Cover What is your hair porosity? Here’s how to find out (Photo: Getty Images)
What is your hair porosity? Here’s how to find out (Photo: Getty Images)
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In this article, we’ll explain how to determine whether your hair is high or low porosity and offer tips on how to care for it
Here’s a beauty tip that could ensure you have a flawless hair day, every day, for the rest of your life: Understand your hair’s porosity.
For starters, hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It’s determined by the condition of your hair’s cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft. There are two primary levels of hair porosity.
Low porosity hair is naturally water-resistant, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the strands. In contrast, high porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but struggles to retain it, causing it to lose hydration quickly. Each porosity level has distinct characteristics that require tailored care for optimal hair health.
Understanding your hair’s porosity is crucial for choosing the right products and hair care techniques to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.
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Above In this article, Tatler tells you how to take care of your low or high porosity hair (Photo: Greta Hoffman / Pexels)
In this article, Tatler tells you how to take care of your low or high porosity hair (Photo: Greta Hoffman / Pexels)
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How to know hair porosity?
To determine your hair porosity, grab a glass of water and a strand of hair. Drop the hair into the water and observe how it behaves. If it sinks quickly, it’s likely high porosity—absorbing moisture quickly but struggling to retain it.
If the hair floats for a while before sinking, it’s likely low porosity, indicating that moisture is slow to penetrate but tends to stay in.
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Hair care tips for low porosity
Here are steps to maintain low porosity hair:
- Use warm water when bathing: People with low porosity hair can benefit from warm water as it slowly opens the cuticles, allowing products to penetrate deeper.
- Opt for lightweight hair creams, shampoos, and conditioners: Low porosity hair can better absorb moisture when lightweight products are applied.
Above Here are hair care tips for low porosity hair (Photo: Pexels)
Here are hair care tips for low porosity hair (Photo: Pexels)
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- Avoid product buildup: Low porosity hair can have difficulty absorbing products, so you might experience buildup over time. To prevent this, regularly cleanse your hair with a clarifying shampoo.
- Incorporate humidity: If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help your hair retain hydration.
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Hair Care Tips for High Porosity Hair
To keep your high porosity hair healthy and hydrated, here are some tips:
- Use heavy moisturisers: Opt for rich products like oils, butters, and thick creams to lock in moisture. These help seal the cuticle and prevent excess moisture loss.
- Deep condition regularly: High porosity hair benefits from regular deep conditioning treatments. Use a moisturising mask at least once a week to replenish lost moisture and restore softness.
Above Here’s how to take care of your high porosity hair (Photo: Ksenia Chernaya / Pexels)
Here’s how to take care of your high porosity hair (Photo: Ksenia Chernaya / Pexels)
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- Avoid excessive heat: Heat styling can further damage the already open cuticles of high porosity hair, causing it to become more porous. Minimise the use of hot tools and always apply a heat protectant when styling.
- Use protein treatments sparingly: While high-porosity hair can benefit from occasional protein treatments to strengthen it, avoid overusing them. Too much protein can cause hair to become stiff and brittle.
- Protect your hair while sleeping: Use a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to reduce friction and prevent moisture loss while you sleep.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
