What is Hair Porosity (and Why Should I Care)?
Porosity is all about your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It determines how your hair reacts to products, styling, and even the weather. There are three main levels of hair porosity: low, medium, and high.
Low Porosity Hair: Moisture Proof and High Maintenance
Low porosity hair has a tightly bound cuticle layer, like a fortress against moisture. This can lead to product buildup and long drying times. Think of low porosity hair as a picky eater – it needs the right kind of TLC.
Medium Porosity Hair: Easygoing and Manageable
Medium porosity hair is the "just right" type. It absorbs and retains moisture effectively, meaning less fuss and more fabulousness. It holds styles well and is generally low maintenance.
High Porosity Hair: Dehydrated and Damaged
High porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, so it absorbs moisture quickly…and loses it just as fast. This often happens due to damage from heat styling or chemical treatments. High porosity hair needs constant hydration to thrive.
How to Figure Out Your Hair's Porosity
There are a few hair porosity tests you can perform to determine how porous your strands are.
The Float Test
Drop a few strands of clean hair into a glass of water.
• Floats? Low porosity
• Sinks slowly? Medium porosity
• Sinks quickly? High porosity
The Slip ‘N Slide Test
Slide your fingers up a strand of hair.
• Smooth? Low porosity
• Slightly bumpy? Medium porosity
• Very bumpy? High porosity
Hair Porosity Care: Personalized Tips for Every Hair Type
Low Porosity: Use lightweight, water-based products. Wash with warm water and try a leave-in conditioner, like Pureology’s Color Fanatic Multitasking Leave-In Spray.
Medium Porosity: Stick to a balanced hair care routine with regular conditioning and occasional protein treatments.
High Porosity: Load up on moisture-rich products like deep conditioners, hair masks, and hydrating serums, such as Pureology Hydrate or Strength Cure Superfood Treatment Mask.
Hair Porosity FAQs
Understanding your hair porosity allows you to create a personalized routine that will help you care for and bring out the natural beauty of your strands.
COMPLETE YOU ROUTINE
Strength Cure Dream Healer Serum: Damage Repair & Heat Protection
Advanced Repairing Treatment for Damaged Hair – Strengthening Serum to Prevent Breakage and Restore Shine
Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner: Sulfate-Free Set for Deep Hydration
Professional Moisturizing Duo for Dry, Color-Treated Hair, restores Intense Softness & Shine
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Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner Duo: Sulfate-Free Repairing Set for Damaged Hair
Professional Fortifying Duo for Damaged and Color-Treated Hair: Delivers 2x Stronger Strands and Prevents Future Breakage
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