Determining Your Hairs Porosity.

Knowing your hairs porosity level, you can help you focus on the growth and health of your hair. You will know how to select products based on your hairs porosity level saving you money and time.

Did you know that knowing the porosity of your hair can help you choose the right products? Want to know how? Continue reading to find out what porosity is and how it can help you find products.

POROSITY?! WHAT IS THAT?

Porosity- The ability to absorb moisture. or how easily moisture can penetrate your hair.

• Porosity is determined by the structure of the outermost layer of your hair aka the cuticle. There is three different levels of Porosity.

How Do I Check My Hairs Porosity???

1. Drop a single strand of your hair into a glass of water. Watch the strand to see if it sinks to the bottom of the glass or floats to the top.

Low porosity- If the strand floats at the top before sinking.

Medium (Normal) porosity- If the strand floats somewhere in the middle of the glass.

High porosity- If the strand quickly sinks to the bottom of the glass.

2. Run your finger down a strand of your hair. If your hair feels smooth you have low porosity. If your hair feels rough and bumpy you have high porosity.

Now, that you have determined your hairs porosity...What does this all mean?

1. Low Porosity- When the cuticles are close together making it hard for your hair to absorb moisture. This makes your hair challenging to process or style. Signs of low porosity hair:

• Hair products do not absorb easily and sit on hair

• Hard for water to saturate hair

• Takes a long time for your hair to dry/ air dry

2. Medium Porosity- Cuticles are less tightly bond allowing moisture to penetrate easily and also makes it easier to retain moisture for a longer period of time. Signs of Medium Porosity hair:

• Hair is easy to style and hold styles

• Hair takes color well

• Hair looks healthy , shiny or glossy

• Doesn't take hair long to dry/air dry

3. High Porosity- When the cuticles are more widely spaced out causing moisture to be absorbed into the hair shaft too easily but, isn't able to retain moisture long. Signs of High Porosity:

• Water & products are quickly absorbed

• Hair breaks easily

• Hair is frizzy or dry

• Hair drys fast

• Lacks sheen or shine

• Tangles easily

Can I change my hair porosity?

Although sometimes your hairs porosity can be genetic, other times it can be caused by previous hair trauma. Here are some ways you can make your hair healthier and more manageable.

Low Porosity:

1. Pre-poo treatment with oils (olive oil, avocado, grape seed) using a steamer

2. Use protein- free conditioners (adding too much protein causes hair to become brittle and stiff causing hair to break.)

3. Dilute conditioner (apply conditioner to wet hair)

4. Look for shamp/ conditioner with glycerin and honey.

5. Condition with heat

Normal Porosity:

1. Use sulfate -free products to help avoid build up

2. Regular Deep - conditioning treatments

High Porosity:

1. Look for products with butters and oils

2. Use leave in conditioner/ heat protect-ants

3. Avoid hot water when shampooing.

So there you have it! These are all things that can help you maintain the health of your hair. Always remember to keep your hair on a haircut routine. Shampooing and the right products aren't the only thing that keeps your hair healthy. I hope this has helped. Please share, comment and like!