Understanding Your Hair Porosity And Why It Matters

When it comes to natural hair care, knowing your hair porosity is as important as understanding your curl pattern. Many people focus on whether they have Type 3 or Type 4 hair, but porosity is crucial in how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. If you’ve ever wondered why some products work wonders for others but leave your hair dry, greasy, or unmanageable, hair porosity might be the missing piece of the puzzle. In this guide, we’ll break down what hair porosity is, how to determine yours, and how to care for your hair accordingly.

What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s determined by the structure of your hair’s cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft. The cuticle can be tightly closed, slightly open, or widely open, affecting how well moisture enters and stays in your hair. There are three levels of hair porosity:

Low Porosity (Tightly Closed Cuticles)

• Moisture has a hard time penetrating the hair shaft.
• Hair takes a long time to get fully wet.
• Products tend to sit on top of the hair rather than absorbing.
• Prone to product buildup.

Medium/Normal Porosity (Balanced Cuticles)

• Moisture absorbs well and stays in the hair.
• Hair stays hydrated longer without feeling greasy or dry.
• Less prone to frizz and buildup.
• Can handle a variety of products and styling techniques.

High Porosity (Widely Open Cuticles)

• Hair quickly absorbs moisture but loses it just as fast.
• Prone to frizz, tangling, and dryness.
• Often needs heavier creams and oils to lock in hydration.
• Can be caused by genetics, excessive heat, or chemical treatments.

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity

1. The Water Test (Float Test)

1. Take a clean strand of shed hair (no product buildup).
2. Drop it into a glass of room-temperature water.
3. Wait 2-4 minutes and observe:
   • If it floats → Low porosity (hair repels water).
   • If it sinks slowly → Medium porosity (well-balanced absorption).
   • If it sinks quickly → High porosity (hair absorbs water too fast).

Why Hair Porosity Matters in Your Natural Hair Routine

Understanding your hair porosity helps you reach your hair goals faster. It helps you choose the right products for your hair keeping it moisturized and healthy. Whether you have low, medium, or high porosity hair, the key to healthy hair is proper product use and moisture retention. Have you tested your hair porosity? Let me know in the comments how it has changed your hair care routine!