditioning and light protein treatments.
- High Porosity: Focus on moisture retention with rich creams and oils, and avoid products that could further damage the cuticle, such as sulfates or high-heat tools.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Hair Porosity
When selecting hair products, consider your porosity level to maximize their benefits. For instance:
- Low Porosity Hair might thrive with lighter serums and hydrating mists, like the Aurasense Hair Growth Serum, which penetrates quickly without weighing hair down.
- Medium Porosity Hair can handle a wide variety of products, from light oils to thicker creams.
- High Porosity Hair benefits from moisture-sealing oils and protein treatments, helping to restore strength and resilience.
Embrace Your Unique Hair Type
Understanding hair porosity is the key to crafting a hair care routine tailored to your needs. Rather than struggling with products that don’t deliver results, you can select items designed for your hair’s specific characteristics, leading to healthier, more manageable hair.
