When it comes to hair care, understanding your hair’s unique characteristics can be a game changer in creating the perfect routine. One important factor that often gets overlooked is hair porosity. Knowing your hair porosity level can help you choose the right products, achieve long-lasting moisture, and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Let’s dive into what hair porosity is, how you can figure out your hair’s porosity level, and which products work best for each type.
What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Your porosity level is determined by how tightly the cuticles (the outer layer of your hair) are laid along the hair shaft. It’s generally categorized into three levels: low, medium (or normal), and high porosity.
Each porosity type has different moisture needs, so let’s break down how you can determine yours and which products work best for each.
How to Determine Your Hair Porosity
A simple way to test your hair’s porosity is the Float Test:
1. Take a clean, dry strand of hair and drop it into a glass of water.
2. Watch to see what the strand does over the next 2-4 minutes.
*If it floats on the surface, you likely have low porosity hair.
*If it slowly sinks to the middle, your hair is medium/normal porosity.
*If it sinks quickly to the bottom, you have high porosity hair.
Let’s explore each porosity type and the products that work best for each one!
Low Porosity Hair
Characteristics: Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles, making it harder for moisture to penetrate but also helping it stay in once absorbed. The downside? Products can sit on top of your hair, making it look greasy or weighed down.
Best Products for Low Porosity Hair:
Lightweight, Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioners: Look for leave-ins with lightweight ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin to provide moisture without weighing the hair down.
Water-based Moisturizers: Products with water as the first ingredient are ideal for low-porosity hair as they won’t leave heavy residue.
Heat-Activated Conditioners: Using a steamer or applying a warm towel can help open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate.
Product Recommendations:
Lightweight leave-in conditioners from brands like TGIN or Camille Rose.
Water-based styling gels or milks.
Medium/Normal Porosity Hair
Characteristics: Medium porosity hair generally has a healthy balance. It absorbs moisture well and retains it, making it easier to style and maintain without excessive buildup or dryness.
Best Products for Medium Porosity Hair:
Moisturizing Conditioners: Regular moisturizing conditioners and deep conditioners are perfect for medium porosity hair, as they’ll lock in moisture without causing buildup.
Balance of Lightweight and Heavier Products: This hair type benefits from a mix of oils, creams, and gels, so experiment to find what works best.
Protein Treatments: Occasional protein treatments can help maintain strength and elasticity without making hair feel dry or brittle.
Product Recommendations:
Moisturizing products from brands like As I Am or Aunt Jackie’s.
Cream stylers that offer definition without stiffness.
High Porosity Hair
Characteristics: High porosity hair has gaps or holes in the cuticle layer, which allows moisture to enter quickly but escape just as fast. High porosity hair can feel dry, frizzy, and prone to tangling.
Best Products for High Porosity Hair:
Heavy Moisturizing Products: Use thicker creams and butters to help seal moisture in and combat dryness.
Leave-in Conditioners and Oils: These products work well for sealing moisture after washing or deep conditioning.
Anti-Humidity Products: Since high-porosity hair absorbs moisture from the air, anti-humidity serums or sprays can help control frizz.
Product Recommendations:
Moisture-rich leave-ins and creams from brands like Kaleidoscope or As I Am.
Oils like jojoba, castor, or olive oil to lock in moisture after conditioning.
Tips for All Porosity Types
Avoid Sulfates and harsh alcohols that can strip your hair of moisture.
Deep Condition Regularly to maintain hair health and elasticity, no matter your porosity.
Use a Satin or Silk Pillowcase to prevent moisture loss and reduce friction.
Find Your Perfect Products with Beauti on the Go!
At Beauti on the Go, we understand the unique needs of every hair type, and our same-day delivery service makes it easy to get the products you need—fast! We stock a wide variety of products for all porosity types, so you can be confident in finding the perfect match for your hair.
Whether you’re in Los Angeles or out of state, Beauti on the Go has the hair care essentials to keep your strands looking their best.
Ready to start your journey to healthier hair? Find your porosity, choose your products, and let Beauti on the Go deliver beauty right to your door.
Understanding Your Hair Porosity: Finding the Right Products for Your Hair Type
