What is Hair Porosity?
Think of your hair cuticle like roof shingles. When the shingles lie flat and tight, moisture has a hard time getting in (low porosity). When they're raised or damaged, moisture flows in easily but also escapes quickly (high porosity).
Porosity can be genetic, but it can also change over time due to chemical treatments, heat damage, sun exposure, and environmental factors. You may even have different porosity levels in different parts of your hair!
The 3 Types of Hair Porosity
Understanding your type helps you choose the right products
2.1Low Porosity Hair
Cuticles are tightly closed, making moisture absorption difficult
Signs You Have Low Porosity
- Products sit on hair and take forever to absorb
- Hair takes hours to air dry
- Hair repels water when wet
- Protein treatments make hair feel stiff
Pro Tip for Low Porosity
2.2Medium/Normal Porosity Hair
The "goldilocks" of porosity—balanced and easiest to maintain
Signs You Have Medium Porosity
- Hair holds styles well
- Takes color treatments easily
- Looks healthy with minimal effort
- Dries at a normal pace
Good News
2.3High Porosity Hair
Cuticles have gaps, causing moisture to escape quickly
Signs You Have High Porosity
- Hair dries very quickly
- Tangles and breaks easily
- Constantly feels dry and frizzy
- Absorbs products instantly
Important
How to Test Your Hair Porosity
- 1. Take a few strands of clean, product-free hair
- 2. Fill a glass with room temperature water
- 3. Drop the hair strands in and wait 2-4 minutes
- 4. Interpret the results:
- Floats on top = Low porosity
- Floats in middle = Medium porosity
- Sinks to bottom = High porosity
Run your fingers down a strand of hair from root to tip. If it feels smooth, you likely have low porosity. If it feels bumpy or rough, you likely have high porosity.
Product Recommendations by Porosity
- Low Porosity
- Lightweight leave-ins
- Liquid-based products
- Clarifying shampoos
- Avoid heavy butters
- Medium Porosity
- Most products work
- Regular deep conditioning
- Protein + moisture balance
- Weekly treatments
- High Porosity
- Protein treatments
- Heavy butters & creams
- Sealing oils
- Anti-humectants
- 1Hair porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture
- 2Low porosity: tight cuticles, products sit on top, use heat to help penetration
- 3Medium porosity: balanced moisture, most products work well
- 4High porosity: gaps in cuticle, needs heavy products and sealing
- 5Use the float test or touch test to determine your porosity type
- 6Match your products to your porosity for best results