Unraveling the Mystery of Hair Porosity: Low vs. High
Hair-porosity is a key factor in understanding and caring for your hair. It refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, and it plays a crucial role in determining which products and routines will best suit your hair type. Two primary categories of hair porosity exist low-porosity and high-porosity. Let’s talk about what sets them apart.
Low-porosity Hair:
Low-porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer that makes it challenging for moisture to penetrate. The cuticles lay flat and resist lifting, creating a barrier that can lead to product buildup. One distinctive feature of low porosity hair is its resistance to absorbing water, often causing water to bead up on the surface rather than being absorbed. So, if you find it takes forever for your hair to get wet during wash days, or you feel like your hair is greasy when you use heavy products, this could be you.
Characteristics:
Water Repellent: Low-porosity hair repels water, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.
Product Buildup: Due to the tightly sealed cuticles, low-porosity hair is prone to product buildup, which can weigh down the hair and make it appear dull.
Slow to Dry: Low-porosity hair takes longer to dry since water struggles to penetrate the hair shaft.
Not to worry, Low-porosity hair can be managed with a few solutions:
Heat for Opening Cuticles: Use heat, like warm water or a steamer, to help open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate.
Lighter Products: Opt for lighter, water-based products that won’t contribute to buildup.
Avoid Heavy Oils: Heavy oils can exacerbate product buildup, so choose lightweight oils sparingly.
High-porosity Hair:
Now, high-porosity hair, on the other hand, has a more open cuticle layer, allowing moisture to be quickly absorbed but challenging to lock that moisture in. The lifted cuticles expose the inner cortex of the hair, making it prone to frizz, tangles, and breakage. High porosity hair often results from damage caused by heat styling, chemical treatments, or environmental factors.
Characteristics:
Quick Moisture Absorption: High-porosity hair readily absorbs moisture, but it struggles to retain it.
Prone to Damage: The exposed cortex makes high-porosity hair more susceptible to damage, such as breakage and split ends.
Fast Drying: Due to the open cuticles, high porosity hair tends to dry quickly but may lead to moisture loss.
Although commonly found in curlier textured hair, this doesn’t mean curly hair equals high-porosity hair, but generally, you’ll need to follow through with these steps to see a change in hair health:
Deep Conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments help to repair and strengthen the hair shaft.
Seal with Oils: Apply natural oils like argan or jojoba to seal moisture in the hair and reduce frizz.
Avoid Heat Damage: Minimize heat styling and use heat protectants when styling to prevent further damage.
Understanding your hair’s porosity is crucial for developing an effective hair care routine. Whether you have low-porosity hair that requires a bit more coaxing to absorb moisture or high-porosity hair in need of extra care to retain it, tailoring your approach can lead to healthier, more vibrant hair. Embrace your hair’s unique characteristics and give it the attention it deserves to see your hair flourish this year.